Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Located in the west part of Costa Rica’s Central Valley is the scenic town of Sarchi. It is considered the home of Costa Rica’s best craftsmanship. Here, more than a century ago, primitive local artists began painting and decorating their traditional oxcarts in intricate and colorful designs. These powerful vehicles, hauled by teams of oxen, soon became the primary means of transportation throughout the nation. You’ll see how the hand-painted Costa Rican oxcart art has evolved into a brilliantly executed form of native artistic expression. You can also find an immense variety of local wood products, ranging from elaborated hand-made furniture to hand-carved doors. Leather goods and all kinds of souvenirs will be available for purchase. Lastly, make a brief stop at the little town of Grecia, famous for its historical metal church, Cathedral de la Mercedes. The church is painted in a deep dark red color and has a gothic style; its metal pieces were imported from Belgium in the 1890’s. Note: Wear light clothing, walking shoes, a hat and sunscreen. less

Begin with a scenic ride along Skyline Drive offering breathtaking panoramas of Charlotte Amalie harbor, the Caribbean Sea, British Virgin Islands and Magens Bay, rated one of the top ten beaches in the world by National Geographic magazine. Enjoy a photo stop before continuing down to the heart-shaped beach and crystalline waters at Magens Bay for two hours of swimming and relaxation. Experience the world-famous Blackbeard's Castle and the Kongens (King's) Quarter, sometimes called "The Williamsburg of the Caribbean." Learn about the island's legacy of pirates, slavery, and life as you visit National Landmark Properties dating back to the late 1600s. Pass the famous 99 Steps and visit the Caribbean World Amber Museum, the Rum Museum and Factory, and West Indian Treasure Company. Your tour concludes on Main Street to indulge in the recommended downtown shopping. Note: Wear your swimsuit, sun protection and bring a towel. Tour duration is approximately 5 hours, depending upon your personal touring and shopping time. In order to allow for a leisurely shopping experience, this tour ends Downtown. Return to the ship is on your own and taxi safaris are readily available Downtown. The cost is approximately $4.00 per person. For Sunday calls the tour may operate in reverse order; allowing for shopping in town before the beach visit. Changing facilities are available at the beach and Blackbeard’s Castle. There is a swimming pool for your use at Blackbeard's Hill. There are numerous steps to walk down from Blackbeard's to Main Street. less

This exciting beach tour will take you from your ship through several villages to Parrot Tree Plantation community in First Bight, where you’ll be driven through the 200-acre estate all the way out to the beach lagoon. Once there you’ll be treated to the best - you may relax in lounge chairs, on beach beds, and under the shade of palm trees and palapas along the beach. You’ll also enjoy a complimentary island-style salad bar buffet which includes beans and rice,fried plantains,fish,chicken,a green salad, soft drinks, fruit punch, lemonade and water. If you are a beach lover, don't think of anything else, the South Beach Experience is your best choice. less

Your local guide will take you across the mighty Columbia River over the 4.1 mile Megler Bridge to reach Washington State. You'll then head to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center that overlooks the mouth of the Mighty Columbia River were it meets the majestic Pacific Ocean. Interpretive Specialists at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center will take you on a tour of the facility. The center covers information related to the Lewis & Clark Corp of Discovery's journey 1803 - 1806, as well as the graveyard of the Pacific Ocean and the United States Coast Guard duties for the Columbia River Bar. Here you'll enjoy a great view of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. Due to safety requirements we are unable to enter the property. Next you'll visit the Columbia Pacific Heritage Museum in historic Ilwaco, Washington. Explore the cross roads of history where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. The Railroads that ran by the tide, cranberry, Model RR & Quilt displays as well as Life in a Coastal Fishing Village, Mariners, Explorers and Settlers and most important discovering the land of the canoe people. This museum also explores our fishing, logging, and cranberry harvests and other displays. While you're there, enjoy a short walk to Discovery Garden and Mariners Memorial Columbia River Estuary. The last stop of your journey will be the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame, the only museum dedicated exclusively to the thrill, joy, art, science and world history of kites in North and South America. Besides its outstanding kite collections, the museum has extensive archival materials. Long Beach's World Kite Museum is the definitive information source on kites internationally. A Washington State vacation is incomplete without a visit to the Long Beach Peninsula, home of the Washington State International Kite Festival, and the World Kite Museum and Hall of Fame. less