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.

If you want to really experience Skagway, this tour will show you the best Skagway has to offer. Ascend the beautiful mountains on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. From your antique narrow-gauge car view incredible scenery as your tour guide shares stories and the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Board a motorcoach to travel the spectacular Klondike Highway taking in the sights of Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls. At the foot of the pass, nestled next to a waterfall, rests Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake. Here a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls will entertain you with a hilarious melodrama and a poem. You’ll be set free in the Liarsville gold fields, where you are guaranteed to find the precious metal that drove people wild with Gold Fever!

Enjoy a barbeque of freshly grilled Alaskan salmon, baked beans, potatoes, coleslaw, sourdough rolls, coffee, lemonade and hot apple strudel. Wander over to camp to see the waterfall and have your picture taken with one of the dance hall girls or the camp mascot, a lovable husky. The grand finale is a visit to the Red Onion Saloon in historic downtown Skagway. The Red Onions’ madams will throw you a private party in the prestigious Red Onion Brothel. Sip Alaskan Amber beer, wine, or Madam's punch as you’re entertained by tales of the girls who used to work in these historic rooms! You’ll see the priceless nickel silver dress worn by the Onion’s first madam and many other artifacts left behind.

Note: All guests must carry a valid passport as this tour will be crossing both the U.S. and Canadian borders.

Become absorbed in the rich living culture of Southeast Alaska’s Native Americans and witness a rip-roaring lumberjack competition on this comprehensive tour of Ketchikan. Your first stop will be a visit to Saxman Native Village. For generations, Tlingit villages have maintained a tradition of welcoming visitors in regal style. At Saxman, guests are still afforded this same time-honored welcome. In this Native community, tribal elders and others have worked hard to pass on many of the traditions that have long defined the culture of Southeast Alaska. A visit to Saxman gives the visitor a firsthand opportunity to see the results of these efforts. A short video program introduces the visitor to the culture and history of Saxman. Guests then enter the Beaver Clan House where they are welcomed by song and dance. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the final dance before moving onto the Saxman Totem Park, one of the largest gatherings of totem poles in the world. Your guide will help unravel the mysteries of these towering, majestic poles that stand as sentries over the present generation. The next stop is the Village Carving Center where world famous carvers work and pass on their skills to eager apprentices. A visit to the Village Store provides guests with the opportunity to purchase some of the finest Alaska Native art available or a small memento of your visit. On the return trip, see sights of Creek Street and let the fun begin with a stop at the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show. Hardy lumberjacks bring to life Alaska’s colorful forest history with an action packed competition in the partially covered and heated outdoor arena. Cheer on your team of World Champion lumberjacks in events such as chopping, sawing, tree climbing and much more. You will be kept on the edge of your seats as the entertaining host relives rich logging tales of a bygone era. Note: Please note that there may be a short wait prior to the Lumberjack Show. Time can be spent on your own or in the rustic company store located at the Lumberjack Show. Tour may operate in reverse. less