Caribbean Cruises: Excursions

A short 15 minute drive south of Roseau takes you through the picturesque village of Pointe Michel to the Irie Safari's watersports facility at Champagne. Champagne is Dominica's premier diving and snorkeling site. Underwater geothermal springs vent gasses in the form of thousands of warm bubbles giving you a feeling of swimming through a giant glass of Champagne. The reef here is quite spectacular where you can expect to see a myriad of sea life including sponges, lobster, parrot fish and a resident population of Hawksbill turtles. Upon arrival at the watersports center, you’ll be outfitted with snorkeling gear and given an orientation. The tour of the reef is led by a professional PADI certified "Dive master" who will instruct you on the correct use of your gear and brief you on what you are likely to see and experience once in the water. After your tour you can enjoy the comfort and convenience of the center with showers, changing rooms, refreshments, gift shop and a sundeck overlooking the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and should be competent swimmers and snorkelers. less

Most people do not realize that chocolate was first discovered in Mexico and processed by the Aztec and Mayan Indians. But these Indians created chocolate items and drinks that are very different from the kinds of refined milk chocolate items we are familiar with from Europe. In fact, to their everlasting regret, the Mexicans never thought of adding milk to their recipes, but DID create many tasty, unusual and intriguing chocolate foods. You will be transferred to a quiet Ocean View terrace where you will first be presented with a Chocolate Martini (adults only) before this in-depth presentation gets underway describing the many stages the chocolate seed pods must go through. By grinding together some of the traditional ingredients, guests get to participate first hand in some of the same chocolate processing techniques that after many centuries are still used by the Mayans. The session will culminate in the tasting of the various chocolate items produced. After the Chocolate portion of the tour, guests will have time to shop from a large variety of chocolate products including shampoo and have the option either to go back to their ship or go to downtown. Guests opting to go downtown will be responsible for their transportation back to the ship. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age. Note: Participants who are allergic to chocolate or nuts are not allowed. less

Explore dramatic underwater vistas generally reserved for Scuba divers. A wide variety of fish and other sea creatures await you as you gaze into the underwater world of Key West. Along the way, our experienced Captain and crew will provide a unique and informative eco-tour and point out some of the most interesting marine life that inhabit the waters of this incredible island. Fury's glass-bottom boat, the "Pride of Key West", offers passengers a smooth ride on a modern catamaran, with a seated sun deck and an air-conditioned, enclosed viewing area as well as restrooms and a snack bar. less

Get up-close and personal with Key West’s underwater residents. The aquarium is Key West’s first attraction built in 1935 to promote tourism to the island during the Great Depression. Today it is home to hundreds of different species including rays, sharks, fish and turtles and even a touch tank where children of all ages are encouraged to enjoy a hands-on experience with the Keys’ sea life. At the Atlantic Shores exhibit, you’ll come face-to-face with a Florida Keys near shore environment filled with tropical and game fish, sea turtles and spiny lobster. Then you’re off to the Key West Butterfly and Nature Conservatory. Witness hundreds of free-flying butterflies and exotic colorful birds from around the world that inhabit this glass-enclosed, climate-controlled conservatory. Relax and enjoy a magical, one-of-a-kind experience as you walk among the most beautiful creatures in nature and stroll against a backdrop of lush flowers, trees, orchids and cascading waterfalls. To set the stage before you enter their world, spend time in our leaning center where you can view a 15-minute award-winning film that describes the anatomy, physiology and life cycle of the butterfly. Note: If you are traveling with a wheelchair, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk on board. less

Step aboard this 1.5 hour Trolley Train Tour around the capital of Dominica. The train makes a stop at the Botanical Gardens, visits a city view point, a Catholic church and a local bar. First we will make a stop at the historical Roseau Cathedral and get the opportunity to visit this old colonial church and take photos. From here we will head towards the Botanical Gardens where we will take an optional walk through the Gardens with its large exotic trees and plants. Next stop will be at a view point with excellent photo opportunities overlooking the capital with the cruise line and the Caribbean sea in the background. On the way you will see bustling street life and vendors as the train goes through the most unspoiled and untouched capital of the Caribbean. The conductor will point out buildings and landmarks as you pass them by. Take a photo of the colonial architecture as you passing through the winding alleys and streets. Last stop will be at a bar which is known for its great waterfront facilities. Here you will get a complimentary fruit or rum punch and listen to some Caribbean music. Note: Participants cannot exceed 350 lbs. less