If you’ve booked (or you’re considering booking) the 7-Day Christmas 2023 Caribbean Cruise on NCL’s newest ship, the Norwegian Viva, there will be no days at sea. On this 7-day Caribbean cruise, there will be a port of call every single day. This means, once you depart San Juan, Puerto Rico, you’ll be visiting six more beautiful islands in the Eastern Caribbean—starting with Tortola (BVI), Antigua, Saint Lucia, Barbados, St Maarten and St. Thomas (USVI), then returning back to Puerto Rico.
When you arrive at each port of call, you’ll have the opportunity to explore each island on an excursion with NCL. By booking an excursion organized by NCL, you are guaranteed to arrive back at the ship before it departs for its next port of call. You’ll also be one of the first to leave the ship in the morning for your day’s adventure.
At the time of writing this post, there were 93 excursions to choose from. To help you narrow down your selection, I’m sharing two for each island that will not only satisfy your thirst for adventure, but will also give you a taste of each island, its history, culture, personality, and of course its cuisine. Since there are 93 shore excursions to choose from, if the ones I’ve picked don’t appeal to you, I’d be glad to help you arrange a different one.
Prefer to discover Tortola’s marine life or explore the island in a 4×4?
Snorkel & Swim Virgin Gorda Baths
This 3½ hour shore excursion on the island of Tortola in the British Virgin Islands is ideal for marine lovers. You’ll cruise to The Virgin Gorda Baths, then swim in the crystal-clear waters of the eastern Caribbean. You can choose to snorkel and discover the abundant marine life, relax on the beautiful white sand beach or just rest on the boat’s sun deck.
4x4 exploration and beach
If you love both a land and marine adventure, then this 3½ hour shore excursion may be ideal for you. You’ll experience a fun and exciting drive on an off-road jeep safari with wonderful views of Tortola and the surrounding islands. A scenic drive around the island will take you through villages, on and off-roads and along the coast. You’ll also have time to swim and/or relax on a beach
Does swimming with stingrays or zipping through Antigua’s canopy appeal to you?
Stingray Swim & Snorkel
Imagine the magical feeling as you step into calm crystal-clear waters to play with gentle stingrays. During this 3¼ hour shore excursion in Antigua, you can choose to snorkel with the rays or wade in the shallow water habitat where you’ll fall in love with these graceful creatures. This is a unique experience even non-swimmers can enjoy.
Antigua Canopy Tour
On this 3½ shore excursion, be prepared to get your adrenaline pumping as you cross your first suspension bridge, then step off your first platform to zip through Antigua’s rainforest! Just take a deep breath and the’ Leap of Faith’ will lead you to magical tree houses and the Stairway to Heaven.
Is Saint Lucia’s history or its scenery calling you on this port of call?
Historical Island Tour
Soufriere by Land & Sea
Alternatively, enjoy a scenic tour of Saint Lucia by land and sea on this 6½ hour shore excursion. During your tour you’ll see amazing views of The Pitons – a UNESCO World Heritage site. At lunchtime, you’ll savour a typical Creole meal at the enchanting Morne Coubaril Estate, then board a catamaran to cruise along the island’s west coast.
Is adventure with monkey encounters or coast to coast scenery in Barbados calling you?
4X4 Adventure & Green Monkey Encounter
If you love to go “wild” on vacation, this 3½ hour shore excursion on your Barbados port of call will likely be calling your name. On this adventure, you’ll discover what Barbados has to offer as your convoy of 4×4’s explores the Scotland District. At the wildlife reserve, you’ll have the opportunity to experience wild monkeys in their natural habitat.
Coast to Coast Scenic Drive
On this 3½ hour shore excursion in Barbados, you’ll discover the island’s most scenic sights, such as the National Heroes Square and the Parliament buildings in Bridgetown. As you drive across the island, you’ll pass through peaceful villages, eventually reaching St. John’s Church (pictured), where you can enjoy the beautiful views.
Experience aerial tranquility or watch planes on St Maarten’s icon beach?
Aerial Sky Explorer & 360° Views
On this 3¼ excursion, you’ll have the opportunity to experience St. Maarten’s newest attraction, the Soualiga Sky Explorer chairlifts. You’ll take a tranquil ride up two lifts spanning a total of 2,997 ft. as the island’s stunning landscape unfolds below.
Maho Beach Transfer
Maho Beach on St. Maarten, has become the number one place in the world to experience the up close sensation of watching planes, including wide-bodied, taking off and landing. Be part of that experience on this 4½ shore excursion. Of course, you’ll have time to swim and relax on the beach too.
Experience a cornucopia of St Thomas highlights or enjoy the scenery from two vantage points?
Discover St. Thomas & Magens Bay
Everything you’d want to, and should, experience in St. Thomas all conveniently packed into one complete tour – a cornucopia of beaches, spectacular down island views, historical locations and ultimate shopping experiences encompassing all the best highlights of the U.S. Virgin Islands’ most popular island. This shore excursion lasts 5¼ hours.
Drake's Seat, Magens Bay & Skyride
On this 4¼ hour excursion, you’ll take in St. Thomas’ stunning natural beauty from two unique vantage points and spend hours relaxing at the island’s most celebrated beach. As you ascend the verdant hills behind the capital city of Charlotte Amalie, the sights will become all the more magnificent.
End your cruise in Puerto Rico with a rainforest drive or a city tour?
El Yunque Rainforest Drive
At the end of your 7-day cruise, before flying home from San Juan, Puerto Rico, if you love nature, you can spend several delightful hours enjoying the natural beauty and serenity of El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. This shore excursion lasts 4¼ hours so be sure you have enough time before your flight home.
City Tour with Airport Transfer
For those who love a little culture (and if you’re short on time before flying home), enjoy an enlightening tour of Old San Juan and an affluent neighbourhood of newer residences and designer shops before heading to the airport for your flight home. This excursion lasts 2½ hours.
All shore excursions are subject to change. Limited availability so be sure to book early. Can be added to your cruise booking at time of booking or final payment.
