Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

Visit the Art Nouveau centre, located in the old pharmacy building, right in the heart of Alesund. The museum provides an interesting insight into the history of the fire in 1904 and the creative Art Noveau period. The town centre was rebuilt shortly after the fire in the characteristic architecture of that period. You’ll see various examples of this picturesque Art style that has made Ålesund one of the three last Art Nouveau-cities in Europe. Continue through the town of Alesund and uphill to the little attractive park at the foot of mount Aksla. Here, you’ll find exotic trees and plants as well as a memorial stone dedicated to the emperor Wilhelm II, which he also has the main street in town named after him. You may walk up towards mount Aksla for a spectacular view or just sit at the park and rest before heading back to your ship. Note: This is a walking tour and participants must be in good health. Bring a rain gear jacket as this tour operates in all weather conditions. less

Relax during your short drive to the world-famous Dunn’s River Falls where you’ll climb 600 feet of cool refreshing water as it cascades over natural limestone terraces. Guides are provided to assist you when ascending the rushing waters as they plunge directly into the pristine Caribbean Sea. After this invigorating experience, you’re transported to Dolphin Cove where you are met by friendly hostesses and given a complimentary fruit drink. This unique cove surrounded by lush tropical jungle, is home to our beautiful family of bottlenose dolphins, exotic birds, snakes and iguanas. There you’ll participate in a brief orientation and then enter the world of nature’s most fascinating creatures - the dolphins. Get to know the animals as you interact with them in deep water. Experience the thrill of 'riding' the dolphin belly to belly. Dance, sing, play and even enjoy a kiss or two. After enjoying this unique experience, spend the rest of the day at Dolphin Cove and all that it has to offer. At the conclusion of your tour you’ll have the option of being dropped-off at a local shopping plaza for shopping time at your leisure and then make your own way back to your ship. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Participants must weigh no more than 250 lbs. Shuttle buses are available at 10-minute intervals to return you to your ship. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart, neck/ back problems, mobility/balance problems or pregnant women. The Dunn’s River Falls are the highlight of Jamaica and tend to be very congested. All guests participating in a tour that visits the falls should wear foot protection that can get wet. River socks are available for rent at the falls. The rocks at the falls are slippery. Climbing the falls is optional and at your own risk. Participants who do not wish to climb the falls may enjoy the small beach at the base. The walk to the beach is on a slope with many stairs, therefore participants should be in reasonably good health. less

This tour has been designed for those who wish to combine a visit to one of the most important art museums of Florence with the world-famous Miracle Square of Pisa, and do so in a small group. This exclusive tour has a limited participation. Stop in Pisa for a brief photo stop by the Field of Miracles. Then drive to Florence, stopping first at Piazzale Michelangelo to admire the views of the city from this vantage point. Visit the impressive Uffizi Gallery without standing in long lines, admire Piazza della Signoria, and stop at Ponte Vecchio. Pause in the fascinating Piazza del Duomo and admire its magnificence. During the tour, you’ll enjoy free time for lunch and shopping, before making a stop at a showroom specializing in discounted gold items. Note: Guests who are planning to visit religious sites during free time or on tour, please dress appropriately; no bare shoulders or shorts are allowed. The walking tour in Florence will cover approximately 2 miles. The photo stop in Pisa is not guided and you’ll have to walk from the bus parking area approximately 15 minutes each way. Tour may operate in reverse order. The Uffizi Gallery is closed on Mondays. This tour will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Spirit May 11th and September 20th, 2013 sailings. less

Your coach will take you from the pier to start your walking tour from Senate Square, with its neo-classical atmosphere. It is surrounded by the Main Lutheran Church, the Senate Building, and the University. Walk by the central railway station of Eliel Saarinen and see the National Theater and Sanoma Talo. Enjoy a flavorful cup of fresh coffee and pastry served in one of the many coffee venues in downtown. Continue your tour by walking to Mannerheim Street, Helsinki’s main thoroughfare where you’ll see Helsinki’s museum of Contemporary Art, National Museum, the new Music Hall and the House of Parliament. Then, visit the world famous Rock Church built of bedrock and quarried stone. Continue your walk towards Sibelius Park, in which the name was given to the park honoring Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius. Note: Guests must be in good physical conditions to walk approximately 4 miles uneven and cobblestone surfaces. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Order of sights may vary. less

Driving along the beautiful seaside promenade, you’ll enjoy the views of the marina filled with luxurious yachts on one side and hotels on the other. You’ll then pass the magnificent cathedral and the Almudaina Palace going to the center of Palma through streets filled with luxurious shops, and Via Roma where the flower market is held under the shade of the plane trees. Continue on towards Santa Maria, admiring the views of the most agricultural part of the island. Your final destination is the well-known cellars of Macia Batle in the village of Santa Maria. Its 250 acres of vineyards are distributed in the denominations of the region with special emphasis on the rare autochthon Majorcan grapes, not leaving out other traditional varieties. By combining these grapes, the results are beautifully composed wines with unforgettable character. The agreeable sun and microclimate of Majorca join with the soft winds of the Mediterranean to guarantee a top quality wine, something that the Romans, keen wine makers, already knew. Discover how such wines are created and enjoy a tasting of different wines with some snacks; an experience for all your senses. Returning to Palma, you’ll make a photo stop at Bellver Castle from where you’ll have a beautiful view over the pier and the city. Note: This tour is not suitable for passengers with wheelchairs or those with walking difficulties as there are 40 steps into the winery. less

Explore the amazing world of Huatulco by water and land. Visit the beautiful beach of "La Entrega", where healthy coral plates shelter millions of colorful fish. Once here, don’t miss the "Bat Cave", located a few yards from the beach; snorkel into the cave and discover why it’s called the Lover’s Corner. Relax under a palm umbrella called ‘Palapa’ and enjoy refreshments or a delicious seafood dish at an additional cost. Next, swim the underwater world of Huatulco while tanning under the sun of this Mexican South Pacific beach. On your way back to the pier, you’ll have the chance to fill your eyes with different tones of blue from the sightseeing spots located along the roads and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of the shoreline of Huatulco. You’ll make a stop on the impressive viewpoint of “La Entrega” where you’ll be able to take pictures while admiring your ship and the Bay of Santa Cruz. Note: Participants must sign a waiver release form. Bottled water is provided in the van. Tour itinerary might vary and could change to an alternate site depending on weather conditions, water clarity and sea conditions. Please wear your swimsuit and a t-shirt for snorkeling. Bring a towel and sunscreen protection. less