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To awaken your senses in Normandy - Claire et Manu’s Blog

Le Havre cruise port (by a local) – what to do + excursions

by Claire ROBINSON , Region Lovers | June 16, 2023 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

Does your cruise call at Le Havre , France? If you have the chance to stop in our hometown, here is a guide with our selection of things to do in the cruise port of Le Havre on a day: architecture, nature, history, art… ideas for everyone! Stay in town or explore Normandy with one of the shore excursions from Le Havre.

visit le Havre cruise port

Introduction to Le Havre, Normandy

As a major commercial port of Normandy France, Le Havre also welcomes many cruise ships each year.

A resilient story

The city itself was largely destroyed during World War II, so you won’t see many churches and old buildings like in other French cities. But it was rebuilt by Auguste Perret in a modern architectural style that has been classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

A light that has inspired many artists

The light and the clouds in Le Havre are always special. They have inspired many artists, including the impressionists. Claude Monet and Eugene Boudin, for example, painted the colors of Le Havre.

Impressionism in Le Havre

In the beautiful region of Normandy

The cruise port of Le Havre is also a great place to explore some of the most beautiful places in Normandy with shore excursions.

Our hometown

Le Havre is our home town. This is where we were born and raised. I have been living thereClaire) again since 2016. Our family has been here for a long time. Our family store is established in Le Havre since 1870 (yes, you read correctly with an 8!). Our grandfather was one of the first people to receive the keys to the new buildings after World War II and he was very appreciative of the improvement in his quality of life.

If you are planning a longer weekend in Le Havre, see our article on things to do in Le Havre in Normandy .

The port of Le Havre

Cruises arriving in Le Havre

This article is for people who spend a few hours on a cruise ship. You can arrive with :

  • MSC Cruises (by the way, if you need help choosing your drink packages on an MSC cruise, see this guide )
  • Royal Caribbean
  • or with a river cruise on the Seine

Main options – Shore Excursions from Le Havre in Normandy

So, are you stopping over in Le Havre during your cruise? Great! Here is my selection of the main shore excursions from Le Havre to consider. They are not in any particular order (it depends on what you are interested in):

OPTION 1 – Visit Le Havre

Visit of the cruise port of Le Havre - city center

Le Havre is a strange city, I admit it. For many visitors (and for the French), this is not what France should look like. But Le Havre is a unique and trendy city, which has a lot to offer and should not be neglected. You can spend a great day in Le Havre discovering the architecture and sea views that have inspired so many artists, such as Monet. And it will be the cheapest option.

I’m not going to go into detail here – you can learn all about my hometown later in the article (after my list of options, check out the must-see places and my itinerary suggestions).

OPTION 2 – Visit of the landing beaches

La Havre Shore excursions - D-Day landing beaches in Normandy

Those interested in the history of the war can take a shore excursion from Le Havre to visit the landing beaches and some of the World War II monuments.

American-friendly tours include Omaha Beach, Pointe du Hoc, the Overlord Museum and the American Cemetery. See program and book

Canadian-friendly tours include Juno Beach, the Canadian Cemetery and the Abbaye d’Ardenne. See program and book

OPTION 3 – Mont-Saint-Michel

Le Havre excursions - Mont saint Michel

It’s a long drive to Mont St Michel (a little over 2.5 hours) but it is one of France’s most iconic jewels, and a Unesco site. The view from the mainland is simply breathtaking, whatever the weather. You can then visit this rocky island on top of which is the 8th century Benedictine abbey.

One of the most famous sites to visit in France is accessible during a Le Havre cruise excursion!

see the options

OPTION 4 – Live painting – Giverny, Rouen and Honfleur

Le Havre excursions - Honfleur

If you are looking for charming villages and places that have inspired famous artists, Normandy has many sites that can satisfy you. For example, you can go to Giverny to visit Monet’s house and gardens, and stop in the historic city of Rouen. You can also visit the charming town of Honfleur, which is one of the most charming ports in France. See program and book

OPTION 5 – Étretat

Le Havre excursions - Etretat

One of my favorite places to visit in Normandy is Etretat. I love this little cove and the impressive white cliffs that surround it. And as a French girl, I grew up with the stories of Leblanc’s fictional character, Arsène Lupin, who hid his treasure in the pinnacle. The heart of the town has charming old houses typical of the area and from the beach you can climb the cliffs on both sides for incredible views.

You can take the bus 13 which runs every hour. Or rent a car for the day (40min drive)

OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy

  • Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
  • Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
  • Think of the complete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
  • There is a lot of demand, book it early .

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Of course, you can also go to Paris for the day. Your cruise ship will probably offer day trips between Le Havre and Paris. It takes about 2h30 to get there. So you still have several hours to visit.

We know that Paris is the city that makes people dream, but our opinion is that it would be very frustrating to spend only a few hours there. It is too difficult to choose what to see.

See private tour availability

Stopover at the Port of Le Havre – advice

Let us now tell you a little more about Le Havre as a cruise port.

Arrival at the cruise port of Le Havre

When your cruise ship arrives in Le Havre, I recommend you go out on deck to see the beach and the Perret architecture as a whole. And wave a little because I might see you from my window. LOL (here’s the picture of the boat below – I took it from my apartment window).

Arriving in the Le Havre Cruise Port 2

Cruise Terminal

Arriving in the Le Havre Cruise Port 3

The ships are docked at the Cruise Terminal. It is located 2.5 km (1.5 mi) from the city center. The walk will take you 30min. Most cruise lines offer shuttles between the terminal and downtown for those not participating in shore excursions. They take you near what is called Le Volcan (a unique theater that I will show you later). Or you can jump in a cab. It costs about 8 euros for the city center and 10 euros for the train station. At the reception center, you can get a map of the city to help you get around.

Getting around

Getting around Le Havre

On foot The best way to visit the city center is on foot. Unless you visit Sainte-Adresse, the rest is just flat walking. This is how you can best appreciate the architecture.

Tourist bus – in summer However, if you want to get a glimpse of the whole city, consider jumping on the “Bee Le Havre ” tour bus to learn more about this amazing city. It leaves from the side of the volcano opposite the one where the shuttle drops you off. They also now have a Food Bus and a bus tour of Honfleur.

By bike At the cruise terminal, it is possible to rent bicycles

Tuk Tuk – in summer Tuk-Tuk (electric vehicle) tours depart near the marina

Other things to know

  • The currency is the euro
  • Tipping is not mandatory. At the restaurant, you can leave a few euros if you are very satisfied with the service.
  • The European emergency number is 112
  • Sunday is a day of rest in France, stores are closed, except food stores, until lunchtime. The Muma Museum is normally open.
  • Many stores and museums may be closed on Mondays (the Muma Museum is closed).
  • If you are looking for clothes, some stores should be open on Mondays and Sundays at the Docks (not the same direction as the city center)
  • It is a large seaport, so English is common, but some French people will not speak English at all.

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royal caribbean normandy excursions

What to do in Le Havre from the cruise port

You wonder if you should opt for a stay in Le Havre and visit the city? Let me show you all the main points of interest in Le Havre that you could enjoy:

Architecture of Perret

Things to do in Le Havre cruise port - Perret architecture town hall

Let’s start with the reason why Le Havre is a Unesco site. Since it was destroyed during World War II, most of the downtown area was rebuilt with a uniform architecture. It was based on the engineering of Auguste Perret who was a pioneer in the use of reinforced concrete. These new buildings have brought many facilities that people did not have before in their homes.

Things to do in Le Havre cruise port - Perret architecture st joseph church

The most stunning pieces of downtown are the town hall with its tower on the side and the unique St. Joseph’s church. Don’t hesitate to enter the church (from 10 am to 6 pm), especially on a sunny day, to see the stained glass windows.

Architecture of Oscar Niemeyer

Oscar Niemeyer le Havre

Right next to where the shuttle stops, you can’t miss the iconic building that we call either “The Volcano” (the volcano) or “The Yogurt Pot” (the yogurt pot). I know, it’s funny. It contrasts sharply with the Perret architecture and we love our theater. It was built in 1982 on the project of Oscar Niemeyer , an architect famous for his modern buildings in Brasilia.

Things to do in Le Havre cruise port - Oscan Niemeyer architecture 2

Nature & Art

Things to do in Le Havre cruise port - beach

As we said before, the light of Le Havre has been a source of inspiration for many artists, especially the impressionists. The city has set up displays along the ponds and the coastal promenade to show you some of the paintings where they were created. I think this is a great idea, and although I see them often, I always stop to look at them again.

Things to do in Le Havre cruise port - art

There is a long walk along the beach that also takes you to the nearby town of Sainte Adresse where the Belgian government was headquartered during the First World War. Note that at high tide, there is no sand, only pebbles. But at low tide, you can walk on the sand. And in summer, small historic beach bungalows appear on the beach, where families come to spend the day.

MuMa Museum

What to do in Le Havre cruise port - museum MuMa

The most famous museum of Le Havre is the André Malraux museum, also known as MuMa . Located at the end of the seaside promenade, near the harbor watchtower, it offers beautiful collections. The museum is filled with light and has a large open structure. On permanent display are paintings from the 15th century to the 20th century with pieces by Delacroix, Boudin, Monet, Renoir, Degas, Manet and many others… It has one of the most prestigious collections of impressionist art outside of Paris. Closed on Monday.

What to do in Le Havre cruise port - modern art

In 2018, it was the 500th anniversary of Le Havre. For the event, modern art pieces were installed and fortunately, some are here to stay. Vincent Ganivet set up 2 modern arches created by assembling colored containers. We love it! It is located at the end of the rue de Paris with the port in the background.

Other buildings

What to do in Le Havre cruise port - Cathedral

As I said earlier, there is not much left of the old Havre, because it was destroyed during the Second World War. But on the rue de Paris, you can still see the cathedral. It is small. The bell tower dates from the 16th century. The main façade is baroque. Inside, the church’s organs are gifts from Cardinal de Richelieu in the 17th century.

