SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

Cruise the winding Monkey River, looking for wildlife in the surrounding rainforest, and then enjoy a hike with a naturalist that will explain the plants' medicinal uses.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a small village near the mouth of the Monkey River, where you will begin a leisurely cruise upstream. Along the way, the guide will provide enlightening commentary about the region's history, including how the economy boomed in the late 19th century when large volumes of bananas were exported.

Little evidence of that thriving time period remains, as the meandering Monkey River is bordered by undeveloped rainforest. Natural beauty and remarkably diverse flora and fauna are now the main attractions.

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks, turtles popping their heads above the water's surface, and iguanas perched in the tree limbs. You might even spot a troop of black howler monkeys screeching in the forest.

Tropical birds are just as abundant along the river, especially wading birds such as herons, brightly colored tanagers and keel-billed toucans, the national bird of Belize. Toucans are easy to spot because of their large, colorful bills and how they croak like frogs.

Once you disembark, you will hike through the surrounding forest while the naturalist guide points out plants with medicinal qualities. For instance, leaves of the soursop are often brewed into a tea that reduces fever, and the wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties.

Take an approximately 45 minute cruise along the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Spanish Town, Virgin Gorda. On arrival, open safari buses take you on an approximately 15 minute drive through Spanish Town to The Baths for a self-guided tour, where you can swim (weather permitting) in the unique atmosphere of mammoth boulders, palms, and sea caves. Travel along the trails and boulders to discover hidden caves and sea pools.

OVERVIEW

Experience the Damajagua waterfalls in every way imaginable with a local guide leading the adventure. A hike through a jungle-like landscape will bring you to the waterfalls, whose source is the Damajagua River, a cool mountain stream. This breathtaking natural wonder contains numerous cascades of varying heights. You will jump off some of the waterfalls, negotiate other ones by sliding down slick rock chutes and swim in the sparkling pools at the base of all of them. Wooden walkways and steps connect many of the cascades, allowing you access that would be impossible otherwise. The river is known for its beautiful blue hue as it spills out of the mountains and carves its way through the rocky terrain. Steep limestone canyons line much of the Damajagua, making the scenery all the more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

Stroll through the atmospheric streets of the Old Quarter on the way to a nightclub, where you will watch a mesmerizing flamenco performance that tells a passionate story. After walking from the pier, you will continue at a leisurely pace toward the narrow, cobbled streets of the Old Quarter, which the Phoenicians founded in the 12th century. Being the oldest continuously occupied city in Western Europe, Cadiz exudes history, as you will soon discover in the Plaza of San Juan de Dios, a square that originated in medieval times.

As you meander the labyrinthine streets of the Old Quarter, you will pass one architectural treasure after another. Highlights may include the Neoclassical-style Cadiz Cathedral, which boasts a tile dome that appears Moorish, and Calle Ancha, a wide boulevard that is considered the heart of the city. In time, you will arrive at Taberna Flamenco La Cava, a nightclub that showcases the art of flamenco. Before taking your seat, be sure to notice the photos on the wall of some of the most acclaimed flamenco performers in the past 50 years. UNESCO honored flamenco by recognizing it on its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Andalusia, especially Cadiz, is the heartland of flamenco, an electrifying art form that fuses expressive songs, passionate dancing and emotional music. To enhance your immersion into the local culture, you will be served traditional tapas that may include Serrano ham and Manchego cheese.

OVERVIEW

Take an introductory drive through easy-going “Gizzy,” where a surf beach and a bottle of locally-made wine are never far from hand. These shores are legendary for their beauty, as you will see driving along the coast and past where the great explorer, Captain James Cook, first landed and met the native Maori people in 1769. Traveling up to the top of Kaiti Hill, you’ll be treated to glorious views of beach-lined Poverty Bay and of the white bluffs sitting across the turquoise water; that’s Young Nick’s Head, the first land sighted by Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it. As your coach hugs the shoreline, Wainui and Okitu appear, two showy surfing beaches known for their impressive rollers – and the photogenic sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve. A few miles further out, the scenery changes dramatically as you come into Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Enjoy the views as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards and award-winning vineyards, and see lush green fields dotted with fluffy sheep and quaint farmhouses. Back in the city, you’ll spin down tree-lined Gladstone Road, where the city shops, dines and people-watches. Hop off here if you’d like to solo-explore.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an introductory coach tour of Gisborne, a laid-back East Cape town that knows how to enjoy life.
• Pass gnarly surfing beaches, impressive dunes, New Zealand’s largest Maori meeting house, and Captain Cook’s 1769 landing spot.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head and your ship from atop Kaiti Hill.
• Travel outside the city to where the vineyards and orchards flourish, and contented sheep graze.
• Hop off for independent exploring along the café-lined Gladstone Road or stay aboard back to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Discover the best of Corfu on this tour. You’ll tour the island, visit a stunning palace and enjoy a traditional lunch with live entertainment at a local taverna. Drive through Corfu and arrive at Mon Repos Palace built by order of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and completed in 1891. The empress had fallen in love with the natural beauty of the island during her 1861 visit and also developed a great appreciation for Greek history and mythology.

After a guided visit of the grounds and palace, you’ll continue to the traditional village of Kinopiastes. Enjoy a rich and traditional lunch at the famous Tripas Tavern accompanied by live Greek music and dancers. Board your coach for the drive back to the Old Town of Corfu where you’ll have the opportunity to either be dropped off, to walk through the narrow lanes and browse on your own, or return with the coach directly to your ship.

