Caribbean Cruises: Excursions

Take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime experience, the thrill of racing aboard a multimillion-dollar America's Cup race boat. Two classic thoroughbreds nearly 70-feet long with masts the height of an eight-story building, duel in an equal match for a fractional advantage. They round the first mark and head off on the next leg. The race boats slice through the clear blue waters at speeds you have never sailed before. The skippers and crewmembers explain the strategy for winning the race, and you rise to the task! And, as if by miracle, a photo boat arrives to record for posterity the moment you raced a '12' to 'victory' in the St. Maarten 'America's Cup' 12-Meter Regatta. Note: Participants must be at least 7 years of age and possess sailing experience. Participants with no sailing experience must be at least 12 years of age and 21 years of age to be served alcoholic beverages. This tour is not recommended for guests with limited mobility. less

From the pier, board a speedboat and after a safety briefing, begin an ecological experience. Known for having one the lushest rainforests and mangrove reserves in the Caribbean, Los Haitises National Park is a beautiful sanctuary. You'll circle the small cay known as 'Bird Island' as your guide explains the importance of the many migratory and indigenous birds that inhabit the island. Your Captain will dock the boat at an area of captivating caves and your guide will provide information on the people that inhabited these caves and the islands. Cave drawings representing the gods and the daily life of the Taino Indians will give you a glimpse into the life of these ancient people. You'll also see beautiful stalagmites and stalactites which have formed over centuries. Note: Participants must be able to navigate uneven surfaces. This tour is not recommended for pregnant women. Wear comfortable clothing, closed-toe footwear or Teva®-type sandals. less

This scenic drive was especially designed for passengers 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 rustic Edgewater Inn has a nine mile coastline view of the Atlantic Ocean side and the cool and calming waters of the Joe’s River on the western side of the property. One may relax in the outdoor area which overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, or sit inside and enjoy the cool fresh breeze of the ocean. 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. less

Your coach will take you inland, passing through Sao Martinho to the Socorridos ravine. Eira do Serrado is reached after a short drive along a winding road, offering spectacular views of the interior of the island. Here, it is a short and easy walk up to the viewpoint on Pico de Serrado at an altitude of approximately 3,592 feet (1,094 meters), for an amazing view down onto the village of Curral das Freiras. Curral das Freiras (Nuns Valley) is a small village nestling between almost perpendicular mountains in the heart of the island. In 1566, the nuns from the Santa Clara convent fled from pirates attacking Funchal and found seclusion here where they also brought the convent’s treasure. Your next stop will be at Monte. This small village, perched up in the hills overlooking Funchal, was formerly a health resort for Europe's high society, including Austrian Emperor Charles I. One of its long-lost features was a rack railway, which connected Monte with Funchal. From here you will board the cable car and see Madeira from the air, experiencing the wonderful views all the way down to Funchal. The cable car is made up of 40 small cabins with a capacity of up to eight people per cabin and it has an approximate duration of 15 minutes. Your last stop will be at an important wine lodge, where a sample of the famous Madeira wine will be offered. Note: A jacket is recommended as Madeira has a microclimate. This tour involves approximately 3/4-mile of walking (5 to 10 minutes) on cobblestones and uneven surfaces with approximately five steps to get to the viewpoint at Eira Do Serrado; approximately 10 steps at Monte and five to eight steps at the Madeira Wine Company. Cable car is not suitable for guests with walking difficulties as access is similar to a ski lift; i.e. cable car does not stop for boarding, rather it moves slowly. An approximately five-minute walk is required from the bus stop to the wine lodge. less

Start your tour of the magnificent city of Cartagena de Indias with a panoramic view of San Felipe de Barajas Fortress, situated outside the walled city. This monumental fort is considered to be the most outstanding feat of Spanish military engineering in the New World. Its construction began in the year 1536 and lasted for 121 years. Entering the walled city, you’ll stop for approximately 15 minutes for photos at San Francisco Battery giving you the opportunity to view the well-preserved 16th century houses, churches, plazas and museums. You’ll walk about five blocks through narrow streets and passing beautiful balconies to reach Plaza de Bolivar, where the Inquisition Palace, cathedral and Gold Museum are located. Visit San Pedro Claver Church and Monastery, built in homage to the protector of slaves, constitutes another point of interest within the walled city. Enjoy a folkloric show during your visit to the Heredia Theater. This monument was built of the ruins of an old Mercy Church (1625) to commemorate the centenary of the independence (1911) and restored as a cultural center for theater and musical performances. A bottle of water or soft drink will be served upon arrival at the theater. Before the return to your ship, your last stop will be at Bocagrande – the most modern area of Cartagena – with its shopping center of Pierino Gallo. less

Drive along the west coast past Holetown to Speightstown, which is characteristically West Indian with its 19th-century architecture. Today, it is home to quaint shops and restaurants. Then, your drive heads inland to the Wildlife Reserve for the 'Green Monkey Experience.' You are now in the animal's world - the monkeys and other animals are free to roam as they please and you may see them anywhere. Walk quietly along the shady paths and discover the mystery of the green monkey. Remember that these timid animals are wild and sudden movements and loud noises may frighten them away. Note: Monkey sightings are not guaranteed. less