Otok Catalina

Take a boat trip on the Chavón River (Does it sound familiar? That's right, it's the one in the film "Apocalypse Now"). Let yourself be amazed by enchanted places, surprising contrasts and listen to the secrets of nature.The icing on the cake? An unmissable stop at the "village of the artists", Altos de Chavón, the reproduction of a Mediterranean village from the 16th century.The other side of the Caribbean in its unique guise.

• Chavón River: panoramic tour by boat
• Altos de Chavón

• A 45 minute journey by motor launch takes us to the "Casa de Campo" tourist pier at La Romana. * At the international port of Casa de Campo, we will hop on board a coach that takes us to the banks of the Chavón River*.
• Here, we will hop on board aboat which takes us on a panoramic tour along the river; the beauty of these places saw that they were chosen as the backdrop for the cinematic masterpiece,"Apocalypse Now".
• Before returning to the ship, we will stop in Altos de Chavón, a magical reproduction of a 16th Century Mediterranean village constructed by local artisans in 1976 as envisaged by Charles Bluhdorn and designed by the Italian, Roberto Copa. Passing by the typical cobbled roads, we can admire this unique village and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Chavón river.
• At the end of our excursion, the tender will accompany us directly on board our ship.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• This excursion includes many walks along cobbled roads.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The itinerary may be subject to change without compromising the programmed visits.
• The distance from the boat mooring place to the bus is approximately a 10 minute journey on foot.
• The boat journey from the ship to La Romana dock takes around 90 minutes each way.
• There is limited availability of English speaking guides.

Discover a timeless place on the banks of the picturesque Chavón river: the village of Altos de Chavón. Also known as the "village of the artists", this little place is a copy of a Mediterranean village from the 16th century. Along its cobbled streets with decorations in iron and wood, your guide will tell you all about its history and its secrets, until you catch sight of the river (does it seem familiar? Yup, it's the one from Apocalypse Now). On the way back, the museum, the amphitheater and the church are essential stops.A Mediterranean gem in La Romana.

• Altos de Chavón: view of the Chavón river, museum, amphitheatre, church

A 45 minute journey by motor launch takes us to the "Casa de Campo" tourist pier at La Romana. Our excursion begins when we leave the international port of Casa de Campo on board a coach that takes us to Altos de Chavón, the so-called "village of artists". The construction of this marvellous piece of architecture, a copy of a 16th Century Mediterranean village, began in 1976 as envisaged by Charles Bluhdorn and designed by the Italian, Roberto Copa.

Upon reaching our destination, we will discover the charm of this unique, small town with a guided tour of the cobbled roads, during which, we will enjoy the breathtaking views offered by the Chavón river, which served as the background for the cinematic masterpiece, "Apocalypse Now".

At the end of the tour, before returning to the port where we boarded the coach and until the tender accompanies us on-board our ship, we can browse in the shops, museum, amphitheatre and the church of Altos de Chavón.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• This excursion includes many walks along cobbled roads.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• The itinerary may be subject to change without compromising the programmed visits.
• The distance from the boat mooring place to the bus is approximately a 10 minute journey on foot.
• The boat journey from the ship to La Romana dock takes around 45 minutes each way.
• There is limited availability of guides.

Set sail on a motor boat off the coast of the island of Catalina: adventure for little ones, and relaxation for the grown ups. Accompanied by the notes of Merengue, it's up to you to choose the rhythm of your day: a slow one under the sun, enchanted by the white beaches and crystal-clear water (it's irresistible) or a more active pace, with the obligatory swim in the blue sea and some snorkeling.To end on a high note, there's a rum tasting for the adults - it's what makes the day extra special.Here, you'll collect memories in waves.

• Places on this excursion are limited. We recommend booking early.
• The boat journey from the ship to Catalina Island dock takes around 10 minutes each way.
• Snorkelling equipment is available on the motor catamaran.
• This excursion may be guided in english or spanish
• Minimum age for snorkelling: 12 years.

Set off on a motorboat, along the Dominican coast: the sea sparkles, the breeze caresses your face and the sense of freedom won't let you go. Saona appears on the horizon: a true tropical paradise. Here, white sand, natural pools and crystal-clear waters await you, for a break that's pure relaxation with sun, swims and cocktails. Let yourself be enchanted by the wonders of this place, and by the famous giant starfish who live in the sea around the island! Careful though - look but don't touch!Then, savor a Caribbean lunch that'll make your mouth water.A watery dream.

• Panoramic boat tour
• Island of Saona: Caribbean buffet, relax on the beach and the natural pool

• After a bus transfer to Bayahibe we get on our speed boat for a tour along the coast and up to Saona Island.
• During our tour along the coast we stop at the Caribbean beach of the Island of Saona, where we can indulge in various recreational activities such as: swimming in the crystal clear waters, sunbathing and relaxing in total abandon.
• When it is time for lunch we are treated to a Caribbean style buffet with refreshing drinks.
• After lunch, we have some free time to relax and enjoy the splendid beach to the full.
• Weather permitting, we can stop at a charming natural pool that is less than one metre deep with particularly calm waters for a swim: ideal for regenerating energy levels in preparation for the return journey.

• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• This excursion is not recommended for guests with back problems and pregnant women.
• Minimum age: 9 years.
• You need to be able to swim and be physically fit for this excursion.
• The journey to Catalina Island takes around 45 min each way.
• Deck chairs are included in the price but parasols have to be paid for separately. • For an even more immersive experience, all proposed dishes feature local or international cuisine.

Full speed ahead, to discover daily life in rural parts of the Dominican Republic. From Catalina you reach La Romana, where a Safari truck awaits you for a scenic tour rich in tradition. The unmistakable scent of tobacco gives you a clue about our next stop: a cigar factory, where you can learn all the manufacturing secrets of the most famous brands. Set off along dirt tracks and immerse yourself in culture and tradition among plantations and bateys (prepare your taste buds, you'll be tasting sugar cane). Finally, at the home of some local farmers, you'll discover the techniques and secrets that have been handed down through the generations: you'll really feel part of this world.And to top it off? Some relaxation on the beach, with tropical waters and white sand.All aspects of Dominican life, as you've never seen them before.

• Cigar factory
• Sugar Cane production
• Bayahibe Beach

• Our excursion begins as we leave the pier and venture into the island countryside in an open safari vehicle.
• At our first stop we take a look at Cigar factory where we can learn some secrets about the production of this Dominican product of excellence that boasts famous brands like Davidoff, Opus and Don Esteban.
• Your journey continues through the most authentic experience of the Dominican Republic. Travel through off roads that will lead you to the sugar plantation fields, even though there is less sugar produced today, there are still some small communities, known by the name of Batey, that harvest sugar cane in the biggest plantation. Here we can taste the freshly harvested sugar cane and learn about the daily traditions that characterise the work and the life of the inhabitants of these small villages.
• Halfway through your tour you will arrive to Mr & Mrs. Rodríguez home, farmers dedicated to take care of their piece of land. They will welcome you to their home full of love and peace. Enjoy a break from the city, taste coffee, seasonal fruits and see how a local farmer lives in DR. Before you leave their place, you can’t miss to sip a bit of the famous “Mamajuana”.
• After a busy adventure who would doesn’t want to have some time to enjoy a beautiful beach from the Dominican Republic? Get changed and enjoy a pristine beach with tropical waters to cool down a bit, or simply take a cold drink from the bar and rest under the shade of your beach umbrella.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• This excursion includes a journey on rough ground on-board a safari type of off-road vehicle.
• Participants are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and to bring sunglasses, hat and insect repellent.
• Minimum age: 4 years; minors under the age of 4 cannot participate in the excursion as the safari truck are not equipped with suitable child seats.
• The boat journey from the ship to La Romana dock takes around 90 minutes each way.

Venture into the hear of the earth and discover the Cueva de Las Maravillas: an underground cave featuring plays of light, natural pools and ancient cave paintings that tell the story of the Taino Indians. The walks talk, and history vibrates all around. Then it's back up to the surface for a plunge into the heady perfumes of tobacco: in the factory, expert hands create the island's most prized cigars. Tradition and mystery, brought together as part of a unique experience.

• La Romana: "Casa di Campo" pier
• Cueva de Las Maravillas (Cave of Wonders)
• Cigar Factory

• A 45 minute journey by motor launch takes us to the "Casa de Campo" tourist pier at La Romana*.
• From here, we board a coach that takes us to the Cueva de Las Maravillas, a huge cave with more than 800 metres of underground tunnels, 240 of which are totally accessible to visitors thanks to excellent lighting that reveals wonderful geological formations. In addition to stalactites and stalagmites, one of the caverns has a beautiful lake with crystal clear water. The most important attraction of the cave however, are the Native Taino Indian paintings that date back to pre-Colombian times which have been preserved in almost perfect condition.
• When we leave the cave, we take the coach once again to go to a cigar factory. This factory produces various brands of cigars that all take shape with the rapid movements of the hands of Boncheros who pass the unfinished cigars to Roleras who carefully wrap the cigars.
• At the end of our excursion, the tender will accompany us directly on board our ship.

• We recommend that you book early because only a limited number of places are available.
• The excursion includes a flight of approximately 100 steps.
• This tour is not recommended for guests who suffer from sea sickness and those who have mobility problems.
• There is limited availability of English speaking guides.
• During the trip to the cigar factory, those under 18 years of age will not be permitted within the production room and have to wait in the hall.
• The motor boat journey from the ship to La Romana dock takes around 45 minutes each way.