EXCURSIONS TERRESTRES

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.

Bask in the sun on a palm-fringed beach in the warm white sand with turquoise waters waiting to be explored! Enjoy a scenic transfer on your air-conditioned transportation through the historic capital of Bridgetown. You'll pass Barbados' Parliament Buildings, the 3rd oldest Parliamentary institution in the Western Hemisphere, Heroes Square, with its historic statue of Lord Nelson, and Independence Square as you make your way to Carlisle Bay, one of best beaches and the only natural harbor in Barbados.

Upon your arrival, you'll be served a complimentary drink and given a brief orientation to the beach and facilities. A beach chair and shared umbrella are provided for your comfort, as well as changing rooms and showers. Play a game of beach volleyball or bring your own snorkel equipment and snorkel the shipwrecks in the sheltered bay. Additional drinks or light snacks are available for purchase. This beach has a spot for everyone - just pack a your towel and sunscreen and you are ready to go!

Touch a dolphin while learning all about them. You will stand in waist deep water as the dolphin allows you to gently touch, kiss and interact with a dolphin while learning about these intelligent marine species in an intimate, small-group setting. This program is a relaxed and fun way to meet a dolphin for all ages! You don't have to be able to swim to participate in the Dolphin Encounter.

Your memorable trolley takes you past the Queen Emma pontoon bridge and the former floating market, where locals now sell fish, vegetables and other local products. Next see Scharloo, a former residential neighborhood lined with picturesque colonial homes built in the 1800s. A highlight of your Scharloo overview is a stop at the recently renovated Bolo di Bruid, known as the "wedding cake house", the city's most photographed building.

Leaving Scharloo, enter Pietermaai Cathedral, the largest and most impressive on the island. You will also view Queen Wilhelmina Park, which serves as the setting for frequent cultural events and Waterfront Arches, an imposing fortress that was the site of the fort is one of many structures that lend a sense of history and atmosphere to the city, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Concluding your trolley experience, you may return to the pier by taxi or remain in town and enjoy the short walk back to your ship at a later time.

Board your private transportation for a journey through Road Town. Drive along Ridge Road with amazing views over the north coast of the island. After a brief photo stop to view the islands of Guana, Great Camanoe and Anegada, you’ll drive westward to the Original Virgin Canopy Tour base camp. After a quick restroom break, the friendly staff will outfit you with your gear. Following a brief orientation and safety talk, you’ll arrive at the take-off point of the tour. The tour has been expertly designed for adventurers of all ages (from 5 to 95) and every stop along the way provides you with an amazing "I can't believe I just did that" photo opportunity that you will want to share with friends and loved ones.

The tour including the outfitting and safety talk and the 7 traverse and other challenge components, will take approximately 1 to 1 1/4 hours, depending on group size and other factors. One element of the tour includes a 1 1/2 story climb (21 steps) up an inclined ladder – but don’t worry, you are attached all the way. Following the tour you can enjoy some refreshments or snacks (not included in the price), shop for souvenirs or just relax and take in the wonderful view from the patio before you board the bus. Stops will be made for photo opportunities on your drive back to the cruise ship terminal.

Step off the ship and on to one of Dunedin town’s classic Heritage buses enroute to the Iconic Dunedin Railway Station. Once you arrive, you will board one of the world’s most scenic railways as you journey through the spectacular Taieri River Gorge. Welcomed aboard by a friendly crew, settle into your carriage, and get ready for a breathtaking trip into a landscape only accessible by this train. First tracing Otago Harbor, then traversing suburban Dunedin and a fertile plain, you’ll soon be climbing into the sheer cliff faces and plunging ravines of the Taieri River Gorge. Much of the ride takes place high atop soaring stone-and-lattice viaducts that early engineers, masons, and railway gangs somehow managed to build through extremely challenging wild New Zealand terrain. The fact that they succeeded is a true marvel – which you get to experience firsthand today. As you relax and watch in awe, your carriage will pass one unspoiled panorama after another, winding its way through the gorge over dramatic bridges suspended high above the placid river below, and through no fewer than 10 tunnels carved out of solid bedrock. You’ll enjoy a morning tea and light picnic style boxed lunch while on board. Your journey concludes at Dunedin Railway Station, a suitably grand Victorian landmark.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Settle back and experience one of the world’s most breathtakingly scenic railway journeys.
• Travel over countless latticed-steel and stone bridges and through 10 tunnels as you traverse the rugged Taieri River Gorge.
• Take it all in from the civilized comfort of your carriage with morning tea and a light lunch served.
• Disembark at Dunedin’s landmark Victorian railway station, where you can opt to remain in town awhile or return straightaway to the port.

