April 30, 2018
Wild and Wonderful
Bonne Bay and Gros Morne National Park are two unmissable highlights of Newfoundland. This unique landscape of deep valleys, steep cliffs, sandy beaches, and a spectacular fjord system is now designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. Moose, caribou, fox, black bears, ptarmigans, and eagles are common sights here. Enjoy getting close to an ancient landscape that is simply unforgettable.
Life on the Edge
The people of the idyllic outpost Îles de la Madeleine will amaze you with their ability to thrive in the dramatic wind weather of their beautiful surroundings.
Vibrant Halifax
Founded in 1749, Halifax today is Atlantic Canada's cultural capital, with a blend of the old and new. Modern office towers and historic buildings stand side by side. The surrounding parks offer plenty of outdoor activities, so spend some time exploring this vibrant urban center set on the edge of true wilderness.
- Explore the spectacular landscape of Newfoundland
- See charming Prince Edward and Bonaventure Islands
- Spot wildlife, on land and at sea
- Discover unforgettable Mingan National Park
Price includes:
- Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
- Wind- and water-resistant jacket
- Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
- Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures and accompanies landings and activities
- Complimentary tea and coffee
Not included:
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
The Big Apple Never Sleeps - New York
Our expedition starts in New York City, the city that never sleeps. Spend some time enjoying all that New York City has to offer before embarking on MS Fram, and make sure to be out on deck as we sail past the Statue of Liberty on our way out to sea.
Lectures, Expedition Photography, and Relaxing - At sea
As we start our cruise north, the expedition team will begin their lecture program, covering our route and the environmental challenges of the world’s oceans due to climate change. For photography enthusiasts, the expedition photographer will demonstrate the basics of creating great pictures during your cruise, and there may be an opportunity to go behind the scenes and participate in our guest expedition staff program. Of course, you will also have plenty of time to simply enjoy the peaceful relaxation of being at sea.
A Town of the Sea - Yarmouth, Nova Scotia
A lovely historic town built on shipbuilding and trade, Yarmouth boasts fine Victorian homes, museums, churches, wharves, and other hidden gems. Join an excursion to see ornate captains' homes, and the lighthouse that guided captains safely back home after long journeys at sea. Or take a seaside walking trail to Cape Forchu, and explore the rugged landscape as you take in the stunning views.
Unwind with a View - At Sea
A day at sea means you can join the lectures presented by the expedition team, spend time on deck, or chat with fellow passengers in the Panorama lounge as we sail north. You can also enjoy a workout in our well-equipped fitness room with a panoramic ocean view, or relax in one of the outdoor hot tubs.
Charm, History, and Lighthouses - Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Visit historic Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, which served as the inspiration for the popular novel Anne of Green Gables, or explore Prince Edward Island National Park and hike along the distinctive red sandstone cliffs. You can also take in the quaint and charming architecture of Charlottetown, and tour some of the famed lighthouses on the island.
Beautiful Wilderness - Bonaventure Island
An island of dramatic cliffs and flourishing birdlife, Bonaventure Island was made a part of the Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park in 1985. Today it is considered one of the largest and most accessible avian sanctuaries in the world, with more than 280,000 birds. Join us in one of our small boats as we cruise around the island, sighting an amazing array of birds and wildlife. We will also go ashore with our small boats in the nearby village of Percé, a member of the association of the 'Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec'. In this spectacular setting, there will be fantastic kayaking and hiking opportunities. Nearby Percé Rock (in French: Rocher Percé, or 'pierced rock') is a massive rock formation in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, and one of the world's largest water-based natural arches.
The Artistry of Nature - Havre-Saint-Pierre
Today we will be alongside the harbor of Havre-Saint-Pierre. From here we offer a series of stunning boat tours to the Mingan Archipelago to explore a unique landscape of limestone monoliths carved into fantastic and beautiful shapes by the forces of time, wind, sea, and ice. Take this rare opportunity to see these geological wonders, and enjoy the archipelago's excellent walking trails.
A Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site - Bonne Bay
Scenic Bonne Bay is among Newfoundland’s most beautiful bays – a deep mountainous fjord located on Newfoundland’s breathtaking west coast that divides the Gros Morne National Park in two. Gros Morne is a combination of protected areas and small coastal communities with a rich culture and tradition of fishing and logging. From our deck, you can see the Tablelands Mountains – flat-topped rock outcroppings that are usually found deep in the Earth’s mantle. Their geological uniqueness is the main reason the park has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. It took millions of years to mold the mountains into what we see today, and the sight is beautiful and awe-inspiring. Woody Point, in the south of the park, is a charming community of old houses and imported Lombardy poplars. Moose, caribou, fox, black bears, ptarmigans, and eagles are commonly seen here. A visit to the higher regions of this ancient landscape will be unforgettable.
Shaped by Wind and Waves - Cap-aux-Meules
Twelve islands make up the roughly 62-mile-long sand archipelago called Îles de la Madeleine. The six largest of these islands are connected by miles of sand dunes peppered with fuzzy tufts of grass. Shaped by the wind and waves, the iron-rich red and gray sandstone cliffs amaze with their spectacular forms. The coastline of beaches is dotted with harbors, multi-colored houses, and picturesque bays. We dock in Cap-aux-Meules, home to more than half of the archipelago’s population. Long before the arrival of Europeans, native people came to the islands to fish and hunt for seal and sea cows (manatees). Preceded by Basque fishermen, Jaques Cartier arrived in 1534 and wrote in his logbook the first recorded reference to the islands. By 1765, the islands were inhabited by 22 French-speaking Acadians and their families. The locals who live here today are called 'Madelinots'. Other people who live here are descendants of survivors from the more than 400 shipwrecks that occurred near the island. Go ashore and discover this little outpost, where high winds and ocean storms are a part of life. Have a bite to eat at Café la Côte, Pas Perdu, or Café d’Chez Nous, or something to drink at Bar Le Central to feel the island’s bohemian pulse. If you feel like being active, you can go kayaking or enjoy a hike in this relatively flat terrain.
A Toast to Adventure - At Sea
We will raise a glass to toast our travels during the farewell dinner, and the day can be spent going over the highlights of your extraordinary cruise with your fellow travelers, or joining in a final lecture presented by the expedition team.
A Modern Face, a Historic Heart - Halifax
It was Halifax’s natural harbor that first drew the British here in 1749. Today, most sites are located along the waterfront or in the Citadel-crowned hill that overlooks harbor. The 260-year-old provincial capital features Nova Scotia’s strikingly modern districts, which border the historic heart of town. Both hip and historic, Halifax is well worth an extra day or two after you disembark from your expedition with MS Fram.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.