Serenade of the Seas

Amazing Butchart Garden and a Taste of Tim Hortons

Discover the vibrant beauty of the Butchart Gardens, a haven of natural splendor and historic charm nestled within the confines of a former quarry transformed by visionary Jennie Butchart herself, during your 2-hour visit. But first, taste a bit of Canada at Tim Hortons, a nationally iconic chain, to try one of their drinks and iconic “Timbit” donuts rounds.

Behind the Waves – The Insider’s Tour

Have you ever wondered what’s behind those doors labeled “CREW ONLY”? Now is your chance to see! Go behind the scenes and discover what it takes to create your best vacation ever. Explore the engine control room at the heart of the ship and venture onto the bridge, the command center. In the galley, you’ll see the meticulous care that goes into crafting every meal. You'll also visit the ship's expansive laundry facilities to watch cleaning and folding processes for massive volumes of napkins, tablecloths, sheets, and beach towels. Plus, you'll have a chance to stroll along I-95, the long corridor in the crew's area, named for the interstate highway that spans the eastern U.S. coastline. Then Visit the environmental room to learn about onboard waste management, water treatment, energy conservation, and Royal Caribbean's commitment to sustainability.

O Canada! Victoria Highlights

This 2.5-hour sightseeing bus tour of Victoria not only offers a passing glimpse of the city’s notable parks, neighborhoods and bustling Inner Harbour, but you’ll also enjoy refreshments at Tim Hortons and an entertaining Canadian trivia quiz along the way. As you travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach around the capital of British Columbia, you’ll learn about the city’s history, geography and culture while engaging in a trivia contest complete with prizes. You’ll see a collection of sights throughout the trip: mile zero of the 5,000-mile-long Trans-Canada Highway; manicured landscapes and a towering totem pole in Beacon Hill Park; the oldest Chinatown in Canada; the University of Victoria’s historic campus; plus the chateau-style Empress Hotel and grand Parliament Buildings in Victoria’s picturesque Inner Harbour. You’ll also ascend Mount Tolmie Park to take in 360-degree views of the city and harbor below. End the tour on a sweet note at Tim Hortons, Canada’s largest quick-serve restaurant, with a cup of hot coffee and their signature bite-sized Timbits donuts.

Royal B.C Museum and City Highlights

Enjoy a combination tour that first showcases Victoria's downtown parks and monuments, then takes you to the top of Mount Tomie, plus includes self-guided exploration of the Royal BC Museum's natural and human history exhibits. In the comfort of an air-conditioned motor coach you'll delight in a narrated drive through verdant Beacon Hill Park to see the Mile Zero marker of the Trans Canada Highway. Catch a passing glimpse of this capital city's Parliament Buildings before skirting the waterfront Inner Harbour and admiring the Victorian beauty of the world-famous Fairmont Empress Hotel. You'll make a quick photo stop at the summit of Mount Tolmie, a lookout delivering 360-degree panoramas of the city sprawl below you. Your final stop at the Royal BC Museum allows for about 90 minutes of free time to wander among its fascinating exhibits. Learn about the languages of the First Nations people and stand among a recreated coast forest environment. Browse a historic gallery showcasing what Vancouver Island was like at the turn of the century, enter a domed simulation of magnificent coastal forest and various regional ecosystems, or peek into the various rotating exhibits.

Secret Garden, City Highlights and High Tea

Embrace the natural beauty and royal legacy of Victoria on a 2.5-hour trip featuring Abkhazi Garden, where you'll enjoy a self-guided tour and traditional high tea before taking in the city sights and optional free time in downtown Victoria. Enjoy exclusive early entrance into the blooming paradise of Abkhazi Garden. Created by Georgian Prince and Princess Abkhazi in 1946, this hidden garden gem teems with leafy pathways lined with rocky slopes and turtle-filled ponds. Take a serene stroll past Garry oaks, Japanese maples, aromatic roses, 50-year-old rhododendrons, and flowers of every color. Then take a seat in The Teahouse and prepare to be treated to the Royal Abkhazi High Tea. Sip a selection of Silk Road loose leaf teas in a tranquil setting overlooking the gardens. A three-tier assortment of scones, quiche and sandwiches showcase regional ingredients and produce grown onsite in the surrounding garden. Your 45-minute sightseeing return drive brings you through the heart of downtown Victoria, where you can explore the city's British Colonial past, souvenir shops, or seafood restaurants on your own.