Category: Exploring

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The Ketchikan Duck Tour: Exploring the Salmon Capital by Land and Sea! 🦆🚌💨

Ketchikan Duck Tour: Ketchikan Alaska Excursion

The Ketchikan Duck Tour: Exploring the Salmon Capital by Land and Sea! 🦆🚌💨

If you are looking for a unique and memorable shore excursion in Ketchikan, Alaska, the Ketchikan Duck Tour should be at the top of your list! 🏔️ This 90 minute adventure is a “land and sea” experience that is a total blast for both kids and adults. It is the perfect way to get a lot of information about the city while enjoying some thrill along the way. 🌊

🔗 Book the Ketchikan Duck Tour here (Affiliate): https://sovrn.co/75d1v6a

Convenient and Informative 🎙️🛳️

One of the best things about this tour is that it picks you up right at the cruise ship dock. ⚓ No need to worry about long walks or complicated meeting points. As soon as you board the amphibious “Duck,” your narrator starts sharing fascinating stories about Ketchikan’s culture, history, and its reputation as the “Salmon Capital of the World.” 🐟

During the land portion, you’ll cruise past iconic landmarks like:

  • Historic Creek Street 🏘️
  • The Salmon Ladder 🪜🐟
  • Whale Park 🐳

The Famous Splashdown! 💦🚤

The highlight for everyone on board is definitely the “splashdown.” 🌊 The vessel drives right off the road and straight into the Tongass Narrows! Seeing a bus turn into a boat is a thrill that never gets old. 🤩

Once you are out on the water, you get a front row seat to Ketchikan’s busy waterfront. You’ll see:

  • The Local Fishing Fleet 🎣🚢
  • Seaplanes taking off and landing right next to you ✈️💦
  • Bald Eagles and other local wildlife 🦅🌲

Perfect for Families 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨

Because the tour is narrated and keeps moving, it’s a great option for families with children or anyone who wants a comprehensive look at the city without a full day of walking. It hits all the highlights in a short amount of time, leaving you plenty of the day to explore the local shops or enjoy a fresh salmon lunch! 🍴😋

Check out our full Ketchikan Duck Tour experience in the video below! 👇🎥

🔗 Book the Ketchikan Duck Tour here (Affiliate): https://sovrn.co/75d1v6a

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Step Back in Time: Exploring St. Augustine’s Castillo de San Marcos 🏰

Castillo de San Marcos | St. Augustine’s Historic Fort

St. Augustine, Florida, is home to the Castillo de San Marcos, the oldest masonry fort in the continental U.S. This iconic landmark is a must-see for history lovers and travelers alike!

To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together a video exploring the fort’s incredible architecture and history.

🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/mTPOC_p8b7I

High-angle view of the Castillo de San Marcos interior courtyard and Plaza de Armas in St. Augustine, Florida, featuring the coquina stone walls, a Spanish flag flying, and the green lawn with visitors.
Exploring the heart of the fort! The central courtyard of Castillo de San Marcos is the perfect place to start your visit before heading up to the ramparts for those river views. 🌊✨

Why You Need to Visit

  • The Coquina Walls: Built from a unique shell-stone, these walls actually absorbed cannonballs instead of shattering! 🧱💥
  • Life Inside the Fort: Wander through the Plaza de Armas and step into the old sleeping quarters and the heavily guarded King’s Coffer treasury. 💰
  • Epic Views: Head up to the Gun Deck for panoramic views of the Matanzas River and downtown St. Augustine. Don’t forget to check out the massive cannons! 🌊🔭
  • National Park Perks: You can see live weapons demonstrations and get your National Parks Passport stamped here! 🎫✅

Plan Your Visit! 📍

The fort is open daily from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Be sure to check the official NPS website for the latest on tickets and program schedules before you go. 🏛️✨

Whether you’re a history buff or just love a great view, the Castillo de San Marcos is an unforgettable stop in the “Ancient City.”

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🏁 Get Ready to Rev Your Engines! A Visitor’s Guide to the Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour 🏆

Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour: Join Us! (Track, Pit Road, Grandstands, & Hall of Fame) 🏁

There’s something truly electrifying about motorsports, and for fans around the globe, the Daytona International Speedway is hallowed ground. If you’ve ever dreamt of experiencing the legendary “World Center of Racing” up close, we’re here to show you exactly what to expect! 🤯

We’ve just released our Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour video, giving you an insider’s look at the fantastic one-hour tram ride experience. This video is your ultimate guide for planning your visit and making the most of your time at the speedway! ⏱️

Daytona International Speedway grandstands view from the top rows showing the multicolored seats, the banking of the track, and the Pit Road area in Daytona Beach, Florida.
The sheer size of the Daytona International Speedway grandstands is unbelievable!