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

Enjoy a scenic drive through some of Tasmania's beautiful towns and indulge your senses with the flavors of locally made cheeses, chocolates and wine. Your indulgent experience begins in Burnie where you’ll visit a local cheese factory. Here you’ll learn all about the local cheese making industry and taste a variety of cheeses from the local manufacturers.

Head southeast for an hour through some of the beautiful towns dotted throughout Tasmania’s north. Stop at a local chocolate factory that specializes in hand-crafted Belgian-style chocolates made with the freshest Tasmanian cream and butter. Learn about the art of chocolate making and indulge in some samples. Enjoy a delicious morning treat and browse the museum or gift shop.

Visit a local boutique winery where you’ll be briefed on all aspects of the vineyard and enjoy a sampling of wine. The wines are made in small quantities from grapes grown on local vines. Some of the vines in this area were among the first to be planted in this coastal region of Tasmania.

OVERVIEW

Delve into the life and times of reggae legend Bob Marley by visiting his birthplace in the mountain hamlet Nine Mile, followed by a classic Jamaican lunch. A wonderfully scenic drive inland will bring you to Nine Mile, whose main attraction is the singer’s former home, now known as the Bob Marley Mausoleum and Museum. While touring the modest two-room residence, you learn about Marley’s humble upbringing and Rastafarian beliefs and see the stone pillow that he rested his head on for inspiration. It must have worked, as some of Marley’s gold records and awards are displayed in the museum. At the mausoleum behind the house, you will see Marley’s final resting place in the family cemetery. Afterwards, at the Reggae Hill resort, which overlooks an idyllic spot on the White River, you will enjoy a lunch of Jamaican specialties. If inclined, you can take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit Nine Mile, the birthplace and final resting place of reggae legend Bob Marley.
• Gain insight into Marley’s view of the world and his musical inspirations.
• Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jamaican dishes at the Reggae Hill resort, a tropical haven.
• Take a dip in the White River and shop if time permits.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

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 and lush coconut plantations 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, you’ll visit a local home and coconut plantation to explore how the islanders live and work. During your visit you’ll learn how the monkeys found on the island are domesticated and trained to pick ripe coconuts, as centuries-old tradition that certainly comes in handy as Ko Samui produces over three million coconuts per month. Observe the exceptional abilities of these entertaining creatures, along with their amusing antics.

From the moment you step aboard this sleek catamaran, you'll know that you're in for something special! After being greeted by the friendly and outgoing crew, enjoy fresh baked sweet breads, fruit and juice, tea or coffee. Sail along Barbados’ scenic coastline to a secluded bay where you’ll have the opportunity to swim with groups of wild sea turtles. At another stop you can opt to swim in the crystal waters, relax on the beach or join the professional instructors for an optional tour of beautiful reefs teeming with tropical fish.

Afterwards, feast on a sumptuous hot and cold buffet lunch featuring tasty local dishes along with cool refreshments from the open bar. Let your cares drift away as you sail along, basking in the sunshine or relaxing in the shade of the comfortable cabin as you enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Follow the harbor past Petone where Wellington's first settlers landed, and then travel along a coastline dotted with shipwrecks, quaint villages and quiet bays. As you sit back and enjoy the passing scenery, a narrative will be provided that relates the many stories that are now etched into the folklore of this dramatic piece of New Zealand coast.

Arriving at Pencarrow Station, a nearly 2,000-acre sheep and cattle farm which is also home to New Zealand's oldest lighthouse, you’ll have the opportunity to visit one of Wellington's best kept secrets, Pencarrow Lodge. This remote, isolated cottage originally housed a farm worker and was built during a period of local cattle rustling as a security measure to protect against cattle thieves. The view from this location, which stretches across the Cook Strait to the snow-capped Kaikoura Ranges in the South Island, is simply spectacular. Here, enjoy a refreshment of tea and cakes.

