The Holistic Holiday at Sea Vegan Cruise is filled with fun opportunities on and off the boat. At every port, there are multiple excursions to choose from. Book yours while availability lasts! Many of the excursions sell out.
Please note: This blog was written in the beginning of December 2019. Check the excursions page of our website for the most up-to-date availability.
When choosing your excursions from the list below, please make note of the title, code and price of the tours that you wish to reserve. You will also need your booking number, which can be found on your invoice. To request an excursion, please complete this online reservation form.
Here are some of our favorite excursions that are still available for the 2020 cruise.
San Juan, Puerto Rico
Sunset Stroll Through Old San Juan – Evening Tour
What better way to end a relaxing day on the ship than with a leisurely stroll through beautiful Old San Juan? Situated on its own little island and home to a slew of historical landmarks, Old San Juan is not only a joy to explore, but also affords priceless views of the sun setting over the Caribbean Sea. Your fully guided tour begins with a short transfer to Ballajá Barracks, a beautiful Spanish-built 19th century building. Soak up amazing views of San Juan bay at dusk as you walk through the cobbled streets, passing such notable landmarks as the Plaza del Quinto Centenario, San José Church, and Calle del Cristo en route to the Monumento a la Rogativa which commemorates a torch-lit procession held by the town’s womenfolk at the end of the 18th century to thwart British attempts to besiege the town.
You’ll have some time to take photos and buy refreshments at this special spot before continuing on through San Juan gate and down Paseo de la Princesa, one of the city’s grandest boulevards. At the end of your guided walk, you can choose either to return to the ship or spend some extra time on Calle Fortaleza, at the end of which lies the 16th-century fortress that is the official residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico.
Booking Information:
Code: SJU28
Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: $49 per adult; $34 per child
La Bomba Native and Cultural Experience with Vegan Dinner
One of the things that makes Puerto Rico unique is its mixture of cultures. It has been influenced by the Taino Indians, the Spanish, and the African slaves. Each of these cultures had its own music, food, dances, and traditions that have come together and evolved into the Puerto Rico we know today. Join us in a short drive to visit the town of Loiza, which hugs the coastline. Experience the richness of the island’s culture and traditions, especially in the form of music, food, crafts, and the fascinating Afro-Caribbean cultural heritage of Puerto Rico. Learn about the key role bees play in the recuperation after hurricanes Irma and Maria affected the Island, and how we can help to keep the bees safe and ensure pollination for the food supply we depend on.
As a unique cultural experience, learn the magic moves and rhythm of La Bomba where we all can come together and enjoy this traditional music and dancing following the beats of the African drum. You will also learn the meanings of the women’s head turban and have the chance to purchase one to take back home as a souvenir. Then after having fun with this traditional dance, let’s taste a vegan version of some alcapurrias, a traditional finger food.
After these samples, enjoy a vegan dinner with a refreshing agave-sweetened lemonade or bottle of water. This tour offers an exciting evening full of insights into the history of Puerto Rico’s culture and traditions that will allow you to explore a beautiful part of the Island.
Please note: This excursion involves walking over uneven terrain and climbing some steps. Not recommended for guests with physical limitations. Guests are recommended to bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes and insect repellent.
Booking Information:
Code: SJU38HOL
Duration: 4 hours
Price: $122 per adult; $110 per child
Philipsburg, St. Maarten
Sea and See
This tour combines the best St. Maarten has to offer on land and beneath the ocean’s surface. You leave Philipsburg, on the Dutch side of the island, and drive up the eastern side to the second largest town in St. Maarten, Grand Case, a quaint, unspoiled fishing village surrounded by an idyllic bay. Here at Grand Case Pier, you board the Seaworld Explorer, a semi submarine, which takes you on a narrated tour of the coral reefs surrounding Creole Rock. Seaworld Explorer is a state of the art semi submarine developed in Australia for use on the Great Barrier Reef. The vessel does not submerge; you descend into the hull of the boat and sit in air-conditioned comfort five feet below the surface of the water, exploring sea life in this cruising underwater observatory through large clear glass windows. Knowledgeable marine experts will provide you with information on the amazing underwater world, and will be happy to answer questions.
