26 Embarking on a cruise provides a unique opportunity for exploration, allowing travellers to visit locations steeped in history, enjoy outstanding local cuisine and explore remote natural landmarks over the course of a single, well-planned voyage. Such excursions allow guests to go beyond the surface level of a destination and have a glimpse of its real character. However, in order to run these excursions, cruise lines must carry out a rigorous process of research, collaboration and organisation. For Saudi Arabian operator AROYA Cruises, the starting point for this process is identifying experiences that will fit with its own brand identity. “Our goal when selecting shore excursions is to deliver experiences that are culturally immersive, memorable and true to our ‘Remarkably Arabian’ brand values,” says Vitor Alves, executive director of guest experience and product development at AROYA Cruises. “We look for local partners and experiences that provide genuine cultural depth, whether through heritage sites, regional gastronomy or meaningful engagement with local communities.” The line must also cater to a diverse mix of regional and international guests, including families travelling across generations. “Accessibility, comfort, activity levels and the time available onshore are important factors in ensuring a varied and well-balanced selection,” says Alves. On its Mediterranean itineraries, experiences include exploring the Acropolis in Athens, sea kayaking at Kaş and visiting the beaches of Lindos. Swan Hellenic also makes cultural immersion central to its approach, but its expedition focus means it looks for experiences that go beyond conventional sightseeing. “Everything begins with our core ethos: ‘See what others don’t’,” says Luke Clarke, senior sales director for the UK, Ireland, India and Africa at Swan Hellenic. “Our guests are intellectually curious, culturally minded and welltravelled; they aren’t looking for standard coach tours or tick-box sightseeing. We identify experiences by looking at destinations through the lenses of cultural depth, geographical rarity and genuine immersion.” Examples include securing exclusive access to an archaeological site with a historian, arranging a culinary exchange with local producers or making expedition-led Zodiac landings in remote locations. “It’s about uncovering hidden narratives,” says Clarke. Vitor Alves of AROYA Cruises and Luke Clarke of Swan Hellenic speak with Alex Smith about how they identify destinations that provide guests with unique and authentic experiences Uncovering an identity FEATURE
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