Private Shore Trips Announces New Shore Excursions in Asia

The move reflects the expansion of cruise itineraries across Asia and an interest among discerning travelers for in-depth, customized shore excursions.

“Today's travelers want to see more, they want to do more, and they place a premium on being able to personalize their tours and itineraries to meet their needs and interests,” said Ken Diaz, Partner, Private Shore Trips. “With the growth in the cruise market in Asia, it was a natural next step for us to offer private, customizable tours to enable our guests to maximize their experiences whether at Victoria Harbor in Hong Kong or the Hanging Gardens in Mumbai.”

Travelers look to private shore excursions and city tours for personalized experiences and an in-depth exploration of local history and cultures that they cannot get from large group tours with several dozen other cruise ship passengers. More importantly, private guides enable travelers to engage with cities, towns and villages in new ways, learning where to shop, where to avoid, where to eat, even what to eat.

Among the new private shore excursions available through Private Shore Trips are:

Highlights of Kowloon Island (Hong Kong)

After meeting a guide at Hong Kong's Kai Tak cruise terminal, guests are taken by private car to the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, one of Hong Kong's top attractions, which is known to “make every wish come true.” Next, a visit to Kowloon Island's bustling markets, including the Bird Market, a must for exotic bird lovers, as well as the Jade and Flower Markets. Starts at $298 per person for two people.

Samui Adventure with Elephant Trek (Thailand)

Guests are picked up in Ko Samui (Nathon port) by a licensed English-speaking guide in a private car for an elephant ride at an elephant camp, followed by a traditional Thai lunch at a beach side restaurant. Other stops include a rubber plantation and a coconut plantation to see how monkeys are trained to help their owners and how coconut milk is made. Starts at $298 per person for two people.

Highlights of Mumbai (India)

This shore excursion begins with a private driving tour with stops at iconic sites throughout Mumbai, such as the Gateway of India, the Hanging Gardens and Chowpatty Beach, Mumbai's most famous beach. The private guide will then take guests to see the Dhobi Ghats, the traditional outdoor laundrymen, as well as the Gandhi Museum and the Prince of Wales Museum. Starts at $200 per person for two people.

Ho Chi Minh City Cultural Tour (Vietnam)

Guests are picked up from the port of Ho Chi Minh City by a private, licensed guide for a full-day shore tour to explore the local markets, as well as museums and historical sites to learn about the fall of Saigon. See local pagodas in the Cholon District and spend time in the bustling Binh Tay Markets before a typical Vietnamese lunch and private afternoon sightseeing. Starts at $222 per person for two people.

For travelers looking for highly customized tours and experiences, whether in Asia, the Mediterranean or the Baltic region, Private Shore Trips can do that, too. From transport by private helicopter or speed boat to private tours of attractions closed to the public, Private Shore Trips has the capabilities and know-how to take private tours and shore excursions to a level guests never dreamed possible.

About Private Shore Trips

Private Shore Trips is a division of Travels with Friends, LLC and is a U.S.-based travel company that was founded in 2001 by Steven Hurley and Roger Tinsman. The company offers private excursions to Mediterranean and Baltic ports, as well as parts in the Middle East and Asia. Private Shore Trips also offers private day tours in leading European cities, including Copenhagen and Amsterdam. For more on Private Shore Trips, visit www.PrivateShoreTrips.com.