Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Take a panoramic tour of Cartagena. Begin with a photo stop of San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, originally built in the 17th century and considered the largest Spanish fort in the New World. Snap pictures of the ancient towering walls and main entrance. Then, drive by the Old City where your guide will point out historical facts about the Inquisition Palace, the Cathedral and its dome churches. Your next stop will be Las Bovedas, built in the late 18th century as dungeons and as a means of storage. Sightsee and shop in the many handcraft boutiques and stores. Continue your journey for a sightseeing tour of the modern residential area of Bocagrande, famous for its wide variety of hotels and restaurants. Here, you'll have the option to stay in the city, visit Pierino Gallo Mall, or return back to the ship on your own. Note: This is a panoramic tour with optional photo stops. Only collapsible/foldable wheelchairs are welcomed. Transportation does not have a lift and cannot accommodate scooters. Participants must be able to negotiate two to three steps up into the transportation. Please visit the Shore Excursion Desk for more details. You have the option to return to the ship either with the tour or on your own. less

This tour offers a unique chance to learn about the history, lifestyle, and lore of the northwest coastal Natives. Your driver/guide interprets the myths and legends depicted on the many poles standing along the trail. Step into an authentic ceremonial clan house and immerse yourself in stories that describe the lifestyle and rituals practiced by the original inhabitants of the northwest coast. While visiting Totem Bight State Park, enjoy a short stop at the Alaska Totem Trading Store, a quaint museum and gift store. On your way back to town, learn about the industries that helped build Ketchikan and the several canneries that helped make this town the 'Salmon Capital of the World.' You may combine 'Totem Bight State Park' and 'The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show' tours for a great day in Ketchikan. Note: Order of tour may vary. This excursion is not recommended for passengers who have difficulty walking, due to the number of stops requiring embarkation of transfer equipment and walking on inclined gravel pathways. less

Most people do not realize that chocolate was first discovered in Mexico and processed by the Aztec and Mayan Indians. But these Indians created chocolate items and drinks that are very different from the kinds of refined milk chocolate items we are familiar with from Europe. In fact, to their everlasting regret, the Mexicans never thought of adding milk to their recipes, but DID create many tasty, unusual and intriguing chocolate foods. You will be transferred to a quiet Ocean View terrace where you will first be presented with a Chocolate Martini (adults only) before this in-depth presentation gets underway describing the many stages the chocolate seed pods must go through. By grinding together some of the traditional ingredients, guests get to participate first hand in some of the same chocolate processing techniques that after many centuries are still used by the Mayans. The session will culminate in the tasting of the various chocolate items produced. After the Chocolate portion of the tour, guests will have time to shop from a large variety of chocolate products including shampoo and have the option either to go back to their ship or go to downtown. Guests opting to go downtown will be responsible for their transportation back to the ship. Note: Participants must be at least 4 years of age. Note: Participants who are allergic to chocolate or nuts are not allowed. less

A feast as grand as Alaska itself! The Gold Creek Salmon Bake is an event that’s been grilled to perfection for more than 30 years. Savor an all-you-can-eat adventure, in a unique outdoor environment you’ll find nowhere else. Arrive at a beautiful setting, in a lush rain forest alongside a creek, under translucent domes that protect you from the elements, rain or shine. Savor the aroma of wild salmon, grilling slowly over fires of fragrant alder wood. This sumptuous spread has something for everyone. Choose from grilled salmon, Cheechako Chicken, Chilkoot Baked Beans, Tongass Wild Rice Pilaf, Gold Rush Potatoes and a robust selection of other sides, salads and beverages. Beer and wine are available for purchase. Vegetarians, take note that there’s plenty to tempt your palate! Come back for seconds, or thirds, while a local musician sets a festive mood. And, just when you think you’ve had enough — bring on the blueberry cake for dessert! After dinner, roast marshmallows over a campfire. Stroll through the forest to lovely Salmon Creek waterfall. View the remains of the Wagner Mine and try your hand at panning for gold. Visit the trading post to purchase a souvenir gold pan or other memento. There’s plenty to do, and shuttle buses run regularly, so your visit can last as long as you like. Don’t return until your tastes have been satisfied and you’re filled with great memories! less

Enjoy all that San Francisco has to offer including sightseeing, museums, shopping, and restaurants as this narrated tour allows you to hop-on or hop-off throughout the day at 20 of the city’s most popular sites. Half of the buses feature live commentary by an English speaking guide, the other half offer an audio tour in 10 different languages. Frequency of the buses is every 10 minutes in the summer and every 20 minutes in the winter.

Highlights include Fisherman’s Wharf, North Beach, Little Italy, Embarcadero and Union Square. The Civic Center includes the architectural masterpieces of City Hall, Asian Art Museum, Central Library, Symphony Hall and the Opera House. Enjoy Alamo Square with its Victorian row houses and Haight-Ashbury, once the epicenter of the 1960’s hippy culture. Your stop at Golden Gate Park includes the California Academy of Sciences, Japanese Tea Garden, De Young Museum, and Botanical Gardens. Crossing the iconic Golden Gate Bridge return to the city center via Presidio Park, with stops at the Palace of Fine Arts, Lombard Street, Union Square North, Chinatown, and Steuart Street. The tour ends at the ship’s pier.