Come experience the world famous, magnificent ruins of the walled city of Tulum, the only Mayan city built right on the blue Caribbean Sea! After a 45-minute ferry to Playa del Carmen, your guide will lead you to an air-conditioned motor coach for a scenic and informative one-hour drive to Tulum.

Once there, your guide will escort you through the ruins giving a complete narration along the way. See the restored temples and some of the mysterious hieroglyphic writings still visible today. Visit the temple of the frescos, famous for the detailed carved figures and original paints. And perched on the edge of the Caribbean and rising high above all of the other ruins is “El Castillo” with its breathtaking view of the aqua-colored water below.

Once back in Playa del Carmen, you may have free time for shopping etc., depending on the ferry schedule. There will be a stop on the way to Tulum to purchase food, refreshments, souvenirs and use of the restroom.

Drive a Jeep through downtown Nassau and its suburbs, taking in attractions such as the caves where the indigenous Lucayans once lived and then pausing to relax at the beach..

After a short walk from the pier, you will hop into a Jeep Wrangler and hit the open road. There is plenty to see during your time behind the wheel, starting with downtown Nassau, the capital, largest city and cultural hub of the Bahamas..

Depending on the route, you might drive through the colorful shopping district on Bay Street and see highlights such as palm-dotted Rawson Square, lovely government buildings such as the Supreme Court and the pink-hued House of Assembly. You will then head west past lovely Cable Beach and on towards the Nassau Caves for a photo stop..

The Lucayans, the original residents of the Bahamas once lived in these caverns. Settlers later used the caves for religious services and the guano inside to fertilize their crops..

You will also see the JFK Memorial, which recognizes President John F. Kennedy’s 1962 meeting in Nassau to discuss Polaris, the United Kingdom’s submarine-based nuclear-weapons program. The fabulous and sprawling Baha Mar resort is another Bahamian landmark that you will pass. .

Free time on one of Nassau’s most inviting beaches follows, during which you might stroll along the shore, bask in the sun or simply admire the natural beauty and serenity of the sea. Then after a bountiful lunch at the Bahamian Grill, you will return to the pier..

OVERVIEW
Dive beautiful Casuarina Point Reef and observe a seemingly endless diversity of marine life along this superb coral reef. Once you are outfitted with diving equipment, you will receive a brief orientation of the dive site, so you can maximize the experience. Casuarina Point Reef has a depth of only 50 feet or so, which allows you to dive for as much as 50 minutes without surfacing. The relatively shallow water is ideal for those who haven’t dived in the past two years and for newly certified or junior open-water divers. You can expect to see an abundance of marine life that may include sea turtles, sea cucumbers, crabs and an ever-changing array of brightly colored tropical fish. Starfish or sea stars are also commonly spotted. While the starfish in Grand Cayman typically have five arms, some species have as many as 40 arms.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Dive a shallow reef teeming with marine life.
• Bring nothing more than a sense of adventure, as all the equipment will be provided.
• Observe an endless array of exotic fish and perhaps sea turtles.
• Remain in Georgetown to shop after the dive, if you wish.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under a cover-up and bring a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Travel by 4x4 to a remote beachside nature preserve to observe and walk among a colony of King penguins, Gentoo penguins and Magellanic penguins.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a scenic two and one-half hour’s drive north to Johnson’s Harbour and then on to Volunteer Point via a 4x4 vehicle. Along the way, you may spot remnants of the 1982 Falklands War, the result of the Argentine invasion of the British-owned islands. Still, it is the natural beauty and abundant wildlife of this rugged landscape that are most impressive.

Birds in particular are the attraction at Volunteer Point, a nature preserve that supports the largest concentration of King penguins in the islands. Volunteer Point is also home to a multitude of Gentoo penguins, Magellanic penguins and dozens of other avian species.

As you walk along the beach, you will observe these birds interacting in their native habitat. At up to three feet tall, king penguins look regal even waddling about. Their size and bright orange coloring on their heads and beaks make them easy to distinguish from the other penguins.

Gentoo penguins are smaller and sport white feather caps, while Magellanic penguins feature two distinct black stripes across their chests and often bray like donkeys. You may also see ruddy-headed geese, black-throated finches and peregrine falcons, which can reach speeds of up to 200 miles per mile.

Before rejoining your vehicle and traveling back to Stanley, you will be provided a boxed lunch.

