Panama Canal Cruises: Excursions

Hold on for a safe but exhilarating river-running experience! Begin with a scenic tour up the Mendenhall Valley. On the shores of Mendenhall Lake, receive protective raingear and life jackets and board your raft. Each holds up to twelve, and is rowed by an experienced guide. Or, if you’re looking for a hands-on experience, join a paddle-raft team. Glide across the iceberg studded lake, marveling at the 150-foot-high, 1.5-mile-wide glacier face and set course downstream. The six-mile route combines meandering stretches with Class II and III whitewater. The rapids are perfectly safe, just exciting enough for beginners and appropriate for all ages. A treat for experienced rafters, too! Encounter river features such as Moon Flats and Pin Ball Alley. Where the river levels out, soak in the views of the riverbank, lush forests and 7,000-foot mountains above the valley floor. Learn about the natural history of the river. Be on the lookout for bald eagles, black bears, otters, seals and salmon during spawning season. At the haul-out, celebrate with an Alaskan-style snack. You can purchase a cup of “Martha’s Mendenhall Madness” to toast your adventure or an action photo of yourself as a lasting memento of a trip you’ll never forget. Note: Participants must weigh at least 40 lbs. Float duration is approximately two hours. Outerwear is provided at the site. During the float trip, there is a short portion which goes through Class Two rapids. Please note this is not a white water experience. Each raft carries eight to twelve people and is rowed by an experienced guide. This tour operates under a special use permit issued by the U.S. Forest Service. For more details about these tours please visit: http://www.bestofalaskatours.com/NCL/
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Board your transportation for a scenic drive to Coral World Ocean Park, one of the top attractions in St. Thomas. Upon arrival, you'll be escorted to the Undersea Observatory Tower for an educational briefing about sea lions. Then join the sea lions at their enclosure for the opportunity to get up close and personal with these intelligent yet comical creatures both on land and in the water. Touch, pet and play games with the sea lions as they demonstrate their amazing agility. Practice some of the hand signals used by the trainers. At the end of the encounter, your playful hosts give a hug, a big wet kiss and pose for photos. There will be time to tour the Coral World exhibits including sharks, turtles and stingrays. On the return, you may choose to return to the ship or be dropped off downtown to browse and shop. You are then responsible for your return to the ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age, weigh a minimum of 50 lbs. and be able to climb up a ladder and swim in a life jacket. Women who are pregnant may not participate. Wearing a life jacket is required. No observers are allowed in the sea lion swim area. Each child under 12 years of age must be accompanied by a participating adult. Guests are required to wear a life jacket and sign a release form. Due to the amount of interaction with sea lion trainers, participants must speak and understand English. Guest must know how to tread water and be comfortable in the water. less

Capture everything from glaciers to whales on this excursion that features a professional photography guide. Travel in a media-equipped shuttle bus and aboard a customized safari boat as your guide provides expert interpretation while also sharing tips and techniques to enhance your images. By land, at Mendenhall Glacier, you will be taken along a secluded moraine ecology trail. This gentle walk leads to beaver dams, salmon streams and remarkable glacier panoramas—sites to inspire your creative photography. By sea, board a covered safari vessel for an unforgettable journey through the pristine waterways of Stephens Passage. Large panel windows open to give you unrestricted views, while your captain safely maneuvers to give you the best angle on the shot. This excursion has never had a trip without a star-studded cast—often including humpback whales, sea lions, orcas, harbor seals, porcupines, eagles, salmon or even black bears. See more of Alaska’s natural wonders as you strive to capture that 'magical moment' in the medium that’s worth a thousand words. Note: Participants must be able to walk on their own for approximately 3/4 mile on an improved gravel trail. Raingear, umbrellas, camera towels, monopod walking sticks, bottled water and a snack are included. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress in layers and bring your camera and plenty of film or digital capacity. Group size is limited to 14 participants to ensure a comfortable and interactive atmosphere. Children 12 and under receive a free waterproof kids camera. Each participant receives a complimentary instructional DVD with a photography tutorial and slideshow from Juneau’s best Photo Guides. Whale sightings are guaranteed or you’ll receive $100 cash back as you disembark the whale-watching vessel. All tour participants on this excursion are eligible to enter to win cash prizes in the tour operator's 2012 Capture Juneau Photo Contest. For more details please visit: http://ncl.stepintoalaska.com/ less

Explore the exciting world of Scuba in the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas. You’ll be given a lesson by a diving Instructor who will teach you the basic concepts and skills for scuba diving. After receiving safety instructions, diving gear and practicing a few skills, accompany your instructor on a shallow dive with depths of approximately 15-30 feet. Your dive will last about 40-45 minutes depending on your air consumption. Here, you’ll find a large school of tropical fish while you explore the undersea world. Note: This is a one-tank dive for beginners. Participants must be at least 10 years of age and 5 feet or taller. Not advised for pregnant women or participants with history of heart or lung disorders. All gear equipment is included, except for wetsuits, which are at an additional cost. Bring your swimsuit and a towel. Dive cameras, t-shirts, food and soft drinks will be available for purchase. Guests need to fill out a medical history waiver form prior to participating. Guests currently taking medication or with a previous medical condition must provide a clearance note from their physician to participate in this tour. Participants must be good swimmers and in good health. less

Discover the tropical corals, colorful marine life, dramatic walls, reefs, and fascinating wrecks surrounding New Providence Island. You’ll be asked to bring your own equipment as only weights and tanks are provided. Your first dive will be a wall covered with coral reef appropriate for new and advanced divers. Your dive master will lead the dive to 80 feet for approximately 30 minutes; however, you may prefer to stay up on the shallower ledge while others dive deeper. Your second dive is either a shallow reef or a wreck dive. Here, you may explore a 100 foot freighter in 50 feet; the famous James Bond wreck in 40 feet or dive in the Cessna used in the filming of Jaws. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, 5 feet or taller, and in good health. Bring a towel, diver certification card, and log book. Full gear is not included. Only weights and tank will be provided for this excursion, so bring additional necessary equipment from home, as this will not be available for rental. Participants should have dived within a one year period; otherwise, you’ll be required to present proof of a refresher course. A waiver release form must be signed prior to participating. Guests currently taking medication or with a previous medical condition, must provide a clearance note from their physician to participate in this tour. less