Learn about the famous explorer Captain Cook during this informative tour that traces the coastal route he explored over 250 years ago. Before going on to discover New Zealand, Australia, and Hawaii, Captain Cook learned his skills as a navigator and captain in Newfoundland. The route you will follow today includes delightful fishing villages inhabited by people of English, French, and Aboriginal ancestry. Among the highlights you will enjoy are the rugged coastal scenery and inland forests, along with the possibility of sighting some seals and other wildlife.

A stop will be made at Lark Harbor where you will be treated to a sampling of Newfoundland flavors with a coffee/tea break served by the friendly locals. This visit in the small community of Lark Harbor always proves to be a high point of the tour and gives participants a chance to meet the genial residents.

Before returning to the pier, you will stop at the dramatic lookout site of Cook's Look-out National Historic Site.

At the White Pass & Yukon Route Depot, board a vintage railcar for a ride up the White Pass Summit. View at the incredible scenery as your train ascends dramatic mountains and your guide shares colorful stories and the history of the gold rush. Marvel at the waterfalls, tunnels and historic sites you pass on your journey to the summit of the White Pass and beyond.

In Fraser, disembark the train and board a motorcoach for a dramatic journey past the Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls en route to Skagway. Your Driver-Guide will regale with a colorful account of the history of Klondike Gold Rush. Taking views of the surrounding mountains, waterfalls and glaciers may be captured during the many photo stops.

Stop at Alaska 360 where you will learn the art of gold panning and practice your technique in warm-water troughs. Gold is guaranteed in every pan! Haul your treasure into the Gold Shack and have it weighed. Then, browse a collection of gold nugget jewelry and discover unique, souvenirs in the gift shop. Finally returning to your ship with your loot and newly acquired "gold fever."

Explore Misty Fjords, one of nature’s most spectacular creations while cruising in luxury aboard one of the fastest sightseeing vessels in Alaska. The adventure begins as you leave down town and slowly cruise towards Ketchikan’s picturesque harbor, passing by colorful fishing boats and floatplanes, in route to a wilderness experience you’ll never forget. Enjoy first class service and an informative naturalist’s presentation and watch for wildlife as you ‘fly’ at sea level past the rugged coastlines bordering Revillagigedo Channel. Enter the Behm Canal, surrounded by the pristine beauty of Misty Fjords. Admire New Eddystone Rock, an immense volcanic spire rising from the sea. You’ll explore Rudyerd Bay, an ice-carved masterpiece deep within the Monument. Learn the natural history of the fjords while gliding quietly beneath 3,000 foot vertical cliffs, and listen to the call of seabirds nesting on a rock face sculpted by glacial forces. Cruise south from Rudyerd Bay to view a gathering of harbor seals and enjoy a selection of complimentary snacks and beverages while watching for other species of wildlife that thrive here. En route to Ketchikan, you’ll have the opportunity to experience native culture and history presented by a Tlingit storyteller, watch a native artist at work, or enjoy a tour related video presentation.

This tour provides an overview of Alaska's capital city and it's scenic attractions, including one of the world's only drive-to glaciers, the Mendenhall. Your guided tour drives through Juneau's picturesque downtown waterfront. Visit Mendenhall Glacier, a moving river of ice with rugged crevasses and distinctive blue hues in the ice. Stroll the walkways to the Visitor Center and take in one of the glaciology exhibits, and interpretative talk with a Forest Ranger, or simply enjoy the panoramic view of the glacier. Afterward your drive takes you to Juneau's Macaulay Salmon Hatchery and Visitor Center. There you will learn the value of ocean ranching to Juneau's commercial and sport fishing industries and the hatchery's role in keeping the area salmon population at sustainable levels.

Sit back and enjoy the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the twisting, curving road yourself. With an expert driver at the wheel, you won’t miss any of the incredible scenery of lava cliffs, tumbling waterfalls, the rugged northern coastline, lush hillsides of feathery ferns and trees laden with tropical fruits. You’ll stop to explore various sites along the way to "Heavenly Hana," in this wonderfully natural and pristine landscape. This tour goes to Hana and returns on the same route. A box lunch is included at the start of the tour.

PREBOOK ONLY. NOT AVAILABLE FOR BOOKING ONBOARD. The luau is an essential part of the Hawaiian experience, and the cultural extravaganza at the historic Kilohana Plantation is a feast for all the senses. You’ll have the option to gather around the traditional fire pit and watch the roast pig emerge, a special treat to accompany the already lavish buffet of local delicacies and desserts. While torches blaze, graceful hulas and energetic fire dances will entertain you, and the ancient sea voyages that brought the original Hawaiians to these islands from Polynesia will be brought to life in story and song.

