28 Identifying the right experiences also requires a realistic assessment of each destination. AROYA Cruises begins by working closely with local tourism boards, port authorities and destination management companies, carrying out assessments to pinpoint distinctive local activities and sights. “Proposed excursions undergo rigorous operational evaluation, considering journey times, site capacities, accessibility and safety protocols,” says Alves. “We also assess how each experience fits within the time available in port, allowing guests to explore at a comfortable pace.” Guest feedback is then used to refine the programme. “Having welcomed guests of more than 100 nationalities, we recognise the importance of offering different ways to discover a destination,” says Alves. Swan Hellenic’s approach varies depending on the port. “In popular ports, the challenge is curation and avoiding the crowds,” says Clarke. “Our approach is to peel back the layers and take guests off the beaten track to discover authentic, lesser-known perspectives.” In remote destinations, meanwhile, the line must adapt to a lack of tourism infrastructure. “Rather than viewing the lack of infrastructure as a limitation, we treat it as an opportunity,” says Clarke. “Because our boutique ships carry a small number of guests, we have the agility to navigate secluded bays, deploy Zodiacs and create responsible, bespoke landings where larger cruise lines simply cannot go.” Local partnerships are essential to both cruise lines. AROYA Cruises works with destination partners, tour operators and local authorities to develop experiences that provide time in each destination while aligning with the ship’s schedule. “Our partners bring the local knowledge that makes these experiences distinctive,” says Alves. “We work with them to align delivery with AROYA Cruises’ brand values, guest expectations and service requirements, while ensuring that local heritage and storytelling remain central to the experience.” Coordination continues throughout the excursion, with ticketing, transport, guiding and visit timings carefully managed to ensure smooth transitions between ship and shore. Alves says shore excursions can also support local economies. “By including local artisans, heritage sites and regional businesses in the guest experience, we can enrich destination discovery while creating opportunities for the communities that welcome our guests,” he says. “ Our partners bring the local knowledge that makes these experiences distinctive” Vitor Alves AROYA Cruises AROYA Cruises works alongside local partners to pinpoint excursions at each destination FEATURE Photo: AROYA Cruises
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NzQ1NTk=