New shore excursions will have Royal Caribbean International guests zipping between treetops in a Jamaican jungle, taking a dip in the shadow of an active volcano and exploring ancient, remote Mayan ruins in Belize.With exciting new excursions bringing the total number of offerings to more than 600, Royal Caribbean’s Explorations! program gives guests the chance to explore the Caribbean in unique and unexpected ways. Shore excursions for guests of all ages and activity levels are offered in conjunction with every cruise itinerary.

“Our new excursions offer adventures and rich experiences on land, at sea and even in the sky,” said Craig Milan, senior vice president, Shore Excursions and Explorations!, for Royal Caribbean International.

Following is a sampling of the new additions in the Caribbean for 2005:

The Original Canopy Tour (Ocho Rios, Jamaica)—Guests sail through the treetops on this unforgettable jungle canopy tour in Jamaica. Adventurous travelers cross between platforms mounted in the cliffs and trees along an intricate harness system. The horizontal traverses, ranging from 105 feet to 660 feet, offer a bird’s eye view of the lush, tropical landscape.

St. Barths Lifestyles of the Rich & Famous (St. Maarten)—Guests hop onboard a Hydrocruiser vessel to travel in the lap of luxury to St. Barths, known as the playground of the rich and famous. Upon arrival, guests can shop at some of the most exclusive stores in the world; grab a bite at Le Select, famous for inspiring Jimmy Buffet’s “Cheeseburger in Paradise”; or visit famous beaches such as Shell Beach.

Tikal Ruins by Air (Belize)—This special excursion takes guests to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. Guests travel by air to Guatemala, where local guides help them explore extensively excavated and restored ruins in the dense jungles of Peten.

Tabacon Hot Springs and Arenal Volcano (Costa Rica)—Guests journey to one of mother nature’s most awe-inspiring sights, an active volcano. Traveling through Costa Rica’s banana country, cruisers visit the Tabacon Hot Springs Resort, which offers natural hot springs straight from the volcano. Guests can enjoy a dip in the springs, stroll the lush landscape and view the unique hot water waterfalls.

Grenadines Flightseeing (St. Lucia)—This fully narrated flightseeing tour takes guests soaring high above the panoramic beauty of the Grenadines. From St. Lucia, a chartered aircraft with large picture windows transports guests along the rugged coasts of St. Lucia and St. Vincent, affording unforgettable aerial views.

Royal Caribbean guests can find the full selection of Explorations! shore excursions—and book their desired adventures in advance—on the company’s Web site, http://www.royalcaribbean.com. Excursion details are available by port city as well as in an downloadable brochure, customizable by ship and sail date.
——-