Caribbean Cruises: Excursions

This unforgettable and exciting excursion will have you travelling along the coastline on Sir Francis Drakes Highway to the famous Pussers Landing where you can browse in the quaint boutiques. After your 30 minutes stop, drive to Capoons Bay, Apple Bay and Carrot Bay then you will ascend about 900 feet above sea level between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy the stunning views and the different shades of the ocean that operate harmoniously with the clouds. This relaxing drive stops at Nature's Way where you can get the best made ice cold fruit smoothie. This complimentary beverage is just for you and you can sip it as you travel to Long Bay beach at Beef Island. Take your photos and a plunge in the warm crystal clear water. A stop at the Maritime Museum is a must as you view a display of photographs and artifacts recovered from the 1867 wreck of the Royal Mail Steamer" Rhone" . Note: Wear your swimsuit and bring a towel. The majority of the transportation used are open-air safari type vehicles. Tortola is a very beautiful island, however there will be many curved roads and going up and down hills. less

View the city of Roseau from a 400-feet elevation before continuing to the Botanical Gardens for a view of some of the world’s most exotic trees and rare birds, the Sisserou and Jaco parrots, on this cruise shore excursion. Move on to the village of Trafalgar and to the Trafalgar Falls, one of Dominica’s most fascinating and picturesque areas. You will have a unique view of the falls, as it cascades side by side out of deep gorges. Your guide will lead you on a 10-minute trek to the viewing platform of these majestic waterfalls. Next, pass through the city of Roseau, traveling up the Springfield Valley to the Trois Pitons National Park. You will soon arrive at the Emerald Pool for a 15-minute trek through the rainforest to the 40-foot cascading waterfall, the Emerald Pool. Note: Rain is frequent in the rainforest, so raingear and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. less

Board a 65-foot high-speed catamaran and sail 16 miles east through the barrier reef and across the channel where you'll enter an undersea world, home to a variety of corals on this shore excursion. These coral formations are teaming with schools of colorful tropical fish. After snorkeling, enjoy some rum punch on the short trip to a white-sand island where you’ll be able to sunbathe, kayak or enjoy the beach floats. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women, guests with back or neck injuries, heart conditions, asthma or any other pre-existing or recurring medical conditions. We recommend you bring a towel and sunscreen. less

Explore the city of Cartagena. Begin with a stop at La Popa Monastery, built during the 17th century and dedicated to Nuestra Senora de la Candelaria, patron saint of Cartagena and a Colonial museum. Visit a small chapel to see the famous wooden statue of the Virgin, and marvel at the wonderful gold leaves laminated main altar. Continue to San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city for a panoramic view of this monumental fort considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Then, continue to Las Bovedas Artisan Center, built as dungeons and as a means of storage. Walk through narrow cobblestone streets and squares inside the walled city. Wander through Plaza de Bolivar which features a statue of its namesake. Visit the Inquisition Palace, established in the year 1610 to punish any crimes against the Catholic faith. You’ll see samples of jails and torture chambers. The sentencing ceremony used to take place in public, in the middle of the plaza. Next, visit the San Pedro Claver cloister and monastery built in homage to the protector of slaves. Before returning to your ship, take home some souvenirs from the Pierino Gallo shopping center and enjoy panoramic sightseeing through Bocagrande, the modern part of the city. Note: Casual clothes and comfortable shoes are recommended. Wear sunscreen and bring your camera. less

A great way to get acquainted with Huatulco is with a visit to the nice downtown area of La Crucecita, the evergreen Central Park (Zocalo) and the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, host of the world’s largest painting of the Virgin on its ceiling. Several stores are waiting to offer you a wide variety of handicrafts including black pottery from the valleys of Oaxaca, handmade woven rugs and carpets milled on traditional looms, and the world-famous 'alebrijes' allegories of fantastic animals. Typical products, like Mezcal (the original Oaxacan version of the well-known Tequila), chocolate rivaling with the best Swiss-made ones, coffee, regional cheese, clothes, wines and liquors, and much more are widely available. To complete the land journey, take a breathtaking view of the Bay of Tangolunda, the luxury resort area. Proceed to the marina of Santa Cruz to board a catamaran for one of the highlights of Huatulco, its wonderful shoreline, composed of several small bays with more than 36 beaches scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. Leaving the Santa Cruz Bay, you’ll pass your ship and head eastward to see the Bay of Chahue featuring three beautiful beaches and a Marina for private sailboats and yachts. Continue to La Bufadora (the blowhole) and take a closer look at the natural features of this paradisiacal area and hear the ocean’s voice roaring or be surprised with the massive natural Indian face, engraved through time by the sculpturing action of the waves and the wind - the Stone Face. Move on to the secluded Bay of Organo and the more commercial Bay of Maguey. Note: To fully participate, this tour requires leisurely walking over mostly even surfaces. There is a limited number of steps, some cobblestones, uneven surfaces and some standing for extended periods of time. Catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Bottled water is available on the bus, while water, soft drinks and beer are available aboard the catamaran. The tour itinerary may vary due to weather conditions. less