EXCURSIONES EN TIERRA

Cruise the winding Monkey River, looking for wildlife in the surrounding rainforest, and then enjoy a hike with a naturalist that will explain the plants' medicinal uses.

After departing from the pier, you will soon arrive at a small village near the mouth of the Monkey River, where you will begin a leisurely cruise upstream. Along the way, the guide will provide enlightening commentary about the region's history, including how the economy boomed in the late 19th century when large volumes of bananas were exported.

Little evidence of that thriving time period remains, as the meandering Monkey River is bordered by undeveloped rainforest. Natural beauty and remarkably diverse flora and fauna are now the main attractions.

You can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including crocodiles sunning on the riverbanks, turtles popping their heads above the water's surface, and iguanas perched in the tree limbs. You might even spot a troop of black howler monkeys screeching in the forest.

Tropical birds are just as abundant along the river, especially wading birds such as herons, brightly colored tanagers and keel-billed toucans, the national bird of Belize. Toucans are easy to spot because of their large, colorful bills and how they croak like frogs.

Once you disembark, you will hike through the surrounding forest while the naturalist guide points out plants with medicinal qualities. For instance, leaves of the soursop are often brewed into a tea that reduces fever, and the wild yam has anti-inflammatory properties.

For something truly different this is a perfect choice - cruise into the notorious Bermuda Triangle! As the stars shine brightly overhead, your Captain’s lively commentary will amuse you, as you barely notice the boat slipping into complete darkness. Watch in wonder through the glass bottom as the boat's underwater lights illuminate the depths for you.

Your knowledgeable crew will explain the mysterious civilizations of coral and fish that appear beneath, while you enjoy Bermuda’s “night life” from a completely different point of view. A complimentary rum swizzle or complimentary soft drink and cash bar available on return trip.

See the icons of Monaco and Monte Carlo and then explore further on your own, admiring the majestic architecture and elegance of these two gems on the French Riviera.

After departing from the pier, you will enjoy a leisurely drive along the gorgeous French Riviera to Monaco. During the walking tour that follows, you will see highlights such as the monumental Oceanographic Museum, which rises out of a sheer cliff overlooking the sea. Prince Albert I founded the museum in 1910 and its aquarium is among the best in Europe.

The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception is another icon. Prince Rainer III and Grace Kelly were married here in 1956 and both are buried in the church. The cream-colored facade was constructed with Italian granite starting in 1875 and it took more than 10 years to finish the entire cathedral, which is the largest in Monaco. Interior visits may not be possible if activities are taking place in the cathedral.

After free time to explore a bit further, you will continue on to Monte Carlo, driving along a section of road where the annual Monaco Grand Prix race has been held since 1929. You will notice the road is winding with hairpin turns, a signature of this Formula One race.

You will also see the grand Monte Carlo Casino, which opened in 1863. Designed by Charles Garnier, the architect behind the Paris Opera, the casino is an architectural masterpiece that may well be the most recognized building in Monte Carlo. Free time follows, after which you will rejoin your coach and return to Villefranche.

OVERVIEW
Inspired by the natural beauty of The Bahamas, Baha Bay is designed to perfectly fuse relaxing island chill with exhilarating fun for the entire family. The luxe water park is directly adjacent to Baha Mar and set on 15 lush beachfront acres. With an array of spectacular experiences and tantalizing cuisine, however you like to play in the sun, it awaits you at Baha Bay. Baha Bay offers over 30 attractions; an array of elevated food and beverage options and an exclusive open air casino gaming pavilion. For adventure seekers, there is the adrenaline rush of our one-of-a-kind dueling water coaster and our state-of-the-art FlowCurl™ surf simulator; along with our family raft rides and speed slides, guaranteed to provide you with the thrill of a lifetime. If chill is more your speed, you can exhale and enjoy the island breeze as you ride The River current through Baha Bay’s lush tropical foliage or wade out in the water and ride the tides in our 500,00-gallon wave pool. Younger guests can splash, slide and play all day on slides that are just their size at Kid’s Island.

