Bahamas & Florida Cruises: Excursions

After an approximate 30-minute bus ride from the pier to Port Lucaya, you’ll arrive to world famous Unexso facility for an unforgettable dolphin experience. You’ll receive a complimentary Dolphin Experience reusable shopping tote. Then, take an approximately 20-minute ferry boat ride along the south shore of the island over to the nine-acre Dolphin Experience Lagoon for an interaction with these wonderful creatures. Once at the lagoon, sit on the dock as the dolphins swim by your feet. You’ll then take turns stepping down onto a three-foot submerged platform in waist-high water and stand face-to-face with the dolphins where you’ll be able to touch, kiss and hug them. The staff will present interesting facts about the dolphins and all participants will have the opportunity to ask the animal care staff questions about these wonderful creatures. After your program take a look at several Macaws and Cockatoos or take a dip in the 17-foot deep pool at Unexso. Note: Participants of all ages are welcomed; children 3 years of age and under are free and those 16 years of age and under must be accompanied by a participating parent or guardian. Guests are not permitted to wear tanning oils or excessive amounts of sunscreen. Jewelry should be removed for the safety of the dolphins. Snacks, beverages and photos will be available for purchase upon your return to the facility. Guests must sign a waiver release form. Photographers will be taking photos while you interact with the dolphins, available for purchase after the program. less

Enjoy a close up view of the beautiful marine life while you snuba in the shallow confines of the Atlantis lagoon. Here, your certified instructor will give a 15-minute safety briefing. Then, experience a 30-minute dive and admire the different features of the Lagoon. Next, come play at Aquaventure, the centerpiece of the Atlantis Resort. Ride swells of rapids in a tropical waterscape and fly down seven-story slides. The new Atlantis is home to an exhilarating new waterscape of pools, water coasters, body slides and rivers that introduce the next generation of water experiences. You’ll also have access to the beach, and to the huge open-air marine habitat where you can find over 50,000 fascinating sea creatures. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. No snorkeling or Scuba experience necessary. Wetsuits are mandatory for the Snuba part of the tour. There is a considerable amount of walking on this tour (approximately 0.4 miles). Due to the amount of walking, numerous steps and inclines, the Aquaventure tour is not recommended for physically challenged guests or pregnant women. Lounge chairs, towels and life jackets are provided. Sandals or 'aqua socks' are strongly recommended for children of all ages. Non-motorized water sports are available for rent. Guests should bring a credit card for drink and food purchases. This tour is non-refundable. The duration of this tour includes transportation to and from the pier by bus, approximately 25-minutes each way depending on traffic conditions. Guests participating on an Atlantis Shore Excursion must arrive at the place and time stated on the Shore Excursion ticket. Atlantis tour tickets will not be honored at the resort. The last transfer back to the ship will be one hour before sailing time. This tour is not available on the N. Sky and N. Epic. less

Learn to surf at Cocoa Beach - Surf Capital of the World! You’ll be briefed on ocean safety and marine life awareness. Your experienced instructor will teach you how to manage your surfboard on land and in the water which will get you up and surfing safely in no time. Who knows, you may be able to ‘hang ten’ before the day is over! Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and capable swimmers. Surfboards and wet suits are included. A specific time will be set for your return transfer back to the pier. For those that wish to stay at Cocoa Beach, they are responsible for their own way back to the ship. For observers, a ride-along ticket needs to be purchased onboard as the transportation for this tour is not the Cocoa Beach Shopping Shuttle. This tour returns to the pier and will not be available for guests disembarking or with a back to back sailing. less

Enjoy a narrated bus ride through the industrial area of Grand Bahama Island, passing the International Bazaar with its Tori Gate, along Church Row and the endemic pine forest. Upon arrival at the Botanical Garden of the Groves you have the option of a guided tour or to explore on your own. Interpretive signs will highlight this lush tropical landscape with trees and flowers from the Bahamas and around the world. You’ll find a replica of the original chapel from the early logging days, tranquil lagoons with cascading waterfalls, a spiritual labyrinth for meditation and an open-air cafe deck. Local artisans will display authentic Bahamian arts and crafts. Children will also be able to enjoy a magnificent cedar play set. Walk down into the cool fern grove and marvel at the magnificent limestone boulders that tower to both sides of your trail! You may also want to relax on the 'Lofty Fig' deck where cool Bahamian drinks and local delicacies can be purchased. After your visit to the gardens you’ll be transported to Port Lucaya Marketplace for some shopping before returning to your ship. Note: Sunscreen and insect repellent is recommended. less

Learn about, meet and interact with the most beloved mammal in the ocean - the bottlenose dolphin. Transfer to and from Blue Lagoon Island, home to 19 bottlenose dolphins, by boat from the pier (approximately 40 minutes each way). Upon arrival, meet the trainers for an educational briefing. This program takes place in approximately 20-foot-deep water, in small groups of no more than 10, so everyone has the opportunity to meet the dolphin while in the water and to ask questions. Highlights include a petting and feeding session with the dolphins, the popular high speed 'foot push' and optional professional photo and DVD/video opportunity. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age. Pregnant women are not allowed. Actual in-water encounter time is approximately 30 minutes. Children between the ages of 6 to 12 must be accompanied in the water by a paying guardian/parent. The paying guardian/parent must be book at the same time of the child participant; these booking cannot be made onboard as space is very limited. Lifejackets are required and provided on a complimentary basis; wet suits are available during cooler weather. Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel from your ship. You must be able to walk about 1/2 to 1 mile on the pier. Guests must sign a waiver release form. less