On the return trip to shore you can relax and enjoy the magnificent view of Grand Case Bay and Creole Rock. Your tour continues to the French capital of Marigot, where you will have time to explore this attractive port city with its sidewalk cafes, open-air market and duty free shops.
Please note: Sightings of marine wildlife are common, but cannot be guaranteed.
Booking Information:
Code: SMT26
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $62 per adult; $43 per child
Kayak Snorkel Adventure
The tour leaves from the clean, sandy Kim Sha beach after a short paddling technique demonstration by the guide. You will paddle through the beautiful Simpson Bay to a small beach at the Pelican Resort where you will pull up your kayak and receive snorkeling instructions from your guide. You will then swim along with your guide to the shallow reef at Pelican Rock, where you will spend some time looking at the beautiful undersea world. Elegant Angel Fish, brightly colored Parrot Fish and hundreds of reef fish are just a few of the amazing creatures you will glimpse in this serene location.
There is a beautiful sandy beach where you can rest if you feel the need to, as well as an accompanying guide on a kayak who can assist you while snorkeling. On the way back along the Pelican coast, the guide will point out the neighboring islands of Saba, St. Eustatius and St. Kitts that can be seen clearly from this southern side of St. Maarten.
Please note: Guests wishing to take part in the tour should be in good physical health.
Guests must be at least 10 years of age to take part; a maximum weight restriction of 113 kg/250 lbs per person applies. The tour is considered to be unsuitable for guests with cardiac disease or back/neck injuries. Pregnant women are not allowed to participate in this tour. Sightings of marine wildlife are common, but cannot be guaranteed.
Booking Information:
Code: SMT33
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $72 per adult; $50 per child
Pirate Sky Ride, Flying Dutchman, Schooner Ride & Zipline
Made with thrill seekers in mind, this tour delivers plenty of excitement. It kicks off with a 30-minute coach ride to the Rockland Estate, home to an 18th-century plantation house. From here, you’ll go on another half-hour ride on the Pirate Sky Ride cable car to reach the Crow’s Nest on Sentry Hill at an elevation of 341m. Several platforms encircling the mountain afford panoramic views of the neighboring islands of Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthélemy, and Anguilla. After a safety briefing, you’ll then take the Flying Dutchman—a zip line course—down the mountain again. Prepare for a fast and furious ride: you’ll be whizzing down the line at a speed of up to 90 km per hour (56 mph). Then take the Pirate Sky Ride back up the top to enjoy another zip line ride (after a safety briefing) en route to the Schooner Ride, from where you’ll take an inner tube down along a specially designed track. At the end, you can choose to buy a photo or video of your adventure and explore the estate. Finally, return to the ship by coach.
Please note: As detailed below, you can choose parts of this tour. You don’t have to choose all of it.
Guests wishing to take part must be at least 132 cm (4 ft. 4 in.) and no more than 203 cm (6 ft. 6in) in height and no more than 124 kg (275 lbs) in weight. Guests will be required to wear securely fastened closed shoes (open shoes or flip flops are not permitted). The tour is considered to be unsuitable for pregnant women or guests with neck or back injuries and/or with heart problems.
Guests wishing to take part in only the Pirate Sky Ride & Flying Dutchman activities are requested to book using code SMT80A ($112/adult, $78/child); guests wishing to take part in only the Pirate Sky Ride & Zip Line Adventure are requested to book using code SMT80B ($109/adult, $76/child); guests wishing to take part in only the Pirate Sky Ride & Schooner Ride are requested to book using code SMT80C ($82/adult, $57/child); guests wishing to take part in only the Pirate Sky Ride, Zip line & Schooner Ride are requested to book by using code SMT80D ($132/adult, $92/child).
