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

Departing your ship, drive along Avenida do Mar to reach the terminal. There you’ll board your cable car for a ride over the city and harbor on our way to the Village of Monte, located in the outskirts of Funchal, on this cruise tour. At Monte you'll have the opportunity to take a trip back to the past when you join the toboggan ride back to Livramento. The ride downhill in a wicker sledge is an exciting one, providing you with a taste of the Madeira of past decades, when this was the established form of transport from Monte to Funchal. After a short drive along a winding road you’ll reach Eira do Serrado, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island. Take a short walk up to the viewpoint on Pico do Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,095 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley), a small village located in the heart of the island, nestled between almost perpendicular mountains. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your last stop before returning to your ship will be at one of the famous wine lodges in Funchal, where you'll sample (and may purchase) the world famous Madeira Wine. Note: A jacket is recommended as Madeira has a microclimate. This tour involves approximately 3/4-mile of walking (5 to 10 minutes) on cobblestones and uneven surfaces with approximately five steps to get to the viewpoint at Eira Do Serrado; approximately 10 steps at Monte and five to eight steps at the Madeira Wine Company. Cable car is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties as access is similar to a ski lift; i.e. cable car does not stop for boarding, rather it moves slowly. An approximately five-minute walk is required from the bus stop to the wine lodge. Itinerary may be operated in reverse order. Toboggan ride will be closed in observance of Good Friday, so it will not be available for guests on the Norwegian Jade sailing of April 3, 2012. less

Start your 'once in a lifetime experience' shore excursion in the world’s most beautiful dolphinarium. Located just a short walk from Cozumel’s downtown shopping area, it’s the only place in all the Caribbean where you can swim with dolphins for approximately 40 minutes in the safety of a calm ocean cove. This is a very hands-on program allows you to experience the true magic of these magnificent mammals. Starting on a waist-deep submerged platform you’ll be able to touch their velvety soft skin, listen to them sing and watch them play. Following this you’ll be able to float out into the deeper water of the natural ocean coves to swim with the dolphins and touch them as they gracefully glide by you. You’ll be provided with a mask if you want to see them under water as well. After a kiss, a hug and a friendly fin shake you’ll receive a fantastic dolphin ride around the cove. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age and 4 feet tall. It is not possible for passengers with neck or back injuries or pregnant women to participate in this program. 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

Las Caletas was once the private home of the famous film director John Huston, who considered it one of the most beautiful places in the world. Today, Las Caletas is an exclusive tropical beach hideaway where you can enjoy an extraordinary day of sun, fun, and adventure. This lovely beach was named by Trip Advisor as one of the top 4 secluded beaches in the World for 2012. Only accessible by sea, this well-secluded nature preserve stands out against a steep, jungle-clad backdrop of tropical forest in an isolated cove on the southern shores of Banderas Bay. As you cruise towards this tropical paradise aboard a first-class catamaran, you'll enjoy the most fantastic coastal scenery that Puerto Vallarta has to offer. Once arriving at Las Caletas, you can choose between pure relaxation or gentle exploration in the unspoiled natural setting of this tropical beach hideaway. If relaxing is on your personal agenda, you can kick-back on the beach, relax in the shade on a comfortable hammock, or indulge in a therapeutic body massage or facial at the hilltop Spa (additional charge). As you relax and unwind, the gentle lapping of the surf on the private golden beach beckons you to take a closer look at the calm, clear waters of this isolated cove. Throughout the day, bilingual eco-guides offer snorkeling and kayaking tours giving everyone a chance to explore in a fun and relaxed way. On land, you can take a Paella cooking lesson, discover the prolific flora and bird life on a free guided nature walk through the jungle, orchid gardens and interactive parrot center. For the youngest explorers (4-11) there is the kid’s adventure camp with zip lines, a climbing wall, animal encounters and an exciting donkey ride. Note: Tour includes moderate walking on uneven surfaces and numerous steps. Please wear your swimsuit underneath comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and a towel. less

Although a quick pace and substantial amount of walking is required, your day will be extremely rewarding. Your tour starts with an orientation drive through the Eternal City, passing through Piazza Venezia, the Roman Forum, the Arch of Constantine and the famed Colosseum. After lunch, visit the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, boasting Michelangelo’s magnificent ceiling. You’ll gaze in awe at Piazza San Pietro, one of the world’s most beautiful squares that faces the largest church in the world, St. Peter’s. Some of its fabulous treasures will be shown to you by your guide during a brief visit. You’ll then rejoin your motorcoach for the return to Civitavecchia. 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. Your guide will join you in Rome, however you’ll have an escort with you throughout the day. Order of sights may vary. Tour does include an extensive amount of walking over cobblestone terrain and several steps to negotiate. Expect very large crowds at the Vatican and Sistine Chapel, especially during summer months. The Vatican will be closed on August 14th, 2013, August 18th, 2013 and September 29th, 2013; this tour is not available for the Norwegian Epic August 11th, 2013 sailings nor for the Norwegian Spirit August 15th, 2013 and September 20th, 2013 sailings. AVAILABLE FOR ALL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS AND ON BARCELONA TO BARCELONA NORWEGIAN EPIC SAILINGS ONLY. less