Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

This trip combines a 27.7 mile White Pass Railway ride with a 4 to 6 mile round-trip wilderness hike toward Denver Falls, in lush old growth forest. After a 22 mile bus ride, your rail journey will be broken into two parts, before and after the hike. This world renowned railway adventure carries you through the scenic White Pass complete with waterfalls, rushing rivers, trestles, and tunnels as you trace the trail of '98. This southbound trip offers outstanding views from Inspiration Point and other locations along the route. After disembarking at Denver Station, your professional guides will lead you through the glacially carved valley full of dense, old growth forest.

The trail traces the raging East Fork of the Skagway River, meeting it intermittently and providing excellent photo opportunities. Be alert, and keep your camera close, as the remote valley is home to bears and other wildlife. From the depths of the river valley, gaze at the magnificent craggy peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains that make this valley deeper than the Grand Canyon. Your narrated hike will introduce you to the flora, fauna and history that make the region unique. Hiking through the pristine Tongass National Forest with 1,000 year old trees with photo stops by the river and Denver Falls will highlight this perfect mix of exercise and natural beauty. After the hike, continue with your return train ride to Skagway.

Note: Participants must be at least 9 years of age. Dress in layers and wear walking or athletic shoes. Lunch and snacks provided.

On this two-tank dive you’ll travel through deep submarine canyons just off San Lucas Bay and marvel at the rich marine environment on this adventure. Diving locations are just off the rocky shore and feature large boulders and pinnacles; the rocky walls attract schools of fish such as snapper and goatfish. The ledges are covered with marine invertebrates, starfish, nudibranchs and urchins. Look out for king and Cortez angelfish, Moorish idols and guinea fowl puffers. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, weigh less than 280 lbs. and in good physical condition. You’ll be required to complete a medical release form. You must present a valid certification card (C-Card) and must have logged a certified dive within the last year. All equipment, including professional supervision and boat transportation is included. Dive sites are chosen based on weather and sea conditions and are subject to change. less

Join this wonderful combination of two great tours for an encompassing experience of the Skagway area! Board the historic White Pass & Yukon Route narrow-gauge railroad for an incredible 1.5 hour trip through the coastal mountains to British Columbia, Canada. Meet your professional guides, versed in the ecology and history of the area, for a short van ride along the scenic Klondike Highway to the summit of the White Pass. After a bicycle and safety orientation, it’s 15 scenic miles downhill from the summit to the sea!

As you coast along the paved Klondike Highway on this 1 1/2 hour bike ride you'll make multiple stops for photos of the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, cascading waterfalls, awe-inspiring glaciers, majestic mountains, and other historic sites. This fun excursion offers a unique way to tour Skagway and the surrounding area, get some fresh air and go biking in Alaska. You’ll even get to ride your bike across the U.S. border! After your thrilling ride enjoy some time in historic downtown Skagway before heading back to your cruise ship. <.p>

Note: Participants must be at least 13 years of age, at least 4' 6" tall, and be comfortable with hand brakes and going downhill on a bicycle at speeds between 15 and 25 MPH (23-40 KPH). This excursion enters Canada, all participants are required to carry a valid passport. Outerwear is provided. Sport shoes and layered clothing are recommended. The ride is approximately 15 miles. Tour time may vary depending on group and customs.

Located along the shores of Banderas Bay, Puerto Vallarta provides the right conditions that create great diving adventures: good weather and a diversity of marine life, making it one of Mexico's top dive destinations that offers you both as beginner and certified scuba diver the opportunity to explore the mystery and wonders of the underwater world. Enjoy a comfortable ride out to the Marietas Islands, one of the best diving sites on Mexico’s Pacific coast which features a great variety of caves, reefs, and drop-offs, a haven for tropical and subtropical fish. The occasional turtle or manta ray may also be encountered. Lunch and domestic drinks will be served after the diving activities. Non-alcoholic beverages are available at any time. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age, must be certified divers and present their certification cards. Divers must have logged a dive within the last 12 months. Your Scuba equipment (including wetsuit) and professional supervision are included. less

Your tour begins with a short walk or ride to the Briefing Center. Upon arrival, you’ll be outfitted with top-of-the-line rain gear, hat, gloves, socks, boots and safety glasses. Be sure to keep your camera handy as this seafaring adventure offers photo opportunities from the moment you set sail. Throughout this nearly 25 mile coastal expedition, your guide will offer narrative covering the area's history, geology, culture and ecology. You'll board your four passenger boat and drive off the grid to behold the beauty of Alaska far away from the crowds. You'll follow your guide, who is in another boat, to the harbor in front of Saxman Native Village and chat about the totem poles and Tlingit culture. You'll search for bears, eagles, whales and seals and venture into the backcountry wilds of Nichols Passage, Blank Inlet and Blank Island. Enjoy the rich heritage of Thomas Basin's world famous Creek Street before heading back to city float where you'll dock your boat and warm up with another hot beverage before returning to the ship. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age. Maximum weight allowed 350 lbs. Drivers must be at least 26 years of age to drive the boat and in good physical condition. Comfortable warm layered clothing is recommended. Groups of two and three will share a boat with another party. Groups of four will have their own boat. This tour is not recommended for people with any previous back or neck injuries or guests who are pregnant because the water may get choppy. This tour is not recommended for those who are uncomfortable getting cold and wet. Routes may vary due to weather and tide conditions. This tour takes place on southeast Alaska's coastal waterways, not a calm lake, so water can and will become choppy at times. less

A local guide will take you on a moderate hike through the forest, fields and wetlands where Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery survived. At the end of your hike you'll be on the site of their Winter Fort that the corps used in 1805. The visitor center by the fort will educate and inspire you. See a replica of the fort and be guided through the Interpretive Center. Watch educational films about their incredibly journey. Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir of your visit. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age and a maximum of 80 years of age and in good physical condition. Hiking time: 1 hour and 45 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes with good traction. less