Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Join professional mountain guides for an exciting rock climbing and rappelling adventure on the stunning granite walls of Alaska! Your adventure begins with an interpretive drive through historic Skagway and up into the majestic White Pass Gold Route. A short hike through the temperate rainforest on an interpretive trail will bring you to the base of the spectacular rock face carved by retreating glaciers.

Here you’ll gear up with rock climbing shoes, helmet and harness and then you’re off to enjoy this incredible experience. Choose between over a dozen climbing routes, each ending in an amazing view of the Skagway River and the surrounding wilderness. You’ll also have an opportunity to try an awesome 70 foot rappel! This adventure is perfect for those looking to try rock climbing for the first time, as well as for experienced climbers. Climbing is not mandatory, you can simply enjoy the tour, a cliffside snack, breathtaking views and watch the others scale the cliffs.

NOTE: Participants must be at least 8 years, weigh no more than 350 lbs., be able to hike for a few minutes over uneven terrain and dress in warm clothing that allows for good flexibility. Climbing shoes, helmet and harness are provided.

Flying high above wetland habitat, Alpine ridges and lush rainforests, you’ll gain new appreciation for this rugged land as your pilot shares a lively narrative. As you approach the Icefield and its many glaciers, you’ll marvel at the twisted spires, deep blue crevasses and carved peaks that make up this ancient landscape. Soaring even higher, you may pass the Mendenhall Towers jagged rock sentinels that climb more than 7,000 feet and the spectacular icefalls that overflow to form the Mendenhall Glacier. View icefalls, spires, and the many hanging glaciers suspended on the surrounding mountainsides before a gentle landing on this slowly moving river of ice and explore the glaciers’ surface with your expert glacier guide. See and understand how glaciers form, flow and carve out the landscape. Following your glacier landing, you’ll depart for a thrilling flight back to civilization. Flying over these icefields and the Mendenhall Glacier, you’ll know that you have just experienced something special, walking on water, viewing ancient sights and witnessing dramatic natural beauty in a way, few ever do. Note: Flight time is approximately 30 minutes, with an approximately 20-25 minute landing on the glacier. This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. This tour is non-refundable. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. Approximate weight of each participant must be provided. Time spent on the glacier is approximate and may vary due to weather and glacial conditions. Glacier boots are provided at the heliport. All times are approximate and due to security purposes, no bags are allowed on the flight. less

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

Discover the Mexican countryside on horseback. Arrive at Hacienda Dona Engracia where your guide will conduct a short orientation, then match each rider with a horse that suits his or her ability. Riding along the Mascota River, you’ll pass through quaint little villages, viewing local scenery and vegetation. Wear a swimsuit under your riding clothes because if conditions permit, you may enjoy a swim on horseback or relax at the hot springs. Then you’ll head back to the hacienda to explore before you rejoin the transportation back to your ship Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, weigh no more than 220 lbs. and in good physical condition. Wear long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes. During certain times of the year, the river rises and forces the tour to follow the mountain trail, cancelling the swim. Snacks are available at your own expense at the Hacienda. less

Join professional mountaineering guides for a two-hour trek through a glacial icescape. A scenic helicopter flight will take you to your trekking site. No experience is necessary, as guides will teach you the proper use of the mountaineering gear so that the remote areas of the glacier can be accessed. All you need to bring is a camera, a willing attitude and an appetite for adventure. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, in good physical condition and able to hike two miles over varied terrain. Flight time is approximately 35 minutes. Wind/water-proof outerwear, boots, gloves, ice axe, gaiters, crampons, harness and helmet are provided. Guests 250 lbs. and over are charged an additional rate to reserve two seats for safety and comfort. These spaces are capacity controlled. You will not be able to book this option online. Please call 1.866.625.1167 for assistance with these reservations. This tour is non-refundable once booked. For more details about this tour please visit: www.helitrek.com
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Visit Saxman Native Village and experience the rich living culture of southeast Alaska’s Native Americans. In this Native community, tribal elders have worked hard to pass on the traditions that have long defined the culture of southeast Alaska. Enter the Beaver Clan House, where you’re greeted by song and dance. Then it’s on to Saxman Totem Park, one of the largest gatherings of totem poles in the world. The next stop is the Village Carving Center, where world-famous carvers work and a tour host are on hand to explain carving techniques. You may combine 'Saxman Native Village' and 'The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show' tours for a great day in Ketchikan. For more details about this tour please visit: http://saxmantour.com less