Second only to Marlborough on New Zealand’s South Island, Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s leading wine producing regions. With more than 60 prominent wineries, the Hawke’s Bay area is renowned for its Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.

Visit two of the top wineries of the region. At each winery, you will be treated to a tasting of some of their recent vintages with the opportunity to purchase the ones you enjoyed afterwards.

A brief photo stop will be made at the Te Mata Peak. From this vantage point, you will be able to enjoy the view of New Zealand’s oldest wine region, famed for its microclimates and gravely soil.

Enjoy the unique and intimate experience of real interaction while swimming with dolphins in their natural lagoon. The dolphins will join and allow gentle touching and interaction. Additionally, you get the opportunity to do specific interactions with the dolphins, and even get a dolphin kiss.

The program offers a unique blend of trained behavior and basic swimming and is perfect for people who have experience using fins. Life jackets are available and mandatory for children under the height of 1.45 m /57 inch. Since you won’t be able to use your hands while swimming, the use of fins is required. The dolphin lagoon is about 18 feet deep.

Step aboard your air-conditioned coach for a scenic drive through the countryside to Gun Hill Signal Station. Built in 1818, the signal station was restored and landscaped by the Barbados National Trust and now houses a collection of military memorabilia. An officer at the signal station carved the statue of the lion, out of a single piece of rock in 1868. Enjoy a fantastic view of the island from here.

Continue on to Orchid World, which sits on 6 acres of land in the parish of St. George. A path winds its way between beautiful coral, rock gardens, shady gullies and ponds. The orchids are spectacular - thousands are grown in shaded houses and outside on freestanding palisades. You’ll be fascinated by the sight of orchids growing mid-air with their roots completely free of soil. Wonderful photo opportunities abound.

Continue to the Highland Adventure Centre, from here the view of the east coast is breathtaking – you’ll also see Mount Hillaby the highest point on the island. Refreshments are available for purchase at the well-stocked bar.

Discover the lesser-known, sometimes sordid history of St. George on a walking tour, the perfect prelude to a relaxing respite on one of the island’s most picturesque beaches.

After tendering to St. George, you will begin a leisurely walking tour of town, which was founded in 1612 and became the island’s first capital. As you meander the cobblestone streets and quaint lanes, you will soon understand why UNESCO designated St. George a World Heritage site for being an authentic example of an English colonial town in the New World. The ambiance and 17th- and 18th-century architecture exudes history.

Along the way, you may pass the Tucker House Museum and St. Peter’s Church, the oldest continually used church in the western hemisphere. You will notice that many of the alleys, such as Needle & Thread and Barber’s, are named for former trades that flourished here. Shinbone Alley refers to the colonial soldiers that overindulged in its pubs and crawled out on their hands and knees, banging their shinbones.

A different side of Bermuda awaits you at Tobacco Bay Beach, where you will linger over lunch before heading for the shore. Now a national park, the beach was named for the wild tobacco that grew here when survivors of a shipwreck came ashore in 1609.

Feel free to swim in the shallow waters or snorkel along the dramatic limestone formations. Colorful parrotfish, sergeant majors and grouper are commonly spotted in the clear seas.

Dunedin is known for being home to some of the country's most adored Victorian structures, its streets are adorned with a collection of historic buildings, cathedrals and churches. A scenic drive past the charming towns of the shores of Otago Harbor brings you to Olveston. You’ll visit the Olveston Historic Home, the original home of a wealthy family that was built between 1904 and 1906. It offers a glimpse into the refined way of life in days past. Departing from Olveston, you’ll pass several historical landmarks including the Gothic revival-styled Otago University, the Law Courts, Otago Boys High School, First Church, and the Edwardian mansions of Royal Terrace and High Streets.

Visit the Dunedin Botanic Garden where the gardens cover some 69 acres and were the first public botanical gardens established in New Zealand. Free time will be provided for you to admire the well-manicured lawns, splashing fountains and statuary and an extensive collection of camellias, annuals and colorful roses. The Winter Garden Glasshouse has a great range of temperate species on display and there is also a substantial rock garden.

