Exploring Halifax

The cosmopolitan capital of Nova Scotia

Your expedition cruise to Boston begins with an overnight stay in historic Halifax. With its red-brick heritage buildings, landmark Citadel Hill National Historic Site and epic 2.5-mile seafront boardwalk, it’s a wonderful starting point for any adventure. 

Take a leisurely stroll on Halifax Common – Canada’s oldest park, dating back to 1763 – and visit one of the city’s many art galleries or museums. Don’t miss the Titanic exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. 

There’s so much to see and do here; why not arrive early and join our optional Pre-Programme to explore more.

The Lighthouse Route

Explore Peggy’s Cove before setting sail

This morning, we’ll take you along the winding coastal highway known as the Lighthouse Route. At journey’s end you’ll discover the unspoilt tiny fishing village of Peggy’s Cove. 

Remember to bring your camera as you’ll find one of the world’s most photographed lighthouses here – a beauty you’ll want to capture for yourself. 

Then it’s time to head back to Halifax and board your comfortable hybrid electric–powered expedition ship, MS Roald Amundsen. Settle in, then meet your friendly Expedition Team and enjoy your first delicious meal at sea as we head for Sable Island.

Horses of Sable Island

Spotting wild horses on this unspoilt sandbar island 

Your expedition cruise from Halifax makes its first stop at the crescent-shaped Sable Island – named after the French word for sand and now a national park reserve that protects the magnificent wild horses which live here. There are believed to be over 550 of them roaming free, descended from horses originally released back in the 18th century. 

The waters close to the island are historically challenging, but the sandy beaches provide an excellent vantage to view the island. Join us in our small expedition boats as we attempt a beach landing on this remote shore, or simply admire the dramatic scenery from the deck.

Colourful Lunenburg

Stroll around this colonial-era UNESCO-listed town

The first thing you’ll spot as you sail into Lunenburg will be the colourful buildings along the waterfront. This UNESCO-designated 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. Or if you’d rather explore on two wheels, you can rent a bike and enjoy the town’s scenic cycling 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. The deepest natural harbour on the eastern seaboard, archaeologists believe 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 the weather cooperates, local lobster fishermen may be offering trips to see ‘Old Sow’ – a whirlpool believed to be the biggest in the Western Hemisphere and named after the ‘squealing’ noise it is said to make as it spins.

Rockland and Castine

Enjoy nature walks and discover a bioluminescent bay

Rockland is a quiet mix of cafés, art galleries and lobster fishing. 

Discover the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and enjoy a nature walk. Camden Hills State Park is also nearby for scenic hikes around Mount Battle. Art lovers will want to visit the Center for Maine Contemporary Art and the Farnsworth Art Museum, featuring works by the famous American realist painter Andrew Wyeth.  

We’ll drop anchor close to the town of Castine tonight for you to discover the unique aquatic ecosystem of bioluminescent phytoplankton. You may even have an opportunity to get up close to this incredible natural phenomenon on a kayak.

Acadia National Park

47,000 acres of amazing nature and wildlife in Maine

An extra special day awaits you as we sail into Maine’s Bar Harbor. Full of ‘Down East’ character, don’t miss an opportunity to try one of the exquisite seafood restaurants here. 

Bar Harbor is the gateway to the stunning Acadia National Park. Gently sloping mountains and green forests are home to a variety of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, moose, black bears, and over 300 bird species. 

A hop-on, hop-off bus service is available to help you explore the wonders to be found here, such as Thunder Hole and the Wild Gardens. Or why not hike some local trails or go kayaking.

Laid-back Cape Cod

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of arty ‘P-town’

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.

Revolutionary Boston

Old and new worlds meet at journey’s end

Your expedition cruise from Halifax reaches its final stop: historic Boston. Here, you can 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 – try the 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 could there be to wrap up your expedition cruise!