Just when you think there can't be any more new twists on shore excursions, here's a new twist on shore excursions.
Holland America is bringing them on board.
It's being called the "On Location" program and it's being floated out over the 15-ship fleet from now until the end of the year. The idea is to give passengers who often don't venture ashore a chance to experience the culture and customs of a port by having locals on the ship, so clearly it's not for everyone…it's really designed to complement the existing shore-excursion experience.
Whether it's being entertained by mariachis in Mexico or stargazing with astronomers in South America or taking hula lessons in Hawaii or tasting limoncello in Italy, passengers will be able to learn or experience first-hand from the people who live where the ship is docked. Let's face it: Going ashore is sometimes difficult for 
passengers with disabilities or other problems that limit endurance and agility. A day in port can be exhausting even for people with no physical deterrents. Sometimes, the ease of staying on board in a port outweighs the attraction of venturing into the crowds of local people to get a small taste of what life is like in that country.
Holland America has a reputation for having an older demographic than other major cruise lines, so it's probably not a coincidence that this concept would surface first on its ships.
What isn't clear is what the cost might be of participating in any of these "localized experiences." After all, it could impact on the revenue stream that comes from shore excursions.
All of these things have likely been done at one time or another on one cruise ship or another. What sets this plan apart is that it's a program and, like all programs, it will sink or swim on how popular it is.
Holland America Nieuw Amsterdam
12 nights
July 26, 2013
Barcelona, Marseille, Monte Carlo, Florence, Rome, Naples, Olympia, Corfu, Kotor, Dubrovnik, Venice
Inside: $999
Cost per day: $83
www.hollandamerica.com