Alaska Cruises: Excursions

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.

Take an approximately 45-minute boat tour along the very tip of the longest, most desolate and perhaps the most beautiful peninsula in the world. Explore pristine beaches, towering rock formations and the famed Los Arcos, a dramatic natural rock monument that arches starkly out of the sea. A complimentary beverage will be served on board while you listen to an enlightening narration by J.M. Cousteau about the underwater life, the colorful history of Baja California and its fragile ecology. You’ll soon see that Cabo San Lucas lays claim to miles of unspoiled beaches, little coves and impressive hotels. less

Learn the history and culture of Ketchikan as you travel aboard a festive trolley. You’ll be entertained by a lively city’s tour while passing by some of the city’s most colorful landmarks. Travel through downtown Ketchikan and pass by bustling boat harbors, lush City Park and beautiful Ketchikan Creek. Next, you’ll have an opportunity to stretch your legs on this brief photo/shopping stop. Photograph majestic totems up-close, and shop at one of Ketchikan’s finest stores to purchase authentic Native-made items, as well as curios. Finally, it is off to Creek Street – Ketchikan’s historical red light district. Those who wish to will have an opportunity to explore Creek Street on their own. Your trolley driver will offer you a return to the ship or you may leisurely enjoy the many shops and eateries of the downtown area and make your own way back. less

Cabo Dolphins encounter program allows you to delve into the world of the bottle-nosed dolphin without entering deep water. The specially designed shallow platform allows you to get 'up close' to a dolphin during this 20-minute program. Meet your highly experienced trainer who will educate you about the dolphin’s anatomy and physiology. Dolphins will slide gracefully onto the platform and allow you to hug, pet and play with them while exploring their beautiful sleek bodies. Enjoy feeding and dancing with your dolphin and receive a big fishy kiss! This dolphin encounter program is perfect for all ages or non-swimmers. Note: Participants must be at least 3 years of age. Children 3-7 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult. No infants allowed. Please inform the Shore Excursion staff if you have any infants taking the tour as they will need a ticket to check in at the facility. Guests are not allowed to bring their cameras; there will be professional photographs taken onboard. Guests with disabilities must visit the Shore Excursion Desk for more information. Women who are between 3-7 months pregnant will be able to participate on the tour. less

Your host will meet you at the Fish House Excursion Lounge for a short walk to Alaska's Wildest Kitchen. Here you'll experience a 1 1/2 hour hands-on tasting session hosted by an experienced Alaskan fisherwoman, wilderness chef and storyteller extraordinaire. Learn what sets Alaskan seafood apart, including local fishing, preserving and cooking techniques. Watch an expert filleting demonstration and grill your own sample of the catch of the day over our custom-made alder-wood grill. You'll enjoy a tasting menu which may include fresh and canned salmon dishes, grilled halibut and seasonal herbs and vegetables. One alcoholic beverage and printed recipes included in the tour. If you love food and are interested in hearing about a unique Alaska woman's way of life, this is the tour for you. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. less

Catch “gold fever” and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during Gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold (and keep all you find!) and discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage for yourself. Head out with a prospector/guide in authentic 19th century dress for a historical tour of Juneau, including the state capitol, en route to “Last Chance Basin”, where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a beautiful, secluded setting alongside Gold Creek — only accessible under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is done. Then, it’s your turn, as you learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice. You can choose to pan in the creek, or in the waist-high demonstration trough. Every one of all ages and those with limited mobility can learn how to pan and capture the full gold rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold! And, all that glitters is yours to keep. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company, which at the height of production was the largest operation of its type in the world. You’ll learn about the mining techniques that were used, and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what is was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago. less