Cruise North America: Explore the coast of U.S and Canada

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Cruising to North America with Hurtigruten

Forget everything you think you know about North America and explore its wonders expedition-style. You’ll be surprised and amazed at the wealth of culture, stunning scenery, and wildlife an expedition here with us will reveal.

Do you prefer the towering trees and iconic cities of the Pacific coastline? Or how about the pristine wilderness and close-knit communities of the Atlantic coast? Whichever you choose, discover the North American coastline’s gems and vistas through immersive landings with our expert Expedition Team.

Each of our itineraries feature at least one national park. We’ll bring you to the wild horses of Sable Island, the colossal redwoods of California, or to the remote reaches of Canada’s Torngat Mountains in Newfoundland and Labrador.

North America Travel Guide

Photo: Ashton Ray Hansen

Reasons to Cruise in North America

Sail along the Pacific coast from San Diego to Vancouver. Visit A-list cities, unspoiled forests, and animals that put the wild in ‘wild west’, giving you a picture-perfect American postcard brought to life.

Or choose the Atlantic coast, from Halfiax, Nova Scotia, to bustling and historic Boston. Visit the small towns that give Maine and Massachusetts its soul. Admire local art and eat fantastic, local foods. Another itinerary brings you to explore the rugged Torngat Mountains National Park in Eastern Canada, where you can discover an ancient Viking settlement and meet the remote communities of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Reasons to Cruise in North America

Big-city bustle

On the West Coast, enjoy vibrant San Diego and Vancouver, along with the old-town charm of places like Santa Barbara and Eureka, California. One East Coast expedition explores the mixed Inuit and settler community of Makkovik, Canada, along with the remote town of St. Anthony, near the excavated Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows.

Small-town Charm

Cruising along the Eastern Seaboard offers a diverse experience. Big cities like Boston need no introduction. But you’ll also love soaking up the seaside atmosphere in historic seaports like Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Not to mention the many charms of Eastport, Maine, and the art scene of Provincetown, Rhode Island.

National Parks

The wide-ranging habitats on our North American expeditions all have one thing in common: stunning beauty. Along the coast of northern California, you’ll find the Redwood National and State Parks, home of the tallest, oldest and largest tree species on Earth. Olympic National Park is a place of great biodiversity. Explore its sub-alpine region up around Hurricane Ridge.

The national parks along the Atlantic coast are no less picturesque. Torngat Mountains National Park is a sprawling kingdom of mountains and magnificent river valleys that will leave you spellbound. Delve into this natural beauty through optional excursions, including hiking, kayaking, and small boat (RIB excursions).

Spectacular Wildlife

The route you take will determine the wildlife you are likely to encounter. Either way, the range of fauna found along both ocean coasts is impressive. Whale watching is the popular draw, and rightly so. Don’t forget about the birds, though! Hundreds of bird species call this area home, from pelicans to Bald Eagles. Keep an eye out for animals including deer, mountain goats, black bears, and on one of our expedition cruises, even the mighty polar bear.

Culinary Delights

Food is a highlight of any good expedition. Ours are no exception. Aside from the sumptuous meals to enjoy on the ship, you’ll go ashore to experience some of the best dining experiences on the planet. Sample world-class pinot noir in Santa Barbara; enjoy the fabled lobster, mussels, and scallops of Maine; and wash it all down with a local craft beer. Whichever itinerary you pick, you’ll have plenty of ways to surprise and delight your palate.

Cruises

Activities in North America

Iconic cities, charming coastal towns, and immense national parks mean there’s no shortage of adventures to be had in North America. Whether you’re exploring the Atlantic or Pacific coast, there are plenty of ways to get right up close to the culture and nature to be found here.

Prepare for adventure, whether you choose the Pacific or Atlantic coastline of North America. Both are home to national parks with diverse habitats and wildlife. Here are several ways to explore the lush forests and coastal towns of North America.

Activities in North America

Kayaking*

The views aren’t the only great things about kayaking—if you’re really lucky, playful dolphins or gentle whales will surface next to you when you least expect it. Due to its unique aquatic habitat, bioluminescent phytoplankton flourishes in Castine Harbor, Maine. If conditions are right, seeing the waves glow from a kayak is a magical experience.

