Intercruises was recently confirmed as one of the three finalists for the Seatrade Innovative Shorex Award 2019, continuing our strong record in this competition as the winner in 2010, 2012, 2016 and Runner Up in 2009, 2014, 2018. However, with hundreds, if not thousands, of new Intercruises products* created around the world every year, how do we define which ones to enter for the award?

The ShoreX Factor – Internal Competition

In May 2019, all Intercruises teams worldwide were invited to send their most innovative shore excursion to be judged by a multi-functional team of Intercruises experts in product development, marketing, operations and sustainability. A final five were selected and put forward for the award, including one of the eventual three Seatrade finalists, Behind the Scenes at the Marine Mammal Hospital. Here are the other four:

Agro Village – Colombo, Sri Lanka 

Through an exclusive collaboration with the local community of Millaniya, this tour has helped transform a humble farm into a thriving community:

  • Creates income for 100 local families
  • Promotes sustainable best practices
  • Supports development of village facilities

Enjoy breathtaking natural scenery, including mountains, a 1200+ year old temple and lakes, while watching local craft demonstrations, learning about sustainable farming and enjoying a meal made 100% of local farm produce. Contact Elena Garcia for more information.

Crazy Rich Asians – Singapore

The 2018 Hollywood blockbuster, Crazy Rich Asians, was set in Singapore, but how accurate is this movie’s depiction of the destination? This experience filters the fact from fiction, debunking myths by visiting the varying types of housing, shopping and dining spots to interact with the local community. Lunch takes place in a stunning private property, with the residents discussing their lives and identity as Singaporeans, before a stroll with a local expert to some of the key sights shown in the movie.

China 1822 – Singapore 

With the help of modern technology, take an exhilarating journey back in time to Singapore’s Chinatown in 1822, when a home was often nothing more than a wooden board to serve as a bed, fresh water had to be carted in by bullock-drawn carts and people were separated by clan in order to minimize riots. You and your fellow guests will be split into teams, each representing a traditional Chinese clan. Armed with an iPad, each clan will set off to pass tests and solve puzzles, all while discovering famous landmarks, traditional past-times, untold stories and the best local flavors of Singapore. Contact Errol Chicano for more information.

Catalan Magnificence at its Humble Beginnings – Barcelona, Spain 

After climbing Montjuic to enjoy stunning views across Barcelona, head to Casa Vicens, the first-ever commissioned project completed by Antonio Gaudi and now a UNESCO-listed site considered one of the first masterpieces of Modernism. Then meet a young, but vastly experienced chef at his private home, a traditional country house with rustic charm of a bygone era. You just entered one of the most exclusive gastro-clubs in Barcelona, regularly frequented by FC Barcelona football players and celebrities. Enjoy some spectacular canapés and cava on the patio, while watching an intimate “Castellers” performance – an age-old Catalan tradition of creating human towers. Contact Deborah Vega for more information.

For more information on Intercruises product development, contact Carmen Morosan, Global Shore Excursions Manger.

*Seatrade Rules: “All entries need to have been created or first operated in the last 12 months. For the purpose of the past 12 months for the 2019 Awards Scheme this encompasses 01.08.18 – 31.07.19”