HIGHLIGHTS
• Spend hours enjoying the world-class attractions and amenities at Baha Bay Waterpark.
• Enjoy a collection of exhilarating rides
• One (1) lunch per guest is included
• Complimentary seating throughout Baha Bay
• Ride the Caribbean’s only uphill water coaster and hang ten on the surf simulator
• Dine, shop and try your luck in the outdoor casino
• Towel is included

HELPFUL HINTS
• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Beach access is included, with available chairs and umbrellas
• Bring a swimsuit, hat, and sunscreen
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes
• Baha Bay is a cashless venue. All major credit & debit cards are accepted
• Baha Bay is wheelchair accessible throughout the park with ramps and accessible restrooms and eateries

OVERVIEW

Bicycle through neighborhoods and areas known more to locals than visitors, an experience that will leave you with a genuine understanding of daily life in Valencia. Fishermen founded the residential district El Cabanyal in the 13th century, and it is an excellent place for bicycling, as the streets are relatively flat and easy to negotiate, freeing you to really enjoy the setting. While bicycling through the outskirts of Alboraya, you will likely pass farmhouses surrounded by fields of vegetables and chufa, a vitamin-rich superfood known more casually as tiger nuts. It is also well-known for producing horchata, a beloved chilled beverage made with the milky juice of chufa and sugar. Valencia is synonymous with orchata, and you will enjoy a tasting at an authentic, local establishment before bicycling toward Malvarrosa Beach. The fresh sea air and views of the lively promenade along the golden sand will make the final leg of your journey more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Bicycle through areas of Valencia unknown to most visitors for a true glimpse at daily life.
• Pass a beach, farmhouse and field where you will see the diversity of local crops.
• Sample authentic horchata, beloved chilled beverage made with the milky juice of chufa and sugar

HELPFUL HINTS

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

You’ll journey to the ancient place of Mayan pilgrimage known today as Chacchoben, also known as "The Place of Red Corn". At the pier, you’ll be greeted by a bilingual guide who will direct you to an air-conditioned bus. Onboard the bus your guide will brief you on the interesting history and unique attributes of this sacred Mayan site. Upon arrival at Chacchoben you’ll be surrounded by jungle. Your guide will escort you through the ruins, giving you a complete explanation of the sacred temples and other structures seen there. See original red paint on the stucco walls of one of the pyramids and the temple where a mural was found showing the astronomical positions of the planet Venus. You’ll have time to climb the Gran Basamento taking you above tree level. Here archaeologists found ceremonial offerings dating to around 1000 B.C. Your guide will also explain about the wildlife and medicinal plants that are used by the modern-day descendants of the ancient Mayan people. During the tour, you will reach a structure known as the Gran Basamento, which is not a pyramid, but an elevated platform. To access additional ruins located on the second level, it is necessary to climb approximately 40 steps. This ascent will give you a broader view and allow you to see other pyramids (ruins) that are not visible from the lower level.

OVERVIEW

Cruise the turquoise seas off Mazatlan in a sleek triple-hulled trimaran and enjoy an array of water activities while anchored off Deer Island. While cruising along the coast with a refreshing mimosa in hand, you will pass Bird Island, part of a pristine ecological reserve that is protected from development. Similarly, only wildlife inhabits larger Deer Island, which also lies within the reserve. Depending on where the trimaran drops anchor, you may spot seabirds, pods of dolphin and seals along the coast. You will be free to enjoy the crystal-clear waters as you please. You might take a leisurely dip, float around on a swim noodle, paddle off in a kayak and bask in the sun while stretched out on a water mat. All the gear is available on board as is a box lunch whenever you get hungry. The open bar will make the adventure all the more enjoyable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Take in the tropical views while sailing along the coast in a triple-hulled trimaran.
• Engage in all sorts of water activities while anchored off uninhabited Deer Island.
• Enjoy a box lunch on board and an open bar throughout the cruise.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Snorkel a coral reef off Mystery Island, an ecologically protected area that is teeming with marine life. Chances are, you will have the reef pretty much to yourself as the island is uninhabited. In other words, it’s a tropical paradise where the natural world reigns supreme. While snorkeling the reef that lies just offshore, you can expect to see all sorts of brightly colored tropical fish, bizarrely shaped coral and perhaps a sea turtle or two.

