| Catalina Island,
California |
Catalina
Island, located off the southern coast of California, is the home
of the Mediterranean-style town of Avalon, with its small-town
charm and circular Moorish-style casino (now a concert venue) on
the harbor. The population of 2,500 swells to nearly 20,000 in
season, yet three-quarters of the island remains undeveloped.
Here's an interesting bit of trivia ? a herd of wild buffalo left
by a film crew years ago still roams the interior sections.
Sample Shore Excursions:
- Lover's Cove Snorkel Tour. This is an opportunity for
the truly adventurous to experience the spectacular variety of
undersea life found in the waters off Catalina Island. If you
have never been snorkeling before, we will show you how. Your
guide will escort you into the waters of Lover's Cove to visit
some of the hundreds of fish that thrive in the area. You may
see garibaldi, calico bass and halibut. Giant kelp, abalone,
lobster and sea urchins also call this place home.
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South of the
border, alongside mountains, desert, and sea, Ensenada offers a
warm and wonderful introduction to Mexico. The oldest community in
the Baja Peninsula, it was first visited by Spanish missionaries
in the 17th century. Today, it's a thriving seaport. Ensenada's
breezy climate invites exploration, shopping for colorful
handicrafts, dining on delectable seafood, viewing the wonderful
gold coast, and sipping cervezas in lively cantinas.
Sample Shore Excursions:
- La Bufadora & Mexican Folklorico. Travel through
Ensenada and into the countryside for a 35-minute ride past
farms and olive groves en route to the "La Bufadora,"
or blowhole. This fascinating natural phenomenon shoots water
through crevices formed in the rock face of the cliff.
Continue on to Riviera Pacifica, where you will enjoy Mexican
Folklorico featuring singers, dancers, and of course, the
Mariachi band.
- Baja Bandidos Trail Ride. Mount one of the horses at
San Miguel Ranch for your trek into the surrounding hills.
Along the way you'll enjoy magnificent views of the San Miguel
Beach, Bay of Ensenada, and the Gold Coast.
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San Diego is California's "first city," with roots
dating back to 1769. If you want to stay close to your ship,
you'll find San Diego's beautiful harbor a lovely place to stroll.
Historical Seaport Village, along the Embarcadero, is filled with
fascinating shops and galleries. But if you wish to explore
further, the world of San Diego is your oyster.
Sample Shore Excursions:
- Old Town Trolley Tour. Board the open air trolley at
the port of San Diego. Get an introduction to this beautiful
city from your guide before stopping at Seaport Village for a
short walk. Pass through the historic "Gaslamp
Quarter", over the Coronado Bay Bridge, by the famous
Hotel Del Coronado, and stop at the Ferry Landing for a break
before an equally amazing return trip.
- San Diego Zoo. No trip to San Diego is complete
without a visit to the world famous San Diego Zoo. Enjoy the
magnificent exhibits which are the zoo's trademark. This
wonderful experience that will amaze both adults and children
alike.
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It's an
exciting semitropical city of palm trees, swimming pools,
television studios, and aerospace factories. Los Angeles has
become the second most populous city and metropolitan area (after
New York) in the United States. Wherever you visit, from ritzy
Beverly Hills to the wondrous Hollywood Bowl, you're sure to have
an unforgettable stay.
Sample Shore Excursions:
- Beverly Hills. See the city where Hollywood
celebrities and executives have for years built lavish homes.
Explore and discover the luxurious mansions among the winding
drives, many chic shops, boutiques, and department stores -
including the most exclusive of these on famous Rodeo Drive.
- La Brea Tar Pits. Step into the past to a time when
saber-toothed tigers, mammoths, and giant ground sloths roamed
the earth. See the fossilized skulls and bones of prehistoric
animals that became entrapped in the sticky seepage of the
pits. View giant life-size figures of many such long-extinct
creatures.
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