What’s Included on the Daily Tour?

Our video takes you behind the scenes, showing you all the unforgettable stops and sights that the tour included during our visit! Please Note: The tour itinerary and stops can change from day to day depending on the events that are happening at the Speedway.

Here’s what we got to see on the tour:

  • The Track & Pit Road: As we traveled alongside the track, we made a stop at the Start/Finish Line and worked our way through Pit Road. This gave us an incredible sense of the scale and the engineering of the track, including the massive grandstands! 🏟️🏎️
  • Stand in Victory Lane: We saw the iconic Victory Lane 🥂 where NASCAR champions celebrate their monumental wins. It’s a fantastic photo op and a moment to soak in the history!
  • Motorsports Hall of Fame of America: Your tour ticket also grants you access to the fascinating Motorsports Hall of Fame of America 🏛️. This museum showcases a vast collection of racing memorabilia, iconic vehicles, and tributes to legends from all forms of motorsports.

Plan Your Visit!

This tour is a must-do for anyone visiting the Daytona Beach area! To ensure you secure your spot and have the most current information, always confirm tour availability and pricing on the official website before you finalize your plans.

🔗 Click here to check current pricing and book your tickets! https://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/tours/

Ready to see it all before you go? Don’t forget to check out our video!

🎥 Watch the full Daytona International Speedway Daily Tour here: https://youtu.be/k9r3eS4XYTM

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Join Us for Belize Cave Tubing: Know What to Expect on Carnival’s Excursion 🛶

Belize Cave Tubing with Lunch Excursion (Booked Through Carnival Cruise Line) 🛶

Planning your day in Belize? We booked the popular Cave Tubing with Lunch Excursion directly through Carnival Cruise Line, and we’re taking you along so you know exactly what to expect! 🚢

The Adventure Breakdown and the Reserve

Be prepared for the journey! The experience starts with a 75-minute bus ride 🚌 to the outpost. Before you even start your hike, you’ll grab your tube and headlight 🔦. Then, you’ll begin the 25-minute walk 👣 to reach the Caves Branch River entrance. This hike takes you deep into the Nohoch Cheʼen Caves Branch Archaeological Reserve, a dense tropical rainforest area. Your knowledgeable guide will share details about the surrounding jungle plants and animals as you follow the trail.

Two people carrying bright green inner tubes walk along the rocky, shallow Caves Branch River in Belize during the Carnival Cruise Line cave tubing excursion hike.
Carrying the tubes and crossing the shallow river is all part of the fun on the jungle hike! This crossing is near the exit point, showing the beautiful, clear water of the Caves Branch River.

Once you get in the water, you’ll float through the spectacular, dark limestone caves. You’ll be guided through mystical formations that have taken centuries to form. Afterward, a delicious Belizean lunch 🍗 is included at the Jaguar Paw Outpost. This 200-acre adventure park is the hub for many activities, including zip-lining and ATV tours, but the tubing is the main event!

Essential Tips: What to Bring

Since this is a water-based excursion, a little prep goes a long way! Wearing water shoes is required for this excursion, so make sure you bring a pair for the hike and the river! Also, be sure to bring cash for lockers and souvenirs and don’t forget the bug repellent for the jungle walk!

🎥 Watch Our Full Video Guide!

Join us so you know what to expect when you book this highly popular excursion through Carnival!

Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/1qyeOxzmcjk

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🎰 Grand Princess Casino Tour – A Walkthrough of the Ship’s Grand Casino

Embark on a virtual tour of the Grand Princess Casino, a vibrant venue offering a variety of gaming options. Located on Deck 6, this lively casino features numerous slot machines and table games like blackjack, roulette, and craps, along with a full-service bar to enjoy your favorite drinks while you play.

In our latest video, we take you inside the Grand Casino to showcase its layout and the gaming experiences it offers. Whether you’re a seasoned gambler or a curious newcomer, this walkthrough provides a comprehensive look at what to expect when you visit the casino aboard the Grand Princess.

📍 Watch the full tour here: Grand Princess Casino Tour – Cruise Ship Casino Walkthrough 🎰

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🚋 Explore Skagway with the Classic Skagway Street Car Tour

If you’re visiting Skagway, Alaska on your cruise, one of the best ways to dive into the town’s rich history and charming sights is the Skagway Street Car Tour. Join us as we take this fun and informative 90-minute ride aboard a classic streetcar, exploring all the key points of interest in Skagway, including historic landmarks and scenic lookout spots 🏞️.

