Venture Ashore

08/16/2026

🍝 The best souvenir from Naples? Learning to make fresh pasta like a local.

One of our guests recently shared these wonderful photos from their hands-on pasta making experience in Naples, and we couldn't resist sharing them!

From rolling fresh dough and shaping traditional pasta to sitting down to enjoy the meal you've created (don't forget the wine!), this is the kind of shore excursion that turns a port stop into a lasting memory.

It's more than lunch—it's a chance to experience Italy's culinary traditions alongside local chefs and fellow travelers.

Would you give fresh pasta making a try on your next Mediterranean cruise? 🇮🇹👇

08/13/2026

💎 Hidden Gem: Lokrum Island, Croatia 🇭🇷

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town lies one of the Adriatic's most peaceful escapes.

🌿 Wander through lush botanical gardens.
🦚 Spot the island's famous peacocks.
🏰 Explore the ruins of a Benedictine monastery.
🌊 Take a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.

If your cruise stops in Dubrovnik, Lokrum is the perfect place to slow down, reconnect with nature, and experience a different side of Croatia.

✨ Would you add Lokrum Island to your Dubrovnik itinerary?

👇 Let us know in the comments!

08/12/2026

💎 Hidden Gem: Lokrum Island

Just a 15-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik's Old Town lies Lokrum Island—one of the area's best-kept secrets.

🌿 Wander through lush botanical gardens
🦚 Meet the island's resident peacocks
🏰 Explore the ruins of a Benedictine monastery
🌊 Swim in the crystal-clear Adriatic

It's the perfect escape if you're looking for a peaceful side of Dubrovnik beyond the bustling city streets.

Have you ever visited Lokrum Island?

08/11/2026

🎉 Yesterday's Answer...

🇭🇷 It was Dubrovnik, Croatia!

Often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," Dubrovnik is famous for its stunning medieval walls, marble streets, and breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea.

Whether you're walking the ancient city walls, exploring the charming Old Town, or relaxing at a seaside café, it's easy to see why Dubrovnik is one of the Mediterranean's most beloved cruise destinations.

Have you visited Dubrovnik?

❤️ Yes!
✈️ Not yet—but it's on my list!

Tell us below! 👇

08/10/2026

📍 Can you guess this European cruise port? 👀

Famous for its medieval walls, terracotta rooftops, sparkling Adriatic views, and a beautifully preserved Old Town, this Mediterranean favorite is especially spectacular in the summer.

Think you know where we are?

Drop your guess in the comments 👇

We’ll reveal the answer tomorrow!

08/07/2026

We enjoyed reading The Points Guy's recent feature on cruising in Japan. Definitely a lovely way to see Japanese ports which are harder to reach!

It got us thinking…

Japan is 🔥. Do you think Japan is the most exciting cruise destination right now?

We'd love to hear your thoughts. If you've cruised Japan, what port surprised you the most?

We've also been expanding our shore excursions across Japan to help travelers make the most of every port, including a just launched discounted 5 port Japan excursion package.

🔗 Explore our Japan package: https://www.ventureashore.com/excursion/region-asi-kbe-135480
📖 Read the article: https://thepointsguy.com/cruise/princess-japan-cruise/

This discounted package includes 5 tours:• The Best of Kobe: Sake, Skyline and Chinatown (Kobe, Japan)• The Best of Kochi: Explore the Heart of Kochi (Kochi, Japan)• Sengan-en Garden and Tenmonkan Shopping District (Kagoshima, Japan)• Peace Memorial Park, Atomic Bomb Museum and Hamanomachi A...

08/05/2026

🚤 Guest Spotlight: Kotor, Montenegro 🇲🇪

There's something unforgettable about exploring the Bay of Kotor by private speedboat.

Our guest Sally, sailing aboard Enchanted Princess, shared these incredible moments from their day on the water—from cruising through dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden tunnels to stopping at the picturesque Our Lady of the Rocks.

Some experiences simply can't be appreciated from a bus window.

With a private excursion, you set the pace, enjoy smaller groups, and discover the Adriatic from a whole new perspective.

📍 Have you visited Kotor? What was your favorite stop?

08/04/2026

✨ Guest Travel Diary ✨

💙 Two countries. Two unforgettable days. One incredible cruise.

One day, Jaime's group was wandering through the emerald waterfalls of Krka National Park in Croatia. The next, they were exploring hidden sea caves, tasting local kumquat liqueur, and relaxing along Corfu's beautiful coastline.

That's what we love about custom private tours—you don't have to choose between iconic highlights and authentic local experiences. Every day ashore can be tailored to your group's interests, pace, and travel style.

Where would your perfect private shore excursion take you?

📍Krka National Park, Šibenik, Croatia
📍Hidden Caves & Seaside Bliss, Corfu, Greece

08/03/2026

If you could only pick ONE wildlife experience for your next cruise...which would it be?

🐢 Swim with sea turtles

🐻 Watch brown bears in Alaska

🐵 Hear Belize's howler monkeys

🐖 Meet the famous swimming pigs

🦭 Visit a sea lion colony

🐋 Watch whales surface beside your boat

There's no wrong answer...but we're curious which one makes your bucket list.

👇 Tell us below.

08/02/2026

🇭🇷 Cruising to Dubrovnik? Save these tips for your port day.

Dubrovnik is one of those places where it’s tempting to fit everything into a few hours—but a little planning can make the day much more enjoyable.

Choose your priorities, prepare for plenty of walking, check how many ships are arriving, and leave a little time to simply enjoy the city.

Our cover photo came from one of our customers currently exploring Dubrovnik with friends on a custom Venture Ashore group tour—and we think his smile says it all. 😎

Which Dubrovnik experience would be at the top of your list?