SHORE EXCURSIONS

Explore daily life in Bangkok during this picturesque boat trip through the city that focuses on life along Bangkok's canals.

Depart the pier for the drive to Bangkok, where upon arrival you will board a boat for a scenic cruise along the canals, or klongs, of the Chao Praya River. Along the way, you will see the small wooden houses that rise on stilts from the water. You will also encounter many long, flat boats laden with exotic produce and colorful fare plying the waterways, and carrying on trade as they did centuries ago.

Your tour along these fascinating waterways includes a stop at the beautiful Temple of Dawn, or Wat Arun, and a visit to the Royal Barge Shed, where the impressively ornate ceremonial barges are stored when not in use.

Following your time at the Royal Barge shed, you will transfer to a local restaurant for lunch before driving back to Laem Chabang.

OVERVIEW

Encounter fascinating history and handsome crafts in medieval Kilkenny, and pay a call on the renowned House of Waterford Crystal. About an hour from Waterford by coach, Kilkenny’s origins span back more than 1,500 years – and its marvelous skyline reflects the prowess of 11th- and 12th-century Norman stonemasons. Most splendid of these ancient buildings is Kilkenny Castle; on your self-guided inside tour, you’ll encounter Dutch master portraits, fine antiquities and captivating stories about events that transpired within this medieval fortress-turned-residence. You’ll also have free time to explore more of Kilkenny on your own. The Kilkenny Design Center is a great candidate for a visit; here under one roof you’ll see the very best in Irish design and workmanship, its gift offerings carefully curated from over 200 studios and workshops around the country. A relaxed lunch will be served at a traditional local hotel before journeying on to the Waterford Crystal visitors’ center. While the city’s original crystal factory closed up shop in 2009, limited production is still conducted in Waterford, and this new exhibition and showroom takes you through the fabrication process – with impressive, finished pieces on display to browse or purchase.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel by coach to Kilkenny, medieval capital of Ireland and onetime rival of Dublin.
• Venture inside Kilkenny Castle, a handsomely decorated Norman stronghold with deep roots.
• Savor a relaxed lunch at a local hotel, then head back by coach toward Waterford.
• Stop in at the world-renowned House of Waterford Crystal to tour its exhibition and showrooms.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Watch exquisite Waterford crystal being handmade in the House of Waterford and toast the occasion with a classic Irish coffee. While touring the factory, you will observe the step-by-step production of this famed crystal, which is celebrated for its sparkle. The techniques have remained unchanged for centuries. It starts with the wooden molds that the master blowers use to shape the glowing hot balls of crystal into stemware, vases and other luxury glassware. Afterwards, each piece is carefully inspected for quality – the flawed ones being crushed and melted. The crystal is then hand-cut following designs that the master cutters memorize during an eight-year apprenticeship. The results are extraordinary as you will see while browsing the retail store, which houses the world’s largest collection of Waterford crystal. Later, you will pause in a local establishment for an Irish coffee, a caffeinated drink made with strong coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch master artisans hand-make various pieces of Waterford crystal.
• Browse the world’s largest collection of Waterford crystal in the on-site store.
• Enjoy a hot Irish coffee at a nearby hotel.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Settle in for a scenic drive through Bangkok’s vibrant Old Town with stops along the way at enlightening attractions such as the ornate Wat Suthat. Be sure to notice the temple’s beautiful roofline and huge red teak arch, which is all that remains of its famed giant swing. Inside, you will find an array of gilded Buddhas and massive mural paintings. The panoramic drive will also take you past landmarks such as the 18th-century City Pillar Shrine, the Temple of the Reclining Buddha – which holds more than 1,000 Buddha statues – and the Democracy Monument, which is dedicated to the ideals that led to Thailand becoming a democratic monarchy in 1932. Another highlight is the Grand Palace, an extraordinary example of an ancient Siamese court. Thailand’s kings lived here for more than 150 years, and today it is used primarily for royal ceremonies and state occasions. Following lunch at the Royal Orchid Sheraton, you will transfer to the airport.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Browse the Wat Suthat, an 18th-century temple known for its architectural splendor.
• See the Democracy Monument that tells the story of the 1932 Siamese Revolution.
• See the Democracy Monument that tells the story of the 1932 Siamese Revolution.
• Transfer to the airport in plenty of time to catch your flight.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Browse the magnificent residence of the 9th Marquis of Waterford, whose family has owned Curraghmore House and thousands of surrounding acres for more than 800 years. The estate exudes history. As you approach the main house, be sure to notice the statue of a stag with a crucifix between its antlers—the family symbol—atop the old castle. Many of the interiors feature extraordinary plaster work, period furnishings from different centuries and an abundance of personal family memorabilia. The property’s Shell House was built almost entirely with colorful shells that one of the 18th-century residents persuaded ship captains to collect from around the world. Other highlights include the oldest bridge in Ireland, a Sitka spruce that is one of the tallest trees in Ireland and an exquisite Japanese garden. You will see more spectacular sights on the return drive along the Copper Coast, a naturally beautiful stretch of road so geologically significant that UNESCO deemed it a Global Geopark.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Tour a grand estate that has been owned by the same distinguished family for 800 years.
• Browse the exquisite interiors and outside of buildings such as the enchanting Shell House.
• Take in the natural beauty while driving the Copper Coast, a UNESCO Global Geopark.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Georgetown is a treasure trove of beautiful Heritage buildings and homes, and its cultures and heritage have been preserved through the years. Explore Georgetown's history and culture during this orientation tour of the city, and stop for a snack at a leading hotel.

