Kensington Cruises’ Shore Excursions Transform Ports into Private Luxury Journeys

Demand for Personalized Excursions Climbs 400% as Kensington Expands to 265 Destinations Worldwide

Kensington Cruises is redefining the cruise experience with private, customized shore excursions that turn every port into a luxury journey designed around the traveler. Since launch in 2023, demand has surged nearly 400 percent, reflecting both the rising appetite for personalized travel and Kensington’s ability to deliver it seamlessly on a global scale.

Today, Kensington offers shore excursions in more than 250 ports with over 750 options to choose from. Yet the number one request remains for fully customized experiences. These private excursions are tailored to the interests of each group whether food, wine, history, adventure, or a meaningful family connection transforming a standard port call into the highlight of the entire cruise.

One of the most powerful examples of this personalization is Kensington’s partnership with Ancestry. Together, they bring heritage travel to life through shore excursions that connect travelers with their roots. Guests may visit the very towns, churches, or regions where their ancestors once lived, guided by local experts who make family history tangible. These Personal Heritage Journeys go far beyond sightseeing to create lasting emotional connections.

“Kensington’s shore excursions resonate with clients because they offer flexibility and exclusivity that traditional group tours and shore excursions often lack,” said Joelle Davis, VP of Cruise at Kensington. “From the moment travelers disembark, they are met by a private guide and driver, with the pace and focus of the day built entirely around their preferences.”

By drawing on a global network of local experts, Kensington ensures excursions are both seamless and deeply personal. Guests enjoy behind-the-scenes access, insider knowledge, and the ability to adjust plans in real time.

While excursions span the globe and cover culinary, cultural, and historical experiences, several itineraries consistently emerge as traveler favorites:

• Ephesus Ruins and Virgin Mary Shrine – A private guided exploration of one of the most important ancient sites in the Mediterranean.

• Barcelona Highlights with Sagrada Familia – A half-day introduction to the city’s architectural and cultural landmarks, including Gaudí’s masterpiece.

• Mykonos Walking Tour with Wine Tasting & Mezes – A culinary and cultural stroll through the island’s charming alleys, paired with local flavors.

• Backwater Tour in a Country Boat with Lunch at a Local Village – An immersive experience offering authentic insight into regional traditions and daily life.

• Tangier City Highlights – A half-day journey through Morocco’s vibrant port city, blending cultural heritage with local perspectives.

Kensington Cruise’s approach combines the best of luxury ocean, river and expedition cruising with the company’s hallmark of privately guided, customized travel through its partnerships with more than 24 premium brands. This includes Atlas Ocean Voyages, Celebrity, Explora Journeys, Seabourn and Silversea as well as river cruise companies including Avalon Waterways, AmaWaterways, Scenic, Emerald Cruises, Sanctuary Cruises, VIVA Cruises, Hurtigruten Expeditions, Quark Expeditions, and others.

Kensington Cruises also recently expanded its portfolio to include ports and shore excursions across North America including Northeast Canada and the United States. This includes Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, Montreal, Quebec City and others in Canada and Maine, Rhode Island and Virgina in the U.S.

For more information about creating a customized cruise or shore excursion for your client, visit https://www.kensingtontours.com/voyages or contact a Cruise Expert at agents@kensingtontours.com.