Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

From the embarcadero, begin your 30-minute journey on a motor catamaran across the harbor channel to Stone Island. Enjoy an open bar while you sail and watch the shrimp and tuna fleets and the famous Pacifico brewery. A typical cartload tractor will take you across part of this primitive town where most of the fishermen sleep on hammocks under the stars. You’ll have approximately four hours to spend in this setting, perfect for relaxation and swimming on miles of uncrowded, palm-lined beaches. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or horseback ride along these 12 miles of beaches and countless coconut trees. An island-style lunch of fish, chicken, salad, rice, beans, homemade tortillas and salsa is served in a rustic restaurant. Beer, soft drinks and domestic drinks are included. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age. We recommend that you bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat and wear your swimsuit under your clothing. Local vendors are frequent at beach area. less

Don't miss this "golden" opportunity to experience the Klondike's rich past on this historical railway and dredge tour. Board a motor coach and journey up the west side of the White Pass Canyon to Fraser, British Columbia. Your driver/guide will regale you with tales of stampeders who traveled the pass in search of gold. A stop at Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls provide picturesque valley views. At Fraser board the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad and from the comfort of your old fashioned parlor car, you'll retrace the original route through rugged terrain beyond the summit of White Pass and Fraser, British Columbia. In Skagway board a motorcoach and get ready to search for gold.

This guided tour complete with colorful characters, provides a unique opportunity to explore a massive gold dredge formerly used in the Klondike Gold Fields. This amazing 350 ton machine is one of over 120 that operated in the north, and today stands as a great monument to the gold rush seekers of the past century. After viewing a gold panning exhibition, you'll have a chance to try your hand at gold panning, with gold guaranteed in every pan! The Gold Shack staff will weigh your gold and fashion a memorable keepsake for purchase. On your return to Skagway, you may either stop for shopping or return directly to the ship.

Note: All guests must carry a valid passport as this tour will be crossing both U.S. and Canadian borders.

Experience Alaska’s premier attractions glaciers and wildlife, from two very different vantage points, by land and by sea. A narrated motorcoach ride takes you to view and photograph the famous Mendenhall Glacier. At the Visitor Center you’ll have the opportunity to talk with Forest Service interpreters, and through interactive exhibits, learn about the awesome force of glacial ice. Back aboard the motorcoach you’ll take the scenic route through the Mendenhall Valley. At Auke Bay you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles and more. The operators of this tour guarantee you will see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the tour vessel. Binoculars and souvenir route maps are provided along with complimentary snacks and beverages. To fully enjoy this excursion, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket and don’t forget your camera! less

Enjoy a countryside drive along the coast to one of the most picturesque places in Jamaica, the 'Land of Wood and Water', for a unique Jamaican experience. See the lifestyles of rural and urban Jamaica en route to the Martha Brae rafting village. Upon arrival, and after you are greeted with a welcome tropical drink, stroll the beautiful lawns and visit the herb garden, which is a presentation of Jamaican herbs that are famous for their medicinal and healing properties, prior to embarkation. Picture yourself on a bamboo raft built for two, gliding slowly down a river that meanders gently through whispering groves of bamboo and ferns, as you listen to the chatter of birds and the soft chop-chop of the raftman’s pole. As your raft makes its way pass shaded banks and dappled sunlight, the raft Captain will tell you the legend of 'Matibereon' as the mild river breeze washes over you. Float along the river and relax in an atmosphere of tranquility on the three-mile journey before arriving at the Rafter’s Rest, where the bus awaits for the return trip to Ocho Rios. Note: Participants must not weigh more than 280 lbs. less