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will offer a glimpse into the early culture, as it was a place of refuge for those that had violated the sacred laws known as kapu. There, you will see a temple where criminals could be absolved of their transgressions and safely return to society. To complement the experience, you will visit the 19th-century Painted Church. Its interior features frescoes and murals of biblical scenes that a Belgian priest painted to teach the islanders Catholicism. The missionaries were also instrumental in dismantling the harsh kapu laws. You will also learn how coffee was introduced to Hawaii in the 1820s and how it is processed today at the Royal Kona Coffee Center. It is an excellent setting to enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed Kona coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one Hawaii’s most sacred sites, where criminals could find safe refuge.
• View the biblical murals and frescoes that adorn the Painted Church.
• Enjoy a cup of Kona coffee and learn about its production at a coffee mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Explore Honolulu’s highlights – from Pearl Harbor and the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific to Hawaii’s first Christian church, and Iolani Palace and Washington Place, both former residences of the Hawaiian monarchy.

Pearl Harbor is one of Hawaii’s best-known landmarks and the scene of the devastating aerial attack by Japan that drove the U.S. into WWII. The Pearl Harbor Visitor's center exhibit galleries bring visitors closer to the sights and sounds of the events leading up to the attack on Oahu and its aftermath. These galleries display personal memorabilia, dramatic photographs, artifacts of the battle, and other exhibits.

In central Honolulu stand face to face with the larger-than-life statue of King Kamehameha I, the leader who united the Hawaiian Islands into one royal kingdom. Just across the street you’ll see the Iolani Palace, residence of Hawaii's last two monarchs. European in design, it boasted Hawaii’s first electric lights, flush toilets and internal phone system. Also nearby is Kawaiahao Church, Hawaii's first Christian house of worship, built of coral slabs from the offshore reefs.

At the heart of the downtown historic district you will notice the elegant Washington Place, now a museum, and once home to Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last queen. Drive through the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, in the extinct volcanic crater known as the Punchbowl. It is the final resting place of some 53,000 veterans who lost their lives in 20th century wars, including those who died during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Enjoy panoramic city views on your drive to the airport.

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile.

Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area.

The highlights of this exciting tour include approximately half hour visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. Unforgettable views for miles are offered from the Jagger Museum Overlook. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point and Halemau’uma’u Crater and Mauna Loa are seen in the distance. On your return to the pier, stop and experience Hawaii's Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center. Award winning Mauna Loa has over 30 year history of perfecting one of the most delicious Macadamia Nut in the world. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

The natural treasures of Tahiti are yours to discover during this scenic, half-day orientation tour of the island's east coast.

Head towards the East Coast of Tahiti, where you’ll stop at Venus Point, the historic landing site for most European discoverers and evangelists. It boasts the only lighthouse on the island which was built in 1867.

Continue down the south of the island, passing steep coastlines and stop for refreshments before visiting the Spring Garden of Vaipahi where rare species of precious wood and tropical flowers can be found.

A short photo stop at the famous Papara Surf black sand beach will be made prior to the conclusion of the tour. Your drive back to the pier will lead you along the West coast to complete your full island drive.

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center. The Raptor Center operates with bird care professionals assisted by volunteers to rescue birds, provide them with rehabilitative care and hopefully release them back into the wild. After your introduction to the center, a presentation with one of the Center's educational birds will take place. Time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window, outside deck habitat areas and gift shop.

Next, you'll visit the Sitka National Historical Park, where the 1804 "Battle of Alaska", was fought. The park hosts totem lined trails, cultural exhibits and carving rooms where native Alaskan artisans demonstrate their totemic art form. Walk the nature trail, view cultural exhibits and video presentation, or talk with local native artists about their cultural art form.

The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bears, which allows you to get within 25 feet of Alaska’s brown and black bears in a naturalized setting. You will enjoy observing 3 populations of bears from a covered viewing platform and interact with an experienced naturalist.

Discover the beautiful gardens and historic artifacts of the South Seas, and enjoy traditional entertainment at Sabeto Village.

Drive through Lautoka City and down Vitogo Parade, lined with royal palms en route to picturesque Burness House. Your hosts will escort you on a walking tour through their landscaped gardens filled with fruit and flowering trees, anthurium lilies and lovely orchids. View an extraordinary collection of Fijian artifacts, and be served morning tea, fruit juices and homemade cakes at the Burness' home.

Visit Sabeto Village, where its inhabitants still practice many of the old customs and culture. On arrival, you’ll be greeted by your hosts and escorted to the village hall for a traditional welcome ceremony and cultural entertainment. Take a guided tour of the village and see the chief’s house, church and the school; experience first-hand, the native Fijian way of life.