Exploring Halifax

The cosmopolitan capital of Nova Scotia

Your expedition cruise to Boston begins with an overnight stay in historical 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, including the Titanic exhibit at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

There's so much to see and do, 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, your included excursion will 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 here you'll find one of the world's most photographed lighthouses – a beauty you'll want to capture for yourself.

Then it's time to head back to Halifax to board your comfortable hydrid-powered expedition ship, Ms Roald Amundsen. Settle in, 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.

The island is best known for its magnificent protected horses, descended from horses originally released back in the 18th century. Over 550 of them roam free here.

The waters close to the island are historically challenging, but we'll try our best to take you ashore or at least close enough to see the horses from the ship’s deck – as well as harbour and grey seals.

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 one of the town's scenic cycling trails.

You can also take a visit to nearby Oak Island, as featured on the TV show 'The Curse of Oak Island', which is popular with treasure hunters.

Historic Eastport

Visit America's easternmost city and Old Sow whirlpool

Today you'll cross from Canadian waters into the USA to visit Eastport City on Moose Island. The deepest natural harbour on the eastern seaboard, archaeologists believe the native Passamaquoddy lived here for at least 10,000 years before the first Europeans appeared in 1604.

Explore the shops, restaurants and cafés of the downtown district and you'll feel the echoes of history all around.

Local lobster boats may also offer you a trip to see Old Sow. The whirlpool, believed to be the biggest in the Western Hemisphere, is named after the squealing noise it's said to make as it spins.

Rockland and Castine

Experience the glow of a bioluminescent bay

Rockland is a quiet mix of bohemian cafés, bijoux art galleries and lobster fishing. Today's included excursion is to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse and a nature walk.

Camden Hills State Park is also nearby for scenic hikes around Mount Battle. And art lovers will want to visit the Center for Maine Contemporary Art and the Farnsworth Art Museum, featuring work from Andrew Wyeth. We'll drop anchor in Castine Harbor tonight for you to discover the unique aquatic ecosystem of bioluminescent phytoplankton. You may even be able to get up close to this natural phenomenon on a kayak.

Acadia National Park

47,000 acres of amazing nature and wildlife in Maine

A special day awaits you as we sail into Maine's Bar Harbor. Full of Downeast character, take time to explore its exquisite seafood restaurants.

The best is still to come though as 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 300 bird species.

A hop-on, hop-off bus service is included to help you explore the wonders all around, such as Thunder Hole and the Wild Gardens. Optional excursions are also available to hike local trails or go kayaking.

Laidback Cape Cod

Enjoy the lively atmosphere of arty P-town

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

Enjoy a unique perspective on 'P-town' in the included trolley tour, and take time to enjoy its many galleries and restaurants.

Take a short walk to the Cape Code National Seashore to explore its protected dunes – optional dune buggy excursions are also available. And the offshore Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary is the place for avid whale watchers to head, attracting 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 modern-day America.

Try the city's culinary classics too - 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 eponymous TV show.

Boston is brimming with history and culture. Why not explore more of the city and its surroundings with our optional Post-Programmes.