What to do in Le Havre cruise port - viewpoints

If you feel like walking a little higher. At the end of the main beach walk, you can head to the top of the cliffs. Follow the road and you will reach a panoramic viewpoint. On a clear day, you can see Deauville and Trouville on the other side of the estuary. But whatever the weather, you have superb views of the city of Le Havre with the beach and the bell tower of St. Joseph’s church overlooking it.

It is called ‘Table d’orientation’ or ‘Balcon de l’Estuaire’. GPS – 49°30’26.3 “N 0°04’25.7 “E

Culture and gastronomy

You can also stroll through the streets of Le Havre to discover many bakeries and other stores to understand a little about life in France. Les Halles is a great place to people-watch as many downtown residents come to buy food at this covered market (many stores are closed between 1 and 3 pm). It is located behind Le Volcan.

PLAN YOUR STAY IN Le Havre

  • Best things to do in Le Havre
  • The beach of Le Havre
  • Where to stay in Le Havre
  • Where to eat in Le Havre – coming soon
  • Weekend in Le Havre

Le Havre

1 day in Le Havre Walk

1 day le Havre walk cruise Port

  • Get off the shuttle at the Volcano
  • Admire the Bassin du Commerce with its beautiful arched bridge. The statue next to it is in memory of those who died protecting our country.
  • Cross the road and admire the architecture of Oscar Niemeyer
  • Cross the passage behind and visit the covered market for a snapshot of life in France (if you like bread, see the Boulangerie Portier outside the market (across the street), they make the best bread in Le Havre in my opinion) – Note that the covered market is closed in the early afternoon, it becomes lively again at 3pm
  • Walk to the City Hall and enjoy the gardens – appreciate Perret’s architecture – square concrete blocks
  • Walk to the beach on Avenue Foch, one of the largest in Europe
  • Before the gate-shaped buildings, turn left and walk towards St. Joseph’s Church
  • Walk to the sea

Option A – for art lovers

  • Walk left along the marina to the MuMa Museum.
  • Visit the museum
  • Walk towards the double-container arch
  • Return to the Volcano via the Rue de Paris and its protected arches to do some shopping, and visit the cathedral on the way.

Option B – for those who prefer the outdoors and can walk uphill

9b. Turn right onto the beach promenade 10b. At the Sainte Adresse sign, either go up or continue on the flat promenade and take the stairs 11b. Enjoy the view from the panoramic viewpoint 12b. Return on foot

Le Havre after the rain

Options for a rainy day

Le Havre is not as humid as other regions of Normandy, but it is located in the north of France, by the sea, and therefore receives frequent showers. If it doesn’t rain much, I recommend wearing a good poncho and still enjoying the sunny day program. And you never know, the rain may stop. The main areas you can still enjoy on a rainy day:

  • The underground of the Volcano and its library
  • The rue de Paris because it has covered passages for window shopping and the cathedral
  • The MuMa Museum
  • Les Halles, the covered market

Do not make THE SAME MISTAKE WE MADE

On one of our last trips to Europe, a hacker stole our credit card details while we were using a hotel WiFi. So our trip began with a “card blocked” call … Not funny at all! Learn from our mistake, make a small VPN investment to surf without worry .

royal caribbean normandy excursions

Shopping and Souvenirs

Looking for souvenirs.

Just before taking the shuttle back to your cruise ship, near the volcano is the “Local Shop” where you can find many Le Havre or Normandy branded items and other local products (location B on the map).

You can also find Le Havre brand products at the reception center (location A on the map)

Souvenir shopping Le Havre cruise port

We also recommend Chocolatier Hautot’s box of chocolate with a fondant caramel heart. It is located near Halles. We love their cakes, but they can’t be transported… So we recommend their super-cool boxes of “Boujous de Normandie” chocolates (Boujous is the local word for kisses).

royal caribbean normandy excursions

Want to go shopping?

It’s not our thing, but for those who like it, the main shopping areas downtown are:

  • The street of Paris with its local and traditional stores
  • Coty Mall where you will find chain stores (location C on the map)
  • The docks – outside the Hyper-center, not far from the train station – more chain stores.

Where to eat

Hummmm it’s a difficult question to answer from a tourist point of view… It also depends on where you are in the route… I don’t normally write about food much. But since this is where I live, here are some suggestions:

Baguettes, Sandwiches and Cakes

If you want to taste an excellent French bread, delicate pastries or if you want to opt for a sandwich for lunch, go to Maison Portier, Place des Halles (near location 4). Address : 48 Rue Bernardin de Saint-Pierre – closed on Monday Even after living in many cities and all over the world, my brother, my parents and I still think this is the best bread we have ever tasted.

Cakes at Portier, Le Havre

The Wine bar

In the pedestrian streets north of Les Halles (north of point 3 – 101 rue Victor Hugo), you will find the Wine bar. It’s a place with wine fountains where you can taste the amount you want of each wine. It’s great to be able to taste a wide variety without drinking whole glasses. And their food is also delicious

Wine bar le Havre

Lunch options

There are many restaurants in the city center. It depends on what you like. In the summer, we even have temporary restaurants that are set up on the beach. The typical dish to taste is mussels in a cream of camembert.

But some of my favorites are actually not near the hiking trails I gave you…

For fine, gourmet French cuisine, you can visit Jean Étoilé: Luc Tartarin – Address: 73 avenue Foch (along route 6 on the map) (reservation required). And our favorite: Le Margote at 50 Quai Michel Féré (reservations essential).

Le Margote

Nice break if you’re near the container arch

Our favorite little canteen is Calice et Mandibule (at the end of Rue de Paris, not far from the colorful containers). We love the owners’ wholesome approach. The lunch dishes are tasty, and the cakes original and delicious. But what we love most of all is the choice of infusions and teas (and iced tea in summer). They’re excellent!

royal caribbean normandy excursions

Nice break for those who are on option B Walk

If you continued to walk along the beach, on the Sainte-Adresse side, you will arrive at a nice restaurant-bar with a terrace on the seaside. His name is LATERAS. It’s a great place for a break with delicious mocktails of freshly squeezed juice and tasty pancakes.

GPS – 49°30’14.7 “N 0°04’40.1 “E

Update: The restaurant-bar has a new owner. The name has changed. We haven’t tried the new one yet. We will update this when we go.

Afternoon tea le Havre

Street Art walk in Le Havre

If you are looking for something different and like Street Art, Jace has created pieces all around Le Havre, notably with a little orange character named Gouzou. You can find a map of all his tags HERE . You can create your own itinerary around it!

Street art Le Havre

Departure from Le Havre / Staying in Le Havre

At certain times of the year, the ships leave just as the sun is setting and you could be enjoying some great colors!

sunset in Le Havre

And if you finish your cruise in Le Havre, why not stay a few days to explore the area!

Here are some accommodation options (or see our article on where to sleep in Le Havre )

  • Hotel Spa Vent d’Ouest near our famous church and less than 5 minutes walk from the waterfront
  • see pictures and availability
  • Hotel Spa Pasino inside one of our most impressive buildings with high ceilings, swimming pool and casino – see photos and availability
  • The new beachfront hotel opened in 2021: Hilton Garden Inn by the marina with sea views – see photos and availability
  • and superb rentals, see the best rated accommodations in Le Havre

PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy

Inspiration destinations

  • Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
  • Our weekend ideas: best-of , romantic , unusual , seaside , luxury , family
  • 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
  • The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy

royal caribbean normandy excursions

  • Best things to do in Normandy
  • Best cities in Normandy
  • Most beautiful beaches of Normandy
  • Most beautiful villages of Normandy
  • Best castles of Normandy
  • Best abbeys of Normandy
  • Read our complete guide to visit the Mont-Saint-Michel
  • Discover the D-Day sites

royal caribbean normandy excursions

  • Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
  • See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport , Orly airport , Beauvais airport , Caen , Rouen , Bayeux …

royal caribbean normandy excursions

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  • Visit all the places we tell you about.
  • For each city, stay in at least one hotel and visit the ones we recommend.
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Claire and Manu

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7 Best Things To Do in Cherbourg Port | Cruise Port Guide

Cherbourg panorama

Welcome to Cherbourg port, France! (Post updated: January 2024)

Cherbourg-en-Cotentin, often known as just Cherbourg, is a city nestled at the northern end of the Cotentin Peninsula in the Normandy region, in northwest France. Strategically located on the English Channel, the port of Cherbourg has always been an important commercial, ferry, military and cargo port. Nowadays, Cherbourg port is a popular stop in cruise itineraries due to its proximity to D-Day Landing Beaches, Mont Saint-Michel and other historic sites in Normandy. In this article, read about:

  • Cherbourg cruise port  (Cherbourg cruise terminal, getting around, useful tips)
  • 7 best things to do in Cherbourg port & Cherbourg shore excursions

Visit also our cruise port guides to Le Havre , Amsterdam , Bilbao , La Coruna , Lisbon , Brugge (Bruges)

Cherbourg Port Overview

The Port of Cherbourg is protected by Cherbourg Harbour, the second-largest man-made harbour in the world, home to one of three naval bases in France (besides Brest and Toulon). Cherbourg also serves passenger ferries to England (Portsmouth, Poole), Ireland (Rosslare, Dublin ) and Spain ( Bilbao ).

Cherbourg cruise ship terminal ( Gare Maritime ) consists of two quays: Quai de France, where the majority of the cruise ships dock, and Quai de Normandie , situated next to it . Both quays are located within a 15-minute walk from Cherbourg downtown.

Quai de France features an impressive terminal building housed in a former railway station dating from the early 20th century (Gare Maritime Transatlantique). The port facilities include a tourist information center and a souvenir shop. Cherbourg Port ensures smooth transfer to the downtown, by providing free shuttle buses for cruise passengers. However, some cruise lines may offer this service for a small fee.

The walk to the town is very pleasant, on flat surfaces, so a shuttle transfer is not necessary. A taxi rank and bus parking are available in front of the terminal building. One part of the Gare Maritime houses the iconic Cité de la Mer , a maritime museum and one of the most visited attractions in Cherbourg.

