EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise waters and unspoiled inlets of the Bay of Islands and see Cape Brett Lighthouse, the Hole-in-the-Rock Sea arch and more. You’ll depart the pier aboard a stable catamaran featuring roomy indoor and outdoor viewing decks, sailing under what could be the earth’s bluest skies into a constellation of 150 unspoiled islands off the North Island’s northeast corner. The Bay of Islands is both magnificent and historically significant: New Zealand’s earliest Maori settlers migrated here 700 years ago, and its first British missionary settlers arrived in 1814. Charles Darwin stopped by not long after, and in more modern times, American adventure writer Zane Grey popularized the islands as a big-game fishing paradise. You’ll journey through these fabled waters today, passing picturesque islets as you make for crisply white Cape Brett Lighthouse, perched high atop a spectacular headland’s cliff. You’ll see Motukokako Island with its dramatic Hole-in-the-Rock arch and visit another major highlight, the majestic Grand Cathedral Cave. Slowly cruising among the inner islands, you may have engaging encounters with the schools of dolphin that frequent these waters. Commentary from the captain will help fill in the natural and cultural history of it all.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into the Bay of Islands aboard a comfortable catamaran with indoor and outdoor viewing decks.
• Journey through legendary big-game fishing waters en route to the Cape Brett Lighthouse.
• Pass beautiful Motukokako Island and the famous Hole-in-the-Rock sea cliff, and see majestic Grand Cathedral Cave.
• Learn about this region’s key role in New Zealand history from the captain’s commentary.
• Be on the lookout for playful dolphin and other marine wonders as you take in the peaceful beauty of the inner islands.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring sunglasses and other sun protection as needed.

OVERVIEW

Watch humpback whales and other marine creatures cavorting in the nutrient-rich waters at Point Adolphus, one of Alaska’s premier observation points. During the cruise, a naturalist will describe the diversity of animals that converge here each summer. They come primarily to feed in the waters that are extraordinarily rich in halibut, salmon and plankton. Point Adolphus is noted for having the highest concentration of humpback whales in the Alaskan panhandle, so be on the lookout for these majestic and intelligent creatures. You can expect them to be breaching the water’s surface, waving their flukes up and down as they dive, and feeding voraciously to fatten up for their winter migration south. You might also observe frolicking Dall’s porpoises, Stellar sea lions, curious harbor seals and Orca whales. You may also see graceful bald eagles swooping down to grab fish in their talons, and perhaps even bears and deer in the surrounding wooded landscape.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch for humpback whales breaching the water’s surface as they feed.
• Gain a deeper understanding of whales and other marine creatures from the naturalist.
• Look for playful porpoises, sea lions and harbor seals.
• Scan the sky for majestic bald eagles.
• Scour the shoreline for mammals such as bears and deer.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear warm layered clothing and flat comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
• Bring waterproof outerwear if you expect to sit on the open-air observation deck.
• Don’t forget binoculars and a camera.

OVERVIEW

Explore a historical New York icon and experience the thrill of gazing out over the city from the tallest commercial skyscraper in Midtown Manhattan. The views from the soaring observation platform of Summit One Vanderbilt will be breathtaking in every direction, including straight down through the glass floor. You will see all five boroughs of New York and a sky-high perspective of landmarks such as the Chrysler Building and Central Park. Following this jaw-dropping experience, you will take a short walk to Grand Central Terminal, the famed train station that opened in 1913. As an introduction, the guide will describe the evolution of this national historic landmark that features a Beaux-Arts style. You will also enjoy free time to browse and shop before continuing to the airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy jaw-dropping views of New York from atop the Summit One Vanderbilt skyscraper.
• Look 1,100 feet down through the glass 'levitation' ledge floor.
• Follow a guide through Grand Central Terminal, a Midtown landmark since 1913.
• Learn fascinating facts about the terminal’s history and spend free time exploring further.
• Head to either JFK or LaGuardia airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

See southern Miyakojima Island from every angle, beginning with an aerial view from a gondola on the Shigira Lift Ocean Sky. It will be easy to get your bearings of the surrounding area as the gondola glides over the lush landscape toward the ocean that rims the southern shore. For a look at the marine life along the southern coast, you will ease into the Sea Sky Hakuai, a semi-submersible vessel with viewing windows just below the water's surface. Visibility is usually excellent so you can expect to see everything from colorful clown fish to graceful sea turtles swimming about the reef. You will be treated to other outstanding seaside views at park-like Imugya Marine Garden and from the rocky cape Higashi Hennazaki. The latter is a lengthy finger of land that juts into the sea on the island's southeasternmost point. A bit of free time for shopping will round out the island tour.

ATRACTIVOS:
• Enjoy an aerial view of the southern coast from a gondola on the Shigira Lift Ocean Sky.
• Observe the teeming marine life by cruising the southern coast in a semi-submersible.
• Gaze out over the ocean from a beautiful seaside park and a long rocky cape.