As you drive through the city, view colonial buildings, Chinese shop-houses and Little India, all of which make Georgetown a largely intact, heritage jewel. Stop at Wat Chaiyamangkalaram, the Thai Buddhist Temple, which houses a 108-foot-long figure of the reclining Buddha. Just across the road is the ornate Burmese Buddhist Temple, which you will also have a chance to admire.

Visit the Penang Malay Gallery, where you will learn about the history of the Malay settlement of Penang Island. The exhibits showcase the way of life of the early inhabitants of Penang.

Not to be missed, when visiting Georgetown, is the majestic Khoo Kongsi, one of the most beautiful Chinese Clan houses to be built outside China. The intricate wood and granite carvings, together with 24 stone carved classic examples of filial piety, make this place a ‘must-see’ for visitors to Penang.

During your tour, you will stop for light refreshments at a leading hotel and stop at the Chew Jetty, and walk over the narrow wooden platforms of one of the several Chinese Clan Jetties to appreciate the humble beginnings of the immigrant Chinese.

OVERVIEW

See Ireland’s oldest city with new eyes after this up-close guided walk filled with impressive sights and lighthearted commentary. First settled as a Viking trading port 1,100 years ago, Waterford also has deep Norman roots – and your knowledgeable guide will share colorful facts and stories about the city as you amble in and out of key landmarks along narrow, winding streets. The historic Waterford City center is barely 30 minutes by coach from the modern port yet seems like a completely different world. Your walk here includes encounters with six national monuments, and visits inside several of them. Among those are the three iconic venues that make up the storied “Viking Triangle”: Reginald’s Tower, Ireland’s oldest intact building; the Bishop’s Palace, home to the only surviving mourning cross from Napoleon’s death and the world’s oldest piece of Waterford crystal; and the Medieval Museum, a modern structure wrapped around very ancient ones, and chock full of rare and precious historic treasures. In addition, you’ll have free time to discover Waterford a bit further on your own before returning by coach to the pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy an entertaining, informative guided walk through the ancient Viking City of Waterford.
• Encounter the famed “Viking Triangle” – three historic venues that between them contain many of the treasures of Waterford.
• Visit the Medieval Museum and witness a demonstration of ancient Anglo-Norman coin making.
• Tour the Bishop’s Palace, a magnificent Georgian building and repository of items of national significance from the 1700s on.
• Do some further exploring – or shopping – with free time in the city center.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy a panoramic orientation drive through County Waterford with a mid-trip stop to savor the joys of a classic Irish pub. Your comfortable coach journey begins at the pier as you set off along County Waterford’s scenic Atlantic coast to the seaside resort town of Tramore, its delightful terraced homes overlooking a broad bay. Once a drowsy fishing village with few visitors, a fresh railway connection to Waterford in 1853 set this charming Victorian town on a growth trajectory. Continuing west from here, the cliff road traces a more rugged coastline as it passes through colorful, charming villages like Fenor, Annestown and Boatstrand in a region known as the “copper coast” for the mines that once thrived here. Circling inland, the route heads for the impressive Comeragh Mountains, the rocky backbone of the county, then transitions to fertile farmland terrain as you approach Waterford City. During your journey, you’ll have a chance to sip a cool beverage and experience traditional Irish entertainment at a character-filled local pub. After all, what outing in Ireland doesn’t include a pub or two?