The narrated tour is perfect for history buffs and casual explorers alike, bringing to life the story of the famous Klondike Gold Rush and the vibrant culture that shaped this beautiful Alaskan town 🏔️. It’s a unique way to see more of Skagway beyond the typical cruise port experience.

Watch the full tour here to get a front-row seat on the Skagway Street Car and see why thousands of visitors recommend this excursion!

📍 Watch now: Skagway Street Car Tour

Whether you’re cruising with Princess Cruises, Holland America, or another line, this tour is a must-do when in Skagway.

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🚢 Sailing on a Cruise Out of Vancouver? Stay at River Rock Casino Resort + Dine at Gordon Ramsay Steak

🚆 The Perfect Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

Sailing on a cruise out of Vancouver? If you’re arriving a day or two early, finding a comfortable and convenient hotel can make your pre-cruise experience smoother and more enjoyable. We spent two nights at the River Rock Casino Resort in Richmond, part of Metro Vancouver, and it was the ideal place to kick off our Alaska cruise adventure.

Just a short ride from Canada Place, where cruise ships depart, this resort offers everything from easy SkyTrain access to fine dining at Gordon Ramsay Steak. We filmed our full stay so you can see what it’s like:

📺 Watch the video:
👉 River Rock Casino Resort + Gordon Ramsay Steak | Best Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

📍 Easy Access to the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

The River Rock Casino Resort is located just three SkyTrain stops from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and about a 20-minute ride to Waterfront Station in downtown Vancouver. From there, it’s just a short walk to Canada Place, where most Alaska cruises begin.

The resort’s location in Richmond makes it a smart and accessible choice for cruise travelers looking to stay near Vancouver before boarding.

🥩 Gordon Ramsay Steak: An Unforgettable Dinner

During our stay, we had an incredible dining experience at Gordon Ramsay Steak, located right inside the resort. Our meal featured:

🍞 Warm artisan bread
🦀 A flavorful crab cake
🐟 Perfectly cooked sablefish
🥩 Tender Wagyu beef
🥧 Classic Beef Wellington
🍮 And the famous sticky toffee pudding

This restaurant was a highlight of our pre-cruise stay and the perfect way to start our vacation.

🔗 View the Gordon Ramsay Steak Menu

💦 Resort Amenities at River Rock

The River Rock Casino Resort has everything you need to relax and recharge before setting sail. Amenities include:

💦 A pool with water slide
💪 A fully equipped fitness center
🍽️ Chairman’s Room Lounge and Buffet
🅿️ Complimentary parking
☕ Starbucks
🎬 An in-house theater
🎰 A full-service casino

Whether you’re winding down before your cruise or looking for something fun to do, this resort has it all.

🔗 Visit the River Rock Casino Resort Website

🛒 Booking Your Stay at the River Rock Casino Resort

If you’re planning a cruise out of Vancouver and looking for a convenient and comfortable place to stay nearby, consider booking your stay at the River Rock Casino Resort through Hotels.com. It’s a great way to secure a room close to the airport, SkyTrain, and cruise port, while taking advantage of flexible booking options and rewards.
👉 Check current rates and availability on Hotels.com (Affiliate)

🛳️ Final Thoughts

If you’re planning to sail from Vancouver, the River Rock Casino Resort in Metro Vancouver is a top-notch place to stay. With quick transit to the port, luxury amenities, and a memorable meal at Gordon Ramsay Steak, this spot checks all the boxes for a perfect pre-cruise experience.

📺 Watch our full experience here:
👉 River Rock Casino Resort + Gordon Ramsay Steak | Best Pre-Cruise Stay Near Vancouver

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Exploring Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro in San Juan, Puerto Rico

If you are planning a trip to San Juan, Puerto Rico, or visiting on a cruise, one of the top things to do is to explore the historic forts that overlook the coastline. In our latest video on Northern Viking Explorer, we take you along as we visit Castillo San Cristóbal and Castillo San Felipe del Morro — two iconic landmarks that are just a short walk apart.

📺 Watch the full video here
https://youtu.be/gOve9AwXovk

Why Visit These Forts in San Juan?

These two Spanish-built fortresses are part of San Juan National Historic Site and are packed with rich history, breathtaking ocean views, and beautiful colonial architecture. Built to defend Puerto Rico from invaders, they now offer visitors a unique look into the island’s past.

We begin our adventure at Castillo San Cristóbal and continue on to Castillo San Felipe del Morro, located at the tip of San Juan and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Inside the forts, we explore the grounds, step inside tunnels and guard towers, and take in the incredible ocean views and historic architecture that make these landmarks a must see.

