North America

On the West Coast, you can enjoy the vibrancy of San Diego and Vancouver as well as the old town charm of places like Santa Barbara and Eureka, California. One of our east coast expeditions also takes in the mixed Inuit and settler community of Makkovik, Canada, and the remote town of St. Anthony, near the excavated Viking settlement at L’Anse aux Meadows.

Cruising along the eastern seaboard is also a diverse experience. Big cities like Boston, for example, need no introduction. But you’ll equally love soaking up the maritime atmosphere in historic seaports like Lunenburg in Nova Scotia. There are also the many charms of Maine in Eastport and the art scene of Provincetown to delve into.

Although you’ll encounter various habitats on any of our North American expeditions, they all share 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 and you’ll 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. You can delve into the natural beauty on offer through optional excursions, including hiking, kayaking and small boat excursions.

The route you take will determine what animals you are likely to encounter, but the range of fauna found along both ocean coasts is impressive. Whale watching is the popular draw – and rightly so, however, these shores are also a birdwatcher’s delight. They’re home to hundreds of bird species from pelicans to bald eagles. You’ll scan for animals including deer, mountain goats, black bears, and on one of our expedition cruises – even the imperial polar bear.

Food is a highlight of any good expedition, and these are no exception. Aside from the sumptuous meals to enjoy on the ship; you’ll be going 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, washed down with a local craft beer. Whatever itinerary you pick, you’ll have plenty to sate and surprise your palate.

Both east and west coasts of North America offer a treat of winged wonders for avid birdwatchers to ooh and aah at. On the west coast, you might spot seabirds and seaducks like the Tufted Puffin and the Harlequin Duck respectively, or the iconic Brown Pelican in California. Expect an equal variety on the east coast, such as Northern Gannets and Sandpipers.

One of the benefits of cruising either the Pacific and Atlantic coasts is that you don’t always have to work too hard for your wildlife fix. When you least expect it, marine life might surface near the ship. Gray and humpback whales roam the waters beneath. There are also occasional sightings of the mighty blue whale – the largest animal on the planet.

Black bears are the smallest and most common North American bear. Scattered across the province, black bears inhabit the forest, 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.

The great thing about kayaking is not just the view, but sometimes, if you’re really lucky, marine life like playful dolphins or gentle whales will surface right next to you when you least expect it. The unique aquatic habitat in Castine Harbor, Maine, allows bioluminescent phytoplankton to flourish. If conditions are right, seeing the waves glow from a kayak is a magical experience.

* Please note that these are optional activities, an additional cost applies.

Our Expedition Team run guided hikes to sites of interest and viewpoints, based on different activity levels. Prepare to be dwarfed by the giant redwoods in Redwood National Park. You’ll also have guided or unguided hiking trails to choose from in Acadia National Park, taking you past wildflowers, through meadows and towering forests.

* Please note that these are optional activities, an additional cost applies.

The coastal towns and bigger cities we’re sailing to offer a multitude of food and wine experiences. Being along the coastline means the seafood is fresh, the lobster juicy. On the West Coast, there are numerous wineries. None more appealing than the ones that await you in Santa Barbara. The chardonnay, pinot noir, and rhône varieties found here have made this Californian region a wine-lovers haven.

* Please note that these are optional activities, an additional cost applies.

Each expedition cruise has a range of interesting landing sites and communities to visit. There’s history to uncover in the colonial town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia; art and seafood in Rockland, Maine; California-riviera lifestyle in Santa Barbara; and ancient Viking site L’Anse aux Meadows near St. Anthony, Newfoundland. Highlights will certainly be exploring the West Coast’s Olympic National Park and Redwood National Park, or Acadia National Park in Maine and Torngat Mountains National Park in eastern Canada.

The Pacific and Atlantic coasts are home to hundreds of different bird species and colonies. You may spot Common Mures, Petrels, or Cormorants, Brown Pelicans, Seagulls, and Great Blue Herons. If you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Bald Eagles, national bird and symbol for the USA, swooping along the beaches of the West and East Coasts, patrolling offshore rocks or wetlands.

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 get involved in various Citizen Science projects that ask you to document wildlife and to send your observations to research institutes.

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 biology. Informal talks and impromptu guiding may also take place out on deck or ashore.