Europe Cruises: Excursions

Las Caletas was once the private home of the famous film director John Huston, who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway where you can enjoy an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure. This lovely beach was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top 4 secluded beaches in the World for 2012. Only accessible by sea, this well-secluded nature preserve stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of tropical forest in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard a first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Once arriving at Las Caletas, you can choose between pure relaxation or gentle exploration in the unspoiled natural setting of this tropical beach hideaway. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick-back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock, or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial at the hilltop Spa (additional charge). As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of this isolated cove. Throughout the day, bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling and kayaking tours giving everyone a chance to explore in a fun and relaxed way. On land, you can take a Paella cooking lesson, discover the prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center. For the youngest explorers (4-11) there is the kid’s adventure camp with zip lines, a climbing wall, animal encounters and an exciting donkey ride. Note: Tour includes moderate walking on uneven surfaces and numerous steps. Please wear your swimsuit underneath comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel. less

This evening you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a special performance of a well-known ballet (Giselle or Swan Lake), in one of the city’s theater venues. Dance is a huge part of the Russian’s nature. Dancing comes as natural to Russians, as singing comes natural to Italians. St. Petersburg has long been regarded as one of the world’s most famous ballet centers. For two centuries Russia has maintained its superiority in ballet, an art that was brought from Europe at the beginning of the 18th century. There was a period of adapting to this strange manner of dancing, which was initially shared with only a small segment of the population. After a long time of creating Russian ballet schools and theaters, with the help of Italian and French choreographers, coaches, artists, composers, dancers and ballerinas, the triumph of the Russian ballet was born at the beginning of the 20th century. After the show, your coach will be waiting to return you to your ship. *Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer. Note: Theater is not wheelchair accessible; there are stairs and no elevator. Photo and video recording is not allowed during the performance. Seating assignments are selected at random and are not based upon your time of booking. less

This tour combines the main sights of Helsinki and a visit to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum. Drive by the colorful open-air market and stop at Senate Square with the elegant Lutheran Cathedral for a photo opportunity. Continue past the Uspenski Cathedral and see the icebreakers docked for the summer season. Then, it’s on to Mannerheim Street, the main thoroughfare and home to Parliament House, the National Museum and Finlandia Hall. Also pass the new Contemporary Art museum, Kiasma, the Olympic Stadium - the venue for the Olympic Games of 1952, and the new Opera House, completed in 1993. Continue to the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, located on a beautiful green island just a few miles from the heart of Helsinki. The island is a tranquil oasis in the midst of the city and here, the traditional Finnish way of life is portrayed in the cottages, farmsteads and manors of the past four centuries that have been relocated from around the different provinces of Finland. The oldest building on the island is a 1686 wooden church from Karuna, near Turku. The guided walking tour is a fast way of getting to know traditional Finnish life and architecture while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. You’ll be treated to coffee and a traditional pastry in this country setting. Then it’s on to the unique Temppeliaukio Rock Church, blasted into solid rock. At the end of the tour, should time allow, you can get off in the downtown area to explore the city on your own or return by your bus to the cruise pier. Should you decide to remain in the city, you’ll be responsible for your own return to the cruise pier. Note: Order of sights might vary. Guides are not allowed to escort large groups through churches while a service is in progress. In this instance the guide will describe the church from the outside. We cannot guarantee entry if services are being held. Due to new traffic restrictions, buses will no longer be allowed to drive nearby the rock church; therefore, there will be a 20 minute walk to and from the church (approximately 1,600 feet). Guests must be able to perform substantial walks over uneven surfaces. This tour will not be available on 5/13/13 and 9/16/13 as the Open Air Museum will be closed. less

Begin with a scenic drive through the main sights of Helsinki towards the picturesque town of Porvoo; the second-oldest town in Finland and a favorite of poets and artists. Porvoo was an important trading center as early as the Middle Ages. Enjoy a walking tour along its cobblestone streets lined with 16th century wooden houses. Browse in the handicraft shops before you continue to Savijarvi Mansion, a private home where the family shows you around and treats you as a personal guest. Your hosts will serve coffee and cakes along with an assortment of Finnish berries and caramel sauce. Sit on the terrace or indoors, depending on the weather, and you’ll be able to see the riding horses and breeding farm. On the return trip to Helsinki, you’ll stop briefly in Sipoo for a visit to its 15th century church. At the end of the tour, you can get off in the downtown area to explore the city on your own or return by your bus to the cruise pier. Should you decide to remain in the city, you’ll be responsible for your own return to the cruise pier. Note: Order of sights might vary. Tour participation is limited. Guides are not allowed to escort large groups through churches while service is in progress. In this instance the guide will describe the church from the outside. We cannot guarantee entry if services are being held. Sipoo Old Church is closed on Sundays. less