OVERVIEW
While away the hours on Pearl Island in an oceanfront private cabana with everything you could possibly want at your fingertips. Following a short ferry ride to the uninhabited island, you will settle into your own oceanfront thatched-roof cabana. This open-air oasis is furnished with padded loungers for stretching out, convenient side tables and a beverage cooler. A waiter will be standing by to serve your hearty Bahamian lunch and bring most anything else you might need. You are welcome to spend the entire day in the comfort of your shaded cabana or explore the rest of the beach-blessed island, if you please. Kayaking and paddle boarding are available and the crystal-clear water couldn’t be more inviting. If you are feeling particularly ambitious, climb the lighthouse at the island’s tip. The views from the circular observation tower are spectacular in every direction.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Ride the ferry the Pearl Island, the closest private island to Nassau.
• While away the hours in a VIP oceanfront cabana, doing whatever you please.
• Enjoy attentive waiter service, as lunch and beverages (one cocktail pp is included) will be served in your cabana.
• Take a refreshing swim in the sea or stretch in the sun on the beach.

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear a swimsuit under your clothes and bring sunscreen and a towel.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

Aquaventure, Atlantis Paradise Island’s Water Park, is a one-of-a-kind 141 acre waterscape. Aquaventure features over twenty million gallons of water, thrilling high-speed water slides like the Mayan Temple and the 7-story Power Tower, a mile long river ride with rolling rapids, a spectacular kids water-play fort, 20 swimming areas, refreshing pools, and access to the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean! Plus access to view the renowned Atlantis marine habitat, home to more than 50,000 fish representing 250 species and the Caribbean’s largest casino and stroll through Marina Village, a charming and vibrant marketplace featuring 20 retail shops, restaurants, and local entertainment for a distinctly Bahamian vacation experience.

Swim in the crystal-clear waters off Grand Bahama with a passel of cute, friendly pigs and then spend time shopping at the largest open-air marketplace in the Bahamas.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a scenic drive along the western tip of Grand Bahama Island. Along the way to Deadman’s Reef at Crystal Beach, you will hear about the wild pigs that inhabit this part of the island. It’s not known exactly why or when pigs were introduced to Grand Bahama, but it will become obvious that their descendants have thrived.

Once you wade into the shallow waters, you can expect the pigs to follow, knowing that food awaits. The guide will show you how to feed the pigs and the best ways to interact with them while swimming. The pigs couldn’t be friendlier, cuter or more enthusiastic about the attention. You might even learn their names, as many of the pigs are regulars.

Following this unusual experience, you will enjoy free time in Port Lucaya Marketplace, the largest open-air shopping and dining venue in the Bahamas. The marketplace has dozens of duty-free shops, two straw markets, two craft centers and a variety of restaurants.

You might shop for exquisite jewelry, designer fashions and fine leather goods. There are several art galleries well worth browsing for local paintings and watercolors. The marketplace also offers all sorts of dining options and cuisines.

Board your motor coach and brace yourself as you set out on a South Shore Adventure of Nova Scotia! Visit Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay and discover their colourful houses, museums, art galleries, souvenir shops, cafe’s and restaurants. This tour will demonstrate the beautiful diversity of the South Shore and allows you free time to plot your journey at each location, whether you want to savor the local foods and atmosphere in one of the cafe’s/restaurants, buy souvenirs, or just mosey along viewing the impressive sites and taking pictures, the choice is yours!

At Peggy's Cove, discover why this picturesque seaside village with its stately lighthouse has been an inspiration to artists and writers for generations. It is here that the power and majesty of the Atlantic Ocean truly comes to life along the granite shores of the Cove - worn and shaped through the crashing surf.

Continuing on, you will arrive at another extraordinarily scenic area, Old Town Lunenburg. Established in 1753, it is North America’s best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement. The original layout and appearance has been retained so faithfully that UNESCO designated Lunenburg a World Heritage site. During free time, you can explore the brightly colored Old Town, which is easy to navigate because the streets follow a rectangular grid pattern designed in Britain. You can expect to see 18th-century wooden buildings and perhaps a replica of the Bluenose, Canada’s legendary racing ship that was launched here in 1921. Finally, we will visit Mahone Bay, considered to be one of the most attractive towns in Canada. This small and friendly community is renowned for the view across the Bay of three prominent churches. Take time to explore the many varied and local offerings along lovely Main Street before relaxing on the return drive to the Port of Halifax.

