65 an authentic cultural immersion, and Tabasco Chef Maestro in Cozumel, Mexico, where guests cook with a professional Mexican chef.” NCLH, meanwhile, has developed new experiences to satisfy the evolving travel habits of its guests. Its ‘Let’s Take a Selfie’ tours, initially aimed at younger passengers, have become an intergenerational success with the help of subtle marketing. “The idea came from watching my son, who was always focused on taking a selfie at the places we visited,” says Manjencic. “We decided to take guests to places perfect for those photos, and it was a massive success. But then I realised that my 83-year-old father was sending me selfies from his own travels too. So, we changed the name to ‘Capturing the Moment’, upgraded the luxury a little, and brought them to our Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises brands. To our surprise, it proved to be just as successful with our older guests!” In order to deliver high-quality shore excursions, cruise lines must partner with established local tour operators in each destination they visit. But finding the right tour operator can be challenging. “It’s crucial to choose operators who are reputable and committed to delivering high-quality and safe experiences showcasing the destination,” says Molina. “We reach out to local organisations like tourism boards, port authorities and chambers of commerce, keeping safety, security, quality and guest experience top of mind.” Effective communication is also key. “We work with operators who are flexible, have excellent communication with both our shipboard and shoreside teams and always have a backup plan for “ I take it as a challenge to find the experiences guests might never have done before” Christine Manjencic Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Casa Tipica in the Dominican Republic is a destination which provides guests with an immersive cultural experience Photo: Carnival Cruise Line
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