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax aboard a comfortable coach for a sightseeing journey around County Waterford.
• Travel along seaside roads passing through the Victorian resort of Tramore and a string of scenic old mining villages.
• Head up into the rugged Comeragh Mountains and across verdant farm terrain en route to Waterford City.
• Stop in at a charming local pub for a cool beverage and the warmth of traditional Irish entertainment.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear weather-appropriate clothing and be prepared for the possibility of rain.
• Flat, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

Enjoy an exciting and comprehensive taste of the rich and colorful culture of Phuket.

Your first stop will be at Promthep Cape. Experience a stunning view of the perfect half-moon bay of Nai Harn Beach and the scattered islands dotting the Andaman Sea once you’ve climbed the steps through the rocky hill. Then start your scenic drive to Wat Chalong, the largest and the most strikingly ornamented of Phuket's 29 Buddhist temples. Its intriguing history features a monk believed to have formidable healing powers. To this day, Thais from all over the country flock to Wat Chalong to pay homage to the monk and regain their physical and spiritual powers.

Visit the Phuket Thai Village located on an old tin mine site with a tranquil lakeside setting. During an elaborate performance, you will be charmed by Thai Classical Dances, with performers dressed in opulent costumes and intricate head pieces made of sparkling gold and colored stones. The drumming of the thaporn or Thai drum, and the sweet melodies of the Phee, a Thai flute, will carry you further into the past. Enjoy a thrill to the complex style of Thai boxing. You will also stop at a souvenir shop before return to the ship.

Discover a truly unique lifestyle and culture during your visit to Ko Samui, the Island of Coconuts. Take a scenic coastal drive past exquisite beaches en route to Ko Samui. Stop at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai. The Big Buddha Temple features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. You will also visit the Plai Laem temple. Surrounded by a lake, this serene modern temple features a towering white statue of Guanyin, a goddess who is believed to be the protector of all beings and a source of unconditional love. Her many arms are thought to represent her ability to reach out and provide help. Along the way, stop at a viewpoint overlooking the beautiful Chaweng Beach. After lunch at a local beach resort, return back to pier.

Enjoy a visit to an elephant camp, a cashew nut factory, and the Chalong Buddhist Temple, along with island scenes.

At the cashew nut factory, curiously named Sri Bhurapa Orchid Company, you’ll see how mouth-watering cashew nut products are made as skilled workers create a variety of snacks and sweets.

A visit to the Chalong Temple brings you to what is considered the most beautiful and ornate temple on the island, Wat Chalong. Here you’ll find a statue of Luang Por Cham, the monk who became a hero when he helped the people of Phuket put down the Chinese Coolie Rebellion in 1876.

Elephants are an important part of Thai history and culture, regularly featured in Buddhist art and architecture. Arriving at the elephant camp, you will have a chance to observe how the elephants bathe and feed; this will be a great photo opportunity.

You’ll also stop at a local products shop where you’ll have a chance to get that last minute souvenir.

Experience the ancient beauty of Old Bangkok during this splendid, full-day orientation tour of the city.

Depart the pier in Laem Chabang for the scenic drive into Bangkok. Your tour of Old Bangkok will begin with a stop at Wat Suthat, easily identified by the famous giant swing in front of the temple. During your visit, you will see a renowned collection of old murals from the reign of King Rama III (1824-1851) housed inside the main building, along with a splendid array of gilded Buddha images.

Next, you will proceed to a local hotel for a buffet lunch, then continue on for a sightseeing drive past the Democracy Monument.

Your tour will conclude with a visit to a local store specializing in gems and quality souvenirs.

Following your visit, you will re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.