All the trimmings enhance journey

We're standing in front of one of the five great temples of Seoul and as our tour group moves towards the entrance, a man dressed in colourful robes steps in front to stop my progress.

He says nothing and draws his sword from the sheath around his waist. Ahead, the others continue and don't seem to notice the situation. Have I done something wrong? Do I need to pay something?

There's a little menace in his eyes, but then the palace guard steps back a few paces and it's obvious there's no real danger.

This is just one of those classic picture- postcard moments offered on a plate. With the gates of Deoksugung Palace framed perfectly behind, he stands still and holds the pose long enough for three or four photographs before turning and heading back inside the ancient complex.

This is the start of an all-day tour of Seoul from Regent Seven Seas Voyager which included the major highlights of this vibrant Asian city.

It is one of the many free shore excursions offered by Regent Seven Seas cruises on this Asian itinerary and it is a hassle-free way to get around this vast metropolis in a limited time.

It is part of the reason why Regent lays claim to the title of "the world's most inclusive cruise line" across its fleet, which also includes Mariner and Navigator, and it offers hundreds of unlimited complimentary shore excursions in more than 300 ports.

(There are also Regent Choice Shore Excursions which attract a discounted charge because of the high costs; these usually include flights or helicopter rides.)

On board, the all-inclusive features cover a wide range of experiences and services, from free alcoholic drinks and soft drinks at all restaurants and bars, in-suite mini-bars that are restocked daily, free pre-paid gratuities and free dining at specialty restaurants, to complimentary wireless internet across the whole ship, 24-hour room service and free one-night pre-cruise luxury hotel stay with transfer to the ship.

Regent Seven Seas Voyager at sea

But the big drawcard is the free shore excursions.

In each port of call, there's an opportunity to explore the local sights and take in the history and culture of the area.

The Grand Tour of Seoul is one of these which provides a good snapshot of one of Asia's great cities.

Seoul is a remarkable tapestry of ancient culture set among a modern and sophisticated city. Nestled in between glass and concrete high-rise buildings adorned with giant neon billboards and separated by busy freeways are grand palaces, tranquil temples, traditional teahouses and authentic eateries.

The tour itself really is a "best of" package crammed into a full day and the highlight is an hour or so at Deoksugung Palace.

It's actually the smallest of the five Great Palaces of Seoul, but the most beautiful, and its setting in a modern part of the city provides that appealing contrast of ancient and modern architecture.

This was Korea's version of Beijing's Forbidden City, where only the elite could enter - ordinary people would be executed if caught trespassing - and adding to its modern-day charm is a daily Changing of the Royal Guard Ceremony.

The colourful and dignified ceremony is taken very seriously today and it's an entertaining re-enactment of ancient Korea.

Add a traditional Korean lunch, a stop at the ancient shopping district of Insadong and the craziness of Namdaemun Market and you have an exhausting but exhilarating day.

There are also shorter city excursions which are free, such as the City Highlights and Holiday Lights tour in San Francisco.

This is where you can explore the city's impossibly steep streets serviced by cable cars with a stunning harbour as a backdrop.

There are cliches to be seen and experienced at every turn and each of them is an uplifting experience, from the Golden Gate Bridge to the Bay Bridge which connects the Downtown to Oakland, to the Coit Tower on Telegraph Hill.

Throw in Chinatown, funky North Beach with its cafe culture, Fishermans Wharf, the Embarcadero, and Lombard (the "world's crookedest street"), and you've really only scratched the surface of what this great city has to offer.

And for adventure lovers, Alaska is the ultimate outdoor playground. Of the dozens of free excursions from Regent, one of the best ones is the Chilkoot Trail Hike and Float out of the frontier town of Skagway.

This is where you can walk the Chilkoot Trail, the centrepiece of Skagway's Gold Rush history and once the main route to the riches of the Klondike.

There's also a rafting trip down the Taiya River underneath hanging glaciers and snow-capped peaks, with the potential for spotting eagles and seals.

It all makes for a cruise experience where you have absolutely no excuses for not getting out and exploring each and every port of call - and the best part is that at the end, when it comes to dealing with the melancholy of the end of a holiday, you at least have the consolation of no credit card bill.

fact file

An 18-night cruise from Beijing to Bangkok on Seven Seas Voyager in category G accommodation departing March 21, 2014, costs approximately $10,772 per person.

A seven-night round trip from Vancouver on Seven Seas Navigator in category H accommodation departing May 21, 2014, costs approximately $3630 per person.

The all-inclusive fares cover accommodation, entertainment, food, all drinks including premium brands, 24-hour room service, gratuities and taxes.

The fare also includes complimentary shore excursions. Bookings on Regent cruises between November 2013 and May 2014 include a bonus one-night post-cruise luxury hotel stay.

For more information, phone Wiltrans on 1800 251 174 or visit rssc.com.

Ben Hall travelled courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.