Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

See both the French & Dutch sides of St.Maarten from the deck of a luxury catamaran - it's a party with beach fun, sailing and snorkeling! We’ll make 2 distinct stops in 2 different parts of the island to make your impression about the friendly Island as full as possible! As you sail along the picturesque seashore framed by emerald hills, you'll see some St.Maarten's famous sights including Fort Amsterdam, Little Bay, Cay Bay, and Pelican Key. During the ride you can list to stories and interesting facts about St. Maarten. At the first stop, discover the underwater world and its inhabitants: sea turtles, starfish, octopus, angelfish, barracuda, sea urchins, stingray, snapper, and even dolphins! Just put the mask on and start looking! On the way to the next stop you'll have a chance to see another breathtaking St.Maarten sight – planes low-landing to Princess Juliana Airport. At the second stop you’ll spend time on one of St. Maarten’s best beaches! Take part in beach competitions, have fun trying our waterslide, swim in cool turquoise water or relax on smooth sugar sand. Tasty snacks and French baguette sandwiches as well as ice-cold beverages from our open bar will be offered to you during the whole excursion. On return sail, take part in a quiz with prizes, dance to Caribbean tunes and enjoy the warm sea breeze for a perfect ending to your day in this little paradise! Note: Wear swimsuit and bring a towel and sunscreen. Due to weather conditions snorkeling and beach stops may vary and be in a different order. Snorkeling visibility and presence of marine life cannot be guaranteed. Guests should consider their physical fitness level and medical history when determining whether this tour is appropriate. Participants must be at least 3 years of age. less

Barcelona’s favorable location, in perfect harmony with its immediate surroundings, together with its ease of access and varied climate, make it a starting point for discovering new landscapes and enjoying contact with nature. Your tour departs from the port passing through the main streets of Barcelona, to reach Catalunya Square, considered the heart of the city. From here, you’ll continue the panoramic drive along Passeig de Gracia, the best-known boulevard in town. Your guide will point out two of the masterpieces of Gaudi’s architecture: the Casa Mila and Casa Batllo; two of the best-known landmarks of the city. Reaching Diagonal Avenue your tour continues to Montserrat, a peculiar rocky mountain range which is the site of the monastery where people come to worship 'La Moreneta,' the black Madonna who is the patron-virgin of Catalonia. The Benedictine Monastery of Montserrat was founded in the 11th century and is located in a natural park 37 miles to the west of Barcelona. The Benedictine community, now numbering some 80 monks, has served the shrine for almost a thousand years. They are dedicated to a life of prayer, to working, and to welcoming pilgrims, making the site a place for dialogue, prayer and culture. Besides the monks, the Escolans also live in Montserrat who form the oldest boy’s choir in Europe. During your stay and visit to Montserrat, you’ll visit the sanctuary and have free time to take-in the activity of your choice. Spend extra time at the sanctuary, explore some more, take pictures, shop for that last minute souvenir, have lunch or grab a coffee at one of the restaurants and cafeterias on location. Once you finish the visit you’ll be driven to a Norwegian Cruise Line program hotel, Mont Blanc, Catalunya Square, or the airport. Note: This tour is available for guests with flights after 4:30pm, or that are staying at a hotel in Barcelona. less

Begin with a scenic drive around the Upper Town of Tallinn. Pass by the old town wall from the 13th century, the Fat Margarete Tower and the main railway station. You’ll leave the coach at the Tall Hermann Tower for a short walk to the Palace Square. Visit the Russian St. Alexander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral (1900), displaying a lot of spectacular icons. Take a short walk to several panoramic viewpoints where you can enjoy the view over the Lower Town, harbors, marinas, commercial ports and even do some shopping.

Take a short drive to the Seaplane Harbour, an Estonian Maritime Museum. This unique museum displays some large exhibits, most of them housed in the seaplane hangars built in 1916-1917. Originally, a part of Peter the Great’s Naval Fortress, the Seaplane Harbour has lately been restored for the needs of the Estonian Maritime Museum. It exhibits the Lembit submarine, the Suur Toll steam icebreaker, Short Type 184 seaplane and other life-size items. This is a great experience for the entire family to see and do such as: the Yellow Submarine, an aquarium, games, a cafeteria, the harbor and many more. During your stay at this museum you’ll also have an opportunity to enjoy a coffee break at the cafe and to visit the museum shop. At the end of your tour, board your coach for a return ride to the pier.

Note: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Flash photography is not allowed in the churches. Busy times for yellow Submarine (exhibition) visit. less

This is an ideal opportunity for bird watchers and nature lovers to spend a day in absolute relaxation. In the tropical atmosphere of the Mexican Pacific Coast, one mile south of Mazatlan, is where your boat is ready for an estuary run to admire the natural beauty of four miles of mangroves. From your boat, you’ll see your ship, the 104-year-old Pacifico Brewery, the Mexican Navy Base and the shrimp and tuna fishing fleets along the harbor. Enjoy your guided cruise down mangrove and palm tree-lined waterways in Mexico’s largest estuary/wetland system. Explore the private world of the Mexican brown pelican, blue heron, sea hawk, osprey and other exotic water fowl in this protected wildlife refuge, the best place for nature lovers. Disembark and board your transportation for a ride through a peaceful area where a variety of fruit trees are grown and through a coconut plantation on the way to a typical beachfront restaurant to enjoy a delightful fish lunch and have time for a swim or just relax. On the way back to your ship, you’ll pass by a small traditional village and return directly from the island to the embarcadero. Don’t forget your camera! Note: Participants must be in good health conditions. We recommend that you bring a towel from your ship if you plan to swim. less