This tour visits the amazing Knossos archaeological site, proving the existence of the Minoan civilization. The Palace of Knossos was the largest and most spectacular of Minoan palaces. It was the court of the legendary King Minos, father of the mythological Minotaur, half-bull, half-man. The original palace was built around 2,000 B.C., and after being destroyed by an earthquake, was replaced with a more complex one, which strongly resembled a labyrinth. Your guided tour will take you through the marvelous ruins of the ancient complex, restored by Sir Arthur Evans. His work has been criticized by some for its modernity, but it does help you visualize the palace as it was, when it served as the administrative center for the region. There will be over an hour of free time for you to stroll at leisure in the town of Heraklion. Perhaps visit the Fountain of Morosini near the colorful fruit and vegetable market, or shop for some Cretan souvenirs.

Experience the unique Australian wetlands of the coastal fringe on this full day adventure and enjoy a tasty Aussie BBQ lunch. You’ll find dangerous saltwater crocodiles living and breeding in the estuaries and see an array of birdlife.

Travel to the Proserpine River where you’ll be welcomed by the Crocodile Safari team. An approximately 2.5-hour Cruise takes you through the pristine crocodile country.

Relax with sound of nature as your background and enjoy an Aussie barbecue lunch at an outdoor campsite, followed by a ride on an open-air tractor drawn wagon train to explore the wetland habitat and Aussie mangroves ecosystem.

Nestled in the old port district of Portland is the bustling working waterfront where lobstermen off-load their catch from Casco Bay and seafood shops offer the freshest delicacies from the sea. Discover the inner workings of the area with a voyage on a lobster boat followed by walking tour through the cobbled streets of the area exploring the numerous marine related businesses. From the pier a short walk brings you to the waterfront departure point of your lobster boat. Following a short safety briefing depart to Casco Bay to pull live traps. During the voyage discover how lobsters get from the bottom of the ocean to your dinner plate and learn about their habits, conservation efforts and the difference between hard shells, shedders, shorts, culls and keepers.

A see through live tank allows you to watch the catch until the end of the day, when they’re released back into the sea. Upon return to the pier, join your guide for a walking tour of the old port area. Your guide will carve a path through the streets of this charming area, which a hundred years ago was home to fish houses, canneries, industrial factories and textile mills. Today the brick warehouses hold numerous fresh seafood shops, coffee houses, bakeries and award-winning restaurants. Learn about the history of this area, as your guide offers insight into the history of the old waterfront.

Settle in for an exceptionally scenic drive along Jamaica’s lush northern shore with stops every so often for photos. As you travel west, the area’s stunning natural beauty will be on full display. Expect to see one iconic tropical vista after another, as the land is largely undeveloped. Upon reaching the settlement of St. Ann’s Bay, you will pause at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a church built with quarried stone from an unfinished church from the 1500s. Nearby, you will find statues of Marcus Garvey and Christopher Columbus, both of whom significantly influenced Jamaica and the Caribbean. Continuing on to the parish of St. Mary on the eastern side of Ocho Rios, you will visit the Rio Nuevo battle site, where in 1658 the invading English defeated the entrenched Spanish troops for control of the island. Another stop at Oceans of the Ridge will offer the ultimate hilltop view of Ochos Rios.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a panoramic drive through the gorgeous countryside east and west of Ocho Rios.
• See a historical church in St. Ann’s Bay that was built with stones quarried in the 1500s.
• Visit the battle site where in 1658 the English defeated the Spanish for control of Jamaica.
• Pause at the Oceans at the Ridge lookout for the ultimate view of Ocho Rios.

Design your own adventure and experience the exciting city of Long Beach. During a short motorcoach transfer your escort will fill you in on the sights and history of the city where the action begins and the fun never ends. From the regal Queen Mary and spectacular Aquarium of the Pacific to live music venues and hundreds of exclusive dining destinations.

Your drop-off point is nearby shopping, restaurants, as well as one of the top attractions of Long Beach – the Aquarium of the Pacific. You’ll have approximately four hours on your own for shopping, dining or to explore any of the cities well-known attractions.

Experience the very best of the island on this delightful tour! Learn about the famous fictional character Anne of Green Gables, see the sandy beach and red cliffs at Prince Edward Island National Park and enjoy a delicious traditional lobster lunch. En route, soak up the Island’s spectacular scenery and learn about island life from your local guide. You’ll drive through Charlottetown, Canada’s birthplace, before traveling into the countryside.

