Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Take a panoramic tour of Cartagena. Begin with a photo stop of San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, originally built in the 17th century and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Snap pictures of the ancient towering walls and main entrance. Then, drive by the Old City where your guide will point out historical facts about the Inquisition Palace, the Cathedral and its dome churches. Your next stop will be Las Bovedas, built in the late 18th century as dungeons and as a means of storage. Sightsee and shop in the many handcraft boutiques and stores. Continue your journey for a sightseeing tour of the modern residential area of Bocagrande, famous for its wide variety of hotels and restaurants. Here, you'll have the option to stay in the city, visit Pierino Gallo Mall, or return back to the ship on your own. Note: This is a panoramic tour with optional photo stops. Only collapsible/foldable wheelchairs are welcomed. Transportation does not have a lift and cannot accommodate scooters. Participants must be able to negotiate two to three steps up into the transportation. Please visit the Shore Excursion Desk for more details. You have the option to return to the ship either with the tour or on your own. less

Huatulco’s surrounding communities are no exceptions if you want to take a piece of Mexico back home! Begin your tour in the small town named Piedra de Moros, where you’ll visit the medicinal plants and herbs. Receive a brief explanation of their names and which diseases they can cure. Taste a refreshing tea of lemon herb and see the traditional way of making "tortillas" and bread. Learn the use of "Nopal" (Cactus) and sample all these traditional Mexican products. Your next stop will be Santa Maria, here you’ll visit its beautiful church that was built on the 17th Century. Visit local blacksmith's artisanal shop with more than a century old, and where nowadays working tools are made with recycled materials. Then, stop by a Rustic Mezcal Factory where the elaborated process of distillation of this traditional Oaxaca´s beverage will be shown as well as the different uses of the "Maguey" plant. Return to your ship with memories of real lifestyles of Mexican Communities. Note: Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Guest must be in good health. Not recommended for pregnant women. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring sun screen and cash as credit cards are not accepted in the small towns. less

Set course on a delightful two-hour coastal cruise to admire breathtaking landscapes, miles of unspoiled beaches and private secluded coves, while sipping unlimited rum, margaritas, tequila, beer and soda. Enjoy the view of impressive developments as you cruise along the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific coastline. Cruise by the famed Los Arcos area, where a dramatic natural rock arches starkly out of the sea at the very tip of the longest, most desolate and beautiful peninsula in the world. Cruise by a sea lion colony and the idyllic Lover’s Beach - one of the few beaches in the world that share two seas - before heading back into the marina. Note: Available from September through mid-December and from April through May only. Sightings are frequent, but not guaranteed. less

Depart the pier to La Popa Monastery, located on top of a hill overlooking Cartagena. This monastery was built at the beginning of the 17th century and houses a Colonial museum and a chapel dedicated to Virgen de la Candelaria, patron saint of Cartagena. Next, make a photo stop at San Felipe Fortress. This castle defended the city from many attacks and withstood the bloodiest assault from the British Admiral Vernon. Then, proceed to the Old City where you’ll walk approximately five blocks in the Colonial part of the city. Once at Bolivar Plaza, you’ll find Saint Peter Claver Church, the cathedral and the Inquisition Palace. After your walk, drive through the modern part of the city to a rest stop at the Pierino Gallo Plaza, for refreshments and some shopping. Afterwards, you’ll visit Pastelillo Fort, constructed in the mid 1700's. This is home to one of the most exclusive restaurants in town, Club de Pesca. Located in a corner of the 300 year old fortress, the restaurant overlooks Cartagena's marina and has a view of the walled city. At this elegant setting, take in the surroundings while enjoying a delicious Caribbean appetizer with a contemporary touch. Note: Bring comfortable clothing and shoes. 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

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