Fancy attending a private recital at a famous concert hall, kayaking on Ha Long Bay, or zip-lining in Alaska? These are just a few of the many fun activities I've done on recent cruises and that's hardly touching the surface of the huge range of shore excursions available across all cruise lines.

Azamara Club Cruises senior vice-president of marketing and sales Edie Bornstein was in Australia recently and she talked about passengers' increasing demand for "customised holidays". Azamara's AzAmazing Evening program is an extension of the boutique cruise line's policy of spending more time in ports, particularly overnight, so passengers can explore at their leisure or join a specially tailored AzAmazing Evening tour.

One of the extremely well-travelled Bornstein's favourite places is Villa Rufolo, in Ravello on Italy's Amalfi coast - and one of the evening tours offered is a private jazz concert at the Villa. The really good news is that there is no charge - the only requirement is that you book ahead, preferably online.

Heading to the top of the range would be touring Florence and Pisa in a Ferrari (yes, you drive it yourself). Crystal Cruises' passengers can opt for this (price on application). Or perhaps a more modestly priced (about $616) dog-sledding session on Mendenhall Glacier in Alaska with Princess Cruises is more your speed?

Voluntourism is also becoming popular with many cruise lines. For instance, Silversea's passengers can visit African elephants at the Mwaluganje Elephant Sanctuary in Kenya; and Holland America Line passengers can take part in Cruise with Purpose excursions, designed to give something back to communities in Alaska, Indonesia and Mexico, to name a few.

Prices for shore excursions vary. As always, it's best to check everything at the time of booking the cruise and book your shore tours in advance to avoid missing out.

sally.macmillan@fairfaxmedia.com.au

SHIPSHAPE

PACIFIC JEWEL

LAUNCHED: Built in 1989, entered service in Australia 2009. A mid-size resort ship.
PASSENGERS & CREW: 1950 (double occupancy); 712 crew.
DIGS:  832 cabins, including inside and window cabins that can accommodate four people, 200 with balconies, and 26 mini-suites.
REGULAR HAUNTS: Home port is Sydney; Pacific Islands; Australian east coast.
PERFECT FOR: Young families and groups looking for affordable holidays.
DINING: Plantation serves buffet-style meals; The Waterfront is open for a la carte breakfast, lunch and dinner;  and Luke Mangan’s Salt grill and La Luna are worth the extra charge.
PARTYING: Choose from nine bars, pubs and nightclubs.
DOING: Shows for adults and kids at The Marquee Theatre; the Pacific Cirque troupe; and the adults-only Sit Down Comedy Club. There are also theme nights, game shows, karaoke, deck games, a casino and daily activities.
DID YOU KNOW? You can save up to 40 per cent off Australian recommended retail prices on cosmetics, accessories and cameras at the tax- and duty-free shops. 
THE DETAILS: A Taste of Caledonia seven-night cruise visiting Noumea and the Isle of Pines, departing Sydney on January 18, costs from $872 (quad share) and $914 (twin share). 132494, pocruises.com.au.

DEALS

OFFER OF THE WEEK

Scenic Tours is offering free flights to Canada for bookings made by November 19 for its 2014 ‘‘22-Day Magnificent Canadian Rockies & Alaskan Cruise’’. Prices  from $11,145 a person include a seven-night Alaskan cruise,  two-day Rocky Mountaineer  trip,  accommodation, activities and gratuities. Offer limited. 1300723642, canada.scenictours.com.au.

OTHER DEALS

HOLLAND AMERICA LINE Save on the 16-day Great Barrier Reef cruise from Sydney to Singapore on MS Volendam, departing on November 23. From $2318.95 plus up to $300 on-board credit. 1300987322,  hollandamerica.com.au.

MSC CRUISES The first soccer World Cup cruise to Rio de Janeiro departs Miami on May 24, 2014. The 18-nighter on MS  Divina arrives in time for kick-off. From $1139. 1300028502,  msccruises.com.au.

SEA CLOUD CRUISES  Enjoy  early-bird rates on four-night  ‘‘taster’’ cruises between Vienna and Budapest on  the  River Cloud II. Fares from $920 for October31-November 4, 2014, and $1400 for April 6-10. Book by January 31. 1300583572, seacloud.com.

TIP

What happens if you have to cancel a cruise at the last minute? You might be stricken with an unexpected illness, your cruise companion might be unable to go, or you might have to stay behind for an unavoidable reason. Cruise lines have varying penalties for cancelling cruises, so when you’re booking, make sure you’re aware of the small print and buy travel insurance that covers cancellation for any reason. Otherwise, you could find yourself painfully out of pocket.