Vitamin Sea: Shore Excursion Challenges

Up for the Challenge

Today’s shore excursions offer fun ways to test your mettle.

By Christine Koubek

The cruise industry is constantly developing new ways for travelers to experience a destination, whether that means catering to families, foodies, or folks looking to sample a city like a box of chocolates. These days, thanks to the popularity of TV show such as The Amazing Race, mixing travel with challenges holds increasing appeal as a way to explore on shore. Here’s a sampling of unique ways to get to know a destination better while challenging your body and mind in the process.

Run An Island 5K

Disney Cruise Line’s Castaway Cay 5K is a 3.1-mile family-friendly run that takes you past the beach, bicyclists, game pavilion, and along an air strip until you reach the adults-only private breach, where you turnaround and return. It’s not a shady run, but conditions are cooler due to the early-morning start. Participation is free and the event is open to walkers and runners ages 10 and older. There are water breaks along the route and an official clock, but no chip timing. Runners receive a race bib and medal whether they tackled the course at an amble or a sprint.

Solve Clues

Carnival Cruise Line’s Amazing Cozumel Race tour will have you running around notable Cozumel sights solving clues and deciphering museum exhibits to proceed to the next challenge. This race against time (in the style of the TV show) is part live-action mystery, part scavenger hunt. After transferring…

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^{Photo: Disney Cruise Line}