Cite de la Mer - Cherbourg port

Getting Around & Local Transportation

  • Cherbourg is very easy to get around. The majority of surfaces are flat and suitable for guests with walking difficulties/wheelchair users.
  • The downtown area is located only a 15-minute walk from Cherbourg port. It is centered around a picturesque marina (Bassin du Commerce) filled with yachts and recreation boats. To reach the town center, you need to cross a small bridge (Pont Tournant) and right behind the waterfront area, you’ll find the Old Town with its cobbled streets, shops and eateries.
  • Cherbourg train station (Gare de Cherbourg) is located around 2 km/1.3 miles or a 25-minute walk from the Cherbourg cruise terminal. The trains in France are operated by SNCF (France’s national railway company) and you can check the timetables and prices on their official website https://www.sncf.com/
  • The distance between Cherbourg and Paris is 360 km/224 miles or approximately a 4-hour drive each way. The train ride to Paris lasts around 3 hr 20 minutes.
  • Explore Cherbourg tours and activities
  • Find hotels near Cherbourg port

7 Best Things to Do in Cherbourg Port

1. cherbourg.

Cherbourg is a very easy place to get around and all the main attractions are located within walking distance of the port. In the old town, you’ll find a wide variety of eateries and wine bars where you can sample Normandy’s cuisine specialties including fresh seafood, famous “camembert” cow cheese, apples, and apple cider “calvados”…

Cherbourg restaurant - seafood

While there, you shouldn’t miss out on visiting the town’s main landmarks. Some of the main Cherbourg attractions are:

  • La Cité de la Mer – The iconic maritime museum is housed in a beautiful 240-meter-long Art Deco building of Gare Maritime Transatlantique. A part of the museum is dedicated to the legendary Titanic, as Cherbourg was one of the ports of call before the Titanic’s crossing. La Cité de la Mer is also home to La Redoutable , the world’s largest submarine open to visitors, and an impressive aquarium with 17 tanks holding more than 4.000 marine creatures.
  • Thomas Henry Museum (Musée Thomas Henry) – The art museum is located in the heart of Cherbourg and contains works of famous artists, including Jean-François Millet who lived near Cherbourg and painted realistic scenes of rural life in the Cotentin in the 19th century. The museum also features paintings and sculptures dating from the 15th-19th centuries.
  • Cherbourg Theater – Also known as Théâtre à l’italienne (Italian theater), the theater is located in the heart of the town and is part of Le Trident, a group of three theatres in the city of Cherbourg-Octeville. The theater overlooks Place du Général de Gaulle and boasts a beautiful Beaux-Arts facade.
  • Basilica of Sainte-Trinité (Basilique Sainte-Trinité de Cherbourg-en-Cotentin) – Listed as a Historic Monument, Holy Trinity Basilica is one of the oldest churches in Cherbourg.
  • Parc Emmanuel Liais – A peaceful oasis located only a stone’s throw from the old town.
  • Fort du Roule (Batterie du Roule) – The 19th-century fortress is situated on the outskirts of Cherbourg and nowadays houses the Liberation Museum (Musée de la Libération) dedicated to the World War II and D-Day events in Cherbourg. In 1928, the Navy built extensive tunnels under the fort to store equipment and during WWII several tunnels, casemates for artillery, and gun emplacements were built. Both a museum and tunnels are open to the public.
  • Ravalet Castle (Château des Ravalet) – The famous Renaissance castle is located a 15-minute drive from Cherbourg port. It was built in the 16th century by Lord Ravalet and is surrounded by splendid gardens (Parc du Château des Ravalet).

Cherbourg's Bassin du Commerce

2. Mont Saint-Michel

The spectacular Mont Saint-Michel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of France’s most visited treasures. This tidal island with its impressive 8th-century Mont Saint-Michel Abbey lies 178 km/110 miles (a 2-hour drive) southwest of Cherbourg.

Cruise lines normally offer shore excursions to Mont Saint-Michel and if you want to visit this amazing place, it is recommended to book a tour with the cruise ship or a reliable independent tour operator due to the distance. I went on a tour to Mont Saint-Michel from Cherbourg, and you can read a detailed Mont Saint-Michel review in my article How to Visit Mont Saint-Michel on a Cruise (from Le Havre and Cherbourg)

Check out Mont Saint-Michel tours from Cherbourg

Mont Saint Michel - Normandy, France

3. D-Day Landing Beaches

In 1944, the Allies disembarked in Normandy to fight against the Germans and drive them out of France. They disembarked on the beaches of Normandy (today known as D-Day Landing Beaches) extending over 70 km along the region’s coast. There are five main D-Day landing beaches: Omaha, Utah, Gold, Juno and Sword Beach. The entire area consists of numerous WWII monuments, museums, cemeteries and memorials and it takes a few days to visit all of them. The most important ones are:

  • The Landing Beaches
  • Arromanches-Les-Bains
  • Normandy American Cemetery and Memorial
  • Pointe-du-Hoc Ranger Monument
  • Overlord Museum
  • German Battery of Longues-Sur-Mer
  • The Memorial Pegasus
  • Commonwealth war cemetery of Bayeux (the British Cemetary assigned by France to the United Kingdom)

American Cemetery in Normandy

Cruise lines normally organize shore excursions to some of these places and it’s highly recommended to book one of these if you are a WWII buff. However, keep in mind that these are full-day trips as it takes from 1 hour to over 2 hours drive each way to reach the D-Day locations.

One of the most visited ones is the Arromanches Debarkment D-Day Museum (Musée du Débarquement) located in Arromanches, which is in the center of the Gold Beach landing area. The impressive museum displays artifacts, models, photographs, and films related to the Normandy Invasion and is one of the main places of interest to visit.

Explore D-Day Beaches tours from Cherbourg

The charming town of Bayeux is located 94 km/59 miles (a 1h 15-minute drive) southeast of the port of Cherbourg and only 10 km from the Arromanches. Bayeux managed to preserve its original charm and beauty as it wasn’t much damaged during the WWII bombing and is nowadays one of the most beautiful towns in Normandy. 

The town is known for its striking Bayeux Cathedral (Notre Dame de Bayeux), a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture dating from the 11th century. Situated in the heart of the medieval old town, the cathedral originally housed the famous Bayeux Tapestry , the most iconic monument of Bayeux listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The tapestry is today housed in Musée de la Tapisserie de Bayeux , where you can admire the exceptional 70-meter-long embroidery depicting the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 by William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy.

Bayeux tapestry, Normandy

5. Cap de la Hague

If you want to take in the gorgeous sceneries and spend a day in Normandy’s countryside with not much driving time involved, you should book a trip to Cap de la Hague, a cape at the tip of the Cotentin peninsula, boasting dramatic cliffs, pebbled beaches and a rocky coastline of spectacular beauty.

There are several places you can visit in this area, and the best thing is that it’s only 30 km/19 miles (a 40-minute drive) away from Cherbourg port. Some of the must-see attractions in the Cap de la Hague area are:

  • Nez de Jobourg – A granite cliff made of the oldest rocks in France is located 128 meters above sea level and offers outstanding views of the Atlantic Ocean.
  • Goury Lighthouse – The iconic lighthouse is located on the rock in the middle of La Manche, “at the very end of the world” and offers amazing photo-ops.
  • Port Racine – The smallest port in France and one of the most photographed places in Normandy.

Cap de la Hague, Normandy

6. Honfleur and Deauville

If you don’t mind driving for too long, you should head to Honfleur, one of the most charming towns in Normandy. Honfleur is located 188 km/117 miles (more than a 2-hour drive each way) southeast of Cherbourg and lies on the Seine estuary on the so-called Côte Fleurie (Flowery Coast) of Normandy.

The town boasts a picturesque harbour ( Le Vieux Bassin ) renowned for its architecture, especially its half-timbered 16th-century buildings and the Church of Sainte Catherine , the largest wooden church in France. This colorful medieval town was painted numerous times by artists such as Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet and is nowadays filled with typically French shops, eateries and cafes that you can discover on a walk around its medieval cobbled streets.

Honfleur Harbour, Normandy, France

On your way to Honfleur, make sure you stop at Deauville , the glamorous seaside resort located only a 20-minute drive from there. Here, you’ll find a great number of chic boutique stores, luxurious casinos and a long scenic beach where you can take a stroll and take in the ocean views.

Although Honfleur and Deauville are truly beautiful, keep in mind the driving distance to these places. If your cruise itinerary includes a stop in Le Havre , it’s highly recommended to visit Honfleur from there as the driving distance between the two places is only 35 minutes.

Explore Honfleur tours from Cherbourg

Caen is the capital of the Calvados department and is located 122 km/76 miles (a 1-hour 30-minute drive) southeast of the port of Cherbourg. The city is famous for its Caen Castle (Château de Caen) built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, and its outstanding medieval architecture.

The notable attractions include the L’Abbaye-aux-Hommes (aka Abbey of Saint-Étienne) that nowadays houses the City Hall, the Church of Saint-Étienne-le-Vieux (St. Stephen’s Church), Église Saint-Pierre de Caen (St Peter’s Catholic Church) and The Abbey of Sainte-Trinité (Abbaye aux Dames de Caen).

While there, don’t miss the chance to visit the famous Mémorial de Caen , an exceptional museum dedicated to World War II, D-Day landings and the Cold War.

Check out Caen tours and activities

L'Abbaye-aux-Hommes, Caen

Wrapping Up

Whether you choose to spend a day in the charming Cherbourg or you decide to explore the region, make sure you plan your day to get the most out of it! If you want to read more about things to see and do in Normandy, check out my articles:

  • Le Havre Cruise Port Guide, Things to Do, Shore Excursions
  • 12 Gorgeous Places to Visit on a Cruise to Normandy
  • How to Visit Mont Saint-Michel on a Cruise (from Le Havre and Cherbourg)
  • Paris in a Day: How to Plan a Perfect Day Trip to Paris from Le Havre

Visit also our cruise port guide to Le Havre , Marseille , Amsterdam , Dublin , Dover , Bilbao , La Coruna , Copenhagen , Helsinki , Tallinn , Oslo , Brugge (Bruges)

You May Also Like:

Western Europe Cruise Port Guides

Mediterranean Cruise Port Guides

This article may contain affiliate / compensated links. For full information, please see my  disclaimer  here.

