Obscure Activities To Try In Your Favourite Cruise Destinations

What Can You Do In Your Favourite Cruise Destinations?

A cruise holiday doesn’t only have to involve visiting the most popular tourist destinations or enjoying ‘typical’ cruise-style activities.

Do you prefer to think outside the box and stray from the typical tourist attractions? Are you looking to make memories that will last a lifetime?

If you do you like to do things a bit differently on your holiday, we’ve sought out some of the most obscure and unique places you can visit in your favourite cruise destinations.

The Mediterranean

The Flooded Crypt Of San Zaccaria - Venice, Italy

Established in the 15th century, visitors come to this Gothic and Renaissance-style church to admire the beautifully ornate main hall and façade. But venture below ground to the burial basement, and you will discover a strangely attractive feature.

Like many of Venice’s buildings at this low-level, it’s partially, yet beautifully, flooded. But these quiet waters only seem to add an ethereal quality to the sacred tombs, extending columns and vaulted ceilings. When marvelling at the body of water, this creates the effect of a mirror pool, almost making the columns look twice the length that they are.

Museum of Modern Art - Dubrovnik, Croatia

This unappreciated art museum is home to around 3000 artworks from Croatian artists, such as Vlaho Bukovac, Emanuel Vidović, and Mirko Rački.

Originally built as a family mansion in the 1930s, this converted art space has an air of calm. The collection covers a vast array of sculptures, paintings, photographs, videos and art installations from the end of the 19th century all the way up to the present day- with a realm of both regional and national significance. 

Situated just outside the city centre, it offers a pleasing way to spend a few hours learning more about this country’s culture.

The Museu de la Xocolata (Chocolate Museum) - Barcelona, Spain

The Chocolate Museum was created to portray the 500-year history of the arrival of this sweet treat in Spain, which was brought in by Central Americans, led by Hernan Cortes.

Alongside impressive, wholly chocolate-made sculptures of Spanish architecture (including the infamous Sagrada Familia), you’ll also find chocolate versions of cultural icons, such as Minnie Mouse and Louis Armstrong. These sculptures may be glass-encased, but for chocolate-lovers, this museum will still be hard to resist!

Here, you can also learn about the history and industrial production of chocolate, with a large section of the museum devoted to audio and visual presentations.

And if you fancy getting stuck in yourself, The Museu de la Xocolata also offers regular workshops where you can engage in hands-on activities, such as making your very own chocolate sculptures! Classes can be taught in Catalan, Spanish and English- depending on your language preference.

Alaska

Totem Bight State Historical Park - Ketchikan, Alaska

Alaska is usually regarded as a destination for stunning natural landscapes and incredible wildlife. However, if you enjoy a historical element intertwined with your holidays and find yourself with some time to spare in Ketchikan, the Totem Bight State Historical Park is well worth a visit.

This 11-acre park is packed full of restored and re-carved totems; natural objects believed to have spiritual significance, adopted by certain societies as an emblem. 

Bringing native Alaskan culture alive, you can find 15 expertly carved totem poles and a colossal clan house. Built under the supervision of Alaskan architect Linn Forrest in 1940, the park provides a compelling insight into the tribal lore and mystical stories that surround this intriguing culture.

Not only this, but you can also take in the breathtaking Alaskan landscapes with a stunning backdrop of lush rainforests and rocky coastlines.

The Caribbean

Harrison’s Cave - Barbados

This cave of geological wonder was almost forgotten, left unexplored until the 1970s. Named after Thomas Harrison, a renowned 18th-century landowner, Harrison’s Cave has since become a celebrated tourist attraction, with its calcium-rich water dripping from the ceiling and walls to create spectacular rock formations.

And since the construction of tram lines, offering rides through the caves, it has become far more accessible- even offering weddings in the beautiful location!

Europe River Cruises

Hortus Botanicus Amsterdam - Netherlands

Amsterdam is well-known for its art, history and culture- but its botanical attractions are not always highlighted as top places to visit. One attraction deserving more recognition in Amsterdam is the Hortus Botanicus.

Established in 1638 to ward off the Black Death by growing medicinal herbs, it houses rare and exotic plants from all around the world. So, If you’re seeking a few hours of serene escape from the buzzing Amsterdam cityscape, the tranquil beauty of these botanical gardens makes for an ideal location.

Clock Museum - Vienna, Austria

There’s no chance of being late for your ship’s departure if you visit Vienna’s clock museum!

Filled with over 1,000 clocks in one of the oldest houses in Vienna, this museum is incredibly fascinating. The clocks are arranged in chronological order and range in size from ornate pocket watches, sundials and cuckoo clocks to grandfather clocks and Japanese pillar clocks.

Perhaps one of the most remarkable pieces of engineering is the astronomical art clock, produced by David a Sancto Cajetano during the 18th century. The technical masterpiece uses sensational precision to show the time, as well as the length of the day and the orbital period of the planets.