A guide will snorkel along with you to point out the more interesting marine species such as parrotfish. These neon-colored fish usually swim in schools and have the unique ability to change their color and even gender over their lifetime. You may also spot teeny, orange-and-white striped clown fish taking refuge in the tentacles of sea anemones. The gentle current around the reef will eventually nudge you toward the shore, allowing you to drift snorkel without expending much energy.

OVERVIEW

Experience the Damajagua waterfalls in every way imaginable with a local guide leading the adventure. A hike through a jungle-like landscape will bring you to the waterfalls, whose source is the Damajagua River, a cool mountain stream. This breathtaking natural wonder contains numerous cascades of varying heights. You will jump off some of the waterfalls, negotiate other ones by sliding down slick rock chutes and swim in the sparkling pools at the base of all of them. Wooden walkways and steps connect many of the cascades, allowing you access that would be impossible otherwise. The river is known for its beautiful blue hue as it spills out of the mountains and carves its way through the rocky terrain. Steep limestone canyons line much of the Damajagua, making the scenery all the more memorable.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Follow a guide down the Damajagua River as it cascades through the mountainous jungle.
• Jump off and slide down the waterfalls and swim in the cool pools below the cascades.
• Marvel at the secluded pristine setting, which can only be reached on foot.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Bring a swimsuit, water shoes and towel.

OVERVIEW

Immerse yourself in the history, culture, music, and flavors of Puerto Limón on this enriching half-day experience. Begin with a short ride to Parque Vargas in downtown Limón for a guided walking tour of this historic park and town center. Admire seaside views of Uvita Island, where Christopher Columbus landed in 1502, and browse an outdoor art exhibit at Pasaje Cristal, where local artists display their work. Next, take a scenic coastal drive to Playa Bonita Beach for a brief photo stop, time to meet local vendors, and a chance to shop for souvenirs. Continue to Limón’s Cultural House for a lively presentation of world-famous Calypso music, complete with dancers and plenty of Caribbean rhythm. Your final stop is the historic United Fruit Company building, where you’ll take part in an interactive Caribbean cooking experience. Led by an entertaining local chef, you’ll prepare traditional dishes such as rice and beans, meat patties, and sweet pastries—then sit down to taste your creations before returning to the ship.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Stroll through Parque Vargas and the historic town center, with views of Columbus’ landing site.
• Shop for local crafts and meet artists at Pasaje Cristal.
• Stop at Playa Bonita Beach for photos and time to browse local vendors.
• Experience a live Calypso music and dance performance at Limón’s Cultural House.
• Join a fun and flavorful Caribbean cooking class inside the historic United Fruit Company building.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable closed-toe walking shoes, light clothing, and bring a poncho or raincoat, hat/visor, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
• Bring cash for souvenirs and tips.
• Be ready to walk about 1 mile on uneven surfaces, including cobblestones, gravel, and sand.

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.

Travelling through Jamaica's beautiful countryside, you'll drive past some historic sites and districts on the way to Dunn's River Falls. Described as a living and growing phenomenon, the waterfall continuously regenerates itself from deposits of travertine rock, the result of precipitation of calcium carbonate from the river, as it flows over the falls. The small dome-shaped cataracts are usually associated with thermal spring activity found in limestone caves. Experience the thrill of climbing the waterfall, in a human chain led by experienced Falls Guides. Pause at the 'massage parlour' and experience the soothing effects of the water as it cascades over the rocks, to the sea.

For the less adventurous, view the activities of the more intrepid from the "safe" vantage point of the terrace or deck. For those who enjoy Mother Nature’s gifts, lose yourself in the lush tropical foliage of ferns, bamboos, ginger lilies, crotons, orchids, a variety of palms and breadfruit trees. After visiting the falls, you will be treated to a delicious Jamaican buffet lunch, served in the beautiful garden setting of the Ruins Restaurant before the return drive to Montego Bay. A sample of the buffet menu which is subject to change may include jerk chicken, jerk pork, curried chicken, escoveitched fish/fish in batter, sweet & sour chicken, hot & spicy wings and various side dishes.