Plunge into the bountiful natural beauty that defines the Algarve region as you visit charming hillside villages, discover a medieval castle, exult in sky-high vistas from the region’s peak and shop in a town celebrated for its mineral-rich hot springs. You’ll drive inland through a ruggedly scenic landscape dotted with whitewashed houses and almond trees to Silves, the region’s former Moorish capital, which boasts a commanding Gothic cathedral and the 11th-century red sandstone Castelo de Silves, an astonishing structure featuring square turrets and seemingly impenetrable ramparts.

Relax over a traditional lunch in the market town of Monchique, where rolling hills are blanketed by forests of chestnut, pine and cork oak trees. Revel in breathtaking vistas from atop the apex of the Algarve, Mount Fóia, which on a clear day affords remarkable sights of the rocky coastline. You’ll stop in Caldas de Monchique, where the steaming thermal waters that bubble up through the mountains are believed to relieve respiratory and bone conditions. Linger at the shops and perhaps purchase a bottle of this famed water, a memorable token of your extraordinary experience.

OVERVIEW

Double your adventure with this full-day experience that combines a serene pontoon boat ride through the world-famous Tortuguero Canals with an immersive journey into the Veragua Rainforest. Begin with a scenic drive to the canal dock, where you’ll board a covered flat-bottom boat for a relaxing ride through waterways often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon.” Your naturalist guide will point out orchids, water lilies, monkeys, sloths, toucans, and other wildlife that thrive in this lush ecosystem. After enjoying a tropical fruit snack, continue to Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park. Here, expert guides will lead you through the live frog, snake, and butterfly exhibits before you board the open-air aerial tram for a breathtaking glide through the rainforest canopy. As you descend to the river level, you’ll be surrounded by towering 300-year-old trees and unspoiled jungle. Conclude with a nature walk on the Trail of the Giants, or choose the optional 350-step hike to the spectacular two-tiered Puma Waterfall. The day ends with a visit to the Foundation for Rainforest Research labs for a presentation by a rainforest researcher, a delicious hot lunch and time for souvenir shopping before your return to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the Tortuguero Canals and spot monkeys, sloths, tropical birds, and more.
• Visit the frog, snake, and butterfly exhibits at Veragua Rainforest.
• Glide through the treetops on the open-air Sky Gondola with panoramic views.
• Walk the Trail of the Giants or hike to the dramatic Puma Waterfall.
• Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch and browse the rainforest gift shop before heading back.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, sunscreen, hat/visor, insect repellent, and bring a poncho or umbrella.
• Bring cash or a credit card for optional purchases at the gift shop.
• Wildlife sightings are common but cannot be guaranteed.

OVERVIEW

Past and present thrive side by side in Seattle, and on this tour you'll see the best that Seattle has to offer. Begin with a brief scenic drive of Seattle as you head directly to the best view in the Pacific Northwest, the Sky View Observatory, the tallest building is Seattle! You'll then be elevated 902 feet above street level for unmatched 360-degree panoramic views of the Emerald City (Seattle), the Great Wheel, the Space Needle, the majestic Mt. Rainier and Mt. Baker plus beautiful islands, bays, and mountain ranges beyond. All time spent at the Sky View Observatory before 10am is exclusive for guests participating on this excursion.Continue your scenic drive as you pass by the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks sports stadiums, the historic Pioneer Square (Seattle's birthplace dating back to 1852), the International District, Seattle’s downtown core and shopping district before circling the Seattle Center Campus and arriving at the Space Needle for a photo stop.From here, you'll head over through newly renovated Belltown to the Pike Place Market, America’s largest and oldest open-air farmer’s market. Here you’ll have the opportunity to browse the hundreds of curio shops and local artisan stalls. Don't forget to check out the Pike Place Fish Market, home of the 'Flying Fish', one of the more famous vendors at the Market.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy the ultimate view of Seattle and beyond from the soaring Sky View Observatory.
• Drive through historical neighborhoods as the guide describes landmark after landmark.
• Spend free time browsing the seemingly endless stalls in Pike Place Market.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Begin your tour with the view from the top, as you head to Montjuic hill for a panoramic view of Barcelona. Drive along the elegant Passeig de Gracia with its wrought-iron street lamps and fine array of Modernist buildings, including Gaudi’s Casa Batllo, with a mosaic façade and undulating roof. View his controversial and towering masterpiece, La Sagrada Familia (The Holy Family) Church.

It is about an hour’s drive to Montserrat, an unusual multi-peak mountain topped by pinnacles that look like fingers reaching for the sky and offering stunning views of Catalunya. According to legend, villagers discovered a statue of the Madonna in a grotto a millennia ago. As a result, it became a pilgrimage site, and still draws many of the faithful to venerate the image, which now resides in a grand basilica.

