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.

This city tour takes you to an unforgettable collection of beauty spots in and around Ocho Rios. First, you’ll visit the island's premier attraction, Dunn's River Falls. It is a place of unique beauty, where the river cascades over a giant limestone staircase to a white-sand beach and the warm Caribbean Sea. You may choose to climb the icy waterfalls with the aid of an experienced falls guide, just simply relax at the base of the waterfalls, or swim in the sea. Next, you’ll be taken on a guided stroll through the groves of trees and plants at the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens. The manicured grounds are beautified by a reflecting pond, gazebos and a natural waterfall. A final stop is made in the town for shopping before returning to your ship. Note: Order of stops may be changed to avoid crowds. 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

A great way to get acquainted with Huatulco is with a visit to the nice downtown area of La Crucecita, 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. Several stores are waiting to offer you 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, and much more are widely available. To complete the land journey, take a breathtaking view of the Bay of Tangolunda, the luxury resort area. Proceed to the marina of Santa Cruz to board a catamaran for one of the highlights of Huatulco, its wonderful shoreline, composed of several small bays with more than 36 beaches scattered between rough cliffs and mountains. Leaving the Santa Cruz Bay, you’ll pass your ship and head eastward to see the Bay of Chahue featuring three beautiful beaches and a Marina for private sailboats and yachts. Continue to La Bufadora (the blowhole) and take a closer look at the natural features of this paradisiacal area and hear the ocean’s voice roaring or be surprised with the massive natural Indian face, engraved through time by the sculpturing action of the waves and the wind - the Stone Face. Move on to the secluded Bay of Organo and the more commercial Bay of Maguey. Note: To fully participate, this tour requires leisurely walking over mostly even surfaces. There is a limited number of steps, some cobblestones, uneven surfaces and some standing for extended periods of time. Catamaran is not wheelchair accessible. Bottled water is available on the bus, while water, soft drinks and beer are available aboard the catamaran. The tour itinerary may vary due to weather conditions. less

Las Caletas was once the private home of the famous film director John Huston, who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway where you can enjoy an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure. This lovely beach was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top 4 secluded beaches in the World for 2012. Only accessible by sea, this well-secluded nature preserve stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of tropical forest in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard a first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Once arriving at Las Caletas, you can choose between pure relaxation or gentle exploration in the unspoiled natural setting of this tropical beach hideaway. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick-back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock, or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial at the hilltop Spa (additional charge). As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of this isolated cove. Throughout the day, bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling and kayaking tours giving everyone a chance to explore in a fun and relaxed way. On land, you can take a Paella cooking lesson, discover the prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center. For the youngest explorers (4-11) there is the kid’s adventure camp with zip lines, a climbing wall, animal encounters and an exciting donkey ride. Note: Tour includes moderate walking on uneven surfaces and numerous steps. Please wear your swimsuit underneath comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel. 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