Exploring Halifax

The cosmopolitan capital of Nova Scotia

Welcome to historic Halifax! With its red-brick buildings, landmark Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and epic 2.5-mile seafront boardwalk, it’s a wonderful starting point for any adventure.

Once you’ve embarked your hybrid electric-powered vessel, MS Roald Amundsen, and checked in, pick up your complimentary expedition jacket. Other than the mandatory safety briefing, you can spend your free time exploring the ship and settling in to your cabin.

After we set sail, the captain will give a welcome speech. Enjoy the first of many sumptuous meals, where you can meet your friendly Expedition Team.

Exploring the Eastern Scotian Shelf

Scouting wildlife along the continental shelf 

Today, if conditions allow, we’ll explore the Eastern Scotian Shelf, scouting for whales and conducting seabird surveys. With shallow offshore banks and deep basins carved by glaciers, this is an ecologically important area.   

If weather permits, we’ll attempt to circumnavigate or even land at Sable Island National Park Reserve. Here live magnificent wild horses and one of the world’s largest breeding colonies of grey seals.    

Just east of Sable Island is a great underwater canyon called the Gully. This 888-square-mile Marine Protected Area is home to 16 species of whales and dolphins, and cold-water coral that’s up to 1,000 years old. 

Colorful Lunenburg

Stroll around this colonial-era UNESCO-listed town

The first thing you’ll spot as you sail into Lunenburg will be the colorful buildings along the waterfront. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has barely changed since the 1700s, when it was a British colonial settlement. 

Take a walk around the Old Town and soak up the maritime atmosphere. If you prefer exploring on two wheels, rent a bike and enjoy the town’s scenic bike trails.

Historic Eastport

Visit America’s easternmost city and the Old Sow whirlpool 

Today, you’ll cross from Canadian waters into the United States to visit Eastport on Moose Island. This is the deepest natural harbor on the eastern seaboard. Archeologists believe that the indigenous Passamaquoddy people lived here for at least 10,000 years before the first Europeans appeared in 1604. 

As you explore the shops, restaurants, and cafés of the downtown district, you’ll feel the echoes of history all around. 

If weather cooperates, local lobster fishermen may offer trips to see ‘Old Sow’, a whirlpool believed to be the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, named after the ‘squealing’ noise it is said to make as it spins.

Boothbay

Known as the “Boating Capital of New England,” Boothbay Harbor overflows with fishing vessels and pleasure crafts in equal numbers. Walk along Boothbay Harbor’s flower-lined streets, dotted with art galleries, antique stores, and specialty shops. A visit to the famous Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens is highly recommended. 

Provincetown

Follow in the footsteps of Jackson Pollock as we reach Provincetown, Massachusetts. The light and progressive atmosphere of this seaside town has been attracting artists since the 1940s.  

Enjoy a unique perspective of ‘P-town’ on a trolley tour and take time to enjoy a few of its many galleries and restaurants.  

Take a short walk to the Cape Cod National Seashore to explore its protected dunes. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to ride a dune buggy. Avid whale watchers should head to the offshore Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, known to attract 17 species of cetacean.  

Marthas Vineyard

Martha’s Vineyard cruises are the perfect way to see the magnificent Massachusetts coast and one of the most historic ports in New England The long, sweeping sandy beaches in Martha’s Vineyard are straight out of an oil painting, with picturesque lighthouses dotted along the shores and grand mansions adorning the nearby streets.

Take a trip around the island to see wildlife reserves, lush farmland, historic monuments and fishing villages backed by rolling sand dunes. You’re never far from the sea here, with fishing boats, swish marinas and enticing seafood restaurants at every turn.

Revolutionary Boston

Old and new worlds meet at journey’s end

Your expedition cruise from Halifax reaches its final stop: historic Boston. Visit the site of the famous Tea Party and walk the Freedom Trail to discover the city’s revolutionary role in shaping the modern-day United States of America. 

Don’t miss out on the city’s culinary classics, including steaming bowls of seafood chowder and fried clams. And if you’re looking for a friendly bar, then you’ll want to head to Cheers, the bar that inspired the legendary TV show. What better place than there to wrap up your expedition cruise?