Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

The Bay of Banderas, a fantastic place to sail, has protected waters, moderate consistent winds, nice secluded coves to break the day, and lots of sea life. Your experienced sailboat crew will greet you with fruit, sweet rolls, coffee and juice, while you are given a short safety briefing and information about the marine life you may encounter. Start your sail in the direction the wind is blowing, your itinerary will take you on the best course depending on the conditions of the day. Relax, feel the breeze and enjoy sailing! We’ll drop the anchor in the afternoon for a refreshing swim or some snorkeling. Enjoy a delicious lunch and complimentary drinks on board before we hoist the sails to return to Puerto Vallarta. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. No previous sailing experience required. Snorkel equipment and towels are provided. Please wear your swimsuit if you would like to participate in water activities. less

Ride the rails in style, revisit the gold rush era, and experience the life of a prospector on this fun-filled family tour. In the comfort of your parlor car, a costumed escort “from 1898” will entertain you with stories of gold prospecting. The train follows the same route that thousands of prospectors trotted on foot in search of gold. Historical narration is provided by the White Pass & Yukon railroad crew as you witness the breathtaking panorama.

Transfer to a motorcoach for a short drive to the Klondike Gold Fields and be immersed in the wild history of the Klondike Gold Rush. The dredge master will acquaint you with the gold dredge, a 350 ton gold sifting machine brought back from the Klondike. Learn the art of gold panning and practice your technique in heated water. After you’ve hit pay dirt, weigh your fortune in the Gold Shack. Enjoy browsing in the Gold Parlor where you can shop for gifts and souvenirs. You can also watch a film about gold dredging or Alaska's Northern Lights. Food and drink is available for purchase at the Gold Rush Restaurant & Brewery.

Note: For your convenience, a shuttle bus runs continuously back to the ship so that you can stay as long as you like.

Travel the route of the “Trail of ’98” in a four-wheel drive Jeep Wrangler®. Your small group of explorers will set out into the Yukon Territory via the same routes taken by the hardy gold prospectors in the late 1800’s. Your tour guide in the lead Jeep will entertain you with the lore of the gold rush era by interactive radio. Amazing vistas accessible only by off-road vehicle await you on this adventure. You’ll want to bring a camera to capture them.

There are several points along your route that drivers can rotate including Pitchfork Falls, Moore Bridge, Dead Horse Gulch, Bracket Wagon Trail, and Tormented Valley en route to the historic village of Carcross. Drive up Montana Mountain for a panorama view of the Carcross Desert, the smallest desert in the world!

Note: This excursion enters Canada and all participants are required to carry a valid passport. Drivers must be at least 25 years of age, provide a current driver’s license and must sign a liability/insurance waiver. Participants must be at least 5 years of age. We provide a booster seat for children 5 through 8 years upon request and subject to availability. Canadian citizens may not drive the vehicles into Canada due to current regulations. Both parents must accompany minors across border or a signed letter granting permission from non-participating parent may need to be presented to Customs and Border Protection. The tour is approximately three hours with approximately one hour of off-roading.

Juneau is a spectacular place of diverse, natural habitats from valley glaciers, to temperate forests and natural fjords. This exploratory journey introduces you to this pristine wilderness in an intimate setting with a Certified Naturalist Guide as your leader. Whale sightings are guaranteed on this small group outing combining a marine exploration with a gentle hike at the Mendenhall Glacier on a rain forest trail. Your trip begins with your guide sharing stories and perspectives as you travel out to the Mendenhall Glacier. A short hike takes you along a wooded path once completely covered by the massive glacier. Spend an hour exploring amid forested moraines and sweeping glacial landscapes—even track the glacier's recession over the past 100 years. This small corner of the Tongass National Forest is home to beavers, eagles, salmon, porcupines and black bears. Following a short drive, you’ll climb aboard an exploration vessel specifically designed for up-close wildlife viewing. The customized covered watercraft puts you eye-to-eye with the denizens that thrive in these protected waters. Humpback whales, orcas, sea lions, porpoises, seals and sea birds are commonly seen. Keep a camera handy as you travel from place to place or drift quietly to capture the behaviors and antics of these notable marine residents. The small group size of this tour ensures a personal and interactive atmosphere making the most of this authentic Alaska experience. Note: Participants must be able to walk on their own for over an hour covering a distance up to a mile. Infants must be carried in an infant backpack. We recommend you dress in layers and wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes. Walking distance is approximately 1.5 miles on an improved level trail. This tour operates in all weather conditions. Liability waiver required to be signed in the presence of the tour operator. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll receive $100 cash back as you disembark the whale-watching vessel. All tour participants on this excursion are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's Capture Juneau Photo Contest. For more details please visit: http://ncl.stepintoalaska.com/ less

Capture everything from glaciers to whales on this excursion that features a professional photography guide. Travel in a media-equipped shuttle bus and aboard a customized safari boat as your guide provides expert interpretation while also sharing tips and techniques to enhance your images. By land, at Mendenhall Glacier, you will be taken along a secluded moraine ecology trail. This gentle walk leads to beaver dams, salmon streams and remarkable glacier panoramas—sites to inspire your creative photography. By sea, board a covered safari vessel for an unforgettable journey through the pristine waterways of Stephens Passage. Large panel windows open to give you unrestricted views, while your captain safely maneuvers to give you the best angle on the shot. This excursion has never had a trip without a star-studded cast—often including humpback whales, sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, porcupines, eagles, salmon or even black bears. See more of Alaska’s natural wonders as you strive to capture that 'magical moment' in the medium that’s worth a thousand words. Note: Participants must be able to walk on their own for approximately 3/4 mile on an improved gravel trail. Raingear, umbrellas, camera towels, monopod walking sticks, bottled water and a snack are included. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers and bring your camera and plenty of film or digital capacity. Group size is limited to 14 participants to ensure a comfortable and interactive atmosphere. Children 12 and under receive a free waterproof kids camera. Each participant receives a complimentary instructional DVD with a photography tutorial and slideshow from Juneau’s best Photo Guides. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll receive $100 cash back as you disembark the whale-watching vessel. All tour participants on this excursion are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's 2012 Capture Juneau Photo Contest. For more details please visit: http://ncl.stepintoalaska.com/ less

Explore the exciting world of Scuba in the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. You’ll be given a lesson by a diving Instructor who will teach you the basic concepts and skills for scuba diving. After receiving safety instructions, diving gear and practicing a few skills, accompany your instructor on a shallow dive with depths of approximately 15-30 feet. Your dive will last about 40-45 minutes depending on your air consumption. Here, you’ll find a large school of tropical fish while you explore the undersea world. Note: This is a one-tank dive for beginners. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and 5 feet or taller. Not advised for pregnant women or participants with history of heart or lung disorders. All gear equipment is included, except for wetsuits, which are at an additional cost. Bring your swimsuit and a towel. Dive cameras, t-shirts, food and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Guests need to fill out a medical history waiver form prior to participating. Guests currently taking medication or with a previous medical condition must provide a clearance note from their physician to participate in this tour. Participants must be good swimmers and in good health. less