Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

The city and cruise port of Victoria are steeped in old world charm. With its manicured lawns and impressive displays of gardens and hanging baskets adorning the streets, on this one hour excursion you’ll see why Victoria is nicknamed the “City of Gardens”. At the cruise terminal you’ll board your trolley, drawn by two magnificent draught horses. Get cozy in your seat and feel free to wrap yourself in the provided blanket.

Your journey will take you past the gorgeous historical homes, located between the cruise terminal and the downtown inner harbor. Enjoy the lively narration of your guide as they “giddy up” and “whoa boy” this tour through town! You’ll see the largest park in Victoria, as well as the famous Empress Hotel, and the British Columbia legislative buildings, commonly referred to as the Parliament buildings. Sit back and relax as you’re carried by real horsepower back to the ship.

Note: This is an open-air vehicle and we recommend you bring a jacket. Guests will need to navigate two steps to board the trolley and due to safety concerns, wheel chairs, walkers, strollers and scooters must be left at the departure location.

See the best of Cartagena with a tour of the city accompanied by local guide experts. Your first stop will be a view of the imposing military fort of San Felipe de Barajas situated outside the walled city and considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. You'll then continue to the historic Colonial city characterized by its walls which took 194 years to be completed. These immense walls enabled Cartagena to defend itself from the numerous attacks of English pirates and other invaders. You’ll be able to walk through Spanish Colonial architecture, some of the best preserved in South America with its imposing merchant’s houses, narrow streets, flower bedecked balconies, civic buildings and beautiful churches. The city is dotted with many squares and public spaces which are now home to sidewalk cafes and restaurants where locals and visitors relax and enjoy the magic of this city. Your next stop will be Bocagrande, which in contrast with the old city is modern with high rise apartment complexes, hotels and restaurants, a great place for visitors. You’ll then have a brief stop for shopping at the Pierino Gallo shopping center famous for its wide variety of jewelry shops. Note: There is a 30 minute continuous walk-in old town. Bring comfortable attire, hat and sun block. less

Catch “gold fever” and experience what it was like to seek your fortune during Gold Rush days! Learn to pan for gold (and keep all you find!) and discover Juneau’s colorful mining heritage for yourself. Head out with a prospector/guide in authentic 19th century dress for a historical tour of Juneau, including the state capitol, en route to “Last Chance Basin”, where Joe Juneau and Richard Harris struck gold in 1880. In a beautiful, secluded setting alongside Gold Creek — only accessible under our tour’s special permit — your prospector shows you how gold panning is done. Then, it’s your turn, as you learn how to expertly work the pan with helpful tips and advice. You can choose to pan in the creek, or in the waist-high demonstration trough. Every one of all ages and those with limited mobility can learn how to pan and capture the full gold rush experience. You’re guaranteed to find gold! And, all that glitters is yours to keep. Around you are remnants of the original buildings of the Alaska-Juneau Mining Company, which at the height of production was the largest operation of its type in the world. You’ll learn about the mining techniques that were used, and more about the quest for gold that is so much a part of Alaska’s history. Take home a souvenir Orelove Brothers Gold Claim Certificate, all the gold you find, and an appreciation of what is was like to seek your fortune in the wilds of Alaska more than a century ago. less

A feast as grand as Alaska itself! The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an event that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor an all-you-can-eat adventure, in a unique outdoor environment you’ll find nowhere else. Arrive at a beautiful setting, in a lush rain forest alongside a creek, under translucent domes that protect you from the elements, rain or shine. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood. This sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from grilled salmon, Cheechako Chicken, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild Rice Pilaf, Gold Rush Potatoes and a robust selection of other sides, salads and beverages. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Vegetarians, take note that there’s plenty to tempt your palate! Come back for seconds, or thirds, while a local musician sets a festive mood. And, just when you think you’ve had enough — bring on the blueberry cake for dessert! After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through the forest to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall. View the remains of the Wagner Mine and try your hand at panning for gold. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir gold pan or other memento. There’s plenty to do, and shuttle buses run regularly, so your visit can last as long as you like. Don’t return until your tastes have been satisfied and you’re filled with great memories! less