RCCL has dozens of great shore excursions for you to choose from. I have picked out just a few here which are the most interesting and which offer the best shore experience and feel for the islands. These and many more can be purchased on board. For the full roster of shore excursions please click the link at the bottom of this page.

NASSAU - BAHAMAS

Close Dolphin Encounter

This is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for anyone who has dreamed of an encounter with a dolphin. This wonderful facility is home to Universal Studios' Flipper, who starred in the 1996 movie of the same name. You'll board a powered catamaran for a short ride to Blue Lagoon Island, where the Dolphin Encounter is located. Once ashore, a guide will introduce you to the fascinating world of the dolphin, including information on its life, anatomy, echolocation and the environment in which it lives. Afterward, you will be led to a floating platform, where your encounter will take place. Have your picture taken while kissing a dolphin (photos can be purchased separately), learn about the anatomy of a real dolphin and pet and feed a dolphin while standing in waist-deep water. Finally, you'll have 30 minutes of free time to relax, browse through the souvenir shop or check out the photos of you and the dolphin. Your catamaran will then return you to the pier. Note: Bathing attire and towels are recommended. Guests may bring a change of clothing if desired.             

                 SeaTrek Scuba Dive

              Rainbow Reef Snorkeling 

This full-day adventure is a one-of-a-kind experience. Begin with a 30-minute historical harbor cruise to the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal. From there, you will be escorted for a short walk to the Atlantis resort to begin a guided journey through “Discover Atlantis,” the extensive marine habitat aquarium attraction. Themed to the Lost City of Atlantis, this attraction is home to over 150,000 fish representing 200 species. Your guide will then escort you to a reserved location on the beach (chair and towel included) and provided a meal coupon for lunch at the Dive In snack bar. You are free to enjoy the casino, shopping or a self-guided walk through the Waterscape. Note: Please note that it is a 10-minute walk from the Paradise Island Ferry Terminal to the Atlantis Resort.

ST THOMAS

        St. Thomas Sightseeing Tour

Enjoy the scenic views that have made St. Thomas one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. Departing the dockside, your driver/guide will wind up the mountainside to St. Peter Greathouse, formerly a private hideaway for the rich. Enjoy a self-guided through the beautiful estate and landscaped grounds. While sipping a complimentary rum or fruit punch, gaze down at lovely Magens Beach. Then continue to the highest point on the island, Mountain Top. In addition to the many shops located here, you'll find a spectacular panoramic view. You have the option to end the tour in the shopping district or back at the ship.

St. John Beach Tour

Via ferry, you will cross Pillsbury Sound to Cruz Bay. By safari bus you will pass St. John's National Park, Laurance Rockefeller's Caneel Bay Plantation, Turtle Bay Beach and lovely Hawksnest Bay. Then enjoy 1.5 hours of swimming, snorkeling or sunbathing at Trunk Bay with its unique underwater snorkel trail just offshore. Mask, snorkel, safety vest and instructions are provided. Changing rooms and toilets are available on the beach, and snacks and refreshments can be purchased. Safari buses will return guests to the dock, where they will board a boat for the ride to St. Thomas and return to the ship. Availability of snorkeling is subject to local weather conditions. Due to National Park regulations, only 40 people may snorkel the trail at one time. Snorkeling will be rotated.

Atlantis Submarine

                              

A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience is yours once you step aboard the Atlantis XV, the world's newest, most advanced passenger submarine. After a scenic harbor tour, you'll be transported to a depth of 90 feet, covering a distance of over 1.5 miles of ocean bottom. Possible sightings include blue chromis, rock beauties, yellowtail, snapper and sea turtles. Listen to a narration on the fish and coral formations while seated in air-conditioned comfort. Afterward, enjoy a complimentary rum punch and receive a dive certificate during the transfer boat ride back to the ship. Guests must be at least 3 feet tall and a minimum of 4 years old to participate. The actual dive time is approximately 40 minutes.

Virgin Islands Seaplane Exploration

Explore the U.S. and British Virgin Islands in a deluxe twin-engine seaplane uniquely designed to excite your senses. Delight in spectacular views of mountainous islands, white-sand beaches and azure blue waters through large panoramic windows. Individual headsets allow your two-pilot crew to recount the history of notorious pirates and modern-day moguls who have made these islands their home. Your flight lifts off in a showery spray from the Charlotte Amalie harbor, elevating you to fantastic perspectives of the region from Norman Island, Tortola and St. John. A complimentary route guide is provided, complete with map and detailed description of the islands. Flight time is approximately 20 minutes.

