Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Learn to handle a kayak from an expert then put your new skills to use with an unforgettable seaborne adventure. Glide through the waters native-style, get up-close looks at wildlife and enjoy ever changing views of the Mendenhall Glacier. Start with a narrated tour through a historic part of Juneau on your way to North Douglas Island. Don protective raingear, boots and lifejackets, and learn the paddling techniques you’ll need to handle your kayak. Then join a friend or new traveling companion in your two-person craft and you’re off to explore! Against a backdrop of forested slopes, nearby peaks and the spectacular Mendenhall, you’re on course for an informative and memorable tour of Fritz Cove. In small groups of six kayaks, you’re able to stealthily approach wildlife. Bald eagles and their nests, herons, shorebirds and waterfowl are all common sights. Porpoises and even humpback whales occasionally surface for air. If you’re lucky, you might see a humpback’s enormous tail fluke. You’ll also visit the Mendenhall Wetlands, a protected habitat teeming with more than 140 species of birds, nearly a dozen different mammals and an abundance of marine life. Along the way, your guide will satisfy your curiosity about local flora and fauna, and explain the history behind landmarks such as Smuggler’s Cove. Note: Participants must weigh between 40 and 260 lbs. and be in good physical condition. Paddling duration is approximately 1 1/2 hours. For more details about these tours please visit http://www.bestofalaskatours.com/NCL/
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Our tour begins when you board your special bus for a ride through the beautiful landscape of Roatan Island. Your driver will take you through the Coxen Hole Commercial District and while in route, share the history of the island with you. Drive by the Municipal Building, the Fire Station and the commercial heart of Roatan and see how the street vendors wheel and deal their products, pass by the fish market and continue on to The Stone House where you'll learn about ancient art. Continue on to the First Methodist Church in Roatan (build in the 1800’s), drive through the hills to West End Beach and stop at El Mirador to see the east and south end of the island. There you'll be able to take pictures of your cruise ship and Roatan’s beaches and reefs. less

Join us for a trip into the colorful past and charming present of the most popular cruise ship destination in Mexico and have plenty of time for shopping! You'll be greeted at the pier by your bilingual guide and then board an air-conditioned motorcoach for a scenic drive around the island of Cozumel. Your first stop is the exciting Discover Mexico Park, where you'll see a taste of many famous places of Mexico displayed in Perfect Scale Models, also enjoy the museum and video projections. Then it’s off to the oldest settlement on the island, El Cedral. Learn about the ancient history of the Mayan culture that first inhibited this tiny village where the first Catholic service was held in Mexico. Next, continue around the southern tip of the island to the eastside where you'll see the untamed beaches on your way to El Mirador, a popular natural limestone formation for a photo opportunity and to stretch your legs. Get to know real Tequila Factory and sample tequila. Your trip then takes you back into town for a stop at Cozumel’s shopping district - don’t forget your ship’s recommended shopping guide. Guests may decide to stay in town and return to ship later at their own expense. less

This exclusive opportunity combines Alaska’s favorite experiences, a flight on a De Havilland Beaver float plane, and dining on Alaskan Dungeness Crab! Your flight begins as you take off from the downtown Ketchikan cruise ship docks. This bustling Alaskan community will quickly be revealed below, along with panoramic views of the Tongass National Forest. Your flight will include the historic importance of the De Havilland Beaver float plane and the landmarks below! After 30 minutes of spectacular scenery, you’ll land at the remote, yet rustic and elegant George Inlet Lodge. Snack on smoked salmon as you learn about the colorful George Inlet Lodge and its epic journey across 90 miles of ocean to its current location. Sip white wine or Alaskan amber beer as your host entertains you with stories and knowledge of Alaska, Ketchikan, and so much more. Your feast will consist of a fresh romaine salad topped with homemade oriental-style dressing, followed by steamed baby red potatoes and Dungeness crab. A steaming hot second helping of crab will be by shortly. Last but certainly not least indulge in rich, smooth cheesecake smothered in Alaskan blueberries. A quick visit to the George Inlet Lodge gift shop is a must before you depart. You’ll disembark on the second half of your journey enjoying a narrated coach ride along the coastline back to downtown. On this coastal path, you’ll pass and learn about totem poles, a fish hatchery, and the coast guard station in Ketchikan. This is an exclusive experience incorporating the best Alaska has to offer. Note: Flight path is subject to change due to weather patterns. This tour may run in reverse. This tour is non-refundable. less

Board a high speed vessel for a Gastineau Channel crossing passing Mayflower Island and Suicide Falls, with a beach landing at the remote Treadwell mine site on Douglas Island, with direct access to the forest outfitting base camp. Your professionally trained guides will outfit you with state of the art safety equipment and provide a detailed safety briefing, before transporting in a 4 x 4 Unimog all-terrain vehicle up the densely forested hillside to the first zip line tree platform. This is your introduction to nearly a mile of high tension cables linking a network of platforms mounted high in carefully selected old growth spruce trees. Your guides will progressively ease you into the forest canopy. Cross aerial suspension bridges, with breathtaking views of spectacular Bullion Creek, and enjoy towering views of Juneau from the tree tops. Discover hidden ruins of the historic Treadwell Mine (1881-1917), once one of the world’s largest gold mines and zip over a 150 foot deep “glory hole”. You'll have an opportunity to explore the ruins of the original mine refinery, where millions of dollars of molten gold was poured into ingot molds. The last zip line transports you to the base camp, where each participant receives a light snack and is presented with a custom cast Alaska Canopy Adventures medal, in recognition of their achievement. An informative narration is provided on the channel crossing. Throughout this nature based adventure you will be surrounded by the sights and sounds of Alaska’s rainforest. Note: Participants must be at least 5 feet tall and weigh at least 80 lbs and no more than 250 lbs. Guests must be in good overall physical condition with full use of limbs and be able to follow instructions in English. All guests must wear closed-toe shoes. No video cameras allowed while zipping. less

Drive your own Jeep Wrangler® thru the town of Cozumel and around the island on a scenic road heading towards the beautiful Punta Sur Eco Park, Cozumel’s unique Ecological Reserve. Upon arrival you will visit El Caracol a Mayan ruin which in the past, was remarkably used as a weather alarm, located right next to a salt water crocodile observatory deck and tower, then continue to visit a 20th century lighthouse, which is still operational, featuring inside a Navigation Museum. Drive thru a secret path inside the tropical jungle before exiting to the secluded and unique beautiful pristine beach of Punta Sur. You will have leisure time to relax and sunbathe on the paradisiacal spot, discover the magnificent marine life on a guided snorkeling or swing on a hammock while enjoying the incomparable view of the Mexican Caribbean. Beach lounge chairs, showers, and a swimming pool will be available for you at no extra cost. Note: All vehicles are Radio Intercommunicated 4x4 Jeep Wranglers. Participants must be at least 21 years of age to drive with a valid driver's. Not recommended for Guests with back/neck injuries, recent surgery and/or pregnant women. Guests with heart conditions, asthma and/or diabetes must abstain from snorkeling. All cars are stick shift (manual transmission) Vehicles accommodate up to four participants and you may be paired up with others. less