Transatlantic Cruises: Excursions

Enjoy a five-hour fishing excursion to the richest game fishing grounds know to anglers. As the boat heads out to the fishing area, the poles will be set with lures by the mate to minimize the possibility of the lines becoming tangled. The type of fishing is trolling. Boats do not troll with live bait, as it is good for perhaps fifteen minutes maximum. This means the boat will be in the open ocean and four lines with lures will be utilized in pole holders and outriggers. All of the hooked fish will be rotated between the participants on the boat. When a fish is spotted, the mate will reel in the four lines and then set a line with the live bait. If a fish takes the bait, the mate will 'set the hook' and give the pole to the first person in the fighting chair. When the first person has landed the fish (or if the fish got away), the next person will have the next hooked fish and so on. When everyone has had a turn in the chair the rotation will start over. Note: Participants must be at least 8 years of age. Due to the nature of this tour, pregnant women or guests with any known medical condition or history of illness, including heart ailment, knee/spinal/neck pain or injury or any other recent injury should not participate. Typically six participants will share a boat, however arrangements can be made, at additional costs to share a boat by two or three anglers, thereby improving your chances of catching a fish. All fishing boats contain the latest in safety equipment. less

Spend the day exploring the many treasures the village of Orvieto unveils at every turn. During your scenic drive to Orvieto in Umbria, you’ll pass by several small villages scattered over the hills boasting Medieval castles and churches. Upon arrival in Orvieto, you’ll take the cable car to reach the center. Orvieto goes back to the 9th century B.C. and the Etruscan civilization. Perched on a plateau atop huge cliffs, this town boasts of one of the most beautiful cathedrals in Italy. Its construction started in 1263 under the pontificate of Urbano IV who wanted to consecrate the so-called ‘miracle of the blood’. But your attention is immediately drawn by the wonderful Gothic facade of this cathedral. Inside, some chapels are structured with cross vaults, some of which are embellished by very important frescos painted by Fra Giovanni and by Luca Signorelli. In the transept you can admire a Pity from the 16th century. After the cathedral’s visit, your guide will lead you on a walking tour through the narrow streets of this beautiful city and point out other things of interest that you could do during your leisure time. You’ll then have about 2 1/2 hours of free time to further explore Orvieto. During your free time, you might want to visit the Underground Passages, the Museum of Archeology, or St. Patrick's well, built in the early 16th Century by Pope Clement VII, an architectural marvel. If exploring is not your thing, you might opt to relax in the Piazza del Duomo over lunch, an ice cream or a glass of the famous local wine with some cheese and salami. What about doing some shopping? Orvieto is famous for its ceramics, glass, leather and olive wood work, in addition to the many local goods produced in the area, such as olive oil or the famous wine, Orvieto Classico. Whatever you choose to do, you’ll surely have a wonderful day. Note: You’ll need to navigate through cobblestone streets, uneven and inclined terrain on this tour with approximately 1 1/2 to 2 miles of walking and approximately 15 to 20 steps to negotiate at the Duomo. AVAILABLE FOR ALL NORWEGIAN SPIRIT SAILINGS AND ON BARCELONA TO BARCELONA NORWEGIAN EPIC SAILINGS ONLY. 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

Fulfill your dream of Scuba diving with Discover Scuba! Your excursion begins with a short ride through the quaint town of Mahahual to an eco-friendly dive center. Here you’ll be fitted with Scuba gear and given an introductory lesson to Scuba followed by an instructor-guided dive of the spectacular Meso-American Barrier Reef. This breathtaking reef is known for its beautiful corals and exotic marine life. Common marine life includes sea turtles, lobsters, stingrays, dolphin and an endless variety of tropical reef fish. After your dive excursion you may choose to return to your ship or stay and experience the local culture and beautiful beaches of Mahahual. Once a fishing village, Mahahual is now a small town thriving with wonderful beachfront shops, restaurants, bars, arts and crafts booths, and more. Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age, weigh no more than 275 lbs, be in good health and are required to sign a medical questionnaire as some restrictions do apply. Due to restrictions by the Dive Provider, any Scuba participants currently taking any medication or with a previous medical condition should bring a note from their primary physician stating that they are medically cleared to participate on a Scuba excursion. Advance notification is required for participants 12 years of age and under as restrictions may apply requiring a dedicated Dive Master at additional cost and their guardian must review the Youth Responsibilities Video or Flipchart and sign a release form at the Dive Center for all minors. If you choose to stay in Mahahual after the dive, you are responsible for your transportation back to your ship. For more information please visit http://dreamtimeregistrationforms.com. less

