Mayan Cruise: Sacred Sites Pilgrimage Access

We will be traveling to different countries outside of the U.S.A. A valid, up to date passport IS REQUIRED when you register with Norwegian Cruise Lines before boarding the ship. If you do not have a valid passport, you will not be allowed to board the ship.

If your U.S. Passport is expired: CLICK HERE to renew your U.S. Passport. The renewal process can take up to two months so be sure to explore the various renewal options and start the process as soon as possible.

If you are a U.S. citizen and do not have a Passport: CLICK HERE to apply for one. Same rules apply – the process can take up to two months so be sure to start the process as soon as possible.

If you are not a citizen of the U.S., please visit the government website of your country of origin to renew or apply for a passport AS WELL AS ANY APPLICABLE VISAS REQUIRED for you as a citizen of your country to enter Honduras, Belize and Mexico.

You will also need to provide a credit card when you register with Norwegian on the day of departure as you would a hotel for incidentals.

STEP 1 RECAP: Locate Your Passport and make sure it’s up to date.

Once receive your Reservation Number, you can go to www.ncl.com to create a personal account with Norwegian Cruise Lines. Once you’ve created your personal account with Norwegian Cruise Lines, you can take some time exploring the various spa treatments, specialty dining reservations and other activities that can be booked directly through Norwegian Cruse Lines.

Please Note: Excursions outside of the established Itinerary below, Spa Treatments, Specialty Dining, etc. ARE NOT INCLUDED in the Event Fee.

What’s Included With the Event Fee:* All Meals and Accommodations aboard the Norwegian Escape* Welcome Reception with Panache* Over 28 hours of Session and Excursion time with Panache* 3 On-Shore Mayan Temple Excursions with Panache* Prepaid Hospitality Gratuities.

As a reminder, for this event there is a No Refund Policy in place.

For your protection, however, there are a number of travel insurance companies that can provide you with travel insurance where you can receive a refund for the cost of the Cruise Fare and other travel expenses – depending on the policy type you purchase.

You can Click Here for a list of Travel Insurance companies.

The Closest Airport is:
Miami Airport (MIA)
http://www.miami-airport.com/
2100 NW 42nd Ave.
Miami, FL 33126
Ph: (305) 876-7000

WHEN BOOKING YOUR FLIGHTS, PLEASE MAKE SURE YOUR FLIGHT LANDS IN MIAMI NO LESS THAN TWO TO THREE HOURS BEFORE YOU BOARD. BOARDING THE SHIP TAKES PLACE BETWEEN 11:30PM and 1:30 PM PST. You may want to consider arriving the day before departure and spending the night in Miami.

STEP 3 RECAP – MAKE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS TO MIAMI

Remember – you are welcome to leave the ship at any Ports-of-Call. You must arrive no later than 1:30PM to board the ship in Miami on the first day. When you are off the ship at the Ports-of-Call, you must be sure you are back on the ship 30 MINUTES PRIOR TO WHEN THE SHIP HAS ANNOUNCED IT WILL DEPART.

Always double check the all aboard times listed on your NCL Freestyle Daily Newsletter in your cabin and on placards at the gangways where you disembark the ship.  When exploring ports, be sure to give yourself ample time to return to the ship prior to all aboard times.

During this unforgettable seven-day experience on land and sea, you’ll be immersed in the infinite nature of your soul, shift the way you view your life and learn to navigate your world in the most bountiful, beautiful ways.

Beautiful and unspoiled, Roatan is a peaceful, eco-tourist’s dream, just 30 miles off the coast of Honduras. Teeming with marine life and home to some of the best pillar coral in the Caribbean, the pristine Honduran Reef is a diver’s paradise. And the beauty of Tabyana Beach is always a sight to see. CLICK HERE for more information about Roatan Islands.

Join Panache and discover the ancient Mayan archeological site of Nim Li Punit along with its many treasures. Board an air-conditioned bus for a scenic ride to the archeological site of Nim Li Punit, “Large Hat” in the Mayan Kekchi language. The site was so named due to a depiction on a Maya stela of one of its rulers wearing a very large head dress. This unique Mayan ceremonial site has a ball-court in the center of the complex and an observatory in one of the plazas.

This unique Mayan ceremonial site has a small museum and a welcome center where you can see some of the large stelas with well-preserved Mayan drawings and writing, as well as artifacts.

Note: Participants must be in good physical health to be able to climb the temples and stone steps unassisted. There are approximately 100 steps to negotiate. Approximate Duration 5 hours.

You’ll journey to the ancient place of Mayan pilgrimage known today as Chacchoben, also known as “The Place of Red Corn”. Climb onto an air-conditioned bus where you will be briefed on the interesting history and unique attributes of this sacred Mayan site. Upon arrival at Chacchoben you’ll be surrounded by jungle and guided through the ruins of sacred temples and other structures.

See original red paint on the stucco walls of one of the pyramids and the temple where a mural was found showing the astronomical positions of the planet Venus. You’ll have time to climb the Gran Basamento taking you above tree level. Here archaeologists found ceremonial offerings dating to around 1000 B.C. Your guide will also explain about the wildlife and medicinal plants that are used by the modern-day descendants of the ancient Mayan people.

