Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Discover picturesque Nanaimo and learn about its history on foot with your local, friendly tour guide. Your guide will greet you at the pier and take you on a fun and informative tour through downtown. This quaint town has an abundant history since its first European settlement in 1849. You’ll visit the museum, which has excellent exhibits, including one about their 100 year coal mining history. You’ll also visit the Bastion, the only original wooden bastion in North America. At the end of the tour, your guide will answer questions and provide you with a souvenir pin.

Note: Participants must be able to walk a mile or so without difficulty. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes with good tread and dress for the weather.

Cruise by Cabo’s famed Lovers Beach, past the sea lion colony and the towering rock formations of Land’s End, then set sail for Chileno Bay, cruising along Cabo’s Gold Coast. The bay features a large reef, which is home to many species of fish. Snorkel among the tropical fish in the blue waters of the Sea of Cortez. The adventurous can swim from the boat to the beach in search of treasures buried in the sand. On the return voyage, an assortment of finger foods and drinks will be served. Relax as the sails are hoisted and enjoy the beauty of Los Cabos. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 240 lbs. Not for guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems or pregnant women. Instructions are available upon request and equipment is provided. A signed waiver is required. less

Begin your tour with a panoramic view of the military fort of San Felipe de Barajas. Situated outside the walled city, this monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Continue to the El Cabrero neighborhood for a visit to the Rafael Nunez House and Museum. Rafael Nunez is one of the most illustrious cartageneros of all times. He became president of Colombia four times and created the constitution of 1886. The house where he lived and died is built in the spectacular Antilles architectural style and is now a museum. During your guided walk you'll admire some of the best-preserved Colonial Spanish architecture in South America with its imposing merchant's houses, narrow streets, flower-bedecked balconies stunning civic buildings and beautiful churches. Next, visit the Dungeons within the walled city ramparts, which were built to store provisions for the troops and are now home to a high quality handicrafts market selling brightly decorated cloth, woodwork and woven bags made by some of the indigenous peoples of Colombia. Your tour continues to the Palace of Inquisition. The aim of the Inquisition was to judge crimes against the Catholic faith, but it never recognized anyone's innocence. This building whose construction was finished in 1776 is an example of civilian architecture of the 18th century. Walk to the Plaza Bolivar where you'll visit the Gold Museum which houses a complete and beautiful archeological display of the pre-Colombian cultures and the fabled El Dorado. You'll have some spare time for shopping in the old city for the famous Colombian emeralds or an opportunity to take more pictures of this lovely city. Note: The Gold Museum is closed on Mondays when it will be substituted by a visit to Galeria Cano next door, which has replicas of the Gold Museum. The visit to San Felipe Fortress is only Panoramic; there is approximately 20 minutes stay in Las Bovedas and approximately 30 minutes at the emerald shops. Rafael Nunez House will be closed until June 2013; San Agustin Cloister will be visited instead. less

Explore the amazing world of Huatulco by water and land. Visit the beautiful beach of "La Entrega", where healthy coral plates shelter millions of colorful fish. Once here, don’t miss the "Bat Cave", located a few yards from the beach; snorkel into the cave and discover why it’s called the Lover’s Corner. Relax under a palm umbrella called ‘Palapa’ and enjoy refreshments or a delicious seafood dish at an additional cost. Next, swim the underwater world of Huatulco while tanning under the sun of this Mexican South Pacific beach. On your way back to the pier, you’ll have the chance to fill your eyes with different tones of blue from the sightseeing spots located along the roads and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the shoreline of Huatulco. You’ll make a stop on the impressive viewpoint of “La Entrega” where you’ll be able to take pictures while admiring your ship and the Bay of Santa Cruz. Note: Participants must sign a waiver release form. Bottled water is provided in the van. Tour itinerary might vary and could change to an alternate site depending on weather conditions, water clarity and sea conditions. Please wear your swimsuit and a t-shirt for snorkeling. Bring a towel and sunscreen protection. less

After a safety briefing, head for famed Lover’s Beach, past the sea lion colony and towering rock formations of Land’s End toward Santa Maria Cove. Anchor at a palm-studded tropical cove where the reefs are teeming with colorful tropical fish and you’ll have approximately 1 1/4 hours to snorkel in the tranquil waters alongside the boat. Snorkeling instructions are provided upon request. After your swim, you’ll be treated to your choice of soda, beer or a Mexican cocktail. Open bar is available throughout the cruise, after the snorkel portion of the tour. On the return trip, relax and enjoy the spectacular scenery. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and weigh no more than 240 lbs. This tour is not for guests with heart conditions, respiratory problems or pregnant women. A signed waiver is required. less

Relax during your short drive to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls where you’ll climb 600 feet of cool refreshing water as it cascades over natural limestone terraces. Guides are provided to assist you when ascending the rushing waters as it plunges directly into the pristine Caribbean Sea. After this invigorating experience you’re transported to Dolphin Cove, where you are met by friendly hostesses and given a complimentary fruit drink. This unique cove surrounded by lush tropical jungle, is home to our beautiful family of bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, snakes and iguanas. There you’ll participate in a brief orientation and then enter the world of nature’s most fascinating creatures; the Dolphins. Get to know these gentle creatures from a platform in shallow water and experience the emotion as you caress these beautiful animals; enjoy a splash and even a kiss or two. After enjoying this unique experience spend the rest of the day at Dolphin Cove and all that it has to offer. At the conclusion of your tour you’ll have the option of being dropped-off at a local shopping plaza for shopping time at your leisure and then make your own way back to your ship. Note: Shuttle buses are available at 10-minute intervals to return you to your ship. Children under 8 years of age must be accompanied by a paying adult. The Dunn’s River Falls are the highlight of Jamaica and tend to be very congested. All guests participating in a tour that visits the falls should wear foot protection that can get wet. River socks are available for rent at the falls. The rocks at the falls are slippery. Climbing the falls is optional and at your own risk. Participants who do not wish to climb the falls may enjoy the small beach at the base. The walk to the beach is on a slope with many stairs, therefore participants should be in reasonably good health. less