SHORE EXCURSIONS

OVERVIEW

Spend time on a spacious pontoon moored atop the Outer Reef and discover the exquisite beauty waiting below in the world’s richest marine habitat. Your adventure begins with a scenic 90-minute sail by luxury catamaran to the Marine World activity platform on one of the Outer Great Barrier Reef’s most pristine and versatile sites. You’ll enjoy about four hours on this floating resort, dividing your time among several inclusive activities that showcase this breathtaking environment. Perhaps you’ll take a ride on the semi-submersible to observe the reef’s intricate coral gardens and colorful fish without getting wet. Or slip into the inviting aquamarine water with provided snorkel and mask to explore the reef al fresco. Optional scuba diving and escorted snorkeling tours are also available at an extra charge. The comfortable Marine World platform has multiple decks with sun lounges up top, ample undercover seating, freshwater showers and changing rooms, and its own Underwater Reef Viewing Observatory. Reef life is just meters away, making this a suitable choice for guests of all ages and swimming/snorkeling abilities. Morning and afternoon tea complement your day aboard, and an extensive hot and cold buffet lunch will be laid out for you.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a leisurely 90-minute sail to the Outer Great Barrier Reef by luxury catamaran.
• Arrive at a pontoon atop the world’s lushest marine habitat, your playground for the next few hours.
• Choose from a range of activities offered – semi-submersible ride, independent snorkeling, onboard underwater viewing chamber, optional scuba or escorted snorkeling, and more.
• Experience breathtaking views of colorful reef fish and intricate coral gardens.
• Graze an extensive buffet lunch with soft drinks included; bar drinks are available for an additional cost.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Wear comfortable clothing and/or swimsuit with cover-up.
• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes are strongly recommended.
• Bring a hat, towel from the ship, sunglasses and sunscreen as needed.

OVERVIEW

Snorkel an inner section of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park that is a protected sanctuary for all sorts of marine life. You will sail there on the Island Explorer, a 79-foot catamaran custom-built for snorkeling and diving. The vessel features two air-conditioned levels and plenty of deck space for basking in the sun or relaxing outdoors in the shade, if that is your preference. Along the way, you will pass seemingly endless unspoiled and uninhabited islands that comprise the Whitsundays. Once the catamaran moors at the reef, you will be free to snorkel for several hours and come back on board whenever you wish to relax and enjoy the hearty buffet lunch. While there is no telling what you will see while snorkeling, brightly colored angelfish, parrotfish, groupers and gobies are often spotted. You may even catch sight of green sea turtles and rays gracefully swimming by.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Relax on board a catamaran while cruising to the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
• Spend hours snorkeling a protected inner reef that is teeming with marine life.
• Relax on the catamaran and enjoy a buffet lunch between snorkeling outings.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing with a swimsuit underneath.
• Bring a towel and sun protection.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes with closed toes.

Gain an understanding of the Big Island’s history through attractions that highlight the life of the early Hawaiians and the influence of Catholic missionaries. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park will offer a glimpse into the early culture, as it was a place of refuge for those that had violated the sacred laws known as kapu. There, you will see a temple where criminals could be absolved of their transgressions and safely return to society. To complement the experience, you will visit the 19th-century Painted Church. Its interior features frescoes and murals of biblical scenes that a Belgian priest painted to teach the islanders Catholicism. The missionaries were also instrumental in dismantling the harsh kapu laws. You will also learn how coffee was introduced to Hawaii in the 1820s and how it is processed today at the Royal Kona Coffee Center. It is an excellent setting to enjoy a cup of fresh-brewed Kona coffee.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit one Hawaii’s most sacred sites, where criminals could find safe refuge.
• View the biblical murals and frescoes that adorn the Painted Church.
• Enjoy a cup of Kona coffee and learn about its production at a coffee mill.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Spectacular volcanoes, craters and steam vents are waiting to be explored at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park that has recently reopened after a period of tumultuous volcanic activity. The landscape of Volcanoes Park has dramatically changed as the floor of the Kilauea crater sunk over 1,500 feet and the overall caldera quadrupled in size and widened by over a square mile. Today, the explosive eruptions, earthquakes and ash clouds have been replaced by remarkable changes in the summit area. The highlights of this exciting tour include visits at each of the following destinations in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park while riding to each stop in comfort on a deluxe motor coach. Walk through the Kilauea Visitors Center to receive information on the Park’s current conditions, view educational exhibits and interact with park rangers. Enjoy unforgettable views of Kilauea from Volcano House, just a short walk across the street. Kilauea’s massive size and scale is realized from this vantage point. Then you’ll be engulfed in rising steam as ground water seeps down to the hot volcanic rocks at the Steam Vents. The area between the edge of Kilauea’s caldera and the outer cliffs are treeless because the extreme heat destroys their roots; only shallow-rooted grasses and other hearty plants survive here. On you return to the pier, visit the Big Island Candies Store. Established in 1977, each of its delectable candies and cookies are hand-crafted in this factory store. View the production process and see what goes into making these world famous Hawaiian treats. All products are made from only freshly roasted Big Island macadamia nuts and pure Kona and Ka‘u coffee from farms on the Big Island. Since its founding, Big Island Candies has continuously introduced new and imaginative products that "wow" both the eyes and taste buds of its growing legion of fans. The Volcanoes National Park Tour is not to be missed and includes round-trip transportation from the pier by deluxe motorcoach.

