Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

A taxi will take you across the Queen Juliana Bridge 200 feet above Willemstad, offering a magnificent view of the capital, to your waiting Trolley Train. Your tour begins at Fort Amsterdam, and then it's off to Scharloo, a former residential neighborhood lined with picturesque homes built by Curacao's wealthy merchants during the 1880s. You’ll stop at Bolo di Bruit, known as the wedding cake house and the city's most photographed building. Leaving Scharloo, you'll pass Pietermaai Cathedral, the largest and most impressive on the island. Your train continues by many interesting sights, including the floating market on Sha Caprilleskade, where Venezuelan merchants sell fish and vegetables from their boats. Stop at the Mikve Israel Emmanuel Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in continuous use in the Western Hemisphere. In addition, you’ll see Queen Wilhelmina Park, the scene of frequent cultural events, and Waterfort Arches, an imposing fortress that was the site of the Willhem III Barracks. Finally, you’ll visit Fort Amsterdam, built in 1635 to guard the vital entrance to the harbor from enemy ships. At the rear of the courtyard is Fort Church, Curacao's oldest Protestant church. At the end of the tour you can stay in town (and find your own way back to your ship which is a short walk from town) or be taken by taxi back to your ship. Note: A photo stop will be made at the Pietermaai Cathedral. If the cathedral is open, you may enter. Entrance to the Jewish synagogue is not guaranteed. less

Board a replica of a 17th-century old Galleon which will take you on a two-hour cruise around Cartagena’s Bay. A guide will provide you with information on the general history of Cartagena and the sights. While cruising, take in a lovely view of Fort of Manzanillo located at the eastern entrance of the bay. Enjoy the sun and the cool tropical breezes as you forge ahead between the faraway island of Tierra Bomba and the Castillo Grande peninsula. Marvel at the age-old walled city of Cartagena and enjoy a refreshing drink as you get lost in the panoramic views of land and sea. Following, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a traditional folkloric show celebrating the history and culture of Cartagena. Note: There is a total walking distance of 150 yards. This tour is not wheelchair accessible. Bring comfortable shoes and clothes, sunscreen and camera. less

One of the highlights of Huatulco is definitely its wonderful shoreline, composed of several small bays with more than 36 beaches, scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. Take a closer look from the ocean to the natural features of this paradisiacal area and hear the ocean’s voice roaring at La Bufadora (the blowhole) or be surprised with the massive natural Indian face engraved through time by the sculpting action of the waves and the wind - the Stone Face. Visit the resort area at Tangolunda Bay, where buildings are mixed with the mountains as the background. Change your heading toward the west and check the secluded bays of Organo and Maguey. Continue your journey up to Cacaluta Bay and its island, named Playa del Rey in honor of the King Juan Carlos I of Spain, who fell in love with this bay during his visit to Huatulco. You'll enjoy a couple of hours of fun and pleasure aboard your catamaran and have seen six of the nine most beautiful bays in the world - Huatulco, the Nine Bays of Oaxaca. Note: You will not have the opportunity to swim, since this is only a sightseeing tour. There is no walking involved. Water, soft drinks and fresh fruits of the season are served on board. The catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Bring suntan lotion. less

Leaving the dock, you’ll make the scenic trip to the Seaworld Explorer. The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of this cruising underwater observatory and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water, exploring sea life through large, clear glass windows. As you embark on a narrated tour of the coral reefs along the south side of the island, you’ll notice a wall dropping sharply to depths of several hundred feet that you can clearly observe from your underwater viewpoint. You’ll see dozens of tropical fish such as yellowtail snapper, sergeant majors, parrotfish and queen angelfish, as well as delicate colonies of coral that were thousands of years in the making. Then watch in awe as hungry fish surround a diver, hand-fed right in front of your window. Once back on land, you head over the Queen Juliana Bridge, 200 feet above Willemstad, offering you a magnificent view of the capital, and the Queen Emma Pontoon Bridge, which provides a pedestrian link between Otrobanda and Punda. You’ll continue past the Amsted Brewery and on to Chobolobo, an old Colonial plantation house where a short stop is made at the world-famous Curacao Liqueur Distillery. From here you’ll head back to Punda where your guide will point out the major landmarks. You then have a choice of staying in town on your own or returning to your ship. Note: Participants must be able to safely navigate steps in and out of the semi-submarine. less

Your scenic drive will include a stop to enjoy breathtaking views of the Bay of Tangolunda - the luxury resort area. Pass the Bay of Conejos all the way up to the river estuary before proceeding to La Crucecita (downtown Huatulco), the evergreen Central Park (Zocalo), and the beautiful church dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, host of the world’s largest painting of the Virgin on its ceiling. If you like to shop, you’ll find several stores offering a wide variety of handicrafts including black pottery from the valleys of Oaxaca, handmade woven rugs and carpets milled on traditional looms, and the world-famous 'alebrijes' allegories of fantastic animals. Typical products, like Mezcal (the original Oaxacan version of the well-known Tequila), chocolate rivaling with the best Swiss-made ones, coffee, regional cheese, clothes, wines, and liquors are available. To finalize your tour, take in the stunning views of the Bay of Santa Cruz, La Entrega Beach, and your ship. Note: To fully participate, this tour requires leisurely walking over mostly even surfaces. There are a limited number of steps, some cobblestones and uneven surfaces. There will be some standing for extended periods of time. Bottled water is provided on the bus. less

Start your tour in Skagway’s historic downtown area as your guide points out places of interest and regales you with tales of the famous and foolhardy. Wind through streets lined with wooden boardwalks and false fronted buildings en route to Scenic Overlook, Gold Rush Cemetery and Liarsville. Enjoy a dining experience you'll never forget at the Liarsville Gold Rush Trail Camp. Your meal is prepared over an open wood fire using recipes from 1898. Sit down for freshly grilled filet of wild Alaskan salmon, baked chicken, rice pilaf, a variety of salads, baked beans, cornbread, coffee, lemonade and dessert.

After your meal gather at the Liarsville Hippodrome where a cast of sourdoughs and dance hall girls will dazzle you with melodrama, recite Robert Service poetry and teach you the art of gold panning. You’re guaranteed to find gold in every pan! Once you've made your fortune, take time to wander through the camp and visit the general store, saloon, bordello and laundry tents to view the antiques and vintage clothing left behind. Be sure to have your picture taken with one of the dance hall girls or the camp mascot,a lovable husky.