Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

This tour offers the very best of Victoria, combining the city’s unique highlights with a visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. Take in Chinatown and the Gates of Harmonious Interest, along with the Old Town and scenic Marine Drive. At Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres. The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths, created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. A map will assist you with your self-guided tour.

Note: Walking time and distance is at each guest’s discretion. This tour is only available for guests on the Norwegian Jewel.

Take a journey for approximately 45 minutes to the ancient ruins of Izapa. From it’s beginnings as a small village, Izapa grew into the region’s most influential cultural and commercial center with a population of possibly up to 10,000 people. Izapa brought together many of Mesoamerica’s ancient cultures and many believe it may be the site of origin of the sacred Mayan Calendar; although, much study remains to be done in order to unlock these secrets. Next, travel by bus to Chocolate Discovery, where you’ll be able to see how the cocoa beans are transformed into chocolate right at the main square. Also, you’ll see and sample the local cuisine, as well as see a variety of local handcrafts and exotic flowers of the region. Local dances and marimba players will be sharing their skills with lively performances. After a stop at the local historic church, you will be on your way back to your ship. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

Victoria is the gateway to the Puget Sound, Gulf Islands, and San Juan Islands, and is home to three resident pods of Orca Whales. This tour is designed to take you as up close and personal as permitted with the whales and sea life as they explore their natural feeding grounds along the shores British Columbia’s rugged coastline. You’ll board a motorcoach for a short transfer over to the whale watching vessel departure point. The vessels are equipped with restrooms, and offer covered as well as open viewing locations. As you travel to the viewing location, be sure to enjoy the majesty of the coastline and mountains surrounding you. This area is a playground for many of the world’s wealthiest yacht owners, and multi-million dollar yachts can often be seen cruising through the waters. Note: Orcas are regularly seen, but not guaranteed. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women and people with back problems. less

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer. The operators of this tour guarantee you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! Day use binoculars and a souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with complimentary snacks and beverages. less

If you want to really experience Skagway, this tour will show you the best Skagway has to offer. Ascend the beautiful mountains on the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad. From your antique narrow-gauge car view incredible scenery as your tour guide shares stories and the history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Board a motorcoach to travel the spectacular Klondike Highway taking in the sights of Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls. At the foot of the pass, nestled next to a waterfall, rests Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp and Salmon Bake. Here a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls will entertain you with a hilarious melodrama and a poem. You’ll be set free in the Liarsville gold fields, where you are guaranteed to find the precious metal that drove people wild with Gold Fever!

Enjoy a barbeque of freshly grilled Alaskan salmon, baked beans, potatoes, coleslaw, sourdough rolls, coffee, lemonade and hot apple strudel. Wander over to camp to see the waterfall and have your picture taken with one of the dance hall girls or the camp mascot, a lovable husky. The grand finale is a visit to the Red Onion Saloon in historic downtown Skagway. The Red Onions’ madams will throw you a private party in the prestigious Red Onion Brothel. Sip Alaskan Amber beer, wine, or Madam's punch as you’re entertained by tales of the girls who used to work in these historic rooms! You’ll see the priceless nickel silver dress worn by the Onion’s first madam and many other artifacts left behind.

Note: All guests must carry a valid passport as this tour will be crossing both the U.S. and Canadian borders.