OVERVIEW

Discover the wild side of the Whitsunday Islands by zipping across the sea to Whitehaven Beach on a rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB. It will be an exhilarating, adrenaline-charged experience as you race through the water to the idyllic uninhabited beach, which is known for its exceptionally white sand. Because of its high silica content, the sand is extremely fine and soft and doesn’t retain heat like most sand. Feel free to beachcomb, bask in the sun and enjoy a refreshing swim in the remarkably clear waters. Wildlife is plentiful in this remote spot, especially water birds. You will also have access to Hill Inlet Beach, a spectacularly scenic cove where tidal currents swirl the turquoise sea and white sand together to form ever-changing picture-perfect mosaics. This natural phenomenon is especially stunning when viewed from the elevated lookout when the tide is low.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race across the sea in a rigid inflatable boat known as a RIB.
• Relax on Whitehaven Beach’s exceptionally fine, soft and sparkling white sand.
• Look for wildlife, which is abundant around remote Whitehaven Beach.
• Watch the tidal current form colorful mosaics in the sea at Hill lnlet Cove.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Sit back and appreciate all the sights along the famed Hana Highway without having to navigate the curves yourself. Travel over one-lane bridges and along the winding Road to Hana in the air-conditioned comfort of an exclusive 8-passenger luxury Limo-Van, featuring all Captain's chair seating.

Relax and take in the incredible scenery of lava cliffs, sparkling waterfalls, lush hillsides of feathery ferns, and trees laden with tropical fruit. You'll have plenty of photo opportunities and time to explore, with many stops made along this spectacular coastal drive.

Experience the Ke'anae Peninsula, one of the last enclaves of native Hawaiians, offering splendid tranquil taro fields and a stop for a light morning snack. It's also the perfect place for you to learn about the native Hawaiian people, their culture, and the land they call home. See Waikani Falls, a cascade of fresh mountain rainwater. These are just some of the many sights for you to enjoy.

This full-day tour includes an alfresco picnic-style lunch at a Hana beach park. After lunch, guests delight in discovering Wai'anapanapa State Park, with numerous unique scenic features. Stroll on the black sand beach, photograph lava sea arches, or view beautiful lava formations. The return journey offers an optional swim to take a dip in a freshwater pool under a cascading waterfall, so bring your swimsuit underneath your clothes and a towel for - a perfect "Heavenly Hana" experience. An opportunity to swim at either Pua'a Ka'a ( waterfall ) or Waianapanapa ( black sand beach ) but not both, is offered to guests. The optional swimming opportunity is determined based on safety conditions.

OVERVIEW

Enjoy an immersive exploration of Hawaii’s only salt farm and explore other aspects of HOST, an acronym for the Hawaii Ocean Science and Technology Park. While touring this cutting-edge facility, you will discover the fascinating process used to produce the world’s only sea salt made from deep ocean water, which contains different nutrients and minerals than salt from surface water. It is a difference that you can taste, especially in the artisanal salts flavored with ingredients such as fresh herbs and chili peppers. You will also learn about the significance and traditions of sea salt in the Hawaiian culture. Afterwards, a rather unusual experience awaits you in the cabana, where you will be treated to a relaxing foot soak in 48° mineral-rich deep ocean water. Salt production only touches upon the park’s groundbreaking projects, which include the conservation of Hawaii’s coral reefs, sustainable aquaculture and advancements in marine biotechnology.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how salt is produced from deep ocean water in a cutting-edge technology park.
• Discover the differences between deep ocean water salt and that from surface water.
• Taste deep ocean water salt and relax in a mineral-rich, deep ocean water foot bath.
• Learn about the park’s other projects, such as conserving Hawaii’s coral reefs.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

