SHORE EXCURSIONS CREDIT

OVERVIEW

Cruise the pristine waters off Sitka in search of marine life such as sea otters while listening to a naturalist elaborate on the most intriguing characteristics of the species. You may settle into a comfortable seat in the boat’s main cabin or remain topside on the observation deck. Either way, you will enjoy an uninterrupted view of the sea. As you scan the waters for marine life, the naturalist will describe how humpback whales feed here in the summer and how animals such as sea otters now thrive. The animals were nearly extinct due to aggressive fur hunting in the early 1800s, and their comeback is a wonderful success story. Other creatures commonly spotted include sea lions, porpoise, harbor seals and a huge variety of seabirds. Puffins are particularly easy to identify because of their bright orange beaks.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Scan the waters off Sitka for marine life such as whales and sea otters.
• Look along the shore for brown bears and skyward for bald eagles.
• Listen to the naturalist describe the animals’ unusual habits and habitats.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles.

OVERVIEW

Embark on a mid-morning escape aboard a luxurious catamaran for a perfect blend of adventure and indulgence. Skip the early wake-up call and snorkel at one of Maui’s top spots, home to native Hawaiian Honu (Green Sea Turtles). Swim alongside these graceful creatures from a respectful distance as they drift over vibrant coral reefs. Relax onboard with the premium amenities of our catamaran, including freshwater showers, shaded cabin seating, and relaxing bow nets. Savor a tropical taco bar featuring island-inspired flavors like huli chicken, kalua pork, and jackfruit topped with Maui Gold pineapple slaw. Sip handcrafted cocktails, local spirits, and refreshing Maui Brewing Company beers while soaking in the beauty of Hawaii’s crystal-clear waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a 3-hour luxury snorkeling experience featuring a gourmet tropical taco bar.
• Snorkel at a local favorite location like Turtle Town or the Pali Coast.
• Sip seasonal specialty cocktails, Maui Brew Co. beers, and local spirits from the open bar.
• Enjoy complimentary snorkel gear, flotation devices, and local reef-safe sunscreen.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Bring a swimsuit, and any additional sun protection needed.
• Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear for boarding, with the option to go barefoot on deck.

OVERVIEW

This unique Alaska excursion explores the historical highlights of this former "Russian" capital city and includes a wildlife tour through the Alaska Raptor Center, a guided walk-through Sitka National Historical Park, and a visit to Fortress of the Bear. 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, time will be available to view the flight center, clinic window and gift shop. Guests can also stroll the outside deck habitat areas for an up-close look at bald eagles, owls, hawks, and other birds of prey in residence. 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. The final stop is visiting the Fortress of the Bear, 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Get an up-close look at a variety of birds of a prey at the Alaska Raptor Center.
• Photograph Alaskan brown and black bears up close at a rescue facility.
• Delve into the history of Sitka at a park that recounts the watershed Battle of 1804.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Embark on an unforgettable adventure that combines breathtaking wildlife encounters with traditional Alaskan dishes at a seafood feast. Cruise the pristine waters of Icy Strait, home to one of the highest concentrations of humpback whales in Alaska. Witness these awe-inspiring creatures as they breach, dive, and wave their flukes, showcasing their grace and power. Keep an eye out for playful Dall’s porpoises, towering Steller sea lions, curious harbor seals, and even the occasional pod of orcas. Don’t forget to look to the skies for bald eagles soaring overhead. After your wildlife adventure, return to Icy Strait Point for a feast of Alaskan flavors. Enjoy a hearty meal featuring seasonal shrimp, crab, and Andouille sausage, accompanied by a variety of sides. Finish the experience with a cozy moment around the campfire, roasting marshmallows.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise into waters with so many humpback whales.
• Watch the whales breaching the water’s surface and feeding voraciously.
• Look for porpoises, sea lions, seals and bald eagles, as well.
• Feast on classic Alaskan seafood dishes and roast marshmallows around a campfire.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Set sail off Maui’s stunning coastline on a custom-built luxury catamaran for the ultimate whale-watching experience. Every winter, thousands of North Pacific humpback whales migrate nearly 3,000 miles from Alaska to Hawaii’s warm waters to breed, calve, and nurse their young. Witness unforgettable moments as these majestic creatures breach, tail-slap, and spy-hop. Our catamaran is equipped with a hydrophone, allowing you to hear the enchanting songs of the whales—a truly magical experience. Relax and take in the breathtaking views with a drink in hand from our open bar, featuring craft beers from Maui Brewing Company, specialty cocktails crafted with local Kupu Spirits, and Maui-made favorites like Ocean Vodka and Kula Rum. Light snacks will also be provided, ensuring a delightful experience as you soak in the beauty of Maui’s waters and welcome these incredible marine mammals.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise Maui’s scenic coastline aboard a luxurious, custom-built catamaran.
• Observe the world’s largest gathering of North Pacific humpback whales during their migration.
• Listen to live whale songs with the onboard hydrophone—Maui’s most unique “karaoke!”
• Enjoy light snacks and a full open bar featuring Maui’s finest craft beers and locally sourced spirits.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in layers, as it can get breezy on the water.
• Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety and ease of movement.

OVERVIEW

Observe Alaska’s iconic wildlife by cruising the waters off Sitka, visiting a center for injured birds of prey and touring a facility for rescued bears. After settling into a deluxe Alaskan-built vessel you will begin your quest through the beautiful barrier islands, in search of humpback whales, and sea otters. Sea lions and seals typically frolic near these rocky coasts. You might also scan the forest edge for brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer. Following your viewing adventure at sea, you will visit the Alaska Raptor Center, where injured birds of prey receive medical treatment in hopes of releasing them back into the wild. A wildlife interpreter will introduce you to some of the raptors such as bald eagles. An up-close look at brown bears follows at the Fortress of the Bear rescue facility. Many of the bears were saved after they had a conflict with human neighbors.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Cruise waters teeming with whales, sea otters and other marine life.
• Watch bald eagles and other raptors being rehabilitated.
• Photograph brown and black bears up close at a rescue facility.
• Learn about the wildlife from various naturalists.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress warmly in layered, weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with non-skid soles.

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.

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.

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.

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 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. Enjoy unforgettable views of Kilauea from Volcano House, just a short walk across the street. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point. 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. On you return to the pier, visit the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

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.

This wonderful combination tour allows you to explore Bora Bora’s magical lagoon on board a covered boat, snorkel and relax on a pristine beach. You’ll have excellent photo opportunities of the hidden, eastern side of Bora Bora, so be sure to bring your camera.

Cruise from Vaitape Bay, past beautiful Raititi Point and the enchanting islets of Motu Toopua and Motu Tapu. During your cruise, you'll be treated to some wonderful views on the crystal clear lagoon as well as the island highest peak, Mount Otemanu. Upon reaching the motu (coral islet), you'll enjoy a typical island beach break and refreshments. Relax, sunbathe, or dip your toes in the shallow waters.

Since snorkeling from the motu is limited due to shallow waters, a snorkel stop is done at another location during the tour.