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The Best Tours to Visit the D-Day Beaches

On June 6, 1944, the world witnessed one of the most daring and significant military operations in history: the invasion of Normandy, also known as D-Day. On this pivotal day, Allied forces, primarily comprised of American, British, and Canadian soldiers, initiated a massive assault on the beaches of Normandy, aiming to liberate Europe from the oppressive grip of Nazi rule.

Their bravery, resolve, and sacrifices were instrumental in altering the course of World War II and shaping the history of Europe and the world.

voir la pointe du hoc normandie

Today, these landing beaches serve as powerful sites of memory and tribute, annually drawing thousands of visitors from around the globe. These visitors come to remember and honor the sacrifices of these heroic soldiers. A visit to the D-Day beaches in Normandy is both a moving and educational experience, providing a deeper understanding of the events that unfolded on this historic day and their enduring impact on the years that followed.

In this comprehensive guide, we’re excited to present you with the top-rated tours for exploring the iconic D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, promising to deliver an unforgettable and enriching experience. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just curious to discover these symbolic sites, our carefully curated tour recommendations will allow you to immerse yourself in this unique journey, gaining a profound appreciation for the historic significance of these locations.

Exploring the D-Day Landing Beaches

Before we delve into the top-rated tours for visiting the D-Day beaches in Normandy, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various historical sites that make up this iconic region. The five D-Day landing beaches are: Utah Beach, Omaha Beach, Gold Beach, Juno Beach, and Sword Beach.

Each of these beaches was assigned to a specific force and played a pivotal role in the successful execution of the operation.

visiter utah beach normandie 1

Located on the western side of the Cotentin Peninsula, Utah Beach served as the landing point for American forces. This beach is recognized for its dunes and wetland areas, which posed significant challenges to the soldiers landing there.

The Utah Beach Landing Museum provides a fascinating insight into the history of this beach and the events that transpired there.

Omaha Beach

omaha beach normandie

Omaha Beach is arguably the most famous and bloodiest of the D-Day landing beaches. The American forces encountered fierce resistance from German defenses, resulting in heavy casualties.

Today, the site is home to the Normandy American Cemetery, the final resting place for over 9,000 American soldiers.

arromanches les bains normandie

Gold Beach served as the landing point for British forces during the D-Day invasion. This beach is also the site where the artificial harbor at Arromanches was built to facilitate the delivery of reinforcements and equipment.

The Arromanches Landing Museum and the remnants of the artificial harbor bear witness to the technical ingenuity that contributed to the operation’s success.

Juno Beach is the site where Canadian forces made their landing. Despite German resistance, the Canadian soldiers managed to make quick inroads inland. The Juno Beach Centre, located in Courseulles-sur-Mer, is a museum dedicated to the history and contributions of Canadian forces during World War II.

Sword Beach

Sword Beach was the landing site for British and French troops. While German defenses were less substantial on this beach, the Allied forces faced German counterattacks. The Pegasus Memorial and Pegasus Bridge are essential sites for understanding the strategic importance of this beach.

Why Choose Bayeux as Your Base for Visiting the D-Day Beaches?

bayeux roue ancienne

Bayeux serves as an excellent base for visiting the D-Day beaches in Normandy for several reasons.

Bayeux is conveniently located near the D-Day beaches, including Omaha Beach and Gold Beach. This reduces travel time and allows for more time spent at the historical sites.

The city offers a wide range of accommodations, restaurants, and services tailored to the needs of tourists. Furthermore, numerous tours and tourist guides can help you plan your visit to the D-Day beaches.

In summary, choosing Bayeux as your base for visiting the D-Day beaches allows you to take advantage of a strategic location, rich historical heritage, excellent tourist infrastructure, and the typical Norman charm.

The Best Tours for Visiting the D-Day Beaches

Overlord tours.

visite pointe du hoc en normandie

Surely one of the most renowned companies for touring the D-Day beaches, Overlord Tours offers an authentic and educational experience. With experienced and passionate guides, you will be able to discover the history and anecdotes of the sites you visit.

Overlord Tours offers several tour options, ranging from half-day to full-day, allowing you to choose the package that suits you best. Among the sites you can discover are Omaha and Utah beaches, Pointe du Hoc, the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, and many others.

Groups are limited in number to ensure a personalized experience, and the Overlord Tours team prides itself on its ability to rejuvenate and provide an informative and captivating tour.

Website: overlordtour.com

2. Normandy Sightseeing Tours

pointe du hoc normandie 1

Normandy Sightseeing Tours is a family-run company that offers guided tours in small groups or private excursions. Their team of professional guides consists of history experts and former military personnel, guaranteeing a quality visit.

Normandy Sightseeing Tours’ visits cover the main D-Day landing sites, such as Omaha and Utah beaches, the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, Pointe du Hoc, as well as the German battery at Longues-sur-Mer.

One of the main features of this company is the ability to customize your tour based on your interests and schedule. You can thus choose from half-day, full-day, or even multi-day tours.

Website: normandy-sightseeing-tours.com

3. D-Day Guided Tours

monument omaha beach normandie

D-Day Guided Tours is a company led by Mathias Leclere, a local guide passionate about the history of the landing in Normandy. Mathias offers guided tours in English and French, allowing visitors of different nationalities to benefit from his expertise.

D-Day Guided Tours are customizable and cover the main landing sites, such as Omaha and Utah beaches, Pointe du Hoc, the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, as well as other lesser-known sites.

Mathias Leclere emphasizes the quality of the experience offered to visitors, by adapting the tour according to their interests and their level of knowledge about the history of World War II. Groups are limited in size to ensure a more intimate and personalized experience.

Website:  https://www.ddayguidedtours.com/

4. Bayeux Shuttle

batterie longues sur mer

Bayeux Shuttle is a guided tour company that offers excursions to the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy. Their goal is to provide an educational and memorable experience for visitors while comfortably transporting them from one site to another.

Bayeux Shuttle’s tours are available in half-day or full-day, with itineraries covering major landing sites such as Omaha and Utah beaches, Pointe du Hoc, the American cemetery in Colleville-sur-Mer, and the German battery in Longues-sur-Mer.

The guides at Bayeux Shuttle are history experts and are passionate about sharing their knowledge with visitors. Groups are limited in size to ensure a more personal and intimate experience.

Website:  https://www.bayeuxshuttle.com/

In conclusion, the Normandy landing beaches are an iconic and historically rich location that deserves to be explored with a competent guide to fully grasp its significance.

The companies mentioned in this article offer a quality experience and a personalized approach based on your interests and schedule.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, a veteran, or simply curious, these tours will allow you to discover the landing beaches from a unique and enriching perspective.

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  • Royal Caribbean International

D-Day Tours offered by RCCL

EuroDate20

By EuroDate20 , January 9, 2020 in Royal Caribbean International

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Cool Cruiser

I'm posting this topic on the main Royal Caribbean page to seek a wider audience.  

DH and I are cruising on the Anthem of the Seas in late May, calling on Le Havre the day before the annual D-Day observance.  The timing is bad, because many independent tour guides to the D-Day sites are fully booked already.  The ship offers several shore excursions, but they are probably going to be large in size.  The tours are called, "D-Day Landing Beaches", "D-Day Beaches and Bayeux Tapestry". and "The Beaches of Normandy".  All are purportedly full day tours.  The small group size tour offered by the ship is fully booked.  

I've tentatively booked "The Beaches of Normandy" at 189.75 pp.  The tour is supposed to go to Omaha Beach,  the American Cemetery, and the Caen Memorial Museum.  A buffet lunch is included.  Has anyone experienced any of these mass tours through RCCL or similiar through another cruise line?  If so, what are your thoughts/recommendations?  Are they simply too crowded and chaotic to enjoy?  Should I just pony up for a private tour?  My roll call has been very slow and passive.  Your thoughts are much appreciated!  

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Coralc

If such a tour is personally meaningful to you, then you should probably pony up for the private tour. My dad was a pilot in Europe in WWII, but not personally involved in D-Day. He had lots of other stories though. So I would be satisfied with just a ship tour to see Omaha Beach and other locations as a historical event. The photos of what occurred there are truly amazing. 

17 minutes ago, Coralc said: If such a tour is personally meaningful to you, then you should probably pony up for the private tour. My dad was a pilot in Europe in WWII, but not personally involved in D-Day. He had lots of other stories though. So I would be satisfied with just a ship tour to see Omaha Beach and other locations as a historical event. The photos of what occurred there are truly amazing. 

I can't say that it's personally meaningful, but I don't want to get stuck in a very large group where it's difficult to hear the guide and the tour quality is poor.  

I don't know then. Most of the ship tours we have been on have been fine. Omaha Beach will look like a beach. 

5,000+ Club

Several years ago we did the one with Bayeaux tapestry.  It was really very good.  When got to the beach and cemetery it was overcast and a little rainy.  Seemed so appropriate.   Bayeaux was great.  Fabulous tapestry, lovely sit down lunch and the town was wonderful to wander through.  Also remember visiting an old church with incredible stained glass windows.  Had a great tour guide.  Was definitely worth it.  Didn't feel crowded even though a big bus.

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Another_Critic

On a Celebrity Constellation TA stop at Le Havre in Dec 2012, I rented a car and did my own tour of the beaches, cemetery, etc.  A very moving experience.

7 hours ago, Coralc said: I don't know then. Most of the ship tours we have been on have been fine. Omaha Beach will look like a beach. 

It may be just another beach, but it's also a very significant "just another beach".  

The major thing I got from visiting there was how different it was in reality vs. what people have used for movies.  Not even close to the same- and by that I mean that it's bigger and less protection for the landing troops.  And when you get to the cliff tops, seeing the perspective from the German guns, it really puts the bravery of the invasion into a totally different sphere.

