Best Princess Tours for a 7-Day May Cruise

So, you're planning an amazing 7-day cruise on the [Sky Princess](/ships/princess-cruises/sky-princess) for May 9th and want to know the best tours to book? That's a fantastic choice! May is a wonderful time to set sail, with pleasant weather in many top destinations.

While specific itineraries can change year to year, the types of incredible shore excursions available on a 7-day [Princess Cruises](/cruise-lines/princess-cruises) sailing remain consistently excellent. We'll use some real examples of popular 7-day Princess sailings in May to give you a port-by-port guide to the most unforgettable tours you can experience.

Whether your cruise takes you to the rugged glaciers of Alaska, the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, or the ancient ruins of the Mediterranean, we've got you covered with top-tier recommendations.

Key Takeaways: Must-Do Princess Excursions

• For Alaska Cruises: Prioritize once-in-a-lifetime tours. Think glacier helicopter landings in Juneau, the historic White Pass Railway in Skagway, or a flightseeing tour over the Misty Fjords from Ketchikan.
• On a Caribbean Itinerary: Aim for a mix of adventure and culture. Combine a thrilling cave tubing experience in Belize with a fascinating journey to the Mayan ruins in Cozumel, and save time for a relaxing beach day in Roatán.
• For Mediterranean Sailings: Immerse yourself in history and local flavor. Exploring the ancient city of Ephesus from Kusadasi or the preserved ruins of Pompeii from Naples are essential experiences.
• Book in Advance: High-demand tours, especially unique Alaskan adventures, fill up months ahead of time. Booking through your Princess Cruise Planner as soon as you can is highly recommended to avoid disappointment.

Top Shore Excursions for a 7-Day Alaska Itinerary

An Alaskan cruise is all about breathtaking landscapes and unique wildlife encounters. In May, you're visiting at the start of the season, which means fewer crowds and stunning, snow-capped scenery. A great example of a typical itinerary is the 7-day 'Inside Passage' cruise on the [Star Princess](/ships/princess-cruises/star-princess), departing from Seattle on May 3, 2026.

Here are the must-do tours for the classic ports on [Alaska cruises](/destinations/alaska).

Juneau: Glaciers, Whales, and Treetop Adventures

Juneau is a port where you should absolutely invest in a memorable excursion, as the most impressive sights are outside the town itself.

* Mendenhall Glacier Helicopter Tour: This is the ultimate Alaskan splurge. You'll not only get an incredible aerial view of the Juneau Icefield but also land directly on the Mendenhall Glacier to walk on the ancient ice. It's an unforgettable experience.

* Whale Watching & Wildlife Quest: May is a prime time for whale watching. Join a tour on a smaller vessel for a more intimate experience. You're almost guaranteed to see humpback whales, and you might also spot orcas, sea lions, and bald eagles.

* Mount Roberts Tramway: For a more independent and budget-friendly option, the tramway located right near the port whisks you 1,800 feet up for panoramic views of the Gastineau Channel and surrounding mountains.

Skagway: Gold Rush History and a Scenic Railway

Skagway transports you back to the Klondike Gold Rush of the 1890s. The town itself is a perfectly preserved historic district, but the real star is the surrounding landscape.

* White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad: This is arguably the most popular shore excursion in all of Alaska. This narrow-gauge railway, built during the Gold Rush, climbs nearly 3,000 feet over 20 miles, offering breathtaking views of mountains, gorges, and waterfalls. Book this as early as possible.

* Dog Sledding on a Glacier: Another bucket-list tour, this often involves a helicopter ride up to a remote glacier where you'll meet professional mushers and their teams of Alaskan huskies for a thrilling ride across the snow.

* Gold Rush History & Gold Panning: Immerse yourself in the town's history with a guided tour that ends with a chance to pan for gold in a local creek. It's a fun, family-friendly activity.

Ketchikan: Salmon, Totems, and Rainforests

Known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," Ketchikan is a vibrant port rich in Native Alaskan culture and surrounded by the Tongass National Forest.

* Misty Fjords National Monument Flightseeing: The Misty Fjords are often called the "Yosemite of the North." The best way to see these dramatic, glacier-carved cliffs and waterfalls is from above on a seaplane tour.

* Totem Bight State Historical Park: Discover the world's largest collection of standing totem poles. A guided tour here provides fascinating insight into the Tlingit and Haida cultures.

* The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show: A high-energy and entertaining show right in town, this is a perfect activity if you have limited time or are looking for something fun for the whole family.

Must-Do Tours on a 7-Day Western Caribbean Cruise

The Caribbean is synonymous with sun, sand, and sea, but a Western Caribbean itinerary offers so much more, with rich history and incredible natural wonders. A perfect example is the 7-day cruise on the [Regal Princess](/ships/princess-cruises/regal-princess) from Fort Lauderdale, departing May 2, 2026.

Cozumel, Mexico: Ancient Ruins and Underwater Wonders

Cozumel is a versatile port that serves as a gateway to the Yucatán Peninsula's treasures.

* Mayan Ruins Exploration (Tulum or Chichen Itza): Journey back in time by visiting one of the iconic Mayan archaeological sites. Tulum offers stunning cliffside views over the Caribbean, while Chichen Itza (a longer day) is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. These are full-day, immersive tours.

