SHORE EXCURSIONS

For something truly different this is a perfect choice - cruise into the notorious Bermuda Triangle! As the stars shine brightly overhead, your Captain’s lively commentary will amuse you, as you barely notice the boat slipping into complete darkness. Watch in wonder through the glass bottom as the boat's underwater lights illuminate the depths for you.

Your knowledgeable crew will explain the mysterious civilizations of coral and fish that appear beneath, while you enjoy Bermuda’s “night life” from a completely different point of view. A complimentary rum swizzle or complimentary soft drink and cash bar available on return trip.

OVERVIEW

Maximize your time in two characteristic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore by independently exploring the attractions that sound most intriguing to you. Founded in 1811, the village of Peggy’s Cove originally thrived on fishing and has evolved into a beautifully rustic artist’s community. While there, you might browse the art galleries and admire the classic red-and-white lighthouse that marks the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay. Lunenburg is renowned for being North America’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement, the reason UNESCO designated it a World Heritage site. As you stroll the historical streets, be sure to notice the rectangular grid layout, which was drawn up in England.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Spend hours of free time independently exploring two classic towns on Nova Scotia’s southern shore.
• Meander about Peggy’s Cove, an extraordinarily artistic community known for its classic lighthouse.
• Explore the continent’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in Lunenburg.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

A glass bottom boat cruise is the best way to see this beautiful island from above and below the waves. The jet propelled glass bottom boats have large viewing areas and shallow drafts, offering the very best in underwater viewing and reef access, all in safe, dry, comfort. Relax on the spacious upper deck and enjoy the passing seascapes as your Captain relates little known facts and insights about Bermuda’s history, people and island life. You’ll cruise to the pristine Sea Gardens, and the Shipwreck of the Vixen, a fantastic habitat for a variety of fish and miles of coral reef.

Once over the reef, your knowledgeable crew provides an entertaining and factual commentary on the mysterious civilizations of coral and fish that appear beneath you. Departing the reef, the boat will pause at the nearby sea grass beds, where you may spot a few of the many transient turtles that take refuge in this Mid-Atlantic sanctuary. Enjoy a complimentary soft drink on the return cruise. Rum Swizzle and beer available for cash purchase.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the history of Boston, especially around the time of the American Revolutionary War, and enjoy the ultimate view of the city from a 52-story-high observation deck. Many of the attractions are along the Freedom Trail, a path that leads to Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House and the Granary Burying Ground, where Paul Revere and Samuel Adams are buried. But there is much more to Boston than 18th-century history. You will also drive through the theater district and pass the finish line for the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest annual marathon. While the sights will be spectacular the entire way, the 360° view from atop the Prudential Center may make the most lasting impression. You can gaze out over Boston from indoors, enjoy the sights from the open-air roof deck and check out the 3D model of the city on the floor below.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See historical and contemporary attractions while driving through downtown Boston.
• Pass many of the most iconic landmarks from the American Revolutionary War.
• Drive through the theater district and along Boston’s waterfront.
• Enjoy a sweeping 360° view of Boston from the Prudential Center’s observation deck.
• Be dropped off at Boston Logan International Airport in plenty of time for your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

The breathtaking South shores drive offers stops for photo opportunities to view famous Horseshoe Bay and other pink sand beaches, pretty pastel colored houses with distinctive white roofs. A drive through quaint Somerset Village soon has you crossing over little Somerset Bridge, the smallest drawbridge in the world. Your tour then navigates the winding uphill drive to the base of Gibbs Hill Lighthouse, towering 120 feet above sea level, a great opportunity to photograph the 360 degree views of Bermuda.

You will stop to take in the sweeping view of John Smith’s Beach, one of Bermuda’s legendary pink hued beaches. Visit the historic Town of St. George's, the oldest continuously inhabited English town in the New World. The Town center provides a favorite photograph opportunity in the Stocks, aside the Ducking Stool and at the steps of St. Peter's Church, the oldest Anglican church of the Western Hemisphere. Re-joining your buses the route takes a coastline drive along the North Shore crossing over the Flatts Inlet, where the waters of Harrington Sound and the Atlantic Ocean merge to create swirling riptides that are visually spectacular. Arrive to famed Front Street, the busiest place on the island and life and soul of the lively capitol, City of Hamilton. Time allows for shopping and browsing in the boutique style shops and souvenir store-fronts lining Hamilton Harborfront.

Welcome aboard for a romantic evening on a catamaran, as you slowly cruise along the colorful shoreline enjoying views of homes painted in pretty, pastel hues. You'll venture into little bays and out onto the north shore in time to view a memorable sunset. During your journey, your crew will serve you complimentary Rum Swizzles - the best in Bermuda.

Travel around the picturesque Harrington Sound with its beautiful bays and coves with views of charming pastel-colored homes with distinctive architecture peppered on surrounding hillsides. Highlights include admission to the island’s top attractions for all ages-Bermuda Aquarium, Museum and Zoo and Crystal Caves. The Aquarium, Museum & Zoo showcases more than 200 species of fish and delicate marine invertebrates from shallow waters. See everything from chattering cockatoos to tiny seahorses, pink flamingos to Madagascar reptiles and more.