View rolling farmlands, stunning seascapes, tiny villages, bustling harbors and enjoy a stop at a working fishing harbor. Visit Green Gables, the homestead that is featured prominently in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s book, Anne of Green Gables. Explore the rooms in the house or take a stroll down lover’s lane. Take in the stunning scenery at the beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park, gazing across the white sandy shore and sapphire blue water to the red sandstone cliffs.

Enjoy a delicious lobster lunch at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company, an island landmark. This 1913 butter factory is now a shop showcasing island products, including preserves. Take your time to browse the shop and take in the beautiful gardens before returning to Charlottetown.

Combine the beautiful Tasmanian countryside and Australian native animals at the Wing’s Farm Park with an orientation drive through the city.

Take a scenic drive through the northern region of Tasmania, incorporating some of this island state’s most picturesque countryside. Gunns Plains is a prosperous farming district located approximately 45 minutes south of Burnie and where you’ll find Wing’s Farm Park. Here, you can explore at your own pace and see Tasmanian Devils, Quoll’s, and other native wildlife including reptiles and kangaroos. Alternatively, take the opportunity to visit the animal nursery. Before returning to the ship, take a brief drive through Burnie and learn about this Tasmanian gateway to the north.

Discover the historical and scenic highlights of New Zealand's center of government and culture, known as the "Capital of Cool”. A picturesque drive along lovely Oriental Bay toward Mount Victoria offers a spectacular 360 view of Wellington and its well-protected harbor. Visit the Wellington Botanical Garden, established in the 1860s. Strolling through this wonderland of exotic and indigenous plants, you'll see rare specimens of begonias, heritage roses, and aromatic herbs. The lily pond is also worth noting because of its enormous water lilies and the carnivorous plants nearby.

History takes center stage as you drive down Bowen Street, home to New Zealand's Parliament, which has been meeting here since 1865. The most iconic building within this sprawling government complex is the Executive Wing, known as "The Beehive" for its distinctive shape. It provides quite an architectural contrast to the Parliament House, an Edwardian neo-classical building. You'll visit the War Memorial Pukeahu National War Memorial Park. This is the national place for New Zealanders to remember and reflect on their country’s experience of war, military conflict and peacekeeping, and how that experience shapes their ideals and sense of national identity. You'll pass the contemporary Wellington Cathedral before arriving at Old Paul's, the city's former cathedral. Constructed entirely of native timbers, the interior is absolutely stunning, especially the wooden rafters and stained-glass windows. Although no longer a parish church, the cathedral remains a place of great spiritual significance.

You will also drive toward Mount Victoria, which offers a spectacular 360 view of Wellington and its well-protected harbor for a quick photo stop.

Discover the highlights of Ko Samui during an orientation tour of this island. Enjoy a scenic coastal drive past exquisite beaches and lush coconut plantations. Find yourself learning how locals use monkeys to pick ripe coconuts as you attend their impressive show and gain an understanding on how this centuries-old tradition certainly comes in handy for Ko Samui, the Island of Coconuts.

Transfer to local coconut plantation you will attend a monkey show to learn how locals use monkeys to pick ripe coconuts. This centuries-old tradition certainly comes in handy as Koh Samui, the Island of Coconuts, produces over three million coconuts per month. You will marvel at the exceptional abilities of these entertaining creatures, along with their amusing antics.

Stop for a visit at the Big Buddha Temple, or Wat Pha Yai, which features a 36-foot golden statue perched atop a wide staircase decorated with dragons. The statue is visible from several miles away, and creates an impressive silhouette against the sea and sky behind it. You’ll also visit Plai Leam temple and make a short stop at Chaweng viewpoint before the return back to the pier.

Zihuatanejo is a small fishing village that strives to conserve its quaint customs and way of life. Due to its small size, in a short time you’ll see the major hotels and other points of interest, as well as get a good feel for what a typical Mexican town is like. You’ll continue to the planned resort community of Ixtapa approximately five miles away. Here you'll see the Palma Real Golf Club, beautiful beaches, modern luxury hotels and restaurants along the ocean.

Your tour goes as far as playa Linda at the northern end of town, where you’ll have time to look around the shopping center and stop for cool drink at a beachfront property. At the end of your tour, you can choose to return to the ship by motorcoach or if you prefer more time, you can take a short walk back to your ship.