* Snorkeling or Diving at Palancar Reef: Cozumel is world-famous for its coral reefs. Join a catamaran or boat tour to the Palancar or Colombia reefs for crystal-clear water teeming with colorful fish and marine life.

* All-Inclusive Beach Club Day: If relaxation is your goal, book a day pass to a beach club like Mr. Sanchos or Nachi Cocom. For a set price, you get access to a beautiful beach, pool, chairs, food, and drinks.

Belize City, Belize: Cave Tubing and Barrier Reefs

Belize is an eco-adventurer's paradise. The port is a tender port, meaning the ship anchors offshore and smaller boats take you to the pier.

* Cave Tubing and Ziplining: This is the signature tour in Belize. You'll hike through the rainforest, then float on an inner tube down a gentle river that flows through a series of spectacular limestone caves. It's often paired with a thrilling zipline course.

* Snorkeling the Belize Barrier Reef: The second-largest barrier reef in the world is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Take a high-speed boat out to a protected marine reserve like Shark Ray Alley for an incredible snorkeling experience.

* Lamanai Mayan Ruins: This tour involves a scenic riverboat ride where you can spot monkeys, crocodiles, and exotic birds on your way to one of Belize's most impressive and remote Mayan sites.

Roatán, Honduras: Pristine Beaches and Wildlife

Roatán is a lush, beautiful island known for its stunning beaches and accessible wildlife encounters.

* Sloth and Monkey Sanctuaries: Get up close and personal with some of the region's most adorable residents. Several sanctuaries on the island allow you to hold a sloth and interact with playful monkeys—a guaranteed highlight.

* West Bay Beach Day: Often cited as one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, West Bay offers pristine white sand, calm turquoise water, and a reef just offshore for easy snorkeling.

* Catamaran Sail & Snorkel: Spend a few hours sailing along the coast of Roatán on a spacious catamaran. These tours typically include a stop for snorkeling, an open bar, and light snacks.

Unforgettable Excursions on a 7-Day Mediterranean Sailing

A 7-day [Mediterranean cruise](/destinations/mediterranean) is a whirlwind of ancient history, delicious food, and breathtaking coastal views. While many Princess Med cruises are longer, you can find 7-day segments, like the one offered on the new [Sun Princess](/ships/princess-cruises/sun-princess) from Rome, departing May 2, 2026.

Naples, Italy: History, Pizza, and a Famous Coastline

Naples is a bustling port with an incredible amount of history and beauty at its doorstep.

* The Ruins of Pompeii: A tour of this Roman city, perfectly preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., is a profound and moving experience. A guided tour is essential to understand the context of what you're seeing.

* Scenic Amalfi Coast Drive: For pure, jaw-dropping beauty, take a tour that winds along the famous Amalfi Coast, with stops in picturesque towns like Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello.

* Authentic Pizza-Making Class: Naples is the birthplace of pizza. What better souvenir than learning how to make an authentic Neapolitan pizza from a local expert? Plus, you get to eat your creation for lunch!

Kusadasi, Turkey: A Journey to Ancient Ephesus

This Turkish port is your gateway to one of the world's most magnificent archaeological sites.

* Ancient City of Ephesus: This is a non-negotiable, must-do tour. Walk the marble streets of this incredibly well-preserved Greco-Roman city. The Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the terraced houses are simply spectacular.

* House of the Virgin Mary: Located on a peaceful hill above Ephesus, this small stone house is believed to be the place where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. It's a serene and important pilgrimage site.

* Kusadasi Bazaar: After your historical tour, spend some time exploring the vibrant bazaar near the port for carpets, leather goods, spices, and souvenirs.

Mykonos, Greece: Windmills, Beaches, and Little Venice

Famous for its whitewashed villages and vibrant atmosphere, Mykonos is the quintessential Greek island.

* Mykonos Town & Little Venice Walking Tour: The best way to see the charming, labyrinthine streets of Mykonos Town is on foot. A guided tour will ensure you see the iconic windmills, Paraportiani Church, and the waterfront cafes of Little Venice.

* Delos Island Archaeological Site: Take a short boat ride to the sacred, uninhabited island of Delos, the mythological birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. It's one of the most important archaeological sites in Greece.

* Beach Transfer: If you'd rather soak up the sun, book a transfer to one of the island's famous beaches, like Paradise or Super Paradise, known for their lively party scenes, or the more relaxed Ornos or Platis Gialos.

Frequently Asked Questions About Princess Cruise Tours

Should I book excursions through Princess or independently?

Booking through Princess Cruises offers peace of mind. Your tour is vetted for quality, and they guarantee the ship will not leave without you. If your tour is late, they will wait or transport you to the next port at their expense. Independent tours can sometimes be cheaper or offer smaller group sizes, but you assume all the risk of getting back to the ship on time.

How much do shore excursions on Princess Cruises typically cost?

Prices vary widely by destination and activity level. You can expect to pay around $60-$100 per person for walking tours or beach transfers. Mid-range tours like catamaran sails or Mayan ruin visits often fall in the $100-$200 range. Premium, once-in-a-lifetime experiences like helicopter tours in Alaska can cost $400 or more per person.

What happens if my Princess-booked tour is late getting back to the ship?

This is the biggest advantage of booking through the cruise line. If your official Princess excursion is delayed for any reason (traffic, mechanical issues, etc.), the ship will wait for you. In the rare event it cannot wait, Princess will make all arrangements to get you to the next port of call at no cost to you.

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