October 08, 2018
North America has been ’discovered‘ a few times during the last millennia, starting with Norsemen coming across Newfoundland around 986 A.D. Almost 500 years later, João Vaz Corte-Real probably also reached Newfoundland. Of course, Columbus reached the `New World´ farther south in 1492, launching the colonization of America. Now it’s your turn to discover the eastern seaboard of North America, from Halifax in Canada to New York.
The Maine Voyage of Discovery
Maine is New England at its most iconic. The sea looms large here, with mile upon mile of jagged sea cliffs, peaceful harbors, and pebbled beaches. It is truly more than just lobsters, lighthouses, and picturesque ports. To see what this part of the coast is all about, we visit Bar Harbor, Bucksport, and Rockland to take a close look at their small-town charm and visit a national park with mountains, lakes, forests, and gorgeous coastal landscapes.
Big-City Life
Boston is next, and you have time to discover some of the must-see sites and charming cobblestone streets. There’s history and culture around every corner in Boston. Skyscrapers nestle next to historic houses in this city and blend the past and present in an artful and welcoming way. Then it is time to find some peace and quiet in Newport, Rhode Island, where you can enjoy walks along the cliffs and lovely architecture.
After a day at sea, we will end our cruise sailing past the Statue of Liberty and into New York. Here we suggest you to spend the day (or more) exploring the ‘Big Apple’ and its endless sights, attractions, culture, food, and energy.
- Discover the beautiful coast of Canada and New England
- Experience Maine and its charming small towns
- Learn on board with our expedition team
- Enjoy culture, history, and natural beauty
- Hurtigruten expedition voyage in the cabin category of your choice on a full-board basis (daily buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set or buffet dinner)
- 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
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Your Voyage Price Includes:
- Hurtigruten expedition voyage in the cabin category of your choice on a full-board basis (daily buffet breakfast, buffet lunch, and set or buffet dinner)
- 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:
- Travel insurance
- Luggage handling
- Optional excursions and gratuities
Itinerary
An Urban Center, a Magnificent Seacoast, and Rich History - Halifax
While the area around Halifax has been inhabited by the native Mi'kmaq peoples for millennia, modern Halifax was founded in 1749 as a British military outpost. Today it is Atlantic Canada’s entertainment and cultural capital, melding the old and new worlds. Modern office towers of glass and steel stand beside historic buildings that once stored the booty of privateers. Located on the second-largest natural harbor in the world, life here revolves around the sea and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun activities on land, water, and in the air. Spend some time exploring this vibrant urban center resting on the edge of nature before embarking on MS Fram to sail south along the North American coast.
Exploration Day - At sea
Our experienced captains, along with expedition leaders and local experts, will create unique stops in destinations normal cruise ships are not able to deliver. These might be special landing sites to go for walks and launch our kayaks, or community visits, or perhaps stops to watch wildlife.
When in Maine… - Bar Harbor
Adventure, romance, rocky coast, and soaring granite cliffs … there is a special mystique to Bar Harbor. Surrounded by Acadia National Park and perched on the edge of the sea, this little community offers tons of charm. Bar Harbor is the artistic, culinary, and social center of Mount Desert Island. Around the turn of the last century, the island was known as a summer haven for the very rich because of its cool breezes. Today, Bar Harbor´s shops are clustered along Main, Mount Desert, and Cottage streets. Take a stroll down West Street, a National Historic District, where you can see some fine old houses. One of Bar Harbor’s many attractions is its close proximity to Acadia National Park, which has over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, hiking and biking trails, amazing views, and dramatic coastline. We aim to catch the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast of the US, which offers magnificent views of the glaciated coastal and island landscapes.
Two Typical Small Towns in Maine - Rockland/Bucksport
As we continue sailing south, we reach Bucksport, located on the Penobscot River and home to approximately 5,000 people. Across the bay is Fort Knox, one of the largest fortifications on the New England seacoast. A major feature of Bucksport is the Downtown Waterfront Walkway and an old railroad station that now houses the local Historical Society. Here you can learn about the town’s eventful past through photos, exhibits, and lore, including the legend of a witch’s curse placed upon the town’s founder, Jonathan Buck. To this very day, evidence of the curse can be seen on the Buck Monument located on Route 1. Take a stroll in this typical American small town and enjoy its charming atmosphere. Sailing farther down the coast, we come to Rockland, a beautiful coastal town in Maine situated alongside Penobscot Bay. Rockland is known for its lobster-fishing industry and deep harbor, dotted with hundreds of inlets and coves. Downtown Rockland’s historic homes and charming shops feature great architecture. There are plenty of tasty cafés and restaurants here serving fresh, local seafood, of course. Rockland is also home to the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, with an impressive collection featuring the beauty of Maine. With beautiful mountains, scenic waterways, charming wineries, and pristine Atlantic beaches, Rockland also offers many options for outdoor activities.
The Cradle of Liberty and Beantown - Boston
Boston can be described as one large outdoor museum. As we arrive, Boston Harbor provides a spectacular scenic backdrop to the city, and its 34 islands provide an exciting urban-adventure destination. Walk the Freedom Trail and you'll quickly get a sense of the city's revolutionary spirit and history. As you follow the red-brick road, from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, you’ll pass 16 sites where dramatic history was played out. Be sure to explore some of Boston's fine museums and old neighborhoods. The city´s most magnificent architecture is clustered around Back Bay, symbolic of the culture and learning that gave Boston its nickname: the ‘Athens of America’. Harvard Square is a rich source of colonial and revolutionary history. Lined with mansions that were once home to royal sympathizers, it earned the nickname Tory Row. This is where you find Harvard, founded in 1636, the oldest university in the US. Throughout Harvard Square, street musicians perform on the sidewalks and in the parks, and there are live performances in many of the clubs. Follow the brick sidewalks to see an eclectic mix of book stores and music stores, performing arts theatres, and museums. Exploring on an empty stomach is never a good idea. Luckily, Boston is America’s seafood capital, famed for clam chowder and lobster, and a rich mix of ethnic flavors from all corners of the world.
The Ocean State - Newport
Founded in 1639, Newport, Rhode Island, is considered to be a shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. It is home to spectacular coastal scenery, awe-inspiring architecture, a thriving waterfront downtown, and welcoming hospitality. Tour the famed Gilded Age mansions that once were the summer playground for socialite families with names such as Astor and Vanderbilt, or enjoy wine-tasting at Newport's three scenic vineyards. Hop on a ride through Newport’s downtown and along iconic Ocean Drive, discover Colonial architecture or explore the tunnels at Fort Adams – America’s largest coastal fortification. Experience the world-renowned Cliff Walk, a path tracing the edge of the Atlantic Ocean offering views of opulent Newport mansions, or stroll the city’s historic Old Quarter. Join fascinating walking tours or experience natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, where American author, poet, philosopher and naturalist Henry David Thoreau found inspiration. The Norman Bird Sanctuary boasts 325 acres and seven miles of trails that wind through diverse habitats. Newport has also earned an enviable reputation as a culinary hot spot. Newport chefs create local delicacies by working with area farmers, foragers, and fishermen, making amazing dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients, so take this opportunity to enjoy a wonderful meal here.
The Magnificent City of New York - New York
Early in the morning, we arrive at the great metropolis of New York City, where it's time to say farewell.
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