Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Nestled in the heart of the Sierra Madre Mountains, San Sebastian's remote location and historic appeal have made it one of Mexico's last great getaways. This former mining town is a world away from typical resorts and ordinary tourist attractions. Your San Sebastian land expedition begins with a 90-minute drive by air-conditioned van from Puerto Vallarta to the 17th century mining town of San Sebastián. As the road weaves through the mountains, you'll enjoy fantastic scenery and typical scenes of rural Mexican life, making the journey both breathtaking and relaxing. Enjoy a typical lunch before your walk through town. Once in San Sebastian, wander around in this very peaceful town, which has changed so little in hundreds of years. Come across a quaint cobblestone plaza lined by dignified white buildings, a classic Porfirian bandstand, an 18th century church dedicated to San Sebastián and many old world Haciendas. San Sebastián is a living museum untouched by time, and an experience that is difficult to surpass. Note: Bring comfortable shoes and clothing, insect repellent, sunscreen and cash. We recommend you bring a light sweater. less

Experience the magic and the mystery of the famed Yukon Territory. From the comfort of your motorcoach climb up the South Klondike Highway to the top of the White Pass, 3,292 feet above sea level. Enjoy the majestic peaks, waterfalls and glaciers on this incredible drive. After leaving the White Pass and the U.S.A.,you’ll enter Canada and the unspoiled beauty of the Yukon Territory. Admire the chain of lakes that form the headwaters of the Yukon River, explore the rustic town of Carcross, see the “world’s smallest desert,” and listen to the tales of the Klondike Gold rush shared by your guide.

Enjoy a delicious chicken BBQ lunch complete with grandma’s famous homemade donuts. Afterwards visit the Yukon’s most complete museum exhibit of local wildlife and onto Dog Musher’s Village to meet the mushers, racing dogs and puppies. Back in Fraser, you’ll board the White Pass and Yukon Route Railroad for a truly unforgettable ride on this historic narrow-gauge railroad.

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

This touring option allows you complete freedom to maximize your time and explore the places that really interest you. Discover in comfort and at your own pace with the convenience of a private vehicle, driver and English speaking guide (other languages available on request) at your disposal. You set your pace and itinerary, just tell us where you want to go! Note: Entrance, parking fees and meals are not included, in order to allow you complete freedom of choice. Bring local currency, as credit cards may not be accepted everywhere. Extra hours available at an additional cost. Guests who are planning to visit the religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The level of exertion on this tour is completely up to you. Prices are per vehicle and not per person, so only one person in the party needs to book this tour. Note: This tour is only available for the Norwegian Epic sailing of October 25, 2012. less

Embark on an open-air gondola ride with a bilingual naturalist guide to safely glide you through a living backdrop of giant trees, hanging gardens, waterfalls and lush green landscapes. Panoramic ocean views and common sightings of wildlife that thrive in the canopy will introduce you to this unique transitional forest. This is also one of the few areas in Costa Rica where you can occasionally see spectacular scarlet macaws majestically soaring above the treetops or sitting in one of the trees. To complete your rainforest experience, visit the Serpentarium, a medicinal plant Garden and Heliconias Gallery. You’ll also have a chance to pass though a snake exhibit set in the tropical rainforest. Enjoy a delicious lunch before returning to your ship. Note: Wear light clothes, closed-toe shoes. Bring rain gear and insect repellent. less

An approximately 45-minute drive up the Northern Highway brings you to Tower Hill, where you'll board a riverboat and head up the New River. While navigating the many little creeks and lagoons, it's easy to encounter hawks, kites and falcons. Dainty jacanas lightly walk on the lily pads while crocodiles bask in the sunlight. At the entrance to the New River Lagoon, the ruins of Lamanai (Mayan for 'submerged crocodile') rise into view. As you tour the site, huge masks depicting dead rulers and gods seem to materialize out of the rainforest, amid the chatter of birds and the haunting call of the howler monkeys. less