It is off to the historic and magnificent White Pass Train adventure. From an antique parlor car, enjoy the incredible scenery while your tour guide shares the stories and history of the Klondike Gold Rush. Upon reaching Fraser, British Columbia board your motorcoach and take a short trip to the Yukon Suspension Bridge. Then it’s time to experience the country that you heard about! Breathe pristine air, taste wild berries in season, hear the roar of raging white water and thrill to the sensations of a swaying walkway over 60 feet above the rapids. There are Tagish First Nation Staff and Elders to answer questions about the site. A variety of First Nations art pieces and crafts are available for purchase, as well. After your experience at the Yukon Suspension Bridge, you’ll continue on your motorcoach for the journey down the west side of the White Pass Canyon. Listen as your driver/guide entertains you with stories of the stampeders who trekked through the pass in search of gold. You’ll see picturesque points such as Tormented Valley and Pitchfork Falls as you head back to your ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

Hike to Talbot Lake following a natural trail through Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in America. Although the hike is only about three miles long roundtrip, the surrounding scenery is wonderfully varied and spectacular. You will walk in the shadow of towering western hemlocks, Sitka spruce and red cedars, all indigenous to the area. The naturalist guide will narrate the hike by describing the native flora and fauna and detailing the history of the area, which was once crucial to the logging industry. In the decades since the last pulp mill closed, the forest has regained its splendor and wildlife has flourished. You may spot eagles, deer, and beavers, which are particularly prevalent along the trail at Talbot Lake. The lake-view setting couldn’t be more serene as you sip hot chocolate while gathered around a campfire. You may see anglers fishing for cutthroat trout, but otherwise you will likely have the woods to yourself.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike three miles roundtrip through Tongass National Forest, America’s largest such landscape.
• Follow the trail to beautiful Talbot Lake and gather around a crackling campfire.
• Learn about the flora, fauna, and local history from the naturalist guide.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Look for wildlife while zipping along the rugged coastline in an open-air, high-speed boat. You will ride in a Rigid Hull Inflatable vessel that is 27 feet long and designed to race through the sea with maximum maneuverability. The exact route will depend on the weather conditions, but you can expect to enjoy close-up views of tidal flats and land animals such as brown bears and Sitka black-tailed deer. The seas here are also teeming with iconic Alaskan animals. You may spot humpback whales breaching the water’s surface, pods of orcas, frolicking sea otters and sleek seals. Be sure to look up, as bald eagles and puffins also make their homes in the area. Along the way, the captain will throttle back and elaborate on the importance of the waterways to the native Tlingit, many of whom still follow a traditional lifestyle around Icy Strait Point.

Your exciting day begins with a scenic narrated drive along the beautiful Hamakua coastline from the cruise ship pier to the rain forest at Botanical World Adventures.

Take an incredible journey by bike through an area of the Hamakua Coast once dominated by Hawai`i’s sugar industry. This adventurous tour makes its way through a segment of the Old Mamalahoa Highway where you are surrounded by green rolling pastures and lush botanical scenery. This once well traveled road takes us back in time as we make our way through old plantation villages, cross over bridges from the early 1900’s and become mesmerized by the abundance of greenery. View beautiful streams and waterfalls originating from the slopes of Mauna Kea as you cross over each bridge.

This ride engages all of our senses with the smells and sounds of the rainforest, the sights of the brightly colored tropical flowers, and the tastes of paradise. Within the botanical gardens you are surrounded with an entourage of foliage from all over the world, as there are fruits in the trees above you, orchids blossoming beside you, and a carpet of grass below you. Before you know it, you are on a treasure hunt to find all the seasonal jewels and gems this amazing botanical garden has to offer. The guides will then transport you by van to their private waterfall on the property for one last amazing photo opportunity!

The experience continues as you journey back to the pier with a stop at Low Store, a family owned treasure since 1925 where you can purchase tropical smoothies and Hawaiian shaved ice. Then continue on the incredible scenic route of Onomea Bay to make a final stop at Big Island Candies, famous for their handmade macadamia nut shortbread cookies dipped in chocolate!

The Seahawk is another name for the Osprey bird of prey - and this one is our star attraction: 2,975 feet of open air, over the water ziplining fun! With a starting height of over 110 feet - don't worry, you'll take an elevator to get to the top; the 1,429-foot zip provides awesome views of the beach, reefs and surrounding islands help to distract the thought of launching yourself over the edge into the wild blue yonder.

Once you launch, open your eyes! Take in the blue hues of the Bahamian waters and watch for the marine life as you zip over coral reefs descending lower and lower finally landing adjacent to the Silver Cove lagoon.

The return is a includes a 105-foot V-net bridge, a 25-foot chimney climb and for those with the mental and physical stamina try your hand at the 36-foot cargo net climb stationed 40 feet above the ground. Two additional long zips between these obstacles provide additional rushes of adrenaline and some great adventurous bragging rights!

