Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a day in the countryside, while visiting vineyards and tasting locally produced wine. Cowichan Valley proudly promotes sustainable local wineries and vineyards that produce quality wines, using no pesticides, herbicides and little or no sulfites. You'll visit three different vineyards, all are owner operated. Your guide will provide an informative narrative during the one hour drive to Cowichan Valley.

First you’ll visit Farm Gate Estate Winery, one of the most award-winning wineries in the valley. Here you'll meet the owners and enjoy a tasting of their red and white releases, finishing with a blackberry dessert wine. Next, you'll tour one the newest vineyards and learn about the growing conditions, types of vines, and wine making, followed by a tasting of their red and white wines. Your last stop is at one of the largest vineyards situated on the slopes of Mt. Provost. After your wine tasting, enjoy a treat of wild Pacific smoked salmon, local cheeses, crackers and a glass of wine out on the patio. Departing back to Nanaimo there will be optional drop off downtown, before returning to the cruise ship pier.

Enjoy Oregon wines at The Cellar on the 10th while you learn about senses and how to put them to use right away for enjoying and understanding Oregon wines. Oregon’s northern latitude brings long hours of summer sunshine to its vineyards and occasional marine’s breezes help moderate the combination of conditions and encourages complex fruit flavors, aromatics and nuances. The complexities of Oregon grown wines allow local wineries to compete well with other world-class wineries. Pinot Gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, and delightful Pinot Noir are among the favorites. Join Baked Alaska Restaurant’s Chef Christopher Holen at the Oregon State University Seafood consumer center exhibition kitchen and immerse yourself in foods of the Pacific Northwest.

Chef Holen will filet fresh salmon while discussing the various salmon species of the region. He’ll demonstrate the proper way to cook salmon and make a quick sauce to accompany it. The chef always comes up with something special for each group, in addition to salmon to define Northwest ingredients. A sampling will be served up for you to try and you may even get the chance to be hands on. The chef will also bring some ingredients and tools from Astoria’s premier kitchenware shop, “Mise en Place” to demonstrate. Items will also be available for purchase. More than just a cooking demonstration, the chef will entertain, educate and inspire you to try a recipe or two when you get back home.

Immerse yourself in the magic of Chiapas’s natural environments as you head off the beaten path to explore beautiful mangrove streams and lagoons. After being greeted by your boat captain, just sit back, relax and enjoy the spectacular views surrounding as you navigate through the waterways. Experience the wildlife, especially the region’s diverse array of birds, that appear along the way. Your guide will share information about the area’s eco-system and point out various species of flora and fauna. You may see pelicans, herons, ospreys, cormorants, hummingbirds, egrets, spoonbills, storks, turtles and much more. This nature reserve also provides a way of life to the local fishermen who use the same methods of catching shrimp and crab. You might have the opportunity to watch them at work as you float towards the end of your exotic journey. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. less

Begin with a scenic drive through downtown Puerto Vallarta, to a local tile factory for an introduction to the tile manufacturing process. Witness the forming, painting and firing of the ceramic, one of the many colorful items for which Mexico is famous for. You’ll have ample time to see the displays and purchase all the ceramics you can carry. Then, continue to the downtown area for some sightseeing and shopping. A short stop will be made on your way out to visit Hacienda Dona Engracia, one of the finest tequila factories in the area. Here you’ll have an opportunity to see a working ranch, learn about the tequila manufacturing process and enjoy a delicious homemade Mexican lunch. Visitors over the age of 21 will be invited to indulge in free samples of tequila. less

Tag along with your family and loved ones and watch them have the experience of a lifetime. Afterwards you’ll enjoy lunch with them at the dolphin marina and have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs as well. This option lets you participate as an observer at any of the dolphin tours we offer, except the Dolphin Trainer for a Day. less

Take a journey into the heart of rural Chiapas for a deeper understanding of the local people and landscapes. Discover the culture that blends ancient traditions with modern necessity. Board your air-conditioned bus and travel through the Chiapas countryside to the Ejido Miguel Aleman banana farm. Your guide will acquaint you with the history of the region, its people and traditions, as well as the growing and collection process of the bananas. Then, travel into the town that owns and runs the banana co-op and visit the local community center or school; here, you’ll meet and mingle with the local children and the dedicated teachers and social workers. You’ll be able to donate a kit pack to one of the kids at the community center or local school. The kit pack contains some of their basic day to day needs. Continue to the Banana Packing Plant, where you’ll discover how the whole community works together to pack the bananas they all produce. On the way back, you will get a last glimpse of life in rural Chiapas before returning to the pier. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Part of the proceeds of this tour will go to the community center learning program. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less