Europe Cruises: Excursions

Take a short drive to the Dolphin Center at the Nuevo Vallarta Marina. After a brief presentation, head down the dock to a 14,500-square-foot holding pen and as you stand waist-deep in the water, you’ll be introduced to the beautiful Pacific bottlenose dolphin in a hands-on, up-close encounter for approximately 15 minutes. They are as curious about you as you are about them. Take full advantage of this unique opportunity to pet them gently and you’ll even receive a dolphin kiss. During your encounter you’ll also learn ways to ensure their preservation and foster the well-being of these amazing creatures. After your activity with the dolphins, enjoy a complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and free time to purchase souvenirs or photos to remind you and your family of this incredible experience. Note: Participants must be at least 1 year old. Infants 1 to 3 years of age can join at no charge in the arms of a participating adult. Children age 4 to 8 who are less than 4’ 5” in height may also participate in the arms of a participating adult, but they will be charged. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing and bring a towel. Lockers available free of charge. less

Huatulco’s surrounding communities are no exceptions if you want to take a piece of Mexico back home! Begin your tour in the small town named Piedra de Moros, where you’ll visit the medicinal plants and herbs. Receive a brief explanation of their names and which diseases they can cure. Taste a refreshing tea of lemon herb and see the traditional way of making "tortillas" and bread. Learn the use of "Nopal" (Cactus) and sample all these traditional Mexican products. Your next stop will be Santa Maria, here you’ll visit its beautiful church that was built on the 17th Century. Visit local blacksmith's artisanal shop with more than a century old, and where nowadays working tools are made with recycled materials. Then, stop by a Rustic Mezcal Factory where the elaborated process of distillation of this traditional Oaxaca´s beverage will be shown as well as the different uses of the "Maguey" plant. Return to your ship with memories of real lifestyles of Mexican Communities. Note: Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Guest must be in good health. Not recommended for pregnant women. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Bring sun screen and cash as credit cards are not accepted in the small towns. less

This touring option allows you complete freedom to maximize your time and explore the places that really interest you. Discover in comfort and at your own pace with the convenience of a private vehicle and English speaking driver/guide (other languages available on request) at your disposal. You set your pace and itinerary, just tell us where you want to go!
Note: Entrance, parking fees and meals are not included, in order to allow you complete freedom of choice. Bring local currency, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Extra hours available at an additional cost. Guests, who are planning to visit the religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed in churches. Prices are per vehicle and not per person, so only one person in the party needs to book this tour. less

Have a close look at one of the most beautiful bays of Europe and France’s principal naval base. The only way to get within close proximity of the arsenal and admire the National Marine buildings is by boat. Your boat trip you’ll see the marine cemetery, the last anchorage place for old vessels, the port of La Seyne sur Mer and its old shipyards along with the Corniche of Tamaris. Cruise by Lazaret Bay and its mussel farms, Les Sablettes, St. Mandrier Peninsula, the jetty which closed the bay from the east and its fortifications Eyguillette, Balaguier, St. Louis, Lamalgue, Tour Royale and Cap Brun.

Toulon’s coastline is lined with deep creeks shaded by pines, turquoise blue waters, sandy beaches and picturesque small fishing ports. Visit the Musee National de la Marine and discover the history of the port, the conditions of onboard convict ships, the daily life of sailors and the operations of the French nuclear attack submarines. Highlights include large models of 18th century vessels, the control panel of the Clemenceau, and a model of the French aircraft carrier, Charles de Gaulle. At the completion of your tour, you can walk back to your ship or stay in town for some time to sip a café, do some shopping, or just do nothing, it’s up to you!

Note: Due to closure of the naval museum, this tour is not available on Norwegian Spirit’s September 30th sailing. There is an approximately 15 minute walk back to the ship from your drop off point at the completion of the tour. The Naval Museum and boat are accessible to wheelchair guests. For guests not in wheelchairs there are approximately 30 steps to negotiate while in the Naval Museum. The boat is shared with guests on shore excursion TLN_12. less

Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a connection with these truly remarkable creatures. You’ll have an opportunity to talk, touch, play and swim with gentle and exquisite bottlenose dolphins. Your swim experience begins with a brief presentation on dolphin characteristics, how to use hand signals and positive reinforcement to communicate with your dolphin and various safety guidelines. Next, your group of no more than eight participants will head to the Dolphin Lagoon where you’ll wade into the shallow, clear waters to begin your exclusive dolphin experience. You'll meet and play with a dolphin for 30 minutes, getting to know each other through hugs, kisses, rubdowns and ultimately, an exciting belly ride. The duration of the program is approximately 60 minutes, including orientation. After your dolphin swim, enjoy complimentary lunch at the dolphin marina and some free time to purchase memories of your experience with the dolphins. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age and no less than 4 feet, 5 inches tall. Do not wear jewelry or sunscreen lotion as it may be harmful to the animals. Wear your swimsuit under your clothing and bring a towel. Lockers available free of charge. less

Departing the pier, you’ll head to the Sagrada Familia passing by many famous landmarks: the Columbus Monument and the bottom of the famous promenade of La Rambla. Your drive will also take you along Via Laietana to reach Catalunya Square, which is considered to be the heart of Barcelona. From here, you’ll continue your scenic drive along Passeig de Gracia, the best known boulevard in town. Your guide will point out two of Gaudi’s masterpieces: Casa Batllo and Casa Mila. After your sightseeing drive, you’ll enter the upper Eixample Area of Barcelona where the Sagrada Familia is situated. Your guide will explain all the details related to this unfinished church, which Gaudi planned with three monumental facades (one devoted to the Birth of Jesus Christ, one devoted to the Passion and one to the Glory). After seeing the intricate exterior of the massive cathedral, you’ll drive to Pueblo Espanyol (a village built in 1929 representing squares and streets from all over Spain). In this mini replica of Spain, you’ll head to the Andalusian Quarter where you’ll find the Tablao de Carmen (named after the great dancer Carmen Amaya). Here you’ll enjoy a flamenco show which is a unique dance style with heel stomping (taconeo) and hand clapping (palmas sordas). Once the show is finished, your tour will drop you off back at your ship. Note: This tour is only available for Norwegian Epic guests. less