Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

Drive through Ponta Delgada, and then head northeast along the pleasant roads bordering agricultural areas, stretching across the island to Ribeira Grande. Ribeira Grande has a distinct feeling of Portuguese influence. Visit some of the most significant monuments of the city, including examples of Baroque architecture. Continue your drive along the north coast stopping at a tea factory to taste the tea on your way to the Pico do Ferro viewpoint. From this viewpoint you can observe the biggest and oldest volcanic crater at the bottom of which lays Furnas Lake and where the spa of Furnas Valley is located. Once in the village of Furnas, visit Terra Nostra Garden, a luxuriant garden in an extravagant atmosphere where the color of the flowers mixes with the exuberant vegetation originating from diverse continents. Next, visit the big phenomenon of the island, the hot springs. This is an area with diverse forms of volcanic activity with fumaroles spouting boiling water and medicinal mud; one of the most spectacular being Caldeira de Pero Botelho. Pass by Furnas Lake, with the Gothic profile of the Chapel Nossa Senhora das Vitorias reflected on its clear waters. Return to Ponta Delgada along the southern coast passing by Vila Franca do Campo, the former capital of the island. Note: Tour involves approximately 0.6 mile (1,000 meters) of walking on uneven ground, gravel and cobblestone. Ribeira Grande, tea factory, hot springs area, Terra Nostra Botanical Park and restrooms are not wheelchair accessible. Tour order may vary but all mentioned sights will be covered. Visibility from all scenic outlooks is dependent upon the weather and therefore cannot be guaranteed. less

Depart from Ponta Delgada from the southwest of the island to see the view over Mosteiros and the youngest eruptions on the island. On the way back, drive to the inside of the crater of Sete Cidades that was formed thousands of years ago. Visit Santiago Lake viewpoint followed by the most important view of the crater. Stop at Vista do Rei to admire the twin lakes. The calm waters along the edges of the crater make a striking contrast with the steep slopes and create a fascinating scene. Inside the crater lays the picturesque village of Sete Cidades. Afterwards visit Pico do Carvao to see both sides of the island at the same time. Back to Ponta Delgada, stop at Portas do Mar to enjoy an Azorean tasting of local cheeses and wines with a view over the sea and the marina. Note: Tour involves approximately 82 feet (25 meters) of walking on both flat and uneven ground. Sete Cidades village and restrooms are not wheelchair accessible. Tour has limited participation. Tour order may vary but all mentioned sights will be covered. Visibility from all scenic outlooks is dependent upon the weather and therefore cannot be guaranteed. less

From the embarcadero, begin your 30-minute journey on a motor catamaran across the harbor channel to Stone Island. Enjoy an open bar while you sail and watch the shrimp and tuna fleets and the famous Pacifico brewery. A typical cartload tractor will take you across part of this primitive town where most of the fishermen sleep on hammocks under the stars. You’ll have approximately four hours to spend in this setting, perfect for relaxation and swimming on miles of uncrowded, palm-lined beaches. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride or horseback ride along these 12 miles of beaches and countless coconut trees. An island-style lunch of fish, chicken, salad, rice, beans, homemade tortillas and salsa is served in a rustic restaurant. Beer, soft drinks and domestic drinks are included. Note: Participants must be at least 5 years of age. We recommend that you bring a towel, sunscreen, a hat and wear your swimsuit under your clothing. Local vendors are frequent at beach area. less

This city tour takes you to an unforgettable collection of beauty spots in and around Ocho Rios. First, you’ll visit the island's premier attraction, Dunn's River Falls. It is a place of unique beauty, where the river cascades over a giant limestone staircase to a white-sand beach and the warm Caribbean Sea. You may choose to climb the icy waterfalls with the aid of an experienced falls guide, just simply relax at the base of the waterfalls, or swim in the sea. Next, you’ll be taken on a guided stroll through the groves of trees and plants at the Shaw Park Botanical Gardens. The manicured grounds are beautified by a reflecting pond, gazebos and a natural waterfall. A final stop is made in the town for shopping before returning to your ship. Note: Order of stops may be changed to avoid crowds. 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

Start your morning with a visit to Pompeii. Here, a flourishing civilization, buried for 1,700 years under 20 feet of ash and pumice, was recovered so perfectly preserved that you can see how the 20,000 residents lived and loved, worked and played, ate and drank. En route, you’ll visit a cameo factory nearby to see how the famous jewelry is made and then have some time to browse the store. Visit the cliff-top town of Sorrento, a village with splendid views of the sea and the colorful marina below. Enjoy some free time to explore the flower-filled main street and the Corso Italia, lined with boutiques. Then it’s on to the hills above Sorrento, where a family-owned farm produces homemade products. Tour the farm and its old wine cantina, learn how they produce olive oil and homemade mozzarella, and during lunch get a chance to sample the local fare surrounded by a lemon and olive grove. Note: During summer months expect extreme heat, crowded venues and long lines. We recommend that you dress in layers and bring bottled water. This tour includes extensive walking during the visit of Pompeii’s excavations and approximately 1 1/2 miles of walking. For all Norwegian Epic calls and Tuesday calls on Norwegian Spirit, lunch at the farmhouse will be after 2:30 pm. less

Start your tours with a drive along the Borgundfjord, through the modern suburbs to the old trading centre of Borgund. Here, visit the Sunnmøre Open-Air Museum where you’ll see various types of farmhouses and boathouses. This Museum houses a number of different old boats and the shipbuilding process were known to be the most reliable along the coast. You’ll also find copies of the so-called Kvalsund and Fjørtoft-boats from the year 700 A.D. Alongside lies the fishing vessel "HELAND" - better known as the Shetland bus as it was used to carry Norwegian partisans across the North Sea during World War II. Lastly, make a detour up on Mount Aksla to enjoy the magnificent view over the town and its surroundings before returning to your ship. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 600 yards over even surfaces with 2 to 3 steps to enter/exit the coach. Walking at the Sunnmøre Museum is at the guests' discretion. Comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing are recommended. Please note that some of the door openings are low so guests should mind their head when entering. Tour may operate in reverse order. less