Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Your tour begins with a sightseeing drive along the northeastern coastline to a small town known as St. Ann’s Bay. View the sights from your comfortable coach seat as your guide narrates the history, tales and interesting facts about Jamaica. Observe the town’s classic Court House of 1866 and Statue of Columbus, honoring his landing. On the return drive, observe the culture of exciting Ocho Rios as you are comfortably chauffeured through the stimulating town. A stop will be made at Wassi Art, a local pottery of skilled artisans. A guided tour allows you to interact with these fine artisans as they turn clay into masterpieces, found in the tempting gift shop at the end of the tour. Then, visit Jamaica’s Garden of Eden, the place that the Taino Indians called “Coyaba” or Paradise. Hear the roar, feel the fresh mist of the spray from the spectacular waterfall, cascading down, level after glorious level. Follow the trails with your professional attraction guide through this rainforest. Experience all the shades of green, splashed with exotic flowers of every conceivable color. Coyaba Gardens presents a fascinating museum with ancient artifacts from the natives and early colonials excavated on site. Pause at the eye-catching gift shop with native art and craft before re-boarding your coach. With time at leisure, relax on the outdoor terrace of the Almond Tree Restaurant that overlooks the hypnotic Caribbean Sea. Enjoy a cup of Jamaica’s world famous Blue Mountain Coffee and scrumptious banana bread made daily by the restaurant. Time permitting, take a stroll of the manicured gardens on the property. Finally, your tour ends with an optional drop off at the bountiful Island Village Shopping Centre or directly to the ship. Note: Participants must be at least 3 years of age. less

A great way to get acquainted with Huatulco is enjoying its historic heritage and traditions. Delight all your senses with the rhythm of the music and dance. Come and take this wonderful journey without leaving Huatulco. You’ll enjoy five traditional dances of the most representative states of the country: "Jarabe Tapatio" from Jalisco, the land of Tequila & Mariachi, located on the west part of the country. "La Bamba" from Veracruz, place of warm and welcoming hosts located in the baisin of the Gulf of Mexico. "Polkas and Tamboras" from Sinaloa and Chihuahua, millenial states in northern Mexico, and "La Guelaguetza" from majestic Oaxaca. During the party the performers wear multicolored clothes and regional jewels offering gifts to their guests symbolizing the meaning of these cultural dances. At the end of this folkloric fiesta, you will know the real taste of Mexico. less

The city and cruise port of Victoria are steeped in old world charm. With its manicured lawns and impressive displays of gardens and hanging baskets adorning the streets, on this one hour excursion you’ll see why Victoria is nicknamed the “City of Gardens”. At the cruise terminal you’ll board your trolley, drawn by two magnificent draught horses. Get cozy in your seat and feel free to wrap yourself in the provided blanket.

Your journey will take you past the gorgeous historical homes, located between the cruise terminal and the downtown inner harbor. Enjoy the lively narration of your guide as they “giddy up” and “whoa boy” this tour through town! You’ll see the largest park in Victoria, as well as the famous Empress Hotel, and the British Columbia legislative buildings, commonly referred to as the Parliament buildings. Sit back and relax as you’re carried by real horsepower back to the ship.

Note: This is an open-air vehicle and we recommend you bring a jacket. Guests will need to navigate two steps to board the trolley and due to safety concerns, wheel chairs, walkers, strollers and scooters must be left at the departure location.

Discover the world’s finest coffees at Argovia Plantation and Estate. Founded in 1880, Argovia is one the oldest coffee producers in the region and, one-of-a-kind, family-owned agricultural estate. Travel by air-conditioned van for approximately 90 minutes through the lush forests and breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Madre to the Argovia Plantation and Estate. Your guide will provide in-depth information about the history of the area and its people. Take a short tour of the grounds and learn about the Plantation’s history as well as the history of coffee. Then, discover all the flavors that distinguish Chiapas coffee. Practice observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee, learn the art of coffee tasting - and why it's ‘ok’ to slurp! Take a tour of the flower plantation and see these extraordinary specimens of nature’s gifts. Get to know all the diversity of foliage, tropical and exotic flowers, in one small and spectacular botanical garden. Afterwards, browse the gift shops where you can purchase Argovia’s famous coffee to take home with you. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a connection with these truly remarkable creatures. You’ll have an opportunity to talk, touch, play and swim with gentle and exquisite bottlenose dolphins. Your swim experience begins with a brief presentation on dolphin characteristics, how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dolphin and various safety guidelines. Next, your group of no more than eight participants will head to the Dolphin Lagoon where you’ll wade into the shallow, clear waters to begin your exclusive dolphin experience. You'll meet and play with a dolphin for 30 minutes, getting to know each other through hugs, kisses, rubdowns and ultimately, an exciting belly ride. The duration of the program is approximately 60 minutes, including orientation. After your dolphin swim, enjoy complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and some free time to purchase memories of your experience with the dolphins. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and no less than 4 feet, 5 inches tall. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing and bring a towel. Lockers available free of charge. less