A highlight of my first cruise took place on land.
During a stop in Plymouth, England, on a Holland America Line sailing, I walked to the Plymouth Gin Distillery. The hour-long outing included an overview of its history as the oldest working distillery in England, a behind-the-scenes look at how the spirit is made and ended with gin and tonics at the upstairs bar beneath a hull-shaped timber roof constructed in the 1400s.
Best of all, it didn’t cost me much: distillery tours start at less than $20.
On-shore activities can enhance the cruise experience, whether they’re shore excursions booked through the cruise line or organized separately. And while they can be pricey, they don’t necessarily have to be. Here’s how to get the most for your money.