Vibrant capital of Nova Scotia

Your journey begins with a night in Halifax, Nova Scotia’s cosmopolitan capital. This Canadian province sits in the center of the region’s east coast, where its important seaport looks out over one of the world’s largest natural harbors.

The historic city of Halifax, with its distinctive red-brick buildings, makes for a great start to any adventure.

Visit a brewery from 1820 or walk up to Citadel Hill National Historic Site, the city’s most famous landmark, whose star-shaped fortress has commanding views over Halifax. Tour the Army Museum to see sentry changes, artillery demonstrations, and bagpipe performances.

Take a stroll in Halifax Common, Canada’s oldest urban park, which opened in 1763. Art lovers rejoice! The extensive collection in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia includes contemporary works by over 2,000 artists, with a focus on the region’s cultural history.

The Waterfront Boardwalk is always buzzing with activity and is great for people watching. Visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which has a large exhibit about the Titanic. Close to where we dock is Canada's Museum of Immigration. It’s located at Pier 21, the ‘Ellis Island of Canada’, where thousands of immigrants arrived from all over the world.

A bit of France in the Americas

In the morning, a transfer will take you from your hotel to the airport, and from there you’ll fly to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon.

Saint-Pierre and Miquelon is located just south of Newfoundland. Named after St. Peter, the patron saint of fishermen, the archipelago changed hands frequently between the French and the British. Today, the islands are an overseas territory of France and are home to a small population primarily based in Saint-Pierre.

Being so close to Newfoundland, you’d expect the archipelago to share some common features with its neighbor. The similarities stop at climate and geography. Saint-Pierre and Miquelon are distinct and unique islands. Not only do they have their own time zone, everything, including the culture, language, music, and cuisine, is proudly French.

Saint-Pierre’s size makes it ideal for exploring on foot. Soak up the history and heritage as you wander narrow cobbled streets, admiring eye-catching European and Canadian architecture.

Naturally, the food is ‘magnifique’. Charming bakeries carry the aroma of fresh bread and pastries along bustling streets. Colorful food stalls and restaurants tempt you with classic French fare with local twists. Want to sample some excellent lobster? You’re in the right place—fishing remains the mainstay of the islands.

Once you’ve soaked up the sights and delights of Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, it’s time to board MS Fram. Prepare to experience an entirely different sensory journey, centered on your personal wellness and the science of nature.

Relax into nature’s rhythms

Relax and unwind as you settle into the ocean’s rhythm and life aboard the cozy ship. Remember that your onboard amenities include a hot tub, a gym, and a sauna. Or simply relax in the lounge with a book or get to know your fellow explorers.

Meet your wellness instructor and the Expedition Team, who are experts in oceanography, marine biology, and ornithology. All of them were handpicked for this unique expedition cruise. They will introduce you to the range of science, nature, navigation, and wellness activities that are available.

Your time at sea will be an opportunity to connect with nature. Increasing your awareness and appreciation of the natural environment around you is an important key to mental and physical well-being. The Expedition Team will guide your discovery of nature throughout this ocean crossing, perhaps by helping you identify the seabirds that follow the ship or by showing you around the onboard Science Center.

In the evenings, you can relax in the lounge and enjoy fun activities with the Expedition Team, including quiz nights, Q&A sessions, movie nights, and impromptu talks about the areas we’re navigating.

Oceans, nature, and you

Over the next few exciting days at sea, you’ll be happily engaged in a range of hands-on activities.

Oceanography and science at sea

As we sail from the cool coast Nova Scotia to the warm, tropical climate of Panama, you’ll study the changes in the sea and the effect of ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, in lectures and workshops. You’ll also learn about the differences between the marine life found along the continental shelf and the deep ocean with the Expedition Team. This might involve observing seabirds or analyzing seawater samples in the Science Center.

Navigation, old and new

You’ll learn about celestial navigation and astronomy, and how this compares with navigating using modern-day electronic instruments. Explorers of old navigated the seas using tools like a sextant, while the Vikings used optical calcite and the stars.

Conservation and Citizen Science

You’ll discuss issues like the plastic pollution blighting our oceans, and what we can do to reduce it. We’ll explain Hurtigruten Expeditions’ commitment to the environment, and the steps we’re taking toward becoming a leader in sustainable travel.

You can join Citizen Science projects that include whale spotting for Happywhale, a global tracker; noting cloud and sky conditions for the GLOBE Observer project, in conjunction with NASA; or counting seabirds.

Science and art

Before the invention of micro-photography, scientific researchers on expeditions had to paint their samples. You can join a unique art workshop where you can inspect samples under a microscope and try this out for yourself. If you prefer, you can take your artistic inspiration from the nature around you.

Well-being and nature: a virtuous circle

Learn about our symbiotic relationship with nature and how our well-being has a direct and positive impact on the planet’s health. Studies show that regularly interacting with nature makes us healthier and happier. Research also shows that people who feel connected to nature are more likely to behave in ways that promote environmental health, for example, through conservation activities. Explore what actions you can take to maintain this virtuous circle.

Health and well-being

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to engage in wellness activities and deepen your connection with nature. Practice yoga every day, learn mantras and meditation techniques, and even join the Expedition Team for a morning mile-long walk on deck. There will also be a range of healthy and delicious vegetarian and plant-based menu options, as well as fresh smoothies, juices, and nutritious snacks available on board.

Findings and conclusion

Our onboard program comes to a close as we sail to Panama in our last day at sea. Discuss your data counts and findings from the Citizen Science projects with the Expedition Team, or take a last glimpse at the fascinating ocean life under the microscope in the Science Center. Or, simply relax and unwind in the hot tub, sauna, or lounge.

Take this time to observe and appreciate nature’s wonder all around you. Contemplate the majesty of the sea or the shifting of the clouds above. Watch for wildlife from out on deck. You might even catch sight of dolphins, flying fish, and rare seabirds. Connect with the harmony of their movements and feel its calming effect.

The Expedition Team will host a presentation featuring the cruise highlights and recapping what we’ve learned along the way. The officers might join you for a farewell dinner—and the crew may even put on a talent show for you!

Unlock more adventures

We end our expedition cruise in the bustling port town of Colón with enriched minds, healthier bodies, and with plenty to reflect upon. Situated at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, this is a great jumping off point to further explore Panama, the Caribbean, or South America.

Want to add some land adventures to your ocean cruise? Tack on three extra nights with our Post-Program, where you’ll stay in an exotic jungle lodge next to the Chagres River, nestled in the rainforest. There, you’ll visit a rainforest center and a reforestation project. You’ll also explore the jungle on a nighttime boat safari and enjoy a ride in a cable car for gorgeous views of the area and its wildlife.

Another popular Post-Program option is to visit Casco Viejo, arguably the most charismatic neighborhood in Panama City. Stroll the cobblestone streets and charming plazas, and admire the architecture of Colonial churches, mansions, and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Remember to taste some of the local specialities, like coffee and cocoa.

You can even book another expedition cruise with us from Colón to explore the fascinating coastline of South America, taking in coastal cities, jungle wildlife, and rural villages. Marvel at an impressive feat of engineering as you sail through the locks of the Panama Canal and out to the Pacific Ocean.

Whatever’s next, we hope you’ll return home inspired, with a deeper knowledge about our oceans, a greater connection to nature, and a better appreciation of how your well-being can positively impact the planet. Have a safe onward journey. We look forward to exploring with you on your next adventure.