OP- if you are really worried about hearing, there are a ton of good books out there documenting what you are going to see- read those and then figure out where you are when you are on the beach.  We did private tours many years ago, and they left you alone in the various locations to let you really think.  Very moving.  FWIW, the small tour we took did Utah, Omaha, and the Cemetery all on one day- and I never felt rushed- so swapping in the museum for Utah should be fine.  (the next day we did a Band of Brothers tour, which was really cool, especially since I had read other 101st Airborne books than just Ambrose).

Oh, and one more thing- do some family history, and see if you have any relatives buried in the cemetery- then go find them.  

John&LaLa

John&LaLa

We did the ships tour last year. I highly reccomend

1 hour ago, John&LaLa said: We did the ships tour last year. I highly reccomend

We did the ship's tour a few years ago.  Lots of time to explore on our own.  Very moving.  Great French guide.

nwcruiselover

I highly recommend a private tour rather than the big bus tour put on by the cruise line.  I was in an 8 passenger van along with 7 others I met on Cruise Critic, and it was great having just the 8 of us.  When we got to the beaches, we were all alone on the beach with our very informative guide.  I don’t think the experience would have been as moving with 50 people rather than 8.  If you can’t find a private or semi-private tour, the ship would would be better than not going at all.  For me, this was a long-awaited once in a lifetime experience and I wanted it to be the best possible experience.  

We did a ships tour off Navigator in October 2018, and it was fantastic however we went from Cherbourg stop and we had choice of tour that did Omaha or the one that did Utah (the other American landing) and the museum there.  We did Utah and the Museum and easily the best excursion of our trip.  I’d say do the ships tour that resonates best with you.  

2 hours ago, splashsmom said: I agree.   We did the ship's tour a few years ago.  Lots of time to explore on our own.  Very moving.  Great French guide.

We had extra time, so we stopped in Bayeux. 

It Wasn't part of our tour. 

We visited Point du Hauk in the rain. At first I was dissapointed,  but then you put it into perspective and are grateful for the experience 

Would love to go back

Great Review

We also have done this tour - it was fantastic.  The "big" bus feel just wasn't there....bus is used to get you to the cemetery, beach, and museum.  Had plenty of time at the cemetery to walk around on our own as well as time at the beach.  The museum was fantastic - wish we had more time to go through it.  Lunch at the museum was ok...……….bottle of wine for every 4 people I believe, salad, chicken entrée, dessert, coffee.  It lasted way too long in my opinion because we only had a couple of hours to go through the museum after - again, it was not a lot of time for such an interesting museum.  It is a 2 hour trip each way from the port to the beach, so bring something to keep you occupied, although our guide did talk the entire way there to give us some background history.  Way back he was quiet the whole time, which was nice and relaxing.

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We are also on this cruise. We booked the  D-Day Landing Beaches (Full Day)  at $98 per person on Black Friday. We were not really interested in the museum or the lunch, but I’m not sure how we are going to get through 10 hours without food... 

I haven’t been on a cruise excursion there, but I spent a weekend in area when I was in college... back in ‘97. The museum in Caen is fantastic and the landing beaches/American cemetery absolutely surreal. My friend and I went with a private tour guide but, honestly, we spent most of the time - particularly in the museum - on our own. 

21 hours ago, Coralc said: I don't know then. Most of the ship tours we have been on have been fine. Omaha Beach will look like a beach. 

I’m guessing you’ve never been there. 

14 minutes ago, Bobbysjack said: We are also on this cruise. We booked the  D-Day Landing Beaches (Full Day)  at $98 per person on Black Friday. We were not really interested in the museum or the lunch, but I’m not sure how we are going to get through 10 hours without food... 

Lunch on your own in Caen

CruisinNole

18 hours ago, mduffy1834 said: We also have done this tour - it was fantastic.  The "big" bus feel just wasn't there....bus is used to get you to the cemetery, beach, and museum.  Had plenty of time at the cemetery to walk around on our own as well as time at the beach.  The museum was fantastic - wish we had more time to go through it.  Lunch at the museum was ok...……….bottle of wine for every 4 people I believe, salad, chicken entrée, dessert, coffee.  It lasted way too long in my opinion because we only had a couple of hours to go through the museum after - again, it was not a lot of time for such an interesting museum.  It is a 2 hour trip each way from the port to the beach, so bring something to keep you occupied, although our guide did talk the entire way there to give us some background history.  Way back he was quiet the whole time, which was nice and relaxing.

We also did this tour and agree that the bus was just transportation with lots of free time at each of the stops. We did not care for the lunch. I wish we could have figured out a way to bring something to eat and skip lunch. All in all, it was a very nice tour and well worth the money. 

Thank you all for your thoughts!  DH and I are going with a private tour.  We have another couple that's joining us and are waiting for two more people to complete our small group.  

This is likely our only chance to visit the D-Day sites as there are many other places on our bucket list.   We don't want to have any regrets.  

mjldvlks

On 1/10/2020 at 10:16 PM, EuroDate20 said: . . . We don't want to have any regrets.      

There is no way you can  come close to seeing everything in an 8-10 hour shore excursion. Decide what you want to see the most and choose the excursion that gets you there.  Personally, if my time was that brief, I would not want to miss the cemetary,  Pointe de Hoc, and the Bayeux Tapestry.  The tapestry is obviously a different matter altogether from the DDay sites, but it is fascinating.

I would also recommend becoming familiar with the course of the battle to better understand what you see.

About 10 years ago, we took a ferry across the channel after a cruise on Indy and spent 3 days in Normandy. Highly recommend that option.  Still many things to see if we go back. 

I forgot you will be approaching the area from the east end of the beaches,  If you have an option to see Pegasus Bridge or the British beaches where there are still remnants of the Mulberry Harbors, well worth it.

The Museum in Caen is great, but with your limited time I would recommend spending it seeing the actual sites.

Although it is a somewhat sanitized version of the battle, I recommend watching the Longest Day to get an overview of the battle.

I would opt for a private tour over one through the ship.  While I've never been disapponted in a ships tour, I have been on many that get slowed down due to the number of people on them (as there always seems to be a few people at each stop that take longer than they should to get back to the bus).

2 hours ago, lovemylab said: I would opt for a private tour over one through the ship.  While I've never been disapponted in a ships tour, I have been on many that get slowed down due to the number of people on them (as there always seems to be a few people at each stop that take longer than they should to get back to the bus).  

That's one of the reasons why I decided to go with the private tour with 2 other couples.  Easier to get 6 people organized than to corral 12+ people!  And while I don't expect to see everything, I want to make the most of the opportunity and time in port.  

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HIT THE DECK RUNNING ON DAY ONE

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There's so much to experience on a Royal Caribbean International cruise and we want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. Cruise Planner is available to help you pre-plan your vacation right after you've booked your cruise. Now you can plan ahead and reserve shore excursions, book specialty dining, schedule spa treatments and more on your tablet or computer from the comfort of your home.

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR VACATION WITH YOUR CALENDAR

Now you and your party can customize your vacation together using the Cruise Planner calendar. Your calendar is automatically populated as you reserve. Each day of your trip is listed and broken down by location, date, arrival and departure times and what has been reserved by guest. It's a snapshot view of what your vacation looks like, reserved in advance the way you want it.

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Make the most of it by reserving shore excursions at every port in your itinerary. There's an excursion for everyone, from adventure seekers to foodies, history buffs to animal lovers. This is your chance to get to the heart of the most exciting destinations of the world.

Do it with a one-of-a-kind adventure you'll never forget

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Reserve your table at any of our specialty restaurants, from our signature steakhouse Chops Grille to the imaginative curiosities of Wonderland Imaginative Cuisine. Enjoy additional savings of up to 40% off when you purchase one of our Specialty Dining Packages.

Plus, enjoy the convenience of selecting a dinner time that fits your schedule with My Time Dining.

Restaurants vary by ship.

Quench your thirst onboard with a beverage package that gets you the best value on your favorite drinks, from Coca-Cola® to fine wine, premium and frozen cocktails to a full selection of beers, fruit juices to Evian® water.

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Stay connected while onboard with VOOM - the fastest internet at sea. Share your adventure and upload content to Facebook and Instagram, post videos to YouTube, tweet on Twitter, and have face‑to‑face conversations via Google Hangouts and Skype. Plus, you can even stream movies, games and apps via your personal accounts with DIRECTV, Netflix, Hulu and more. VOOM makes staying in the loop easy and affordable.

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Relive the memories from your vacation with professional photos of your favorite moments onboard. Our photographers capture the joy of your adventure — from embarkation to formal night — and all the fun in between. Plus you’ll enjoy savings of up to 20% when you purchase a print or digital package before you sail.

At the Vitality SM Spa, relaxation and rejuvenation rule. Indulge with a variety of treatments that will leave you feeling like new. Pamper yourself with invigorating massage therapies, body wraps and facials. Give yourself the gift of youth with medi-spa treatments such as BOTOX® and Dysport®.

Glam up for formal night with a new hairdo and a mani-pedi. With treatments for everyone from couples, teens and men, you're bound to find at least one amazing indulgence at our spa.

The gorgeous view isn't the only thing that will dazzle you onboard our innovative cruise ships. Our complimentary shows are sure to entertain you from beginning to end.

Sit back and enjoy a variety of incredible productions, including award-winning musicals from Broadway and the West End, original Vegas-style productions, live comedy acts, and aquatic and ice shows.

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Paris/Normandy (Le Havre), France

Description.

Perhaps no other place in France holds more associations for English-speaking visitors than Normandy. The historic Allied landings on D-Day - 6 June, 1944 - live on in the memories of British and Americans alike. Nor has Le Havre forgotten the dark days of the war. The port was nearly completely destroyed during the Normandy campaign. Today, Le Havre is France's second largest port and the gateway to Paris, "City of Light," the Norman countryside, and the historic landing beaches. Travelers usually head for the historic landing sites or to Paris. Yet Le Havre was designated a World Heritage Site in 2005. The Musee des Beaux Arts Andre Malraux boasts one of the finest collections of Impressionist painting in the world.

Points of Interest

  • Eiffel Tower
  • Champs-Élysées & Arc de Triomphe
  • Musée d'Orsay/Louvre
  • D-Day Beaches/American Cemetery
  • Rouen & Cathedral

Versailles Palace & Gardens

More about paris/normandy (le havre), france points of interest.

