Cruising is no longer a passive vacation of sailing and city bus tours.

Now it’s all about the up-close-and-active shore excursions.

More and more cruise lines are offering passengers immersive shore excursions.

On Princess Cruises, you can spend a day in the life of Alaskan crab fishermen, aboard the same vessel that appeared on the Discovery Channel program Deadliest Catch.

And, for $200, Princess also offers a hands-on glass blowing workshop where you make your own ornament.

On Royal Caribbean, you can participate in an Alaskan chef’s table, where you experience a five-course meal highlighting regional seafood specialties.

You’ll also hear of Alaskan history and bring home local recipes. And on Norwegian cruises, you can go beyond waving at dolphins from the deck.

Now, you can spend a day as a dolphin trainer in Cabo San Lucas, assisting experts in behavioral dolphin training for about $270 a person.

Read more about How to Find Great Shore Excursions on Your Cruise.

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