10 Things You Never Thought You'd Do on a Luxury Cruise

These far-flung, destination-inspired adventures are completely unexpected of a cruise itinerary. Here are 10 Crystal excursions you never thought you'd do on cruise.

G-Force 4 Combat Aerobatics

Take an adrenaline-filled flight in a fighter trainer jet to experience G-Force 4 thrills as an expert pilot teaches combat aerobatics, including a Wing Over, Loop, Barrel Roll, Stall Turn and flyby over the ship.

Rescue Endangered Marine Animals in Barcelona

As part of Crystal's “You Care, We Care” complimentary voluntourism program, visit the Barcelona Rehabilitation Center, a facility dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of endangered marine animals. Visitors participate in a dolphin rescue drill and learn how to manage the floating stretcher, handle the animals and introduce them to the support swimming pool.

Spend the Day as a Korean Monk

Guests experience a day in the life of a Korean Monk discovering the ancient culture, one that is still very much alive in the country's many temples. After a tour of a temple's architecture and history, a Korean-style meditation or participation in the tradition of wish-writing are offered, ending with a traditional tea ceremony. A second temple is visited where authentic Korean fare is served.

Sail an Underground River with Millions of Glow Worms

The Waitomo Caves' soaring ceilings and low passages have created breathtaking formations and, when one looks up, millions of luminous, blue-green worms decorate the ceiling. Guests float in pitch darkness and absolute silence (the worms extinguish their glow when disturbed) along an underground river to observe.

VIP at the Monaco Grand Prix

Car enthusiasts may choose from four VIP opportunities to experience the fast cars and glamorous events of the legendary Monaco Grand Prix. They can watch the world's most prestigious automobile race from either the über-exclusive driver/team-prep paddock area, a chic verandah/residence above the renowned Casino, or the best seats in the grandstands near the start/finish line. Following the race, Crystal guests join the official Formula One VIP after party.

Rub 100 Buddha Bellies

Not typical of a cruise, guests travel much farther into Asia than the Bangkok port-of-call, including a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang, home to the famed Pak ou Caves. One hundred steps above, voyagers will find hundreds of Buddhas – all illuminated by candles. They say rubbing one Buddha Belly brings good luck, wealth and prosperity. Imagine the prospects for rubbing 100!

Behind the Scenes at the Monte Carlo Ballet

Take a peek behind the velvet curtains of the internationally-acclaimed Monte Carlo Ballet. The tour begins in the “Atelier” (the workshop of the company) to view hand-made point shoes and original costumes designed by Henri Matisse and Karl Lagerfield. Following, guests meet-and-greet with the talented dancers.

Search for the Holy Grail

Reputed to be the resting place of the Holy Grail and a safe haven of the Knights Templar, a quest for the Holy Grail takes place while in port in Edinburgh. Highlights include the Rosslyn Chapel, rumored to have strong links to Freemasonry and the Knights Templar; Stirling Castle, the splendid Renaissance Royal Palace of King James V; and Dunfermline Abbey, the great Benedictine abbey founded by Queen Margaret in the 11th Century and birthplace of Charles I, the last Scottish-born monarch.

Meet One of the First Woman Astronauts

Dr. Rhea Seddon, one of the first six women to enter NASA's Astronaut Program and veteran of three Space Shuttle flights, is a Crystal Cruises special guest lecturer. Totaling 30 days spent in space, Dr. Seddon was a Mission Specialist on the first Shuttle flight dedicated entirely to life sciences research.

Crew on America's Cup Winning Yacht

Auckland is home to Team New Zealand, the famed sailing team that won two consecutive America's Cup challenges – the first team outside the United States to do so. Become a member of the crew for the day, sailing aboard Team New Zealand's America's Cup yacht while taking in views of glacier-studded mountain ranges and dramatically sculpted fjords.

More information: Crystal Cruises