Alaska Cruises: Excursions

Departing Ogden Point, your driver/guide will point out Mile Zero, the western end of the Trans Canada Highway, Beacon Hill Park and Thunderbird Park en route to Craigdarroch Castle an outstanding landmark home standing most affluent in a city steeped in heritage. Craigdarroch was built between 1887–1890 by Robert Dunsmuir and boasts a unique collection of residential stained and leaded glass, period furnishing, and excellent wood paneling and carving. Enjoy your self-guided visit in the castle with docents available to answer any questions you may have. After your visit, rejoin your driver/guide returning via Chinatown and welcomed by the Gates of Harmonious Interest. Continue to the inner harbor framed by some of Canada's most recognizable landmarks, the majestic Parliament Buildings aglow in 3,333 light bulbs and the ivy-covered Empress Hotel. At the inner harbor and shopping district you'll be given some free time to take in the local sights and sounds prior to your return journey to the pier and your ship. Note: Must have good mobility and be able to negotiate a gradual uphill walk to the castle and 87 steps to view all four floors of the castle. Referred to as a 'castle', the building is more a stately mansion with castellated features. Your visit of this unique neighbourhood stately home is self-guided with docents available to answer any questions you may have. Order of sights may vary. less

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.

Discover picturesque Nanaimo and learn about its history on foot with your local, friendly tour guide. Your guide will greet you at the pier and take you on a fun and informative tour through downtown. This quaint town has an abundant history since its first European settlement in 1849. You’ll visit the museum, which has excellent exhibits, including one about their 100 year coal mining history. You’ll also visit the Bastion, the only original wooden bastion in North America. At the end of the tour, your guide will answer questions and provide you with a souvenir pin.

Note: Participants must be able to walk a mile or so without difficulty. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread and dress for the weather.

You'll be escorted to the tender dock to board your whale boat for this 2-1/2 hour tour. Your journey will take you to Point Adolphus, one of Alaska's premier humpback whale watching destinations. You'll be travelling through waters that support a wide array of marine life including orca, Steller's sea lions, seal, Dall's porpoise and of course the magnificent humpback whale. Along the shore keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles in the evergreen treetops. Your onboard naturalist will describe the biology and behavior of the diverse species that gather here every summer to indulge in the nutrient-rich waters, fueled by the long Alaska summer days. The whale population at Point Adolphus is so plentiful that the tour operator will refund you $100 ($50 per child) if a whale is not spotted on the trip. less

See the best of Cartagena with a tour of the city accompanied by local guide experts. Your first stop will be a view of the imposing military fort of San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city and considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. You'll then continue to the historic Colonial city characterized by its walls which took 194 years to be completed. These immense walls enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the numerous attacks of English pirates and other invaders. You’ll be able to walk through Spanish Colonial architecture, some of the best preserved in South America with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies, civic buildings and beautiful churches. The city is dotted with many squares and public spaces which are now home to sidewalk cafes and restaurants where locals and visitors relax and enjoy the magic of this city. Your next stop will be Bocagrande, which in contrast with the old city is modern with high rise apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants, a great place for visitors. You’ll then have a brief stop for shopping at the Pierino Gallo shopping center famous for its wide variety of jewelry shops. Note: There is a 30 minute continuous walk-in old town. Bring comfortable attire, hat and sun block. less