Board your motorcoach for a scenic 10 minute drive to Knudson Cove, a private waterfront estate in the Tongass National Forest. Upon arrival, guides will instruct and outfit you with safety equipment in an open air forest pavilion. Your adventure begins as you ascend into the trees and gravity pulls you along the ziplines. Nestled on a platform in the park, keep an eye out for eagles and ocean views. You can take an optional challenge route that leads you across swinging logs and rope bridges. Feel the speed and acceleration of the ocean zip, where you'll land above the water on a freestanding platform. Then take the final zip to the take the UTV up the hill to the 50 foot climbing tower where guides will show you techniques to climb to the top and safely auto belay to the ground. For those that are less adventurous, guides can assist you in skipping elements if you choose. You’ll complete 6 ziplines, with time to shop for souvenirs before returning to the pier.

Ride through the wilderness on the outskirts of Juneau in a Jeep with a retractable top that will offer unobstructed views of the extraordinary natural beauty. A short drive along the Gastineau Channel will take you to Mendenhall Glacier, one of North America’s most accessible glaciers. As a bonus, a leisurely walk along the Steep Creek Trail offers an added chance to possibly observe a bear in the forest. Take a memorable drive toward the end of the road system, where the views from Eagle Beach are sweeping and this secluded stretch of sand is a great spot to view the majestic Chilkat Mountains. Also on your journey is the National Shrine of St. Thérèse; the building’s cobblestone exterior on a serene island is particularly memorable. Depending on weather conditions and guest preferences, your host will select a fourth destination that may include a scenic drive on Douglas Island, a visit to the salmon hatchery or a trip into Juneau’s past at historic Gold Creek.

Soar amidst towering trees and enjoy breathtaking mountain vistas. Experience the wonder of Kauai’s tropical paradise on a series of suspension bridges and six ziplines, covering well over a mile in the air. Four of the six lines are side-by-side, which gives you the opportunity to share a shriek with a buddy. The 1,800 feet tandem lines provide the ultimate adrenaline rush. Catch your breath, then take a short hike through a swaying bamboo forest for a snack beside a forest pool. To cool off, grab the zipline that runs across pool and splash down.

Cruise through the spectacular Tongass Narrows in a Zodiac boat and take in the extraordinary coastal scenery with the chance of seeing iconic Alaskan wildlife. You may captain the 4-person Zodiac or ride along as a passenger. Either way, the views from sea level will be breathtaking. You will follow the guide’s boat past the islands off Refuge Cove and on to Totem Bight State Historical Park, home to a replica village like the ones the indigenous Tlingit and Haidas inhabited in the 19th century. The guide will entertain you with stories about these earlier times, logging, and the history of businesses such as the Ketchikan Pulp Mill. The Tongass Narrows is teeming with wildlife, and you may spot orcas and humpback whales breaching the water’s surface. Bald eagles are commonly seen soaring above, along the shore and feasting on fish that they have just plucked from the sea.

HIGHLIGHTS • Skirt along the spectacularly scenic shoreline of the Tongass Narrows in a Zodiac boat.
• Captain the Zodiac, be one of three passengers or switch positions if you like.
• Look for wildlife that includes orcas, humpback whales and bald eagles.
• Learn about the indigenous Tlingit and Haida people and how they lived in the 19th century.

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

Enjoy a fun and exciting drive on your off-road safari jeep with wonderful views of Tortola and the surrounding islands from viewpoints that are not the typical tourist route. Your scenic drive around the island takes you through villages, on and off-roads and along coastal roadways.

Departing the cruise port, you will pass through Road Town before following a trail up to Ridge Road. There will be stops at various points for photo opportunities. Next, visit a beach and have a refreshing drink. Rinse the dust off with a swim in the sea, or relax on the white-sand beach before continuing back to the ship.

Your boat will take you across the Sir Francis Drake Channel to Norman Island where you’ll snorkel The Caves or The Indians. You are guaranteed to see beautiful corals and sponges, plentiful fish, and perhaps a turtle or ray will swim by and visit. After your snorkel, step ashore on to Norman Island. Snorkel on a smaller nearby reef, wander ashore and explore the beach or hunt for treasure. Cooper Island, Chromis Reef is another popular site and often more conducive to snorkeling when sea conditions are not ideal. Access to the sites is right off the boat and snorkel assistance is available for beginners.

Enjoy great mountain views and explore the unique environments of Southeast Alaska while hiking in the world's largest temperate rainforest. You’ll be transported to Old Sitka and the Starrigaven trail head where guides will lead you through a number of connecting trails. Each group sets the pace for this hike and typically travel 2 to 4 miles through a number of environments unique to the Southeast region including the temperate rain forest, muskeg, estuary, and rocky beach intertidal zone. Guides are well versed in local flora and fauna, as well as history and culture and explain each one as guests explore them.