Embark on a captivating voyage through spectacular North Atlantic landscapes. Starting in Canada’s maritime region, you’ll sail from vibrant Halifax to Saint John’s and historic L’Anse-aux-Meadows. Then, discover Greenland’s traditions and striking scenery, visiting the towns of Qaqortoq, Narsarsuaq, and Aappilattoq. Finally, relax at sea before experiencing Iceland’s beautiful and historical Westfjords region, and sleek, modern Reykjavik.
Founded as a naval base in 1749, Halifax’s seafaring history is well-grounded with the Canadian Museum of Immigration, where one million Europeans landed up until 1971, and the Noon Gun that has fired from the Citadel fortress since 1857. When the Titanic struck the iceberg at 11:40 pm, April 14, 1912, ships set sail from here. Many victims are buried at Fairview Lawn Cemetery, while the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic displays rescued artefacts.
As you cruise to your next port of call, spend the day at sea savouring the ship’s facilities and learning about your destination’s many facets from the knowledgeable onboard experts. Listen to an enriching talk, indulge in a relaxing treatment at the spa, work out in the well-equipped gym, enjoy some down- time in your cabin, share travel reminiscences with newly found friends: the options are numerous.
Saint Pierre and Miquelon, a French archipelago south of Newfoundland, offers diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. The main island, Saint Pierre, serves as the capital and includes a cathedral and the Musée Héritage offering a glimpse into the region’s past. Marked trails traverse bogs, subarctic meadows, undergrowth, and coastal paths with chances to spot seals, dolphins, whales and rorquals. Over 300 bird species inhabit the archipelago.
Newfoundland’s former fishing village of St. Anthony, dating back to the 16th-century, brims with excitement despite its sleepy facade. This Arctic gateway comes alive in April to June, offering front-row views to a dazzling natural wonder – the flowing Iceberg Alley, where towering frozen giants glide past. Marvel at these glacial spectacles from Fishing Point. The Grenfell Museum chronicles the life of British Dr. Grenfell’s medical missions.
Days at sea are the perfect chance to relax, unwind and do whatever takes your fancy. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, trying to spot a whale from the deck, reading a chapter or two, or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to the green days spent exploring on land.
Narsarsuaq, a gateway to South Greenland with a WWII air base, is rich in history and biodiversity. Close to the Greenland Ice Sheet and Erik the Red’s Norse settlement, both UNESCO World Heritage sites, it bears reminders of its wartime past. The Greenland Arboretum, a wooded haven, flourishes with wildflowers in summer, guiding paths to viewpoints, all within 6km of the impressive Greenland ice sheet.
Qassiarsuk’s Norse ruins of Brattahlíð, founded by Viking explorer Erik the Red, draw visitors to this Greenlandic village on Tunulliarfik Fjord. Erik’s 10th-century estate grew into a 5,000-person Viking settlement, once Greenland’s largest. Traces of Norse relics dot the landscape, accompanied by a statue of Erik. Qassiarsuk’s subarctic mix of Norse and Greenlandic farming on the Edge of the Ice Cap is part of UNESCO-listed Kujataa Greenland.
Qaqortoq is the largest city in South Greenland and the perfect base to explore the Norse (Viking) ruins encompassed by the extensive UNESCO-listed Kujataa World Heritage Site, a sub-arctic farming landscape. The town is home to 18th-century colonial buildings and the oldest fountain in Greenland; completed in 1932, it depicts whales spouting water out of their blowholes. Qaqortoq Museum in the town’s oldest building focuses on early settlers.
Sea days are rarely dull. Take the time to sit back and let the world go by. The ship’s observation decks provide stunning views of the passing ocean. A day at sea gives you the opportunity to mingle with other passengers and share your experiences of this incredible trip or head to our library which is stocked full of reference books. Get an expert’s view in one of our on-board lectures or perhaps perfect your photography skills with invaluable advice from our onboard professional photographers.
Make sure there is sufficient timeto explore this diminutive but dramatic capital city. Despite its small size, you won’t be short of things to see and do. To get your bearings, take the elevator to the top of Hallgrímskirkja. This church, designed by famed Icelandic architect Gudjón Samuelsson is one of the most distinctive buildings in town. When you return to earth, visit the city’s other renowned building Harpa Concert Hall, located at the heart of Reykjavík’s regenerated harbour – also the home of the Maritime Museum. Speaking of cultural spaces, tour the National Museum to learn the story of Iceland from past to present. The Reykjavík Art Museum houses an impressive contemporary collection including eye-catching pieces by Erró. And, of course, just 50 kilometres outside the city lies Thingvellir National Park, the site of Iceland’s original Viking parliament.
In the centre of Iceland’s sprawling capital city, the modern organ-pipe-shaped Hallgrimskirkja church dominates the top of town. Cosy bars, cafes and shops line the surrounding streets heated by geothermal waters. The regenerated harbour is home to a striking modern concert hall. Popular trips include to the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa near the village of Grindavik, and the Golden Circle tour taking in Gullfoss Waterfall and the mighty Strokkur geyser in Thingvellir National Park.
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