Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Your day of discovery begins when you board you air conditioned transportation. You’ll pass by buildings and homes featuring Colonial, Republican and Moorish styles and your guide explains the many influences that came to be in Cartagena. Your first stop will be 'Punta Icacos', near the fishing village of La Boquilla. Here, you’ll be greeted by local fishermen who earn a living by traditional means of fishing. These fishermen will explain the process of making, repairing and casting the nets, as well as provide a demonstration. You’ll even have the opportunity to learn the art of throwing the net if you wish or you can also sip on fresh coconut milk or coconut water while you watch your companions cast the net. On your way back to Cartagena your guide will provide you with more information regarding Columbian history including the "Vallenato". The Vallenato is a traditional type of music typically using an accordion, flute and drum. Next, stop at Rancho Grande where you’ll be greeted and entertained by your own band of Vallenato. Sample a traditional Columbian snack or "frito" if you whish before making your way to the Emerald Museum. Here, you’ll see craftsmen at work as well as learn the history and cultural importance of the precious stone. Then, visit the famous walled or Old City and Portal de Dulce, an area where local vendors sell the handmade Columbian candies, famous around the world. Take a sweet sample before continuing your walk through the Plaza de la Aduana and Simon Bolivar Square. Along the way your guide will point out areas of interest as well as information on the many churches, building and monuments before you begin your free time in the colonial city. Feel free to stroll along the beautiful streets, browse the many shops and admire the beautiful architecture and flower covered balconies before returning to your ship. Note: Bring comfortable shoes and casual clothes. Wear sunscreen. Participants must be able to stand and walk unassisted as well as easily navigate narrow pathways. The roads to the village can be bumpy. less

This comprehensive tour offers the highlights of Alaska's capital city including a visit to stunning Mendenhall Glacier. Board your deluxe coach and set off to explore a selection of Juneau's most memorable attractions in style as your driver/guide shares tales of Juneau's colorful past. Arrive at the Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and the staff will acquaint you with one of Alaska's most important species - the Pacific salmon. Be sure to check out the raceways with adolescent salmon and the various aquariums displaying the rich sea life of the region.

Next, travel to Glacier Gardens. Relax as a guide ushers you through the rain forest to the 800 foot level via motorized cart where you’ll have time to take in a canopy view of Gastineau Channel below and Douglas Island, Lynn Canal, Mendenhall Valley, and the Chilkat Mountains in the background. Your tour culminates with a visit to Mendenhall Glacier. The area offers several vantage points for viewing this stunning river of ice. Explore the visitor center to learn about this Ice Age wonder from the engaging exhibits and visiting with U.S. Forest Service staff.

Note: This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. Wheelchair access may be limited – for details, please consult your Shore Excursion staff before booking. less

Become absorbed in the rich living culture of Southeast Alaska’s Native Americans and witness a rip-roaring lumberjack competition on this comprehensive tour of Ketchikan. Your first stop will be a visit to Saxman Native Village. For generations, Tlingit villages have maintained a tradition of welcoming visitors in regal style. At Saxman, guests are still afforded this same time-honored welcome. In this Native community, tribal elders and others have worked hard to pass on many of the traditions that have long defined the culture of Southeast Alaska. A visit to Saxman gives the visitor a firsthand opportunity to see the results of these efforts. A short video program introduces the visitor to the culture and history of Saxman. Guests then enter the Beaver Clan House where they are welcomed by song and dance. Visitors are encouraged to participate in the final dance before moving onto the Saxman Totem Park, one of the largest gatherings of totem poles in the world. Your guide will help unravel the mysteries of these towering, majestic poles that stand as sentries over the present generation. The next stop is the Village Carving Center where world famous carvers work and pass on their skills to eager apprentices. A visit to the Village Store provides guests with the opportunity to purchase some of the finest Alaska Native art available or a small memento of your visit. On the return trip, see sights of Creek Street and let the fun begin with a stop at the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show. Hardy lumberjacks bring to life Alaska’s colorful forest history with an action packed competition in the partially covered and heated outdoor arena. Cheer on your team of World Champion lumberjacks in events such as chopping, sawing, tree climbing and much more. You will be kept on the edge of your seats as the entertaining host relives rich logging tales of a bygone era. Note: Please note that there may be a short wait prior to the Lumberjack Show. Time can be spent on your own or in the rustic company store located at the Lumberjack Show. Tour may operate in reverse. less

No trip to Alaska is complete without a ride on the White Pass & Yukon Route narrow gauge railroad. Take the unforgettable journey aboard the "Scenic Railway of the World" and travel from tidewater to the summit of White Pass, a 2,865 foot elevation. Ride 40 miles round-trip in vintage rail cars as you retrace the original route to White Pass Summit passing Bridal Veil Falls, Inspiration Point and Dead Horse Gulch. This fully narrated tour features panoramic views of mountains, gorges, waterfalls, tunnels, trestles and historic sites. See the original Klondike Trail of '98 worn into the rocks, a tribute to the thousands that took this route to seek their fortune. The narrow gauge railroad is a designated International Historic Civil Engineering Landmark, shared with the Eiffel Tower and the Statue of Liberty.

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