Peterhof, the town of palaces, fountains and parks, was built by Peter the Great to rival Versailles. It lies on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, 22 miles west of St. Petersburg. After a short walk from the parking lot you’ll reach the main entrance of the Grand Palace. Built in the beginning of the 18th century, Peterhof is known as the most brilliant of all the summer residences of the Russian Tsars. The estate construction spanned two centuries, and upon its completion it encompassed seven parks and more than 20 smaller palaces and pavilions. Peter himself designed the layout of the 300-acre park and spectacular fountains.

During World War II, the estate was occupied and all the buildings and fountains were completely demolished. Peterhof is also a monument to Soviet reconstruction, as the place was looted and practically razed to the ground by Nazi troops. For many years the palace and the Grand Cascade were under extensive restoration. Now all guests of the city can enjoy the spectacular views of the palace.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: Peterhof is not wheelchair accessible and is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties. There are stairs, no elevators, gravel paths and long walking distances. Visit the inside of Peterhof Palace is approximately one hour, and although you might get a glimpse of the fountains, this tour is of the palace interior. Photo/video is not allowed in the Grand Peterhof Palace. Some of the fountains and/or rooms may be closed periodically for repairs. This tour will not be available on 9/05/13 as the entire complex will be closed. less

This special tour is designed for guests who would like to look at the city from a different perspective, learn about the tragic death of one of the most mysterious figures in Russian history – Grigory Rasputin – and witness one of St. Petersburg’s masterpieces, also surrounded by the mystery of murder and intrigue – the amazing Cathedral of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. Your coach will bring you to the pier in the city center, where you’ll start your fascinating journey through the rivers and canals of St. Petersburg. You’ll see the city from the water, which surrounds its numerous squares, monuments and palaces. After an hour of touring the waterways, you’ll arrive near Yusupov Palace, where you’ll disembark to discover an intriguing story about the palace, its owners and the dramatic events which ended the life of the famous favorites of the last Romanovs. Yusupov Palace is located on the banks of the Moika River and is one of the 57 palaces in Russia, four of which are in St. Petersburg and were owned by Felix Yusupov – often said to be almost as wealthy as the Tsar himself. This palace was Yusupov’s favorite and exemplifies his wealth and very eccentric style. Among the palace's treasures are French tapestries and porcelain, and Venetian mirrors and woodcarvings. It was here in 1916 that the notorious Grigory Rasputin was assassinated. He was lured to Yusupov's palace by several influential figures of the time, given poison cakes, which for some reason had no effect on him, then shot several times and thrown into the river.

The tour will take you through the rooms of the palace, and after climbing down the narrow, winding staircase, you’ll see the very place where Felix Yusupov and his accomplices assassinated Grigory Rasputin. After lunch at a nearby restaurant, you’ll visit the magnificent Cathedral on Spilled Blood. This marvelous old Russian-style church was built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. The cathedral should not be perceived as simply a cult building; its idea is broader and deeper. The image of the Savior in this cathedral reflects not so much the cult aspect, but the political, historical, artistic, stylistic importance of the monument, and underscores its importance for the city. Built in 1883-1907, the church was designed in the spirit of 16th and 17th century Russian architecture, inspired particularly by St. Basil's Cathedral in Red Square, Moscow. With its distinctive cupolas, the Muscovy design is unique to St. Petersburg and provides a dramatic contrast to the Neo-Classical architecture which dominates the city center. The interior of the church, a memorial to the late Emperor Alexander II, is decorated with different marbles and several thousand square yards of mosaics. These mosaics are far from being ordinary; their surfaces were left unpolished, so that they reflect sunlight, which impressed worshipers and visitors alike. The Cathedral of Resurrection, as it is also called, is the only surviving monument to Alexander II in the city.

*Price reflected on NCL.com is inclusive of the Pre-Book and Save offer.
Note: This tour is not recommended for persons with walking or climbing difficulties. Expect congestion and waiting at attractions. Tour order may vary. Venues are not wheelchair accessible. The Russian government charges a nominal fee to use your camera and video inside various palaces and museums of St. Petersburg. Fees are payable to your guide and exact change is required. less