Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Discover the ultimate dolphin adventure by spending an exciting day (approximately 6 hours) working beside the trainers. You’ll gain an insight and understanding of the basic skills needed to care for and train dolphins and sea lions through practical hands-on experience, while being an active member of the team of marine mammal experts. You’ll be in close contact with the dolphins and sea lions throughout the day – both in the pool and poolside - while assisting trainers in every aspect of their work. This is a fun-filled, one-of-a-kind adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. A light lunch from the snack bar is included. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Please bring your swimsuit and a towel. less

This adventure tour takes place in the Guacalillo Estuary on the Tarcoles River that forms the northern border of the Carara Biological Reserve. It’s home to one of the world’s largest crocodile populations in the world with individuals up to 20 feet long that can live up to 60 years. In addition to the crocodiles, over 50 different bird species might be seen on site. The Guacalillo Estuary famous for its mangrove forests, is one of the nesting sites of the very rare scarlet macaw and a great variety of resident and migrant waterfowls, iguanas and Jesus Christ lizards. Your adventure begins with a one hour ride on coastal and countryside roads, passing small towns en route to the premises of the Jungle Crocodile Safari created by the veterinarian Mr. Mario Orjuela in 1993. Using catamaran-style boats, you’ll be able to observe these wild animals from a safe distance. A delicious tropical fruit buffet will be waiting for you at your return with tropical fruit drinks and coffee. Ample time for purchasing crafts made by local artisans will be given. Note: At the beginning of the Tarcoles exploration, you’ll receive a free bird guide for you to be able to identify the birds that you might see. Wear comfortable shoes, long pants, a hat, sunscreen and bring sunglasses, a light jacket/raingear and insect repellent. Walking is over cemented and gravel trails. Advance notice is needed for guest in wheelchairs. Motorized scooters cannot be handled, only foldable wheelchairs. less

Join a talented Chef, in an unforgettable cooking experience. Become familiar with Mexican and Oaxaca dishes through an in-depth approach to their cuisine. After Chef’s instructions and some refreshments, create dishes such as tortillas, chilaquiles and the famous Oaxaca chicken stew, from start to finish. Watch and learn the entire process; after cooking, you’ll enjoy the creation served at your table. You’ll also receive printed recipes for your perusal. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and in good health. less

Learn to handle a kayak from an expert then put your new skills to use with an unforgettable seaborne adventure. Glide through the waters native-style, get up-close looks at wildlife and enjoy ever changing views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Start with a narrated tour through a historic part of Juneau on your way to North Douglas Island. Don protective raingear, boots and lifejackets, and learn the paddling techniques you’ll need to handle your kayak. Then join a friend or new traveling companion in your two-person craft and you’re off to explore! Against a backdrop of forested slopes, nearby peaks and the spectacular Mendenhall, you’re on course for an informative and memorable tour of Fritz Cove. In small groups of six kayaks, you’re able to stealthily approach wildlife. Bald eagles and their nests, herons, shorebirds and waterfowl are all common sights. Porpoises and even humpback whales occasionally surface for air. If you’re lucky, you might see a humpback’s enormous tail fluke. You’ll also visit the Mendenhall Wetlands, a protected habitat teeming with more than 140 species of birds, nearly a dozen different mammals and an abundance of marine life. Along the way, your guide will satisfy your curiosity about local flora and fauna, and explain the history behind landmarks such as Smuggler’s Cove. Note: Participants must weigh between 40 and 260 lbs. and be in good physical condition. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. For more details about these tours please visit http://www.bestofalaskatours.com/NCL/
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Come and experience an unforgettable two in one value packed adventure with us. Take a picturesque journey into the countryside to the Pristine White River Valley property. This amazing experience will give you a taste of our award-winning canopy tour as you travel via three traverses through the trees before continuing your adventure on our award-winning river tubing safari. At Chukka, our hallmark is safety so our extensively trained canopy guides will give a short safety briefing before you take an invigorating nature walk to your first platform. Soar through the trees on three horizontal traverses ranging from 65 to 160 feet in length. Become Tarzan or Jane while you traverse from tree to tree overlooking the pristine waters of the White River where your next adventure takes place. Take a step back in time when your river tubing adventure begins at the 17th century landmark, Spanish Bridge. This is a site you can only see on your river tubing expedition. As you get ready to journey down the cool waters of the White River, you’ll receive a safety briefing from our experienced river guides who will also outfit you with all of your equipment for your journey ahead. This three-mile ride down the White River, not only gives you the rich history of Jamaica, it also shows you the beauty of our land as you pass through coconut plantations, bamboo groves and along river banks filled with indigenous flora and fauna. The real adventure lies on the White River as you enjoy her many moods, which will bring you to challenging rapids and enchanting lagoons. As you disembark the river, back at the White River Valley property you’ll have a garden paradise to enjoy. Visit the property’s facilities nestled within the architecture of a traditional Jamaican village. Be sure to stop by the Parrot Bar and Grill to indulge in some of our traditional Jamaican jerk cuisine, refresh yourself with a cool drink, browse the Valley Trader gift shop or just sit back and relax before you head back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age and weigh no more than 264 lbs. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart, neck/ back problems or pregnant women. Tour participation is extremely limited. less

Travel into the Sierra Madre Mountains towards Argovia Plantation and Estate for your authentic temazcal experience. Upon arrival, you’ll be given a complimentary drink and educational information about the history of the Temazcal and its importance in ancient cultures. A safety briefing will be provided before your sweat bath. After your Temazcal experience, you’ll be applied a clay facial mask, which you will rinse off short after. Lastly, refresh yourself with a snack, taste some coffee or shop at the local stores before returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age. Guest should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. There will be some time to change clothes, if needed, prior to and following the bath. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. Participants must be in good health and sign a waiver release form. The maximum age recommended for participants is 70 years of age. less