OVERVIEW

Enjoy a leisurely walk through downtown Stanley, the engaging capital of the Falkland Islands, a self-governing British Overseas Territory. The British influence will be obvious most everywhere as you will see British-style red phone booths, round postboxes and the mizzen mast of the SS Great Britain, an 1843-built steam ship that was damaged in a gale and abandoned for years in Stanley harbor. Standing before the Liberation Monument will be a powerful reminder of the British soldiers that lost their lives in the Falklands War of 1982. The Government House is noteworthy for being the site of the first major battle of that war and for being the official residence of every Falklands governor since the mid-19th century. Sir Ernest Shackleton famously stayed there after one of his Antarctic explorations. You will delve even deeper into the area’s history while browsing the Historic Dockyard Museum, a repository of nautical, agricultural and geological artifacts.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Walk through downtown Stanley, the heavily British-influenced capital city.
• Visit a memorial that honors the British soldiers that died in the Falklands War in 1982.
• See the official residence of every British-appointed governor since the mid-19th century.
• Browse the Historic Dockyard Museum for a deeper understanding of the Falklands.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

After a short ride, you’ll arrive to a local restaurant and led to a tasting room. Here you’ll learn about how the exotic plant called blue agave used in the production of tequila and discover the many secrets attributed to this elixir. Tequila has long been considered Mexico’s national drink and plays an important role in Mexican culture. Its history dates back to the mid-16th century but didn’t gain widespread popularity until after the Mexican Revolution. During the demonstration, you’ll learn that Mexico produces four different varieties of tequila: Blanco, Oro, Reposado and Añejo.

By law, tequila is required to contain at least 51% agave, but tequila labeled as premium must contain 100% agave. Mezcal, on the other hand, is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from another type of agave called the magüey plant. Usually consumed straight, mezcal has a strong smoky flavor and some sip it along with salt and fruit. Drinking tequila in Mexico is an art form and the best tequilas are often sipped. After a brief history lesson, participants 21 years of age and older will be able to taste some of Mexico’s best tequila and mezcal. After this experience, you’ll have the opportunity to browse and shop for handicrafts and local products in the charming little town of La Crucecita, before returning to your ship.

OVERVIEW

Paddle through the brilliant blue waters of Hilo Bay in a kayak and enjoy a unique perspective of the city and the volcanoes looming in the background. After a briefing to ensure that you maximize the experience, you will ease into a kayak and follow the guide into the crescent-shaped bay. From there, you will have an excellent view of Hilo’s urban landscape, which sprawls along the coast and up into the flanks of the volcanoes. The guide will point out and describe Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano that is the highest point in Hawaii. Then there is Mauna Loa, the world’s largest volcano. It too is a spectacular reminder that the Hawaiian Islands are volcanically formed. While paddling through the bay and around Coconut Island, be sure to look for green sea turtles, symbols of good luck and longevity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Paddle around Hilo Bay in a kayak as the guide describes the surrounding natural beauty.
• See the massive volcanoes Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from a unique water perspective.
• Look for green sea turtles gracefully swimming by in the bay’s crystal-clear waters.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring water shoes, towel, bathing suit and a change of clothes.

OVERVIEW

Spend a delightful evening enjoying the quintessential Victorian tradition of tea and savory treats – but with an alluring twist – at the Fairmont Empress, an iconic hotel that has graced the shores of the Inner Harbor since 1908. Over the years, a Who’s Who of royalty, dignitaries and celebrities have enjoyed afternoon tea at the Empress. But this after-hours affair is quite different as their signature Empress tea will be served iced, not hot, noting special alcoholic cocktails are available for purchase. The culinary offerings will be equally memorable as they will likely include a warm white cheddar & chive biscuit, Vegan Mushroom pate, gluten free tapioca violet mousse. Afterwards, you will have free-time to enjoy the inner harbor, including the domed Parliament Buildings, which dominates the skyline, especially in the evening when it is beautifully illuminated.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Savor a special after-hours tea at the Empress Fairmont hotel, an icon since 1908.
• Sip special seasonal iced teas, rather than hot teas.
• Enjoy a driving tour around the Inner Harbor, which will be dramatically illuminated at night.

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

If you like adventure, this ATV and rafting combo is just the perfect tour for you. After a short drive from the pier, you’ll reach the ATV base camp for a detailed safety briefing. From there, you’ll ride with your guide on the ATV along mountainous jungle trails and across small river creeks. Upon arrival at the rafting base camp, professional guides will provide a safety briefing and instructions. Each raft will be accompanied by a guide to ensure that tour is safe and appropriate for beginners, while still offering excitement.

You’ll float down the Copalita River on a 9-person raft and be able to experience Huatulco’s natural environment. The Copalita River is considered class 1 rapids, so this will be a relaxed, enjoyable ride, with time to enjoy the sights of the river valley, but still exciting enough to keep you on your toes. You'll float along the foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountains, passing lush tropical vegetation on the way to Bocana Beach.

Take in stunning views as you begin your drive through Road Town, the capital of Tortola. The bus will begin its ascent into the hills heading to Belle Vue. As you take in fresh thoughts and take photos from the lookout point at Manchester, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you drive along the Ridge Roads capturing views and adjacent islands including Guana Island nestled in the Atlantic Ocean.