What You’ll See in the Video

👉 Walking through the grounds of Castillo San Cristóbal
👉 Exploring the views and structure of El Morro
👉 The scenic walk between the forts
👉 Ocean views and historic architecture

Whether you are arriving by cruise ship or staying in San Juan, these forts are easy to get to and worth the visit. If you love travel, history, and beautiful views, this video is for you.

📌 Don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more cruise port guides, travel tips, and destination highlights:
https://www.youtube.com/c/northernvikingexplorer?sub_confirmation=1

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Free Hike to Chimes Tower & Lee’s Scenic Overlook – Catalina Island Cruise Adventure

If you’re looking for one of the best free things to do in Catalina Island, you won’t want to miss this short and scenic hike to the Chimes Tower and Lee’s Scenic Overlook in Avalon. Whether you’re visiting for the day or arriving by cruise ship, this hike offers incredible views and a peaceful escape just minutes from downtown.

🎥 Watch our full adventure on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/r0q2rmITcfg

🚶‍♂️ The Hike from Downtown Avalon

Our journey began in downtown Avalon, the charming main hub of Catalina Island. The hike to the Chimes Tower is a moderate 0.6-mile walk each way, taking about 15 minutes depending on your pace. The path includes some uphill sections but is short and well-paved, making it accessible for most visitors.

As you ascend Chimes Tower Rd, you’ll enjoy unique views of the harbor and colorful hillside homes. The Chimes Tower itself is a historic structure built in 1925 and still chimes regularly, adding a magical soundscape to your visit.

📍 Lee’s Scenic Overlook – A Hidden Gem

Just a little further up from the Chimes Tower is Lee’s Scenic Overlook, one of the best panoramic viewpoints on Catalina Island. From here, you’ll get sweeping views of Avalon Bay, your cruise ship anchored in the distance, and the Pacific Ocean beyond.

It’s a peaceful spot to snap some incredible photos, relax on a bench, and take in the beauty of Catalina without spending a dime.

💵 Totally Free and Worth Every Step

One of the best parts about this hike? It’s completely free! In a destination where many activities come at a premium, this hidden gem gives you unbeatable views and a memorable experience without touching your wallet.

If you’re arriving via cruise, this is an excellent DIY cruise excursion that you can do on your own, with no need for a tour group or transportation.

📌 Know Before You Go

  • Distance: Approx. 1.2 miles round-trip
  • Time: About 15 minutes each way
  • Cost: FREE
  • Best for: Cruise passengers, photographers, hikers, and budget travelers
  • Trail: Follows Chimes Tower Rd
  • Tip: Bring water and wear comfortable shoes – some parts of the trail are steep

📺 Don’t Miss the Video!

See the full hike, views, and experience in our YouTube video here:

Subscribe to our channel for more cruise port guides, free travel ideas, and adventure vlogs!

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La Bufadora Famous Blowhole Excursion: Carnival Cruise Shore Excursion in Ensenada, Mexico

If you’re planning a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico with Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most popular and talked-about shore excursions is the La Bufadora Blowhole Tour. Known as the largest marine geyser in North America, La Bufadora is a natural wonder that attracts visitors from around the world—and for good reason!

On our recent Carnival cruise, we booked the “Ensenada Famous Blowhole Excursion” directly through the cruise line. This 3–4 hour guided tour begins at the Ensenada cruise port, where you’re picked up by a comfortable, air-conditioned tour bus. The scenic drive takes you along the rugged coastline of Baja California, offering beautiful ocean views and insight into local culture from your onboard guide.

Once you arrive near La Bufadora, the real adventure begins. To reach the blowhole, you’ll walk about a third of a mile down a lively street lined with local vendors selling everything from fresh baked goods and Mexican candy to hand-painted pottery, jewelry, and unique souvenirs. It’s a colorful and vibrant experience, perfect for those who love to explore local markets and try traditional snacks.

At the end of the path, you’ll find a viewing area overlooking La Bufadora itself. When the ocean swells hit the underwater cave system just right, the blowhole erupts dramatically, shooting water high into the air—sometimes over 60 feet! It’s an impressive sight and a great opportunity for photos, videos, or just soaking in the natural beauty.

We filmed our entire experience so you can see what it’s like before you go! Check out our full video tour here:
📺 Watch on YouTube

Is the La Bufadora Excursion Worth It?

Absolutely! It’s a great mix of scenic views, cultural experiences, and natural wonder. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, La Bufadora offers something for everyone. Plus, booking through Carnival ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience with round-trip transportation and a reliable itinerary.