The Eiffel Tower is one of the tallest structures in Paris, located on the Champ de Mars. Named for its designer, engineer Gustave Eiffel, the tower was built as the entrance arch to the 1889 World's Fair.

Known as "La plus belle avenue du monde" ("The most beautiful avenue in the world"), the Champs-Élysées boasts luxury specialty shops, cafés and the Arc de Triomphe, the world's largest triumphal arch.

The Musée d'Orsay houses the most comprehensive collection of Impressionists in the world. Across the Seine is the Louvre with such works as the Venus de Milo and the Mona Lisa.

Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris ("Our Lady of Paris") was one of the first Gothic cathedrals, and is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture in France and in Europe.

The Normandy American Cemetery honors the soldiers who lost their lives in WWII, most of whom died in the D-Day landings on five beaches on the coast of Normandy.

The capital of Upper Normandy is home to the highest spire in France, Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Rouen, a Roman Catholic Gothic cathedral immortalized by Claude Monet in his paintings.

The small town of Honfleur surrounds a little 17th-century harbor in Normandy, and is known for its old, picturesque port, houses with slate-covered frontages, historic buildings and churches.

Versailles was designed as a palatial center of government for Louis XIV. Its garden is the most famous in the world featuring huge parterres, an orangery, and grand fountains.

25 Excursions

Best of paris.

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From $ 219.95

Best of Paris (Wheelchair Accessible)

Wheelchair Accessible, Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal

Lo Mejor De París (Guiado En Español)

Paris city drive & seine river cruise.

Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity, Includes meal

From $ 259.95

Normandy Landing Beaches

Moderate Activity, Includes meal

From AUD$ 449.95

Monet's Home & Rouen

From $ 199.95

Mont Saint Michel

Strenuous Activity

From $ 169.95

WWII Canadian Landing Beaches

From $ 209.95

The Louvre Museum

Shopping Opportunities, Strenuous Activity, Includes meal

From $ 294.95

Paris On Your Own

Shopping Opportunities, Easy Activity

From $ 139.95

Rouen & Notre Dame Cathedral of Rouen

Shopping Opportunities, Moderate Activity

From $ 94.95

Romantic Honfleur

Local connections: home cooking with seasoned chef.

Easy Activity, Includes meal

From $ 269.95

Local Connections: A Taste Of Normandy

From $ 104.95

National Geographic Day Tour – Paris, the City of Book Lovers

From $ 479.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (with Driver/Guide)

Easy Activity

From $ 2599.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (with Driver/Guide)

From $ 2299.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (with Driver/Guide)

From $ 1899.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (with Driver/Guide)

From $ 1599.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Van Class Full Day (Driver Only)

From $ 1759.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Car Class Full Day (Driver Only)

From $ 2034.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Van Class Half Day (Driver Only)

From $ 1394.95

Le Havre by Private Vehicle - Car Class Half Day (Driver Only)

From $ 1319.95

Easy Paris & Airport Transfer

Moderate Activity

From $ 184.95

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Cruise Lines Are Rerouting Voyages From Baltimore Following Bridge Collapse — What to Know

Prior to the collapse, the port was home to three major cruise lines: Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian Cruise Line.

royal caribbean normandy excursions

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Cruise lines sailing out of Baltimore are working to make alternative arrangements following Tuesday’s fatal bridge collapse.

All ship operations at the Port of Baltimore have been suspended after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday morning, causing it to collapse, according to the White House . Six workers who were on the bridge at the time remain missing and are presumed dead, according to The New York Times .

On Wednesday, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line told Travel + Leisure it temporarily moved its sailings on the Carnival Legend to Norfolk, Virginia. The company will provide a complimentary bus service from Norfolk back to Baltimore when the ship returns from its current voyage on Sunday for passengers who boarded in Baltimore prior to the collapse.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, the president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a statement. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden… to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.”

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line, which first launched cruises from the Maryland port last year , told T+L the company isn’t scheduled to return to the port until September. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic incident that recently took place in Baltimore. Our sincerest thoughts are with the community and all those affected,” the Norwegian spokesperson told T+L. “At this time there is no impact to our itineraries, as we do not have any voyages scheduled to depart from the city until later this year in September and October. We will remain in contact with the Port of Baltimore and provide updates to our guests and travel partners if anything changes. In the meantime, we wish the city of Baltimore strength during this very unfortunate event.”

A representative for Royal Caribbean did not immediately respond to a request for comment on its plans from T+L. But the company told The Washington Post it was “closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: What to do if you booked cruise out of Baltimore

royal caribbean normandy excursions

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has crippled transportation around Baltimore and caused people to scramble to find alternatives.

After Tuesday's disaster, drivers have had to find alternate routes to get into Baltimore, and vessel traffic was suspended indefinitely from the Port of Baltimore, causing people who booked cruises to wonder what's next.

What happened to the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore?

A major span critical to East Coast shipping collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a large cargo ship.

The  cargo ship Dali  struck the Key bridge around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday after experiencing electrical problems, officials said. The  984-foot ship sailing  under the flag of Singapore was slated to arrive early next month in Sri Lanka, according to MarineTraffic, a global ship tracking service. The bridge then collapsed into the Patapsco River.

Which cruise lines dock at the Port of Baltimore?

According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the industry’s leading trade group, published itineraries in the 2024 calendar year include a dozen ships making 115 stops in Baltimore. Carnival Cruise Line, American Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International have cruises scheduled to leave the port.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse: Cargo ship hits bridge in Baltimore, causing collapse. Here's what we know so far

What are cruise lines doing with the Port of Baltimore closed?

Carnival Cruise Line said Tuesday it's temporarily moving Carnival Legend's Baltimore operations to Norfolk, Virginia.

Carnival Legend is scheduled to return from its current voyage on Sunday, March 31. It will now return to Norfolk, Virginia, on Sunday. Passengers will be provided complimentary bus service back to Baltimore. Carnival Legend’s next seven-day itinerary on March 31 will then operate from and return to Norfolk. Guests on the current and upcoming cruises are being informed of this change. 

Carnival Pride has a trip scheduled for April 28. The cruise line has not yet shared plans for Carnival Pride.

“Our thoughts remain with the impacted families and first responders in Baltimore,” Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said in a release. “We appreciate the pledge made by President Biden today to dedicate all available resources to reopen Baltimore Harbor to marine traffic as soon as possible. As those plans are finalized, we will update our future cruise guests on when we will return home to Baltimore, but in the meantime, we appreciate the quick response and support from officials in Norfolk.” 

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean’s  Vision of the Seas  has a roundtrip itinerary scheduled to depart Baltimore on April 12, according to the cruise line’s website. 

 “We are deeply saddened by the tragedy and collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and extend our heartfelt prayers to all those impacted,” a spokesperson for the line said in an email to USA TODAY. “We are closely monitoring the situation, and our port logistics team is currently working on alternatives for Vision of the Seas’ ongoing and upcoming sailings.”

American Cruise Line

American Cruise Lines  has roundtrip sailings from Baltimore scheduled in May, according to its website.

“We will monitor the situation and make adjustments to future cruises if needed, but at present our schedules remain unaffected, and our thoughts remain with those affected by the immediate situation and rescue efforts underway,” an American Cruise Lines spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian doesn't have a booking out of Baltimore until September on Norwegian Sky . The cruise line is in contact with the port and will contact passengers and travel partners if changes are made.

Alternate driving routes for the Baltimore bridge

Drivers going from Wilmington to Baltimore or Washington should take I-95 (Fort McHenry Tunnel) or I-895 (Baltimore Harbor Tunnel) to avoid the collapsed bridge. However, the Maryland Transportation Authority notes there are  some exceptions .

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials, including more than 10 pounds of propane, are not allowed in the tunnels. Additionally, vehicles more than 13 feet and 6 inches high or 8 feet wide may not use the I-895 Baltimore Harbor Tunnel. Vehicles more than 14 feet and 6 inches high or 11 feet wide may not use the I-95 Fort McHenry Tunnel. 

Those vehicles should use the western portion of I-695 instead.

Anthony DiMattia, Eve Chen and Nathan Diller contributed to this story.

royal caribbean normandy excursions

Cars, sugar and cruises: How the Port of Baltimore closure could hurt the economy

T he bridge collapse that has indefinitely halted the flow of ships in and out of the Port of Baltimore could hurt the local economy, strain supply chains and scramble deliveries along the US East Coast.

The Key Bridge collapsed after a container vessel called Dali collided with one of its supports. Dali is operated by Singapore-based Synergy Group but had been chartered to carry cargo by Danish shipping giant Maersk.

The Port of Baltimore said in a post on X that vessel traffic was suspended until further notice, but trucks were still being processed at its terminals.

Seven container vessels were scheduled to arrive in Baltimore through Saturday, according to Judah Levine, head of research at logistics firm Freightos.

“We are omitting Baltimore on all our services for the foreseeable future, until it is deemed safe for passage through this area,” Maersk said in a statement. It said it would discharge cargo destined for Baltimore in other ports nearby, but warned customers that could mean delays.

Closer to the Midwest than any other port on the East Coast, Baltimore is a major hub for vehicles, containers and commodities. Baltimore ranks first among US ports for autos and light trucks, handling a record 850,000 vehicles last year.

“Last year, we received, processed and shipped approximately 100,000 vehicles through Baltimore for US dealers located in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic US,” Volkswagen said in a statement, adding that its facility is on the seaboard side of the Key Bridge. “We do not anticipate any impact on vessel operations but there may be trucking delays as traffic will be rerouted in the area.”

BMW said its import terminal is also situated outside the harbor entrance and remains accessible. GM ( GM ) said it was working to reroute vehicle shipments to other ports, while Toyota said the closure would have some impact on exports, but it did not expect significant disruption.

Traffic snarls and shipping congestion

Nationwide Financial markets economist Oren Klachkin said in a note Tuesday that the bridge collapse threatened “to disrupt logistics activity up and down the east coast.”