* Please note that kayaking is an optional activity subject to additional cost.

Hiking*

Our Expedition Team members run guided hikes to sites of interest and viewpoints, based on different fitness and activity levels. Prepare to be dwarfed by the giant redwoods in Redwood National Park. Choose from guided or unguided hiking trails in Acadia National Park, which take you past wildflowers, and through meadows and towering forests.

* Please note that guided hikes are an optional activity subject to additional cost.

Food & Wine Tasting*

Food and wine experiences abound in the coastal towns and cities we visit. Eating on the West Coast means fresh seafood and juicy lobster. There are numerous wineries along the West Coast. None are more appealing than the ones in Santa Barbara. The chardonnay, pinot noir, and rhône varieties found here have made this Californian region a haven for wine-lovers.

* Please note food & wine-tasting are optional activities subject to additional cost.

Landings

Each expedition cruise features a range of interesting landing sites and communities to visit. Uncover history in the Colonial town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Enjoy art and seafood in Rockland, Maine. Experience the California-riviera lifestyle in Santa Barbara. Marvel at the ancient Viking site, L’Anse aux Meadows, near St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Highlights include Olympic National Park and Redwood National Park on the West Coast, or Acadia National Park in Maine and Torngat Mountains National Park in Eastern Canada.

Birdwatching

The Pacific and Atlantic coasts are home to hundreds of different bird species and colonies. Spot Common Mures, petrels or cormorants, Brown Pelicans, seagulls, and Great Blue Herons. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Bald Eagles, the national bird and a symbol for the Unites States, swooping along the beaches of the West and East Coasts or patrolling the offshore rocks and wetlands.

Science Center

During your expedition, you’ll have access to the ship’s Science Center with information on the landscapes and ecosystems you’ll encounter in North America. You can also participate in various Citizen Science projects by documenting wildlife and sending your observations to research institutes.

Lectures and Talks

You’ll be sailing with a knowledgeable Expedition Team, who are experts in a variety of fields. They give fascinating lectures on relevant topics that include history, geology, and wildlife biology. They may also give informal talks and offer impromptu guiding on deck or ashore.

Wildlife in North America

Wildlife flourishes across varied landscapes on both the East and West Coasts of North America. Birds and animals thrive in temperate and subalpine forests, as well as coastal, Arctic, and even urban environments. The wildlife is as diverse as the habitats, ranging from adorable puffins to caribou, black bears to sea lions and mighty whales.

Wildlife in North America

Birds

Avid birdwatchers can ooh and ahh at a wide range of birds on both the East and West Coasts of North America. On the West Coast, spot seabirds and sea ducks like the Tufted Puffin and the Harlequin Duck, or the iconic Brown Pelican in California. Just as many abound on the East Coast, such as Northern Gannets and sandpipers.

Whales

One of the benefits of cruising the Pacific and Atlantic coasts is that wildlife is never too hard to find. When you least expect it, marine life might surface near the ship. Gray and humpback whales roam the waters beneath you. There are also occasional sightings of the mighty blue whale—the largest animal on the planet.

Black Bears

Black bears are the smallest and most common bear found in North America. Scattered across the region, black bears live in forests, preferring wooded areas and swamps. Black bears are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. If you are visiting one of the great northern national parks, you might spot a black bear or two roaming the woods for berries.

Here are a few suggestions:

Alaska

Explore the last frontier

Antarctica

Explore this wild and wonderful frozen continent and see penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitat

British Isles

Wild beauty and historic sites

Caribbean & Central America

Tropical paradise off the beaten track

Europe

Wander among historical cities

Greenland

Gaze in awe at immense icebergs

Iceland

The mythical land of volcanoes and glaciers

The Northwest Passage

In the footsteps of legendary explorers

Norway

Cruise under the Midnight Sun and Northern Lights

Norway Expedition

Norway’s wild and dramatic coastline is tailor-made for an expedition-style adventure. Sailing here for almost 130 years, we’re the experts, showing you its highlights and hidden gems.

South America

Search for rich, cultural treasures

Svalbard

Discover the crown of Arctic Norway

Transoceanic

Explore our Transoceanic-themed cruises