Alaska Cruises: Excursions

This tour offers the very best of Victoria, combining the city’s unique highlights with a visit to the world famous Butchart Gardens. Take in Chinatown and the Gates of Harmonious Interest, along with the Old Town and scenic Marine Drive. At Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres. The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths and were created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. Multi-language maps will assist you on your self-guided tour. As an added bonus, guests sailing on Norwegian Pearl visiting on Saturdays from 7/20/13 thru 8/31/13 will be treated to the Butchart Gardens fireworks display, choreographed to music.

Note: Walking time and distance is at each guest’s discretion. The gardens are stunning in the evening when illuminated by thousands of hidden lights. Garden illuminations offered when daylight hours shorten.

Enjoy the highlights of Victoria and visit the spectacular Butchart Gardens. Departing Ogden Point your guide will point out the highlights including Majestic Parliament Buildings, Empress Hotel, Royal BC Museum, Beacon Hill Park and the exclusive residential districts of the Uplands and Oak Bay with their manicured grounds and gardens, Bastion Square, and Chinatown (the oldest in Canada) including the "Gates of Harmonious Interest". At Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres.

The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths and were created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting you to the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. When darkness falls, you'll be treated to an evening wonderland of lighting displays illuminating the gardens. Multi-language maps will assist you on your self-guided tour. As an added bonus, guests visiting on Saturdays in July and August will be treated to the Butchart Gardens fireworks display, choreographed to music.

Note: Order of sights may vary. Walking time and distance is at each guest's discretion. The gardens are stunning in the evening when illuminated by thousands of hidden lights. Garden illuminations offered when daylight hours shorten.

This city tour takes you to an unforgettable collection of beauty spots in and around Ocho Rios. First, you’ll visit the island's premier attraction, Dunn's River Falls. It is a place of unique beauty, where the river cascades over a giant limestone staircase to a white-sand beach and the warm Caribbean Sea. You may choose to climb the icy waterfalls with the aid of an experienced falls guide, just simply relax at the base of the waterfalls, or swim in the sea. Next, you’ll be taken on a guided stroll through the groves of trees and plants at the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens. The manicured grounds are beautified by a reflecting pond, gazebos and a natural waterfall. A final stop is made in the town for shopping before returning to your ship. Note: Order of stops may be changed to avoid crowds. The Dunn’s River Falls are the highlight of Jamaica and tend to be very congested. All guests participating in a tour that visits the falls should wear foot protection that can get wet. River socks are available for rent at the falls. The rocks at the falls are slippery. Climbing the falls is optional and at your own risk. Participants who do not wish to climb the falls may enjoy the small beach at the base. The walk to the beach is on a slope with many stairs, therefore participants should be in reasonably good health. less

View the metropolitan Miami area from the comfort of an air-conditioned motorcoach as your guide points out some of the most popular historic sights. Cruise along the trendy South Beach district, boasting the highest concentration of Art Deco buildings in the world. On nearby Star Island are the homes of Gloria Estefan and other celebrities. Drive along Brickell Avenue, the nation's second-largest banking center. Then, it's on to charming Coconut Grove. Finally, visit Coral Gables and see why this upscale area's diverse architectural styles and lavish landscaping have earned it the title 'The City Beautiful'. Note: This tour is only for guests with flights departing after 2:00 pm from Miami International Airport. Guests are responsible for ensuring their debark tours are compatible with their departure flight times. Guests have the option to book their flights through our Premium Air Department to ensure that flight departure times do not interfere with debark tours. This tour is not available on Norwegian Sky sailings. less

This combination excursion gives you the opportunity to ride a historical train that has been in service for more than 50 years and participate on a scenic ride through rural countryside and tropical fields. Afterwards, board your motorcoach en route to the Tarcoles River where you’ll go on a boat and explore the spectacular natural scenery this river has to offer. The river and mangroves attract many types of bird wildlife such as toucans, spoonbills, herons, egrets, jacanas, pelicans, scarlet macaws, iguanas and crocodiles. Upon your return enjoy some live marimba melodies and enjoy a delicious buffet of seasonal fruits and tropical refreshments. Enough time will be provided to select crafts made by local artisans before returning to your ship. Note: This excursion might operate in reverse order. Please wear casual clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and bring a camera and raingear. Wildlife sightings while common cannot be guaranteed. Advance notice is needed for guests in wheelchairs; motorized scooters cannot be handled, only foldable wheelchairs. The type of walking required is along even roads and compact gravel trails. A free bird guide will be provided at the beginning of the river cruise, which will allow participants to identify any feathered creatures seen along the way. less

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer. The operators of this tour guarantee you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! Day use binoculars and a souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with complimentary snacks and beverages. less