SAN JUAN

New And Old San Juan City Tour

Experience both modern and colonial San Juan during this excursion. You will visit Fort San Cristobal, a 17th-century military fortification, the largest ever built by the Spanish. The Spaniards built San Cristobal and the city walls to defend San Juan from attack. You'll have time to explore the tunnels and other ingenious defenses. You'll also see historic landmarks such as the San José Church, the Governor's Mansion, the Cristo Chapel, El Convento Hotel and other historical areas. You'll also visit the Condado section of New San Juan, with its rows of modern condominiums and luxury hotels. You have the option of ending the tour in the shopping area of Old San Juan and either returning to the ship independently or returning directly to the ship. Note to guests taking this tour at the end of their cruise vacation: This is only available to guests with flights departing from San Juan at 2:00 pm or later. Guests' final destination must be in the U.S. The tour will conclude at the airport.

El Yunque Rain Forest Tour

A popular side trip out of San Juan is to El Yunque Rain Forest. During the 1-hour drive you'll pass towns and rural communities en route to one of Puerto Rico's finest spots of natural beauty. El Yunque encompasses 28,000 acres and reaches an elevation of 3,526 feet, so it is pleasantly cool. The rain forest averages 200 inches of rainfall a year, making the tropical woodlands lush. Upon arrival at Baño Grande, a natural swimming pool, you will depart on a 25-minute walk on Camimitillo trail. Along the way you'll see the artificial nest of the Puerto Rican parrot, flora and fauna of the Palo Colorado forest and other forest inhabitants. You will make a short stop at the interpretive station before reboarding buses for a short ride to the Yohaku observation tower. You'll stop at Coca waterfall, once believed to be the fountain of youth. 

Caraballi Horseback Riding

This is an exhilarating way to explore the beautiful Puerto Rican countryside. You'll travel one hour to the foothills of El Yunque Rain Forest for a memorable horseback ride in a unique natural environment. Upon arrival you'll be assigned a horse and given basic riding instruction. On a gentle but spirited steed, you'll ride around the edge of El Yunque and the banks of the Espiritu Santo River. After about one hour, you'll come to a natural swimming hole located in the river. Enjoy a rum punch, swim and listen to tropical music before re-mounting your horse for a short ride back to the stable. Trails may be muddy. Note: Long pants, enclosed shoes and a swimsuit are recommended. This is a slow-paced, walking-only horseback ride. Changing facilities are not available. Maximum weight: 250 pounds

ST MAARTEN

St. Maarten Island Tour

Experience a visit to two countries, Holland and France, on one tour. Departing from the Dutch capital, Philipsburg, youll drive through town past the Great Salt Pond. At the border between the Dutch and French sides of the island, youll stop and see the monument signifying different countries. Then drive through the district of Orleans, once the capital of the French side, before continuing to Orient Bay for a spectacular view of Orient Beach, Pinel Island and St. Barts. In the village of Grand Case, youll see old country-style living, restaurants and a lovely beach. Youll continue on to Marigot for 30 minutes of browsing among the shops and cafs, or just sit back and take in the French atmosphere. On your return drive, a stop will be made at a scenic lookout.

Shipwreck Snorkel Adventure

You will begin your adventure upon boarding a spacious motorized snorkeling vessel. You can relax during the scenic ride across Philipsburg harbor. Once at Shipwreck Cove, certified instructors will give you a mask, snorkel, fins floatation vest and instruction. The snorkeling staff will guide you through an undersea world of coral reefs and wrecks inhabited by tropical fish. Unlimited fruit and rum punch will be served after snorkeling. This vessel is wheelchair accessible.

Lagoon Kayaking Adventure

Tour one of the largest salt-water lagoons in the Caribbean by kayak. Your guide will take you to tranquil locations and mangroves where life for many marine species start. The shoreline shelters a variety of wildlife including egrets, plovers, crab herons, and pelicans. The latter half of the tour takes you to Explorer Island for a brief stop, before crossing some open sea to a white-sand beach where you can relax and enjoy a complimentary drink before being transferred back to the pier.

Golden Eagle Island Sailaway

Sail in style on this exciting and unique Caribbean adventure aboard one of the Golden Eagle’s fleet of catamarans. Red carpet and bow ties… go first class! Enjoy snacks and an open bar while experiencing the thrill of sailing at up to 20 knots in the sparkling waters. Count the flying fish while lying in the nets or lazing in the shade of the 80-foot-tall sail. The catamaran will nuzzle her bow into a fabulous sandy beach for swimming in a quiet cove, bobbing around on a noodle float or snorkeling. Homeward bound, listen to great music and relax.

Butterfly Farm & Marigot

Experience two highlights of St. Maarten on one tour. Leaving Philipsburg by bus, you’ll pass through the Dutch and French sides of the island before arriving at the Butterfly Farm. Knowledge-able guides will escort you through the “Butterfly Sphere,” which is a magnificently landscaped garden where the butterflies live. You’ll also see a waterfall, ponds and Japanese fish. As you are guided through this tranquil environment, some of the most colorful butterflies from all over the world will be flying around. A beverage will be served during your visit. A stop will also be made in the French capital city of Marigot for you to enjoy shopping and walking among the sidewalk cafés and open-air market. En route back to the ship, view the eastern coastline of St. Maarten and St. Barts at Orient Bay Lookout.