Part of that could be because of traffic tie-ups on the Interstate 95 corridor, a major artery for traffic along the East Coast.

While many of the 30,000 to 35,000 cars and trucks that used the Key Bridge daily can be rerouted through the tunnels, that will cause traffic delays. And hazardous materials that are not allowed in the tunnels will be diverted on a longer detour.

Rerouting cargo to Philadelphia, Norfolk or the Port of New York/New Jersey could push up trucking and rail prices if the volumes are significant, and could cause some congestion at those alternative ports, said Levine.

“If some congestion does develop, and vessels are kept waiting, it could cause delays for importers using these ports. Congestion could also put some upward pressure on Asia - US East Coast and transatlantic freight rates,” he added.

Freight rates on transatlantic routes are roughly back at 2019 levels following a spike during the pandemic. But prices for trips heading from Asia to the US East Coast are more than double their March 2019 level because attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have forced vessels to divert around Africa rather than using the Suez Canal.

Other East Coast ports should have enough capacity to handle the ships normally calling on Baltimore, said Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody’s Analytics. But unexpected disruption at those other ports could cause problems.

“This removes the margin for error,” he said.

US economy will be spared

Despite potential for some increased cost of shipping, Zandi said the disruptions aren’t likely to cause problems for the US economy as a whole since the goods are likely to find other ports.

“This specific event should not show up in the national economic statistics,” he said. “It complicates things. But there’s already a lot disruptions in the international supply chain.”

Part of the issue determining the potential added costs to shipping is the unknown of how long the port stays closed.

It’s too early to say when ships will begin calling on the port once again, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said Monday.

“Right now our exclusive focus is on saving lives, our exclusive focus is on search and rescue,” he said at a news conference.

There is a relatively narrow channel through the center of the Patapsco River which is deep enough to allow large ships such as container ships, cruise ships and car carriers to pass. So clearing that pathway of debris could allow the port to reopen, even as crews continue to work to remove other debris that fell into the river.

President Joe Biden vowed Tuesday that the federal government will assist to get the port reopened as quickly as possible, although he also would not give any time frame for when that might happen.

“Fifteen thousand jobs depend on that port. And we’re going to do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers,” he said.

Rebuilding Baltimore

So while it could take years to rebuild the bridge — Moore described the process as “a long-term build” and one without a timeline as of yet, removing the debris is likely to be a priority and could be accomplished much faster.

Overall, Baltimore ranks as the ninth biggest US port for international cargo. It handled a record 52.3 million tons, valued at $80.8 billion, in 2023. According to the Maryland state government, the port supports 15,330 direct jobs and 139,180 jobs in related services.

Baltimore is also the leading US port for farming and construction machinery, as well as imports of sugar and gypsum, and the second in the country for exporting coal.

“While Baltimore is not one of the largest US East Coast ports, it still imports and exports more than one million containers each year, so there is the potential for this to cause significant disruption to supply chains,” said Emily Stausbøll, market analyst at Norway-based shipping analytics company Xeneta.

One of the key manufacturers located at the Baltimore harbor is the Domino Sugar refinery, the 115-year old facility that the company says is the largest cane sugar refinery in the Western hemisphere. One of the oldest manufacturers in the city, its Domino Sugar sign is a well-known Baltimore landmark.

The refinery takes raw sugar imported by ship and refines it into various products. Company officials did not respond to questions about the inventory of raw sugar the refinery has on hand, nor its operational plan during the shutdown of the port.

Baltimore also has a cruise terminal, serving ships operated by Royal Caribbean ( RCL ), Carnival and Norwegian ( NCLH ). Cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the port last year.

Reporting first quarter earnings Wednesday, Carnival Corp. ( CCL ) said it estimated the temporary closure of the port could cost it $10 million in full-year profit.

Royal Caribbean said that its port logistics team was working on alternatives for ongoing and upcoming sailings of Vision of the Seas and would communicate any. updates to guests and travel partners once plans had been finalized.

While the collapse of the bridge will cause traffic jams and headaches for the Baltimore region and temporary loss of business at the port, the money that will eventually be spent rebuilding the bridge will provide an form of economic stimulus to the city, even if that doesn’t start anytime soon.

“It’s like a natural disaster. It’s highly disruptive in the immediate term, but then you get rebuilding and it adds to economic activity,” said Zandi.

Hanna Ziady, Peter Valdes-Dapena, Anna Cooban, Rob North and Sugam Pokharel contributed to this article.

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The cargo ship Dali is seen after running into and collapsing the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. Rescuers are searching for at least seven people, authorities say, while two others have been pulled from the Patapsco River. - Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

royal caribbean normandy excursions

The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti amid fresh gang violence in the country, which declared a state of emergency last week.

While neither the warnings nor violence are entirely new – Haiti has been a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination in State Department travel advisories since before the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse – a spate of recent high-profile attacks, including an attempt by armed gangs to seize control of the country’s main international airport, has sparked renewed urgency. 

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a security alert issued Sunday. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens is severely limited.”

The U.S. military stepped in to airlift American personnel “into and out of the Embassy” to augment security, U.S. Southern Command said Sunday in a statement to USA TODAY. The embassy is also coordinating assisted departure flights "through non-commercial means" for U.S. citizens, according to its website .

Helicopter rides from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic are available, and the country also "indicated they will allow U.S. citizens to enter" through a land border with a valid passport, according to a State Department advisory . The airport in Cap-Haitien has "limited commercial flight activity" as well, the advisory said.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Americans in Haiti can fill out crisis intake forms and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program program for updates. 

Here’s what airlines and cruise lines are doing about trips to Haiti:

Haiti violence: Military airlifts American personnel out of embassy as Haiti spirals into violence

Are there direct flights to Haiti?

Three U.S. airlines typically operate direct flights to Haiti: American, JetBlue and Spirit. However, all three have temporarily suspended service and issued travel waivers for the Caribbean destination.

◾ American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, through, or from Port-au-Prince (PAP) through April 1 may modify flights without paying change fees. Changes must be made by April 1 with the same origin and destination cities as the original booking.

◾ JetBlue Airways is waiving change and cancellation fees for travelers with flights scheduled to and from Port-au-Prince through April 15. Changes can be made through April 30.

◾ Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from, or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Travelers should rebook by April 30. After that, the airline said change fees would still be waived, but fare differences may apply.

Is Royal Caribbean still going to Haiti?

Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises normally sail to Labadee, Haiti , a private destination roughly six hours away from Port-au-Prince by car. However Royal Caribbean is skipping several previously scheduled stops, in coming days.

The following sailings will not go to Labadee.

  • Adventure of the Seas: 3/15 sailing 
  • Mariner of the Seas: 3/16 sailing
  • Explorer of the Seas: 3/17 sailing 
  • Oasis of the Seas: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7 and 4/14 sailings
  • Symphony of the Seas: 3/17, 3/23, 3/31, 4/6, 4/14, 4/20 and 4/28 sailings
  • Grandeur of the Seas: 3/18 sailing 
  • Independence of the Seas: 4/4, 4/8, 4/18 and 4/22 sailings

"The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly."

As recently as March 11, the cruise line had not canceled any sailings to Labadee, but was keeping a close on the situation while noting that it had private security in the area, which was closed to the public.

It doesn’t look like any Celebrity cruises are scheduled there until fall.

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

Eve Chen is a travel reporter  for USA TODAY based in Atlanta. You can reach her at [email protected].

pearl island cabana

Bahamian Capital Adventures

Nassau shore excursions.

One of the best ways to explore this stunning destination is through its shore excursions. From thrilling adventures to cultural experiences, Nassau has it all. Let's take a closer look at some of the top Nassau, Bahamas shore excursions you should consider.

For families seeking an aquatic expedition, the Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark stands as a premier destination. This sprawling waterpark offers thrilling water slides, lazy river rides, and a mesmerizing aquarium filled with marine life. Families can bond over the excitement of the waterpark's various attractions, creating cherished memories in a vibrant and tropical setting.

If you're a fan of marine life, the Dip 'N Discover dolphin interaction is an activity you won't want to miss. This interactive experience allows you to get up close and personal with dolphins in a natural lagoon setting. Learn about their behaviors, participate in hands-on activities and even enjoy a swim with these incredible creatures.

History and cultural enthusiasts can explore Nassau's rich heritage through the Nassau walking tour. Guided tours take participants through the city's historic districts, showcasing landmarks like the Government House, Queen's Staircase and Fort Fincastle. Families, couples and seniors can absorb the charm of Nassau's colonial architecture while gaining insights into the island's past.

If you're looking for a journey on the high seas, the Blackbeard's Pirate Revenge ship adventure is the excursion for you. Step aboard a replica of a 17th-century pirate ship and set sail on an unforgettable journey. Enjoy swashbuckling activities, watch thrilling performances and even have a chance to fire the ship's cannons. This excursion is great for families and those with an adventurous spirit.

When it comes to food, Nassau doesn't disappoint. The Junkanoo Carnaval Village food excursion offers a taste of the local cuisine and a glimpse into the vibrant Junkanoo culture. Sample delicious Bahamian dishes like conch fritters, jerk chicken and coconut pie while enjoying live music and dance performances. This excursion is a food lover's paradise and a fantastic way to indulge in the flavors of the Bahamas.

Snorkeling enthusiasts can dive into the crystal-clear waters surrounding Nassau for an underwater adventure. The crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean are home to beautiful coral reefs and a variety of marine life. Join a snorkeling excursion and dive into this underwater paradise, where you can swim alongside colorful fish, sea turtles and even encounter friendly dolphins.

For those who enjoy a good drink, a rum-tasting excursion is a great way to experience the flavors of the Bahamas. Visit local distilleries and learn about the process of rum-making while sampling different varieties of this beloved spirit. Whether you prefer light and fruity rum or rich and intense flavors, this excursion is sure to delight your taste buds.

For a day of relaxation and sun-soaked beaches, Pearl Island Beach is the perfect destination. Take a short boat ride to this private island paradise and bask in the golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or simply unwind with a refreshing drink in hand.