Continue along the ridge road and down through the coastal villages of Carrot Bay, Capoons Bay and Apple Bay and journey over to Pusser’s Landing – an open air, West Indian-inspired village comfortably tucked into Soper’s Hole. Browse the village’s colorful boutiques filled with handmade mementos and stylish apparel. Here, you can also find the famous Pusser’s Rum. Head back to the ship via Tortola’s Coast.

Meander through the Maui Ocean Center for a close-up view of Hawaii’s spectacular marine life with a special emphasis on humpback whales. To better understand the diversity of species in the Hawaiian Islands, you might browse exhibits featuring America’s largest live coral display, toxic pufferfish and green sea turtles – known locally as honu. More wonders will await you at the Open Ocean display, which features a clear acrylic tunnel that allows you to look up at a multitude of sharks, stingrays and colorful fish. Many of the species, such as the bandit angelfish and freckled snake eel, are endemic to Hawaii, so observing them is even more special. Still, the Humpbacks of Hawaii exhibit in the 3D Sphere is the highlight, as it presents the complex world of humpback whales through an immersive, cutting-edge audio-video experience. It is like being transported to the depths of the ocean and encountering these behemoths face-to-face.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a close-up look at Hawaii’s diverse marine life at the Maui Ocean Center.
• Observe creatures such as sharks, seahorses, green sea turtles and many endemic species.
• Watch an immersive 3D film on humpback whales that transports you deep into the ocean.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Stand up Paddle Boarding or SUP, is a fun sport and very easy to learn. With just a few helpful hints from our staff, you'll be able to paddle Bertram’s Cove offering views of the beaches and glimpses of marine life.

Meander through the excavated ruins of Ostia, the commercial center and port for ancient Rome, which was completely abandoned after the fall of the empire.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a leisurely and picturesque drive that follows the coast to Ostia, Rome’s principal port through antiquity. It was founded at the mouth of the Tiber River in the 7th century B.C. to extract salt from the nearby marshes.

Ostia was later fortified and thrived until the fall of Rome, when the port was abandoned. Fortunately, river silt eventually covered the city, protecting it from the elements and plunderers. The ruins that remain today offer a wonderful glimpse into early Roman life.

As you meander roads such as the main thoroughfare Decumanus Maximus, you can expect to see one of the world’s oldest theaters, which is still used on occasion. Nearby, you will find the Forum Baths, a mosaic of Neptune riding four horses and a collection of large warehouses that stored grain and other items needed to feed the ancient Romans.

Ostia is also full of temples, including one dedicated to Hercules and another patterned after the Pantheon in Rome. You may also see excavated private residences adorned with frescoes, a bakery with millstones scattered about and commercial offices for ship-owners and traders. The port was designed around a grid pattern that became the standard for Roman military cities, and the layout is still visible today.

OVERVIEW

Gain an understanding of Stanley’s importance as a port for industries such as whaling and shipping and its role during both World Wars and the Falklands War of 1982. As you walk along the waterfront, you will hear about the whalers and sealers that sailed the surrounding waters in the 19th century to harvest huge numbers of marine animals – often illegally – for their oil and skins. Even penguins were hunted. Stanley also thrived as a port for repairing ships that were damaged while making the hazardous trip around Cape Horn. Because there were no alternatives, the ship owners were typically charged exorbitant fees. Ships that were so badly damaged that they had to be condemned were sometimes used as warehouses. You will gain insight into Stanley’s maritime history at the Historic Dockyard Museum. The collection include models ships, unusual artifacts from sailing vessels and exhibits detailing the impact of several wars fought in the Falklands.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Learn about Stanley’s rich maritime history while walking through downtown.
• Hear commentary about how Stanley once thrived as a port for whalers and sealers.
• Browse the Historic Dockyard Museum for a deeper understanding of the maritime past.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

This exclusive arrangement is designed to allow you the chance to customize your time ashore and discover the most interesting sights in the comfort and privacy of your own vehicle. With your private car and the personalized attention of your driver and English-speaking guide, you will have the flexibility and independence to design your itinerary ashore according to your own interests and sightsee at your own pace. See the most famous sights or go beyond to create your own intimate connections and unique cultural encounters.

The Executive Collection is recommended for the single/solo traveler, couples, family, friends, and special interest groups traveling together. It can also be an excellent choice for physically challenged guests.

Capacity: 6 guests

OVERVIEW

Sample a selection of craft beers and single-malt whiskies made with locally sourced ingredients at the only combined microbrewery and distillery in Canada. A guide in a Scottish tartan kilt will lead you on an entertaining behind-the-scenes tour of both locales – Macaloney’s Caledonian Distillery and Twa Dogs Brewery – and describe the production of the whiskies and beers in great detail. You can expect it to be an eye-opening experience as these libations are made exclusively using traditional techniques that guarantee their extraordinary quality. During the tastings, you will be served two distinctly aged whiskies and three beers that may include an aromatic raspberry crème brûlée ale, a IPA made from four different hops and a sour beer flavored with coriander and salt. An enlightening driving tour through Victoria follows, during which you will pass through Canada’s oldest Chinatown and view the iconic Empress Hotel and grand Parliament complex along the Inner Harbor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an insider’s tour of Canada’s only combined microbrewery and distillery.
• See how the various craft beers and single-malt whiskies are produced using traditional techniques.
• Sample a selection of beers and whiskies made with locally sourced ingredients.
• View many of the landmarks in downtown Victoria on an enlightening driving tour.

HELPFUL HINTS

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