Over the centuries the image has darkened by the smoke of millions of candles and she has come to be known as the Black Virgin. You’ll visit the basilica, and have free time to shop and have lunch on your own.

Hop on the Fun Bus for an open-air, sky view of Mazatlan. This roofless bus offers you a convenient way to discover this destination. Stop at key points for pictures, slow down at others so you get more than a passing glimpse. Pass by some highlights such as the cliff divers who soar from their towering perch into a tiny dot of water, and the 19th century Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception. The Cathedral is just one block from the public market in the heart of the downtown area. You’ll see colorful buildings from the Golden Age of European architecture in the Historic District as well as the Golden Zone Shopping Center located in the hotel area. Here at the Golden Zone Shopping Center you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy approximately 45 minutes of free time to browse and shop through the numerous craft and jewelry shops before returning back to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Look for bears, deer, and bald eagles in their natural habitats from an elevated observation area in the remote Spasski River Valley. As you leave Hoonah, Alaska’s largest Tlingit Indigenous settlement, the guide will enlighten you with stories about the Tlingits and their fascinating history. Upon reaching the valley, you will walk along a gravel path and boardwalk to the elevated viewing platform. Be on the lookout for the diverse wildlife that makes its home here, including brown bears, which are highly intelligent omnivores that primarily eat vegetation. While this is an excellent area to observe animals, they roam freely, so there are no guarantees that you will see them. The Sitka black-tail deer is another native that may be spotted from the observation area, as well as land otters, mink and marten. And don’t forget to look skyward for bald eagles, a highly efficient bird of prey that frequents the valley.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch for brown bears in one of their prime habitats.
• Look for other commonly seen wildlife such as deer, land otters and mink.
• Don’t forget to scan the sky and treetops for bald eagles.
• Gain an appreciation for the culture of the Tlingit people that first settled the valley.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered clothing and waterproof outerwear.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Discover the beauty and diversity of Miami and neighboring cities of Coconut Grove and Coral Gables. Visit hip and trendy South Beach and see the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. Pass Star Island and Fisher Island with multi-million dollar homes owned by Miami's rich and famous.

Depart the Port of Miami in your air-conditioned motor coach with your knowledgeable guide to explore the diversity of Miami and neighboring cities. You’ll cross scenic MacArthur Causeway and pass Star Island and Fisher Island – home to Miami’s elite and celebrities such as Gloria Estefan and Naomi Campbell. You’ll visit trendy South Beach “SoBe” with the largest collection of Art Deco buildings in the world. Marvel at the new home of The New World Symphony considered to be the one of the greatest works of world famous architect Frank Gehry.

Drive along downtown’s Brickell Ave, the second largest financial center in the USA to charming and laid back Coconut Grove, once the home base of Pan Am. Continue to Coral Gables “The City Beautiful”, an upmarket residential area with multi-million dollar homes, the campus of the University of Miami and the Biltmore Hotel. The Biltmore has the largest hotel swimming pool in the continental USA and when it opened in 1926, it featured Tarzan in a water show around the pool. On the way to the airport drive past the area known as Little Havana, it’s where Cuban refugees first settled upon arrival in Miami. After offloading City Tour only Guests, continue to Dolphin Mall for the shopping extension and eventual return to the airport.

Tour is for guests with flights departing Miami after 5:00 pm.

OVERVIEW

Discover two of Costa Rica’s most remarkable ecosystems on this full-day adventure that combines a canal cruise with an in-depth rainforest experience. Begin with a scenic bus transfer to a private dock, where you will board a covered boat for a gentle cruise through the Tortuguero Canals, often called “Costa Rica’s Amazon.” As you drift past orchids, water lilies, and lush mangroves, your naturalist guide will help you spot wildlife such as sloths, monkeys, iguanas, crocodiles, toucans, and other tropical birds. After enjoying a seasonal tropical fruit snack, continue to the Veragua Rainforest Research & Adventure Park, set high in the mountains. Here you will explore frog and reptile exhibits, one of the country’s largest butterfly gardens, and the Foundation laboratories to learn about groundbreaking scientific research. Then glide through the rainforest canopy aboard the Sky Gondola, descending from the mountaintop to the river below with spectacular views along the way. Enjoy a nature walk on the Trail of the Giants or choose the more challenging 350-step trail to the Puma Waterfall. Your visit concludes with a delicious Costa Rican lunch and free time for souvenir shopping in the gift shop, where proceeds support local rainforest conservation efforts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise the lush Tortuguero Canals and spot a variety of wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Explore the Veragua Rainforest, including frog and reptile exhibits and the butterfly garden.
• Ride the Sky Gondola for a breathtaking view of the rainforest canopy.
• Take a guided nature walk or optional hike to the Puma Waterfall.
• Enjoy a Costa Rican lunch and shop for local crafts that support rainforest research.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a poncho or umbrella.
• Bring cash or credit card for optional purchases in the gift shop.
• Wildlife sightings are common but not guaranteed.