Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Your tour begins with an interesting ride along Mazatlan’s oceanfront for a view of the lighthouse and offshore islands. Continue into the heart of the old downtown for a short visit to the imposing cathedral before a short stop at a waterfront rocky promontory to view the brave cliff divers. You’ll have time to browse or shop at the Golden Zone before heading for a resort for an afternoon of swimming, sunning and relaxing, where you’ll also enjoy a delightful lunch. Your escort will provide you with towels, a place to change and show you where lunch will be served. The return to your ship will be by taxi in groups of four. Note: We recommend that you bring your swimsuit, beach gear and leave your valuables on board the ship. less

Las Caletas was once the private home of the famous film director John Huston, who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway where you can enjoy an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure. This lovely beach was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top 4 secluded beaches in the World for 2012. Only accessible by sea, this well-secluded nature preserve stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of tropical forest in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard a first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Once arriving at Las Caletas, you can choose between pure relaxation or gentle exploration in the unspoiled natural setting of this tropical beach hideaway. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick-back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock, or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial at the hilltop Spa (additional charge). As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of this isolated cove. Throughout the day, bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling and kayaking tours giving everyone a chance to explore in a fun and relaxed way. On land, you can take a Paella cooking lesson, discover the prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center. For the youngest explorers (4-11) there is the kid’s adventure camp with zip lines, a climbing wall, animal encounters and an exciting donkey ride. Note: Tour includes moderate walking on uneven surfaces and numerous steps. Please wear your swimsuit underneath comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel. less

Experience the real Jamaica in our zebra-striped safari Jeeps. We’ll take you up to the highest viewpoint, Murphy Hill (2,000 feet above sea level) to look down upon Ocho Rios, the cruise ship pier, the Blue Mountains, and, on a clear day, Cuba. You’ll pass through small villages, where you’ll learn the history of old churches and see local marketplaces. During this tour, you’ll visit one of Jamaica’s largest estates, observing a working cattle station and a small coffee plantation. Taste and learn about our fruits and Jamaica’s great history. The highlight of your tour will be the Dunn’s River Falls, where you can climb the 600-foot cascades. Get Wet! Enjoy! Yeah Mon! You have just seen the best Jamaica has to offer. Note: Participants must be at least 6 years of age and weigh no more than 300 lbs. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart, neck/ back problems or pregnant women. Tour sequence may vary. less

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

Enjoy some swashbuckling fun, snorkeling, beach time and water sport. Join your friendly Captain and 'his pirates' aboard the pirate ship 'Marigalante' for a relaxing, fun day of adventure. Following a delicious Mexican buffet-style breakfast and entertainment onboard, you’ll stop at Majahuitas beach. Here, you can take a banana boat ride, kayak, snorkel, ride boogie boards, play volleyball or just relax and soak up the sun. Kids will enjoy the treasure hunt along with the buried pirate treasure chest. Board the pirate vessel for a delicious lunch and a fabulous pirate show with exhibitions of swordsmanship and acrobatics, all in a festive atmosphere. Watch the pirates walk the plank and jump into the ocean in front of your eyes! There are also contests and prizes to win. Relax as you enjoy the scenic coastal views along the way back to the pier. less