Booking Information:
Code: SMT80
Duration: 6 hours
Price: $142 per adult; $99 per child
St. John’s, Antigua
Swimming with Stingrays and Snorkel Experience
Also known as the “puppies of the sea”, the southern stingray is a friendly soul that likes to play. This tour gives you a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with these delightful marine creatures at Antigua’s so-called Stingray City, situated in Seatons Village. After boarding a boat and being taken to a nearby coral reef, you will be able to snorkel, swim, and feed the rays in the calm and crystal-clear waters of the beautiful Caribbean Sea. Views of the pristine coral reef and gorgeous surroundings serve to add another level of enjoyment to the tour, during which you will also have a chance to find out from your experienced guide how these amazing animals live. This extremely safe, entertaining, and educational tour is very family-friendly and a must-do while on the island.
Please note: Children must be at least 5 years old to take part. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver that may only be available in English.
Booking Information:
Code: ATG25
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $89 per adult; $62 per child
Antigua Canopy Tour
Discover Antigua’s lush rainforest from a bird’s-eye perspective as you navigate through the treetops on this wonderful “canopy” tour. A 40-minute drive by air-conditioned taxi will take you to the rainforest region, after which highly qualified and experienced guides will ensure your aerial walk is not just highly exciting, but also extremely safe. After your briefing, the excitement starts at the Old Pump House with a walk over a suspension bridge from the side of the building, which spans the gorge to the far bank. Having crossed the bridge, you will then traverse no less than 12 (!) ziplines as you zigzag your way through the forest and over the spectacular gorge. Look forward to amazing aerial views of rainforest flora and fauna and the chattering of numerous bird species. Guests will be offered a complimentary drink of water during the course. The tour ends with your return to the ship.
Please note: This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, guests with a pre-existing heart condition, a history of seizures, back, knee or shoulder problems or other pre-existing health problems. The tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from vertigo or acrophobia (fear of heights). Max. weight per guest is 235 lbs; min. height is 4’. Guests are required to wear sturdy footwear (no strappy sandals), shorts or long trousers (no skirts) and bring a change of t-shirt. Cameras or camcorders are not allowed for both safety and insurance reasons. Children must be at least 7 years of age to take part. All participating guests will be required to sign a waiver that may only be available in English.
Booking Information:
Code: ATG29
Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: $102 per adult; $71 per child
Antigua Beach Break with Vegan Lunch
The Caribbean islands are well known for their spectacular beaches, and none more so than Antigua. This tour gives you a chance to make the most of your time on the island and begins with a 10-minute drive in an air-conditioned minibus to the beach. Accompanied by your tour guide, who will point out all the relevant amenities as well as provide information and assistance, you can then enjoy all that this lovely spot has to offer. Just the sight of the half-mile sweep of soft, white sand is enough to take your breath away, and the warm Caribbean Sea makes for a perfect time in the water. On arrival, a welcoming cocktail (fruit juice or rum punch) will be served that you can then enjoy in peace and quiet while comfortably seated in your reserved lounger. Your tour also includes a vegan lunch, after which there will be more time for you to enjoy at the beach.
Please note: A lounge chair is provided free of charge at the beach. Parasols can be hired for a nominal charge. The beach area features toilet facilities, and freshwater showers, as well as a beach bar and a restaurant.
Booking Information:
Code: ATG33HOL
Duration: 5 hours
Price: $62 per adult; $44 per child
Important information about booking excursions
- Only one excursion may be booked in each port for any one individual.
- Most tours do not include lunch, but note that with the exception of the 6 tours that specify “Vegan,” any tours that include food will be “standard fare.” However, MSC will try to accommodate requests for a vegetarian option, if you let us know by February 7, 2020.
- There is no way to know what time an excursion will begin until you get onboard.
- Any tour can be canceled if a minimum number of participants is not reached.
- All prices are per person unless otherwise noted. Child rates apply from age 2 through 13.
- Vegan tours with codes ending in HOL: deadline for both submitting your request and canceling is January 17, 2020. After that a 100% penalty applies.
- Tours with regular codes: deadline for submitting your request is January 31, 2020. Deadline for changing or canceling is 48 hours prior to arrival in the port of call where your tour is scheduled. After that a 100% penalty applies.