See the icons of Monaco and Monte Carlo and then explore further on your own, admiring the majestic architecture and elegance of these two gems on the French Riviera.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive along the gorgeous French Riviera to Monaco. During the walking tour that follows, you will see highlights such as the monumental Oceanographic Museum, which rises out of a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Prince Albert I founded the museum in 1910 and its aquarium is among the best in Europe.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another icon. Prince Rainer III and Grace Kelly were married here in 1956 and both are buried in the church. The cream-colored facade was constructed with Italian granite starting in 1875 and it took more than 10 years to finish the entire cathedral, which is the largest in Monaco. Interior visits may not be possible if activities are taking place in the cathedral.

After free time to explore a bit further, you will continue on to Monte Carlo, driving along a section of road where the annual Monaco Grand Prix race has been held since 1929. You will notice the road is winding with hairpin turns, a signature of this Formula One race.

You will also see the grand Monte Carlo Casino, which opened in 1863. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera, the casino is an architectural masterpiece that may well be the most recognized building in Monte Carlo. Free time follows, after which you will rejoin your coach and return to Villefranche.

You’ll journey to the ancient place of Mayan pilgrimage known today as Chacchoben, also known as "The Place of Red Corn". At the pier, you’ll be greeted by a bilingual guide who will direct you to an air-conditioned bus. Onboard the bus your guide will brief you on the interesting history and unique attributes of this sacred Mayan site. Upon arrival at Chacchoben you’ll be surrounded by jungle. Your guide will escort you through the ruins, giving you a complete explanation of the sacred temples and other structures seen there. See original red paint on the stucco walls of one of the pyramids and the temple where a mural was found showing the astronomical positions of the planet Venus. You’ll have time to climb the Gran Basamento taking you above tree level. Here archaeologists found ceremonial offerings dating to around 1000 B.C. Your guide will also explain about the wildlife and medicinal plants that are used by the modern-day descendants of the ancient Mayan people. During the tour, you will reach a structure known as the Gran Basamento, which is not a pyramid, but an elevated platform.

Discover the lost Caribbean in Roatan with a shore excursion to Tabyana Beach, a place where coconut, grape, and almond trees converge with a seemingly endless white sand beach and the clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Enjoy a swim in the beautiful water, take a stroll on the beach, kick back and relax as you listen to Caribbean music. When you’ve worked up an appetite there’s hamburgers, hot dogs, BBQ chicken, beans & rice, cole slaw, watermelon, pineapple, papaya, lemonade and iced tea waiting for you. At Tabyana Beach, it's all about relaxation, natural beauty and a whole lot of fun!

See the sights before your flight. Hop On and Discover, Hop Off and Explore as you enjoy the perfect introduction to Miami from the top deck of an open-air double decker bus! With fantastic views, fresh air, and a great atmosphere to explore, this tour takes in the most iconic sites of the city. With the multi-lingual audio tour in six different languages and the Hop On Hop Off option at eight different locations, this the only way to get to know Miami. No worries about your luggage as we will store it for you until you are finished enjoying your day of discovery and exploration. Departing from the cruise terminal, you will make your way to Miami Beach via the MacArthur causeway where you will enjoy fantastic views of the Port of Miami and Star Island, home to some of Miami’s most sought after celebrities. Upon arrival on Miami Beach, your journey takes you into the heart of South Beach, world famous for its Art Deco buildings, white sand beaches and vibrant nightlife. Traveling north on Collins Avenue you will pass many famous hotels before crossing back to the mainland and onto the Wynwood arts district. Here you will find an array of art galleries and ecliptic eating establishments. The upper deck provides the best views to enjoy the many wall murals that have made this area famous worldwide. You will then make your way to the high-rise business district of downtown Miami and into Little Havana. Home to the famous Domino Park, you will take in the Cuban and Latin American culture this area is famous for. Finishing your tour is a stop at our Big Bus Station located at Bayside Marketplace in Downtown Miami. Still have some time before your flight; Bayside offers an array of shops and eating establishment for you to enjoy. Once it is time to head to the airport simply collect your luggage from our storage area. Taxi’s and ride shares are easily available.

Join this catamaran for an exhilarating sail to Little Buck Island's Turtle Cove. Your crew will provide you with snorkel gear and guidance for an unforgettable fun filled marine life adventure. The warm waters of the Caribbean Sea feature numerous species of coral reefs and tropical fish. You can't miss spotting the resident green sea turtles gliding along in their natural habitat while stopping to graze on the sea grasses below. Don't want to get wet, relax on the spacious deck. The fun continues on your return sail - join the party and enjoy the music and complimentary beverages.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise seas off Mazatlan in a sleek triple-hulled trimaran and enjoy an array of water activities while anchored off Deer Island. While cruising along the coast with a refreshing mimosa in hand, you will pass Bird Island, part of a pristine ecological reserve that is protected from development. Similarly, only wildlife inhabits larger Deer Island, which also lies within the reserve. Depending on where the trimaran drops anchor, you may spot seabirds, pods of dolphin and seals along the coast. You will be free to enjoy the crystal-clear waters as you please. You might take a leisurely dip, float around on a swim noodle, paddle off in a kayak and bask in the sun while stretched out on a water mat. All the gear is available on board as is a box lunch whenever you get hungry. The open bar will make the adventure all the more enjoyable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the tropical views while sailing along the coast in a triple-hulled trimaran.
• Engage in all sorts of water activities while anchored off uninhabited Deer Island.
• Enjoy a box lunch on board and an open bar throughout the cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

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