Nassau, Bahamas offers a wide range of shore excursions that cater to every interest and age group. From thrilling water parks to cultural tours, underwater explorations and even culinary delights, there's something for everyone in this Caribbean paradise. So, whether you're planning a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a seniors retreat, Nassau is the perfect destination to create unforgettable memories through its exciting shore excursions.

Experience Nassau Shore Excursions with these sailings

labadee haiti zipline coast

Complete your adventure with these shore excursions

atlantis dip n discover woman and child boy playing with dolphin

IMAGES

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  6. The Most Thrilling Shore Experiences On A Royal Caribbean Cruise

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COMMENTS

  1. The Beaches Of Normandy

    Boston, Massachusetts. Los Angeles, California . Barcelona, Spain . Singapore, Singapore . Seattle, Washington. Rome, Italy. Explore The Beaches Of Normandy shore excursions with Royal Caribbean. Start planning your next vacation by finding the best things to do on your cruise.

  2. Cruises to Cherbourg, France

    Cruise to Cherbourg, France. Cherbourg, France. Situated on a peninsula that juts into the English Channel, the French city of Cherbourg serves up bountiful ocean views and a deep history. Cherbourg-Normandy cruises give you access to the docks where the Titanic made one of its final stops before its fateful voyage.

  3. Le Havre Shore Excursion Reviews

    Le Grignot: Le Grignot, a bistro also in the heart of Le Havre, has indoor and outdoor dining and a menu that changes with the seasons. (53 rue Racine; 02 35 43 62 07; open noon to 2 p.m. and 7 p ...

  4. Le Havre cruise port

    Cruises arriving in Le Havre. This article is for people who spend a few hours on a cruise ship. You can arrive with : MSC Cruises (by the way, if you need help choosing your drink packages on an MSC cruise, see this guide) Royal Caribbean; Aida … or with a river cruise on the Seine; Main options - Shore Excursions from Le Havre in Normandy

  5. Royal caribbean Normandy excursions

    Just wondering if Royal usually does an excursion to Normandy Beaches or do we need to book from a local tour company. Doing Transatlantic in April 2024 and so far only ship excursion in Le Havre is Paris on you own. ... Royal caribbean Normandy excursions Royal caribbean Normandy excursions. By sgk2000, September 2, 2023 in France Ports. Share

  6. Shore Excursions & Cruise Guided Tours

    DESTINATIONS. CRUISE PORTS. PERFECT DAY AT COCOCAY. LAST MINUTE CRUISES. Royal Caribbean shore excursions make it easy to immerse yourself in each vibrant port you visit. Land tours, Europe excursions, private tours for small groups, exclusive shore trips, snorkel and scuba excursions, and more.

  7. 7 Best Things To Do in Cherbourg Port

    Ravalet Castle (Château des Ravalet) - The famous Renaissance castle is located a 15-minute drive from Cherbourg port. It was built in the 16th century by Lord Ravalet and is surrounded by splendid gardens (Parc du Château des Ravalet). Cherbourg's Bassin du Commerce and a fishing port. Source: Creative Commons.

  8. Normandy excursion from cruise ship

    Normandy excursion from cruise ship. 7 years ago. Save. We are on a Royal Caribbean Cruise in April of this year. We have a one day visit in Paris. I was wondering what thoughts you have on taking a Normandy excursion from the cruise. It is a 10 hr trip starting 8:00 am. We leave port at 9:00 pm The bus ride is 2.5 hrs each way.

  9. Royal Caribbean excursion here should not be missed

    Mont Saint-Michel & Normandy Tour - Emi Travel Paris: Royal Caribbean excursion here should not be missed - See 457 traveler reviews, 521 candid photos, and great deals for Paris, France, at Tripadvisor.

  10. THE TOP 10 Le Havre Shore Tours (w/Prices)

    8. Discover the City of Lights while in port in Le Havre with this full-day shore excursion. Enjoy hassle-free pickup from your cruise port and travel to Paris in the comfort of a private luxury vehicle. On arrival, meet your official tour guide and set out on a tour of Paris' most magical sights.

  11. Paris Shore Excursion Reviews

    Open Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Closed Saturday. (71, rue du Temple, 3rd; 33 1 53 01 86 53) Paris Walks offers two- and three-hour walking tours that range from the ...

  12. Cheap Normandy Royal Caribbean Cruises

    Find cheap Royal Caribbean cruises to Normandy on Tripadvisor. Search for great cruise deals and compare prices to help you plan your next Royal Caribbean cruise vacation to Normandy.

  13. The Best Tours to Visit the D-Day Beaches

    Website: normandy-sightseeing-tours.com. 3. D-Day Guided Tours. D-Day Guided Tours is a company led by Mathias Leclere, a local guide passionate about the history of the landing in Normandy. Mathias offers guided tours in English and French, allowing visitors of different nationalities to benefit from his expertise.

  14. D-Day Tours offered by RCCL

    The ship offers several shore excursions, but they are probably going to be large in size. The tours are called, "D-Day Landing Beaches", "D-Day Beaches and Bayeux Tapestry". and "The Beaches of Normandy". All are purportedly full day tours. The small group size tour offered by the ship is fully booked. I've tentatively booked "The Beaches of ...

  15. Royal Caribbean Cruise Planner

    There's so much to experience on a Royal Caribbean International cruise and we want to make sure you make the most of your time with us. Cruise Planner is available to help you pre-plan your vacation right after you've booked your cruise. Now you can plan ahead and reserve shore excursions, book specialty dining, schedule spa treatments and ...

  16. Paris Excursions

    Posted January 10, 2022. We are on the Anthem of The Seas May 2nd TA cruise. I have been following it since I booked it so I would be able to book a tour in Paris. The excursions are not open and SOLD OUT! The ship is 2hrs away from the city so this makes it hard to get to the main attractions. I guess we will need to book private tours.

  17. Best shore excursion in every Caribbean cruise port

    The River Tubing, Rainforest Drive, and Hibiscus Falls excursion offered by Royal Caribbean provides the best of Dominica's natural beauty with an active adventure. The tour begins with a tubing adventure and visit to Hibiscus Falls, a 40-foot waterfall leading to an emerald green pool perfect for taking a swim. Following a visit to the falls ...

  18. Cruises to Paris (Le Havre), France

    1 Take the time to stroll the streets of Paris and find restaurants, boutiques and bars hidden inside little nooks. 2 Scout for impressive views of the city by reaching the top decks of buildings and landmarks. 3 Sample Parisian desserts beyond macarons and chocolate-filled croissants. Try local sables or pates de fruits.

  19. Excursions

    The port was nearly completely destroyed during the Normandy campaign. Today, Le Havre is France's second largest port and the gateway to Paris, "City of Light," the Norman countryside, and the historic landing beaches. Travelers usually head for the historic landing sites or to Paris. Yet Le Havre was designated a World Heritage Site in 2005.

  20. Royal Caribbean is working on options for its cruise ships following

    Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more. Our goal has been to provide our readers with expansive coverage of all aspects of the Royal Caribbean experience.

  21. MOAA

    Upcoming MOAA Signature Cruises & Tours: 2024. Paris and Normandy - 80th Anniversary of D-Day. Roundtrip Paris, 7 nights. First Cruise: June 2-9, 2024 - SOLD OUT ... Royal Caribbean Webinar - Thursday, March 21, 3 p.m. Eastern ; Viking River Cruises - Thursday, April 11, 3 p.m. Eastern; Atlas Ocean Voyages Webinar - Thursday, April 18, ...

  22. Cruise Lines Are Rerouting Voyages From Baltimore Following ...

    Royal Caribbean Cancels 4 Sailings Amid Omicron Spread — What to Know Carnival Cruise Line Just Canceled 5 Sailings on Newest Ship in 2023 — Here's Why U.S. Cruising Docked Until 2021 As Major ...

  23. What shore excursion tours are offered?

    What kind of shore excursion tours are offered on Royal Caribbean? A. Royal Caribbean's excursions include: Adventure Tours - Looking for a real adventure? These excursions have you covered. Horseback riding, mountain biking, parasailing, rain forest hiking, and 4x4 off-roading are just a few examples of what you can do.

  24. The 7 Most Romantic Cruises for Couples to Take in 2024

    These luxury cruises are here to blow your mind with amenities such as private butler service, world-class spas, delicious cuisine (hello, 24/7 complimentary caviar!) and palatial cabins with ...

  25. How Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse impacts Baltimore cruise port

    A major span critical to East Coast shipping collapsed early Tuesday morning after it was struck by a large cargo ship. The cargo ship Dali struck the Key bridge around 1:40 a.m. Tuesday after ...

  26. Cars, sugar and cruises: How the Port of Baltimore closure could ...

    Baltimore also has a cruise terminal, serving ships operated by Royal Caribbean , Carnival and Norwegian . Cruises carrying more than 444,000 passengers departed from the port last year.

  27. France Cruises: Cruise to The French Riviera

    Quaint cobblestone streets, designer shopping, Italian inspired cuisine and the Mediterranean ocean are calling you to the beautiful Southern France ports of Brest, Nice, Toulon, Marseille and Sete on a cruise to France. Rotterdam, Netherlands. Amsterdam, Netherlands. Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy. Barcelona, Spain.

  28. Royal Caribbean cancels Australia cruise last minute due to propulsion

    Before Royal Caribbean cancelled sailings on Radiance of the Seas, guests on the prior itinerary had stated hearing strange noises overnight while the ship was sailing to Seward, Alaska. While Royal Caribbean intended to conduct the subsequent sailing on September 8, 2023, that sailing was also cancelled due to the maintenance problem.

  29. Haiti travel: What airlines, Royal Caribbean are doing amid violence

    Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises normally sail to Labadee, Haiti, a private destination roughly six hours away from Port-au-Prince by car. However Royal Caribbean is skipping ...

  30. Nassau, Bahamas Shore Excursions

    Take a short boat ride to this private island paradise and bask in the golden sands and crystal-clear waters. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing or simply unwind with a refreshing drink in hand. Nassau, Bahamas offers a wide range of shore excursions that cater to every interest and age group. From thrilling water parks to cultural tours, underwater ...