Your next admission to the beautiful limestone Crystal Caves, where you’ll have the rare opportunity taking you 55 feet below the surface to view wondrous formations of stalactites, stalagmites and underground lakes on your guided tour. For those not wishing to journey the 81 steps into the caves, the gardens around this area are beautifully manicured and are a great spot to relax or browse the gift shop.

Gain a comprehensive overview of Charleston on a narrated driving tour that includes many of the most important historical landmarks. As you drive through the oak-shaded streets, you can expect to be instantly captivated by the charm of this beloved, thoroughly Southern city. Historical architecture is everywhere, including the magnificent mansions along High Battery and Rainbow Row’s elegant 18th-century town houses. You will also pass through some of the city’s earliest neighborhoods such as Mayzck-Wraggborough on the Copper River. Other highlights include the notorious Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon, where the British held American prisoners of war in the Revolutionary War, and the Fireproof Building, which was America’s most fire-protected building when constructed in 1827. While stretching your legs at the famed Battery and White Point Gardens in the heart of the historic district, you will enjoy a spectacular view of the harbor and Fort Sumter.

HIGHLIGHTS:
• Drive through the most historical sections of Charleston.
• Hear commentary that explains the importance of the landmarks.
• Stroll the lovely promenade at the waterfront Battery.
• Gain an enlightening overview of the Charleston.

HELPFUL HINTS:

OVERVIEW

Experience a narrated excursion of Halifax, including a drive by Citadel Hill and the beautiful public gardens before heading out to Peggy’s Cove. On this tour you’ll travel along the scenic coastal highway to the tiny village of Peggy’s Cove, where less than 40 residents live year round. See the brightly colored houses nestled close to the water’s edge in this working rustic fishing village. As you enter the cove, drive by the monument carved by local artist William deGarthe from a massive slab of granite and a tribute to the people of Peggy’s Cove. Your guide will also tell you about the cove, explain how it got its name, tell you the story of the lighthouse and talk about the lobster fishery, which is the backbone of the local economy. Explore the village on your own and if you choose, there is plenty of time to visit a few of the shops and galleries before you return to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy commentary filled with local stories and history.
• Take in Atlantic Ocean views, rugged shorelines, and charming rural communities along the way.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Join Rising Son Cruises for Bermuda’s ultimate sailing experience. Lounge in the roomy shaded cockpit, or lie out on one of the huge trampolines. Chat with the crew about Bermuda's past and present as you cruise toward beautiful and secluded swim sites.

The catamaran will anchor in six feet of water, where you may choose to swim up to the nearby beach, kayak or kick around with the crew's snorkel gear.

After 1.5 hours of playtime, you’ll be welcomed back aboard for unlimited complimentary Rum Swizzles. Let the island music get you into the vacation spirit as you head out for another hour of true catamaran sailing.

Explore brilliant seascapes and get a real taste of island life on this 90 minute fun cruise, guaranteed to put you in the Bermuda "Spirit." You'll cruise around the calm waters of the Great Sound, viewing the beautiful homes and tranquil bays. Learn about the rich history of Bermuda, local traditions, and the story behind Gosling’s Rum, Bermuda’s oldest business. The "Rumologist" will introduce you to a local liqueur and three different local rums.

Watch as Bermuda’s national drink, the Dark ’n Stormy is prepared and discover the true secrets of the Bermuda Rum Swizzle. Gosling’s Rum is one of Bermuda’s only exports and by far the most popular. During the cruise, you'll have the opportunity to purchase Gosling’s products at Duty Free prices, so you may savor the taste of Bermuda long after your visit.

Quintessential Bermuda exudes sophistication, subtropical climates and easygoing lifestyles. Though known as an island, Bermuda actually is a cluster of smaller inter-connecting islands surrounded by shallow reefs, turquoise water and pink sand beaches.

Tour Buses will pick up shipside where you embark on a scenic drive across the island’s, through small villages, over drawbridges, into historic town’s and lively cities. Sightsee along the South Shore offering views of strings of pink sand beaches with azure blue waters.

Stop at the Gibb’s Hill Lighthouse for opportunities to photograph 360-degree panoramic views of the island. Pass-by the manicured gardens and lush rolling hills of the Botanical Gardens, where your guide will point out the official residence of Bermuda’s Premier, “Camden House”.

Tour winding roads with orderly hedges into the cobble-stoned streets of the old town of St. George’s. A tour stop here allows time to explore tiny alleyways and roads steeped in history or pick up a unique keepsake from the old Town souvenir shops.

Continue along the North Shoreline to the lively capital, City of Hamilton, a bustle of activity of International and local business, restaurants and bars. Browse and shop along famed Front Street, lined with boutique shops, souvenir storefronts, cafés and pubs.

When ready, choose the ferry that suits and enjoy a comfortable high-speed cruise via the million-dollar waterfront pastel homes, residential summer homes scattered along the islands of the Great Sound while en-route back to your ship.