National Geographic Explorer is the world’s ultimate expedition ship. Her design and equipment is the result of almost 200 years of collective expedition experience. Originally built for service along Norway’s coast as part of the famed Hurtigruten, or Coastal Express, her excellent maneuverability and just-right size made her a natural choice for addition to the fleet. Drawing on nearly 50 years of pioneering expedition history and expertise, the cruise completely redesigned and rebuilt her. Explorer is uniquely equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment for polar expeditions; a roster of tools for exploration; and a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions that explores. She provides a peerless expedition cruise trip.
Day 1 St. John's, Newfoundland
St. John's, a classic harbor city, is capital of Newfoundland. Old accents and customs are common, yet Saint John is still modern. The city recently celebrated its 500th anniversary as a modern city with preserved heritage and culture. It offers old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and many other attractions. Historic downtown features unique sites, such as Cabot Tower on Signal Hill overlooking the harbor and the city. The famous friendliness, hospitality and charm of the people of Saint John, plus the Newfoundland folk music found in many of the lively waterfront bars, ensure a perfect visit. A 3 mile Rennies River Trail cuts through the city along a wooded stream and ends at the only public fluvarium in North America, where in late October/early November one can observe spawning brown and brook trout in their natural habitat through underwater windows. The Bowring Victorian park was donated by the wealthy Bowring family in 1911, and resembles the parks of London after which is was modeled.
Day 2 St. Pierre and Miquelon, NF
St Pierre is the southernmost island of the territory of St Pierre and Miquelon situated in the North Atlantic Ocean south of the coast of Newfoundland. It is a French protectorate consisting of two small groups of islands principally St Pierre, Miquelon, and Langlade. The islands are mostly barren and rocky but are important for cod-fishing.
Day 3 Louisbourg
Founded in 1713 for its cod fishery, Louisbourg enjoyed three peaceful decades as a French colonial seaport. New Englanders captured the town in 1745, but watched its return to France three years later. The peace was shortlived and in 1758, the British captured the town a second time. In 1760, Louisbourg's fortifications were destroyed and the small British garrison left the fortress eight years later. Today, the Fortress exists as a National Historic Site operated by Parks Canada and offers the visitor a taste of 18th-century life in a French fortress.
Day 3 Baddeck (Nova Scotia)
Baddeck is located in the heart of Cape Breton. It is the 'beginning and end of the Cabot Trail' and is a popular stopping place on the Trans-Canada Highway. The Village's charm and character, and it's dramatic scenery, have provided memorable experiences to visitors for generations. Experience the magnificent setting overlooking Cape Breton's beautiful inland sea, the Bras d'Or Lake. The Alexander Graham Bell Museum depicts the genius of this extraordinary man. Best known for the invention of the telephone, he also invented flying machines and communications for the deaf. The Scottish history and culture comes alive with concerts, celtic crafts and fashion shows of Gaelic College. The Village Shops provide a variety of quality gifts and crafts. Boat Cruises can be taken from the village. There are amenities for visiting yachts. Take the ferry boat from the Government wharf to enjoy the public beach and nature trails of Kidston Island.
Day 4 Iles-de-la-Madeleine
Day 5 Gulf of St. Lawrence
Cruising
Day 6 Gros Morne National Park
Gros Morne National Park is one of the most beautiful UNESCO world heritage sites in Canada. Visitors can hike through wild, uninhabited mountains and camp by the sea. Boat tours bring visitors under the towering cliffs of a fjord carved out by glaciers. Waterfalls, marine inlets, sea stacks, sandy beaches, and colorful nearby fishing villages complete the phenomenal natural and cultural surroundings of this National Park.
Day 7 Red Bay
Day 8 L'Anse Au Meadow
L'Anse-aux-Meadows is the oldest European habitation site in North America. Led by Leif Eriksson, son of the Eric the Red, the Scandinavian Vikings crossed the North Atlantic in 1000 AD, becoming the first known Europeans to land in North America. Now protected as a national park, the historic site is set on the edge of the Strait of Belle Isle, across from Labrador, in a rough, rocky northern environment. It's a fascinating place, made special by the unobtrusive, low-key approach taken in its development. The Viking settlement includes replicas of sod buildings, complete with smoky scent, and there are also eight unearthed originals of wood and sod. There's an interpretive center to help make sense of things, and some Viking snacks might even be offered. Two-hour tours on a replica Viking ship are also offered.
Day 9 Eastern Newfoundland
Day 10 St. John's, Newfoundland
St. John's, a classic harbor city, is capital of Newfoundland. Old accents and customs are common, yet Saint John is still modern. The city recently celebrated its 500th anniversary as a modern city with preserved heritage and culture. It offers old world charm, unique architectural and historic landmarks, fine cuisine and many other attractions. Historic downtown features unique sites, such as Cabot Tower on Signal Hill overlooking the harbor and the city. The famous friendliness, hospitality and charm of the people of Saint John, plus the Newfoundland folk music found in many of the lively waterfront bars, ensure a perfect visit. A 3 mile Rennies River Trail cuts through the city along a wooded stream and ends at the only public fluvarium in North America, where in late October/early November one can observe spawning brown and brook trout in their natural habitat through underwater windows. The Bowring Victorian park was donated by the wealthy Bowring family in 1911, and resembles the parks of London after which is was modeled.