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..

Your relaxing fun-filled day begins with a short scenic ride to a quaint marina where you’ll board the catamaran. At the marina dock, your friendly crew will greet you and acquaint you with the vessel. Glide along the eastern end of the island before setting sail to the most pristine of the U.S. Virgin Islands. The brisk sail across Pillsbury Sound brings you to a special mooring destination where you can swim on a beautiful St. John beach, snorkel or simply relax under the palms. Enjoy freshly baked breads, cheeses, fruits, and a variety of beverages onboard. Champagne and other beverages are complimentary after swimming and snorkeling. After your relaxing stay at the beach, delight in the tropical breezes as you make the downwind return sail to St. Thomas.

Snorkel the azure waters of Belize's Barrier Reef, the world’s largest living barrier reef. This is a shallow water entry, well suited for beginners and intermediate snorkelers.

Depart from the Harvest Caye Marina on one of our comfortable snorkel vessels for the short scenic ride to a beautiful site along the reef. This location is teeming with multitudes of colorful reef fish, co-habiting among the beautiful hard and soft coral formations, intermingled with sponges, sea fans and delicate sea anemones. Possible sightings of spotted eagle rays and schools of larger fish are quite common, large starfish, queen conchs and sea cucumbers also call this patch of the reef home.

After snorkeling, re-board your boat and enjoy the return trip with complimentary rum or fruit punch while listening to Caribbean rhythmic vibes.

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.

This unforgettable excursion will have you traveling along the coastlines on the Sir Francis Drakes Highway heading through small villages such as Capoons Bay, Apple Bay, Carrot Bay, and then you will ascend about 900 feet above sea level between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Photo stops will be made along the way.

Enjoy stunning views and the different shades of beautiful water. Your knowledgeable driver/guide will keep you constant company as the history and culture of the island is related via the public address system. At Long Bay beach, enjoy a relaxing swim in the crystal- clear water or just relax to the singing of the waves along the seashore.

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.

Take an introductory drive through Gisborne, an easy-going beach-blessed city that revolves around life’s pleasures such as surfing, dining and wine production.

After departing from the pier, you'll set off on a journey of discovery. Gisborne is home to approximately 44,000 people and is the birth place of a diverse variety of New Zealand notables, including pro surfer Maz Quinn, opera star Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, several Olympic medalists, and Footrot Flats comic book creator Murray Ball.

The shores of Gisborne are legendary for their beauty and history. Your tour will take you past the spot where Captain Cook, the English explorer who discovered the area, first landed and met the native Maori people.

Then, travel up Titirangi (Kaiti) Hill for a photo opportunity, passing a stately Marae, a Maori meeting house, considered to be the largest in New Zealand. When you reach the top of the hill, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Poverty Bay, Young Nicks Head, the first piece of land sighted by James Cook’s crew and named for the young lad who spied it—and your anchored ship.

Continue along the shoreline to admire two of the area’s premier beaches. Wainui and Okitu are known for their impressive waves, which draw top surfers to their sands. Keep your camera ready for a stop at the sand dunes of Lysnar Reserve.

In just a few miles, the scenery changes dramatically, and you’ll find yourself in Gisborne’s idyllic rural area. Thirty percent of all wines produced in New Zealand come from this region. Enjoy the view as you drive along roads bordered by sweet-smelling orchards, award-winning vineyards, and lush, fertile plains. You’ll also see fields dotted with adorable fluffy sheep happily grazing beside quaint farmhouses.

On your return to the city, you’ll travel down the main shopping street, the tree-lined Gladstone Road. Named after former British Prime Minister William Ewart Gladstone, the boulevard houses boutiques, souvenir stores brimming with handcrafted gifts, surf shops and colorful outdoor cafes perfect for a bite to eat and people watching. You will have the option of disembarking to explore independently, making your own way back to port, or simply remaining on the motorcoach and returning to the 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. less

Discover the charms of Granada, the architecturally stunning capital of the Andalusia region, by exploring a magnificent palace, the Royal Chapel and the city’s oldest quarter.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for scenic drive inland to Granada, a city likely named for the Spanish word for pomegranate, a fruit so abundant it is depicted on Granada’s coat of arms. Or Granada may have derived from its Moorish name, as the city was the Moors’ last stronghold before falling to Spain’s Catholic monarchs in 1492.

Granada features a wealth of extraordinary architecture such as your first stop, the Carlos V Palace within the Alhambra complex. Construction on the palace began in the early 16th century, following a Renaissance ground plan with a circular courtyard within a square building—the only one of its kind in Spain. Amazingly, a monarch has never lived in the palace, nor did it even have a roof until 1957.

Walking a bit farther, you will soon arrive in the labyrinthine streets of the Albayzin quarter (down part of the quarter), the city’s oldest section. UNESCO has deemed it a World Heritage site for its harmonious blend of Moorish and Andalusian architecture.

Nearby, you will find the glorious Royal Chapel, the final resting place of Spanish monarchs such as Queen Isabella and Kind Ferdinand. Be sure to see the chapel’s mausoleum, spectacular altarpieces and ornate grilles before enjoying free time and perhaps lunch on your own in the surrounding historical area.

Afterwards, you will drive back to Malaga.

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.

Experience the joys of Andrea Bocelli’s world by visiting places that the revered tenor and his family own in and around his hometown of Lajatico. Your enlightening journey will begin at the Teatro del Silenzio, an open-air amphitheater that Bocelli’s architect brother designed. Andrea performs here but once a year; the rest of the time the theater is silent, filled only by the sounds of nature. The family’s influence also extends into wine making, as you will discover while touring the Bocelli wine cellars, which hold classic Italian wines produced on the Tuscan estate that the family has owned since 1730.

You will have the opportunity to sample the wines and indulge in a buffet-style lunch of Tuscan delicacies at the Officine Bocelli restaurant. The wines may include a red made entirely from Sangiovese grapes and a crisp, complex Pinot Grigio. Upstairs, you will find a museum with a collection of awards, photos and memorabilia that celebrates Andrea’s musical achievements.