This tour offers guests the perfect opportunity to get acquainted with the most notable sights in Honolulu and Waikiki, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Start off from the pier with a drive through Honolulu and the heart of Waikiki, viewing the legendary Waikiki Beach. Next, continue on to Diamond Head for a stop at the Diamond Head lookout where you can take in breathtaking views of this world-famous landmark. Making your way into the Koolau mountain range which rises above the city, you will stop at the Pali lookout for some spectacular views of the windward side of Oahu. Next, it's on to the Punchbowl National Cemetery for a drive through this beautiful yet somber reminder of the brave men and women who have served our country. Set in an extinct volcano, this cemetery honors America's fallen heroes from WWI, WWII, and the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Traveling back to the center of Honolulu, you will view such attractions as Iolani Palace, the Royal palace of the Hawaiian Monarchy and the only royal palace located in the United States, as well as the impressive King Kamehameha statue, Honolulu City Hall, The State Capital Building, China Town, Kawaiahao Church and the quaint homes of the early missionaries. Following your city tour, you will be transferred back to the cruise ship pier.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Admire the most renowned attractions in and around Honolulu.
• Drive past iconic Diamond Head.
• Glimpse Oahu’s verdant windward side from a mountain lookout.
• See the only royal palace in the United States.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

Enjoy tastings of two classic Hawaiian products – coffee and chocolate – and see how both are produced to maximize their unique flavors. At Kona Joe Coffee, you will learn about the patented cultivation process that allows the trellised Arabica coffee trees to grow upright like grapevines, which ensures uniform sun exposure. The result is a superior organic coffee bean with an enhanced taste and body, as you will discover by sampling a fresh-brewed cup. You will be treated to another sampling at Kokoleka Lani Farms, an actual working farm where you will view cacao (chocolate) on the tree and see the raw beans utilized in the making of their award-winning chocolate. After touring this biodiverse farm, you will enjoy the best part--a chocolate tasting! In addition to coffee and cacao, learn how farm products are integrated into Kona Natural Soap which is also made here. Afterward, enjoy free time to browse their chocolate selections, Kona coffee and vegan soaps in the gift shop.

HIGHLIGHTS

• See how a patented process for growing coffee produces a uniquely flavored cup of coffee.
• Tour a cacao farm and watch each step of the cacao bean production.
• Sample a selection of coffees and chocolates that are pure Hawaiian..

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Transfer to Honolulu’s spectacular Waikiki neighborhood and spend hours exploring on your own. You will find every imaginable store within easy walking distance, including shopping malls and one-of-a-kind boutiques. The same goes for restaurants as most every type of cuisine is available from authentic Polynesian to traditional Italian.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a short transfer to the upscale Waikiki neighborhood and explore it on your own.
• Focus on the experience that sounds most interesting to you with no need to rush.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Soar through the tree canopy on a series of ziplines high above the forest floor for a bird’s-eye view of the Wainadoi River Valley. After a briefing on how to maximize the experience, you will be harnessed onto the first zipline and step off an elevated platform into the wild green yonder. All you need to do is sit back in the specially designed seat with your hands free and feet dangling. Feel free to scream as you will reach hair-raising speeds while racing through tunnels cut out of the tree canopy and across a mountain stream far below. Don’t blink because the scenery will go by fast. Each of the eight ziplines will present a different sort of adrenaline rush, ensuring that there will never be a dull moment. At times, you will be more than 100 feet above the tropical forest floor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Race through the rainforest on a series of eight ziplines, each one a different experience.
• Experience the exhilaration of flying through the air as high as 100 feet above the ground.
• Soar high above a mountain stream and through tunnels carved out of the tree canopy.

HELPFUL HINTS

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

OVERVIEW

Follow a short trail through the jungle to a breathtaking waterfall, where you will be free to swim in the pool at the base of the cascade. The drive there will be immensely relaxing and picturesque, putting you in just the right mood to enjoy the rainforest setting. The tree canopy will provide plenty of shade as you walk toward Nakawaqa Waterfall, which you will hear long before seeing it. The cascade tumbles down a narrow canyon in a spectacular display of natural beauty that can be awe-inspiring. Dense jungle surrounds the waterfall, making the setting all the more magical. Take a refreshing swim in the cool water beneath the waterfall or, if you prefer not to get wet, you can easily find a peaceful spot to stretch out on shore. The guide will be happy to answer any questions you may have about the rainforest flora and fauna..

HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a relaxing and wonderfully picturesque drive to the Nakawaqa Rainforest.
• Walk through the rainforest to the thundering Nakawaqa Waterfall.
• Swim in the crystal-clear pool beneath the waterfall and enjoy the serene setting.

HELPFUL HINTS

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