Note: Tour includes complimentary beverages. There is a government tax of $5-8 US for the use of video cameras at the site which is not included in your event fee. No tripods and/or professional video cameras are allowed. Guests with recent surgeries, heart or respiratory conditions, pregnant women and those with walking difficulties are not allowed to participate. We recommend that you bring insect repellent. Approximate Duration 4 hours.

Board a ferry for a 35 minute ride across the Caribbean to the resort town of Playa del Carmen and enjoy an informative, narrated 50 minute ride to Tulum, in an air-conditioned motor coach. On your way to Tulum, you will enjoy a 30 minute restroom/shopping stop at MAYA HA, a local Mayan Cooperative Center where you can witness the evolution of Mexico through pieces of handcrafted art, find souvenirs, collector’s items, clothing and reproductions of ancient Mexican art.

As we continue on to Tulum, we’ll be escorted by an English speaking guide, with a 45 to 50 minute narrated overview of the ancient walled Mayan City.

Explore the Temple of the Frescos known for its detailed carved figures and frescoes, depicting original Mayan paintings and writings, the Temple of the Descending God, the House of Chultun and the House of Columns. After the tour, we’ll enjoy 90-minutes of exploring the ruins on our own.

Note: There is approximately 1 mile of walking over rocky uneven terrain. Ferry ride across may be rough at times and guests who suffer from motion sickness should take this into account. Approximate Duration 7 hours.

Although the temperatures and weather may vary, most weather sites point to temperatures averaging in the low to mid 90’s during the daytime and high 80’s at night. Be sure to CLICK HERE for a Weather Underground update as you are preparing for your trip.

What to Bring:
• PASSPORT (REQUIRED)
• PRINTED CONFIRMATION (REQUIRED)
• CREDIT CARD (REQUIRED)
• Comfortable shoes for walking long distances, hiking and climbing stairs at Mayan ruins locations – preferably waterproof with support
• Socks
• Light raincoat with hood
• Light layers such as long and short sleeve tees
• Swimsuits and Beachwear
• Yoga wear for conference room sessions
• Shorts or skirts
• Light blouses and shirts
• Business Casual and/or Formal wear for specialty dining (not required)
• Compact umbrella
• Waterproof purse, backpack, or tote
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Insect Repellent
• Journal & Pen
• Camera

STEP 5 RECAP – PACK ALL THAT YOU NEED SO YOU ARE AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE

DISTANCE TO/FROM AIRPORT: Miami International Airport: 10 miles, approximately 20 minutes. Ft. Lauderdale Airport: 25 miles, approximately 45 minutes. (Travel times depending on traffic conditions)

The Port is:
Port of Miami
http://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami
South America Way, Dodge Island,
Downtown Miami, Miami, FL 33132

HOTELS: CLICK HERE to access a list of Hotels located near Pier .

TRANSPORTATION: Taxis are available. Miami International Airport: Approximately $20 each way. Ft. Lauderdale Airport: Approximately $50 each way. (Rates subject to change)

PARKING: Parking is available at all terminals. Parking for cruise passengers is $20 a day, payable prior to embarkation. All Norwegian Cruise Line ship patrons including crew members park in Garage C which is just west of Terminals B & C. Norwegian Cruise Line is not responsible for any damages or losses occasioned from the use of the facilities

DIRECTIONS: From I-95 Take I-95 north or south to I-395. Follow the directional signs to the Biscayne Boulevard exit. When you get the Biscayne Blvd., make a right. Go to 5th Street which converts into Port Blvd. (Landmark: America Airlines Basketball Arena.) Make a left and go over the Port bridge. Follow directional signs to designated terminal.

From the West / Airport Vicinity Take FL-836/Dolphin Expressway East. Stay straight and go through the tolls. Stay straight to I-395 East. Follow the directional signs to the Biscayne Boulevard exit. When you get the Biscayne Blvd., make a right. Go to 5th Street which converts into Port Blvd. (Landmark: America Airlines Basketball Arena.) Make a left and go over the Port bridge. Follow directional signs to

…to check-in with Norwegian on our ship: THE NORWEGIAN ESCAPE with Passport, Confirmation Paperwork, Credit Card and luggage in hand.

Your luggage may be collected and inspected before you board the ship and delivered to your stateroom door as or after we set sail. Please be sure to keep any necessary medications, IDs and documentation, wallets and other important possessions in your purse, small backpack, or on your person so you have access to what you need all times.

Once you board the ship, you can settle into your room. Please be sure to attend the Boat Drill at 3pm – details on the Boat Drill will be provided by Norwegian upon check-in.

You’ll have time for lunch and/or dinner prior to registering with Angela Sparks at the Welcome Reception for the Immersion at 6pm in the Atlantic/Pacific Conference Room. Upon registration for the event, you will be given a Welcome Packet that will include a copy of the Itinerary above and a name badge.

Light hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be available from 6p -7p prior to the Opening Session with Panache. The Reception and all Sessions will be held on Deck 6 Forward (near the front of the ship) in the Atlantic/Pacific Conference Room.

STEP 7 RECAP – EMBARK ON AN UNFORGETTABLE 7-DAY IMMERSION ON LAND AND SEA WITH PANACHE