Caribbean Cruises: Excursions

Discover tranquil island hideaways onboard the most informative and highly entertaining sightseeing cruise in Bermuda. This tour will give you historical facts as well as lots of humorous personal stories about the island. Cruise along the shoreline to view charming Colonial homes, painted in pastel colors that are steeped in history, as well as exclusive neighborhoods known as "Millionaire’s Row". We’ll point out the homes of the rich and famous - such as Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones; playwright Eugene O’Neal, who’s daughter was married to Charlie Chaplin; and illustrator William Denslow, most famous for his work on the "Wizard of Oz". See classic Bermuda landmarks such as Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, the oldest cast iron lighthouse in the Western Hemisphere. Learn about the island’s past and present, flora and fauna, and wonderful marine life as you gently cruise Bermuda’s exquisite turquoise blue waters. Note: There are 10-12 steps required to access the upper deck seating area. Comfortable shoes and clothing are recommended as well as a hat and sunscreen. less

Board your air-conditioned transportation for the approximately 45-minute drive to the infamous mud volcano. On the way to the volcano, pass by the imposing San Felipe de Barajas Fortress situated outside the walled city. Here, you’ll have the opportunity enjoy a panoramic view of the old city. Upon arrival at the mud volcano an orientation to the rustic facilities will be provided. A mud volcano is created by natural gases emitted by decaying organic matter underground. As the mud is pushed upwards by the gas, it deposits and hardens above ground and forms what appears to be a huge anthill. As more mud oozes out and spills over the edge it grows in size, gradually forming what you can see today: a miniature 50-foot volcano with a rich, creamy, mud crater at the top. If you have never been in a mud volcano before, then the initial feeling of mud on your skin is unusual to say the least. When you feel like you are about to become one with the earth, just climb back down the staircase and stroll down to the nearby freshwater lake where you can wash the mud off. Note: The temperature of the mud is very warm to hot, therefore those who are susceptible to heat must not participate on this tour. It's said that the mud has healing properties; however the truth to this statement is not proven. To reach the top of the mud volcano where the pool of mud is located, requires the negotiation of numerous, steep steps. Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel and adequate sun protection. less

Join a local taxi driver/guide who will point out the many places and sites you can visit during your stay. We start ship side at the Royal Naval Dockyard, steeped in Maritime history. Our first stop will be at Fort Scaur, built in the 1870s to protect overland routes to the Royal Naval Dockyard. Enjoy spectacular views of the North Shore and the Great Sound. Cross over Somerset Bridge, reputed to be the smallest drawbridge ever built for pictures at Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse. You'll have an opportunity to view a famous pink sand beach and aqua marine water surrounded by an impressive Barrier Reef system. Continue on to the Bermuda Underwater Explorations Institute (BUEI) showcasing the island’s rich underwater history. Visit the Shipwreck Gallery and discover a world of treasures, from cannons to clay jars, all pulled from shipwrecks found in the deep ocean around Bermuda. Walk back through time and uncover a bounty of marine artifacts and history. You can experience a simulated sub dive and shark cage encounter and stroll through an exhibit of rare seashells. The tour ends in Hamilton at the Ferry Depot. You can choose to return to the ship or browse famed Front Street shops. Return ferry token is at the guest’s expense. less

The tour takes you through the quaint town of St. Ann’s Bay and continues to Seville Heritage Park, where the major attraction is the collection of artifacts on display in the Great House, depicting various aspects of the life of the Taino Indians – the first inhabitants of Jamaica, the Africans and Europeans who came next. The tour continues to Wassi Art Pottery Works, an unexpected treasure chest of unusual pottery that delights collectors and visitors. On the tour, you can meet the artisans at work and observe the process of making the beautiful art ware from start to finish…the clay shed, the potter, the firing and oh yes, the showroom, where the finished works are displayed. Then pause for a while at the fantastic Island Village, where the picturesque open-air setting with boardwalk, natural spring lagoons and trees provide a refreshing experience, which will give new dimension to your experience in Ocho Rios. less

Enjoy an hour of fun-filled excitement as you discover the Belizean tropical forest by horseback. The trail winds through a gallery of royal palms as parrots nesting up near the fronds call out across the forest, the harsh sound temporarily obliterating the sounds of other forest birds. In the high canopy of intertwining branches of guanacaste trees, bullet trees, tarpon blossom and bukut tees, one or more troops of black howler monkeys might fill the air with their deep resonating roars, defining their territory while sunning iguanas lazily and nonchalantly gaze across the river to treetops filled with more iguanas. After your ride, kick off your shoes and relax in a hammock in the shade of a buttonwood tree. At your leisure, enjoy a delicious truly Belizean lunch prepared just for you served buffet style. If relaxing is not for you, then learn about the many uses of native plants on Ixchel’s walk, a self-guided medicinal/botanical trail, or stroll along a winding pathway in the Wild Wings Butterfly House. Here you’ll, learn about the intricate lives of native Central American butterflies or you can put in a few swings at the golf driving range. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh no more than 250 lbs. Approximate horse riding time is one hour. Pregnant women are prohibited from horseback riding. Wear long sleeve shirt, long pants and closed-toe shoes. Bring swimsuit, sunglasses, hat, towel, sunscreen, insect repellant. Tour might occur in reverse. less