As Cruise Specialists' Shore Excursion & Event Manager, Heather Visser works behind the scenes to develop and oversee the shore excursions and overland experiences featured on our hosted voyages. Here, she shares some of the experiences she's most excited about for our upcoming 2027 and 2028 voyages.
One of the best parts of any cruise is stepping ashore and immersing yourself in the destinations along the way. As Cruise Specialists' Shore Excursion & Event Manager, I carefully curate the shore excursions offered on our hosted voyages to help travelers experience each destination in a meaningful and memorable way. From cultural discoveries and culinary experiences to breathtaking scenery and authentic local encounters, these excursions showcase some of the best experiences each port has to offer.
What makes this role especially rewarding is the opportunity to personally evaluate many of these experiences. I meet face-to-face with local guides and partners around the world to ensure they meet our standards for quality, authenticity and guest satisfaction. In some cases, I even travel with our groups and oversee the experience myself. My goal is always the same: to create unforgettable moments that enhance your cruise and provide a deeper connection to the destinations visited.
Looking ahead, there are several shore excursions on our upcoming 2027 and 2028 Cruise Specialists Hosted Voyages that I am particularly excited to share.
OVERLAND: Cusco & Machu Picchu – Holland America’s 2027 World Cruise
It’s been a few years since my last visit to Machu Picchu, but I still remember the moment I arrived. After three months of cruising South America, visiting Cusco and Machu Picchu felt like stepping into the very heart of the continent. The soaring peaks, ancient ruins, and vibrant culture brought to life everything I had imagined South America would be.
Most of the time, our Machu Picchu overland journey is operated as a three-day program to align with the ship’s itinerary. Every so often, however, we are fortunate enough to have four days, allowing me to create an even more memorable experience by spending a night at the base of Machu Picchu rather than returning to Cusco the same day.
This extra night transforms the journey. Not only does it provide more time to immerse yourself in one of the world’s most sacred and awe-inspiring archaeological sites, but it also creates the rare opportunity to witness sunrise over the ancient citadel, famed for its sacred sundial. There is another practical advantage as well. Staying near Machu Picchu places you at a much lower elevation than Cusco, helping to reduce the risk of altitude-related discomfort. As an added bonus, I made sure to make the most of the journey there by stopping in Quito, Ecuador’s capital, for the unique opportunity to stand on the Equator with one foot in each hemisphere and explore Quito’s beautifully preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its colonial architecture, historic plazas, and vibrant culture.
Guests will also have the unique opportunity to travel aboard two of Peru’s most iconic trains: the panoramic Vistadome and the luxurious Hiram Bingham, each offering a distinct perspective on the breathtaking Andean landscape.
I’m especially excited to share that I’ll be sailing aboard the Volendam during the first week of the World Cruise and accompanying guests on this overland adventure. With so many special and exclusive elements woven into the experience, it offers an exceptional opportunity for a firsthand site inspection. Machu Picchu remains one of the most memorable places I have ever visited, and I am delighted to be able to share this unforgettable journey with our guests.
Beaches of Rio & Sugarloaf Mountain – Holland America’s 2027 Grand South America & Antarctica Cruise
Recently, one of our clients brought to my attention a remarkable celestial event taking place in Rio de Janeiro on February 20, 2027: a full moon combined with a partial lunar eclipse. For photographers, astronomy enthusiasts, and travelers alike, it promises to be an extraordinary evening with the potential for truly spectacular images of the moon rising above Christ the Redeemer.
Whenever I discover a unique opportunity like this, I love finding a way to make it part of the journey. That's why we're offering a special evening excursion in Rio de Janeiro that will take guests by cable car to the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain, one of the city's most iconic viewpoints.
From this dramatic perch high above Guanabara Bay, guests can enjoy breathtaking views of Rio’s skyline, sparkling coastline, and the world-famous Christ the Redeemer statue illuminated against the night sky. If conditions cooperate, the full moon and partial lunar eclipse will create a stunning backdrop, offering a rare chance to capture photographs that few travelers will ever have the opportunity to take.
Creating opportunities like these is one of the things I enjoy most. I’m always looking for ways to offer experiences that go beyond the ordinary. This is not an experience that comes along every day, and I’m excited to offer it to our guests.
OVERLAND: Shamwari Safari Adventure – Holland America’s 2028 World Cruise
Following the overwhelmingly positive feedback we received from guests who have experienced both the spectacular, award-winning Shamwari Game Reserve and its exceptional lodges, we are excited to announce that this unforgettable adventure will once again be offered as part of Holland America Line's 2028 World Cruise.
From thrilling wildlife encounters to elegant accommodations nestled in the heart of the African bush, this immersive journey offers the kind of safari experience guests continue to talk about long after they return home. Accompanied by expert wildlife guides and trackers, you'll venture into the reserve aboard comfortable safari vehicles in search of Africa's iconic Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, and buffalo.
Beyond the game drives, guests will have the opportunity to visit the renowned Born Free Big Cat Sanctuary, where rescued lions and leopards from around the world have found a safe and protected home. It's a unique chance to learn about conservation efforts while seeing these magnificent animals up close.
To make your experience even more personal, guests may choose between two exceptional accommodations: Long Lee Manor or Bayethe Lodge. Long Lee Manor is a beautifully restored Edwardian manor with 18 elegant rooms and suites, a stunning rim-flow pool, manicured gardens, and a sophisticated relaxation retreat. This property is also an excellent choice for guests who prefer a more compact property, making it easier to navigate for those with mobility considerations.
For travelers seeking a more traditional safari experience, Bayethe Lodge offers an unforgettable stay in one of just 12 luxury tented suites, each complete with its own private plunge pool. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the bush, Bayethe Lodge provides an intimate connection to nature without sacrificing comfort or luxury.
Whether you choose the refined elegance of Long Lee Manor or the authentic safari ambiance of Bayethe Lodge, you'll enjoy exceptional service, outstanding cuisine, and extraordinary wildlife experiences that capture the essence of Africa.
This overland also embodies our commitment to giving back. Through our Cruise Specialists Cares humanitarian initiative, a portion of every tour booking will be donated to local community programs that support job creation, educational opportunities and sustainable community-based projects.
For me, the true magic of travel happens when we step beyond the ship and connect with the people, cultures and landscapes that make each destination unique. I’m excited to share these experiences with our guests and invite you to join us on one of our upcoming hosted voyages. Reach out to your Cruise Specialists Cruise Consultant to start planning your next unforgettable journey.
Heather Visser, Shore Excursion & Event Manager
Cruise Specialists
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