Experience Mayan history and a jungle retreat with an open bar & buffet lunch. Your tour begins when your bilingual guide meets you at the end of the pier and escorts you to your air conditioned transfer vehicle waiting on site. Listen to your guide and learn about the interesting local area and culture from onboard commentary as you pass through the fishing village. Continue this tour inland to visit “The Place of the Red Corn”, Chacchoben, learn about the fascinating Mayan culture during the journey from our knowledgeable guides.

Enjoy a guided tour of this unique archaeological site set in beautiful surroundings still partially covered by the rain forest. Climb to the top of the “Gran Basamento” taking you above the tree line and visit two sacred temples. Before leaving, you will have the opportunity to buy souvenirs from shops on site. Your journey continues to a buffet lunch waiting for you at our Blue Lagoon Restaurant, the most beautiful lagoon with fresh water, located 20 minutes away from Chacchoben Mayan ruins. After your meal, sunbathe on a sun lounger, take a swim and enjoy all complimentary drinks including your favorite cocktails. Feeling fully relaxed, well fed and in good spirits your transfer awaits to return you to the ship.

This scenic drive was especially designed for guests who want to take in the island’s highlights with little or no walking. Discover many scenic island sights, such as the National Heroes Square and the Parliament buildings in Bridgetown. Passing Gun Hill, you’ll see the carved stone lion, a landmark dating from 1868. As you drive across the island, you’ll pass through peaceful villages, eventually reaching St. John’s Church, which offers spectacular views of the east and southeast coasts.

After St. John’s Church, continue to the craggy and scenic area on the east coast called Bathsheba, a photographer’s paradise. From here, you’ll have an incredible panoramic view of the hills, gentle slopes and sweeping bays. The stunning boutique hotel, Atlantis is located in the quaint fishing village of Tent Bay. Dramatic views from here create excellent photo opportunities! On the way back to your ship, you’ll pass through Holetown, with its monument commemorating the landing of the first English settlers in 1625.

Venture into the beautiful Thingvellir national park - a UNESCO World Heritage Site only about 30 miles from Reykjavik, and ranking at the top of Iceland’s attractions. This national park offers outstanding sceneries of mountains surrounding a vast lava plain covered in green moss and wild flowers. Head to the Geyser area where you’ll see hissing springs, bubbling pools and other geothermal phenomena. Lunch will be served nearby, amongst these scenic surroundings.

Another highlight of your day is the Gullfoss waterfall. The ‘Golden Waterfall’ is the most famous of the country’s many waterfalls. Here, the river Hvita drops 96 feet in two falls, creating an awesome spectacle. Then, visit waterfall Faxi with its salmon ladder and adjoining traditional sheep round up pen You’ll also stop in the town of Hveragerdi to see an earthquake exhibition. Being located on an old magma chamber, Hveragerdi is notorious not only for its abundance of hot springs, which heat the community’s greenhouse industry, but also for its earthquakes.

When we return to Reykjavík we’ll make one last stop at Perlan, the Pearl before returning to the pier. Perlan has a viewing deck that offers great panoramic views over Reykjavik, perfect for taking photos or just relaxing and enjoying the view. Lastly, enjoy a scenic drive of the city on your way back to your ship.

This sightseeing cruise features guaranteed whale watching! Following a short motorcoach ride to scenic Auke Bay, you’ll board a water jet powered catamaran specially designed for wildlife viewing. Relax in the warm, comfortable, spacious main cabin, surrounded by large windows as your experienced Captain guides you through the island studded waters of Stephens Passage. Against a majestic backdrop of snow-capped peaks and glaciers, the onboard naturalist will explain the behavior and habitat of wildlife you may encounter, including humpback and killer whales, Steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoise, harbor seals, bald eagles, bears and deer.

The operators of this tour guarantee that you'll see a whale. If not, you’ll receive a $100 cash refund as you disembark the vessel. Don’t anticipate a refund; in the past 10+ years, whales have been sighted on every tour! To fully enjoy the sights and sounds of a close encounter with wildlife, be sure to bring a warm, rainproof jacket to wear on the topside observation deck and don’t forget your camera! Day use binoculars and a souvenir wildlife guide and map are provided, along with complimentary snacks and beverages. moins