Pacific Coastal Cruises: Excursions

Discover the world’s finest coffees at Argovia Plantation and Estate. Founded in 1880, Argovia is one the oldest coffee producers in the region and, one-of-a-kind, family-owned agricultural estate. Travel by air-conditioned van for approximately 90 minutes through the lush forests and breathtaking scenery of the Sierra Madre to the Argovia Plantation and Estate. Your guide will provide in-depth information about the history of the area and its people. Take a short tour of the grounds and learn about the Plantation’s history as well as the history of coffee. Then, discover all the flavors that distinguish Chiapas coffee. Practice observing the tastes and aromas of brewed coffee, learn the art of coffee tasting - and why it's ‘ok’ to slurp! Take a tour of the flower plantation and see these extraordinary specimens of nature’s gifts. Get to know all the diversity of foliage, tropical and exotic flowers, in one small and spectacular botanical garden. Afterwards, browse the gift shops where you can purchase Argovia’s famous coffee to take home with you. Note: Guests should wear a hat and comfortable shoes. Bring eco-friendly sunscreen and bug repellent. Most areas are not wheelchair accessible. less

Your tour begins with a drive along the Embarcadero, by the Ferry Building towards Downtown San Francisco. Continue on to Union Square and then head toward the famous Nob Hill for a photo stop and a visit to Grace Cathedral. Continue to the Civic Center and view City Hall. Then it’s on to Chinatown for a Dim Sum lunch at one of Chinatown’s popular restaurants. After lunch, ride through the streets of North Beach, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ghiradelli Square and by the Palace of Fine Arts. A photo opportunity awaits at Vista Point, just across the world famous Golden Gate Bridge. Then it’s on to Golden Gate Park and Alamo Square (time permitting) before returning to your ship. less

Your adventure begins at the pier, travels through Astoria and crosses Young Bay Bridge. Sit back and marvel at the impressive views of Saddle Mountain, one of Oregon's highest peaks; the city views of Astoria, and the Astoria Megler Bridge, noted as the longest bridge in Oregon and at almost four miles, it has a distinction of being the world's longest continuous truss bridge. As your motorcoach winds its way along the 110-mile section of the Pacific Coast Highway, you'll travel through the Oregon Coast Range. This lush mountain range of sitka spruce, western red cedar, douglas fir,and hemlock march down to the sea and its powder soft beaches. Along your journey, be on the lookout for wildlife such as elks, bears, rabbits, eagles and blue herons. One of the first coastal villages you'll pass is Seaside. Popular for over a century, this charming resort offers boutiques, art galleries, miles of beach and not a single parking meter. Continuing southward, you'll pass Cannon Beach, famous for the natural phenomenon known as Haystack Rock. Composed of basalt, this 235 foot tall rock formation is the home to puffins, sea gulls cormorants. As you get closer to Tillamook, you'll drive over Neahkahnie Mountain. Rising over 1,590 feet above sea level, legend has it that buried deep somewhere in the mountain is a lost treasure, hidden by Spanish sailors in the late 16th century. Your first stop is the Tillamook Air Museum, which is housed in a rare World War II blimp hangar. Reaching over 15 stories high and stretching over seven acres, it's the world's largest wooden structure. Not only can you see 30 U.S. warplanes but actually climb into a jet simulator, and explore the exhibit hall that features historical wartime and aviation artifacts. During your visit, you will have a buffet lunch and refreshment. Your next destination is the legendary Tillamook Ice Creamery and Cheese Factory. Here, you can watch the cheese makers at work, enjoy a sample or two and indulge in ice cream and fudge. Reboard your motorcoach for a quick visit to Cannon Beach. less

Enjoy a day in the countryside, while visiting vineyards and tasting locally produced wine. Cowichan Valley proudly promotes sustainable local wineries and vineyards that produce quality wines, using no pesticides, herbicides and little or no sulfites. You'll visit three different vineyards, all are owner operated. Your guide will provide an informative narrative during the one hour drive to Cowichan Valley.

First you’ll visit Farm Gate Estate Winery, one of the most award-winning wineries in the valley. Here you'll meet the owners and enjoy a tasting of their red and white releases, finishing with a blackberry dessert wine. Next, you'll tour one the newest vineyards and learn about the growing conditions, types of vines, and wine making, followed by a tasting of their red and white wines. Your last stop is at one of the largest vineyards situated on the slopes of Mt. Provost. After your wine tasting, enjoy a treat of wild Pacific smoked salmon, local cheeses, crackers and a glass of wine out on the patio. Departing back to Nanaimo there will be optional drop off downtown, before returning to the cruise ship pier.

This excursion gives you the best opportunity to view moose and other Alaskan wildlife in their natural setting. Although wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, they are frequent. Your tour begins with a 45 minute ferry to Haines aboard a comfortable 150 passenger catamaran. The naturalist will guide you through this adventure from the gold rush town of Skagway to the quaint community of Haines with access to miles of different channels of the Chilkat River in a specially designed, flat-bottom riverboat. Most of the 48,000 acre preserve is untouched wilderness, with towering mountains, hanging glaciers and unspoiled nature.

The boat is uncovered for better wildlife and photo opportunities but extra jackets and large waterproof, windproof lap blankets will you keep you dry and warm. Join your hosts, the Hess family at their private property with modern restroom facilities and a covered and heated lunch pavilion. Enjoy a meal of hot dogs, vegetarian chili, chicken noodle soup, chips,cookies and beverages. Afterwards you’ll have time to sit by the campfire or watch for mountain goats on the nearby mountains.

Note: Although wildlife sightings are frequent, they’re not guaranteed. Outdoor wear, hats, gloves, and blankets are provided at the site. Your lunch may be served either before or after the river portion of the tour, mealtime appropriate.