Mexican Riviera Cruises: Excursions

Relax and be transported through time on the whimsically themed vehicles, the Conch Tour Train or Old Town Trolley. This one-hour tour covers over 100 points of interest as you weave through the narrow streets of Old Town. Key West has one of the largest historic districts in the U.S. filled with tropical plants, flowers and charming wooden cottages, houses and mansions. On the tour you’ll pass through the historic seaport, by Southernmost Point, down exciting Duval Street, and unearth the stories of our unique heritage from the Bahamas, Cuba and New England. From bold Spanish explorers and brave wreckers to the great cigar barons and sponge magnates, you’ll be transported from the golden age of settlement through the exciting days of the railroad, and discover island life through the years of the Great Depression. You’ll quickly see why Key West has been home to writers and poets, musicians and artists, and visitors who find the Southernmost City magical. Your tour will conclude at Mallory Square, the hub of Old Town Key West. Filled with great shops and attractions including the Key West Aquarium and Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum, Mallory Square is where you’ll find the island’s best conch fritters at the conch fritter stand and delicious Cuban conch cuisine at "El Meson de Pepe". Note: Seats on the train and trolleys are a fixed size and some have wheelchair lifts with space to store collapsible wheelchairs. If you are travelling with a wheelchair, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk on board. less

Board a replica of a 17th-century old Galleon which will take you on a two-hour cruise around Cartagena’s Bay. A guide will provide you with information on the general history of Cartagena and the sights. While cruising, take in a lovely view of Fort of Manzanillo located at the eastern entrance of the bay. Enjoy the sun and the cool tropical breezes as you forge ahead between the faraway island of Tierra Bomba and the Castillo Grande peninsula. Marvel at the age-old walled city of Cartagena and enjoy a refreshing drink as you get lost in the panoramic views of land and sea. Following, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a traditional folkloric show celebrating the history and culture of Cartagena. Note: There is a total walking distance of 150 yards. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, sunscreen and camera. less

Discover the magic of Key West with a tour of the island and a visit to two of Key West’s best attractions, the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum and the Key West Aquarium. Become captivated by the charm of one of America's architectural treasures and discover why past residents Audubon, Hemingway, and President Truman fell in love with the island. From bold Spanish explorers and wreckers to the great cigar barons and sponge magnates, you’ll relive the age of settlement through the exciting days of the railroad, the Great Depression, World War II, the Cuban Missile Crisis and into the present. Find out about Key West’s unique role in the Civil War, and Henry Flagler’s dream – and how it came true. Key West’s rich maritime past comes alive at the Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum. There you’ll meet master wrecker Asa Tift as he shows you how salvaging helped make Key West the richest city in America. Climb the 120-foot wrecking tower and see the best views of Key West. At the Key West Aquarium you’ll meet Key West’s underwater residents including sharks, turtles, stingrays and hundreds of tropical and game fish. At the touch tank you’ll get a hands-on experience with conchs, starfish and hermit crabs. Note: Seats on the train and trolleys are a fixed-size and some have wheelchair lifts with space to store collapsible wheelchairs. If you are travelling with a wheelchair, please visit the Shore Excursion Desk on board. The Key West Shipwreck Treasures Museum has several flights of stairs. Due to the historic nature of the building, it is not wheelchair accessible. less

Your scenic drive will include a stop to enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Tangolunda - the luxury resort area. Pass the Bay of Conejos all the way up to the river estuary before proceeding to La Crucecita (downtown Huatulco), 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. If you like to shop, you’ll find several stores offering 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 are available. To finalize your tour, take in the stunning views of the Bay of Santa Cruz, La Entrega Beach, and your ship. Note: To fully participate, this tour requires leisurely walking over mostly even surfaces. There are a limited number of steps, some cobblestones and uneven surfaces. There will be some standing for extended periods of time. Bottled water is provided on the bus. 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

Start your tour of the beautiful city of Cartagena with a photo stop at San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Continue to the Old City and wander through narrow cobblestone streets and squares while you admire the Colonial architecture, balconies and old churches. Your next stop will be the Gold Museum where you'll see beautiful displays of valuable pre-Colombian gold artifacts and some of the old ceramics in the Americas. You'll also learn about the Zenu nation’s amazing hydraulic engineering achievements. Enjoy a folkloric show during your visit to the Navy Museum which was established in 1986. Here, you’ll find historic military efforts of Cartagena, see the wealth of historical artifacts, maritime life and naval history of Colombia. A bottle of water or soft drink will be served upon arrival at the museum. Before returning to your ship, take home some souvenirs from 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