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Join Vantage on this luxurious small ship cruise along the eastern coast of Canada and New England.
Explore Nova Scotia, a region with a long and storied history dating back several centuries. Make landfall on the stunning Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, home to a classic coastal culture. And get to know the French-influenced cultural capitals of Québec and Montréal.
You’ll experience an engaging and illuminating journey, all while gaining insights via included features and Cultural Discoveries, and informative onboard lectures. Plus, the small size of our ship will allow for berthing in most port cities, with minimal tendering where you will be required to have the physical agility to maneuver getting on and off of tenders.
The luxurious amenities of the Ocean Explorer will bring unrivaled comfort to your journey. Traveling on your own? Enjoy one of the landmark 15 cabins designed for solo travelers. Indulge in a spa treatment. Watch the beauty unfold from the Observation Lounge or from the sun deck. All while enjoying the finest meals at sea and relying on our onboard Destination Manager to give your unforgettable voyage a distinctive touch.
Depart for Boston, Massachusetts
Fly to Boston, New England’s sophisticated center of culture. Upon arrival, check into your hotel at the heart of the Back Bay neighborhood and enjoy the city at your leisure, perhaps browsing the many shops along Newbury Street. Dinner tonight is on your own.
Explore Boston at your leisure
Following breakfast at your hotel, you’ll have a full day at leisure to explore Boston at your own pace.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Discover Lexington and Concord, the battleground where the “shot heard round the world” officially triggered the American Revolution. Learn more
Included meals:
Discover Lexington and Concord, the battleground where the “shot heard round the world” officially triggered the American Revolution. Concord is also famous for its literary history, and was the home of the American Transcendentalist movement spearheaded by Ralph Waldo Emerson. You will stand where the opening shots of the American Revolutionary War were fired and travel along the Battle Road Trail that Paul Revere followed during his famous midnight ride. Walk on the Old North Bridge, a replica of the wooden bridge where militiamen beat back the British forces, and view the outsides of the gracious, historic homes where Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, Louisa May Alcott, and others established one of America’s most formative, 19th-century intellectual circles.
Due to high call volume, we recommend you visit MyPortfolio to book this Destination Enhancement. Don’t wait — these optional experiences are limited to a select number of guests and are selling out fast!
Tour Boston’s highlights before embarking the Ocean Explorer
Boston, the birthplace of the nation, is steeped in history. Major sites include Back Bay with the lovely Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, Boston Common, the historic brick-lined lanes of Beacon Hill, Harvard Yard, and the Italian North End with its renowned Old North Church from where Paul Revere hung the tell-tale lanterns.
You’ll check out of your hotel today and enjoy a half-day tour of the city’s famed highlights, with time for lunch on your own, before arriving in Gloucester, where you will board the Ocean Explorer. Settle into your sumptuous stateroom and become acquainted with your 5-star vessel before joining fellow travelers for your first dinner on board tonight.
Included Feature:
Relax on board with a day at sea
Today you will spend the day at sea, enjoying all of the Deluxe amenities Vantage has to offer. Relax with your favorite movie or book, rest up, and take in sweeping vistas as you sail to your next destination.
Onboard Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional onboard experience. Enhance your time on board with one of our Vantage-exclusive activities, including wine and whiskey tastings, a multicourse Chef’s Table Dinner, or an exclusive wine-pairing dinner. Learn more
Get to know Halifax, Nova Scotia
The city of Halifax, Nova Scotia, has a long and interesting history, dating back several centuries. Once home to the First Nations Mi’kmaq people, Nova Scotia’s capital town was founded by Great Britain in the mid-18th century. Nowadays, this beautiful city prides itself on its eclectic waterfront district, the most visited destination in all of Nova Scotia.
The city’s historic sites include Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where visitors can hear the compelling tale of how 121 victims of the RMS Titanic disaster were recovered and buried here. Its picturesque Citadel, a star-shaped fortress, was constructed in 1856 to defend the city from invading forces. The current residents of this unique building are the 87th Highlander Regiment, which regularly performs reenactments inside the square. The Art Gallery of Nova Scotia features a fine Italianate façade, and houses a rich collection of regional, national, and international art.
You'll visit some of the area’s iconic sites on today’s illuminating half-day tour, then have the afternoon free to continue exploring on your own. Or, return to the ship for another fascinating lecture on board.
Explore historic Louisbourg, Nova Scotia
Founded in 1713, the town of Louisbourg — once a bustling 18th-century French fortification — is now a vital coastal community where land and sea connect to make a totally unique destination, which you’ll be able to discover for yourself on today’s half-day tour.
Located just east of Sydney, and situated on storied Cape Breton Island, Louisbourg is embraced by history. Visitors will discover a portal to the past where they can step back into 18th-century colonial France. The crown jewel of this community is the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a one-quarter-scale reproduction of the original fortress that once stood in its spot.
Another of Louisbourg’s interesting sites is the Lighthouse Trail. This trail along the rugged Atlantic coastline is home to Canada’s first lighthouse, built in 1734. Reconstructed nearly 100 years ago, the red-and-white lighthouse stands on Lighthouse Point, a perfect spot to stop and admire the natural beauty of the Atlantic Ocean, and the local flora and fauna.
Louisbourg is not just a place with amazing historic sites and natural beauty. Its charming downtown district will reward visitors with unique dining experiences, local history museums, and exceptional shopping opportunities.
Welcome to the village of Baddeck
Stretching along the picturesque shores of UNESCO-designated Bras d’Or Lake, the vibrant village of Baddeck is a quaint destination known for its rocky cliffs, magnificent trails, and stunning coastline. It is also known as the home of one of the world's most important inventors: Alexander Graham Bell.
Although an innovator in the fields of aeronautics, hydrofoils, and wireless communications, Bell is best known as the inventor of the modern telephone. Visitors to Baddeck can explore the world’s largest collection of this famous inventor’s mementos, photos, and models at the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. This picturesque site also features several ornamental gardens and visitors can take home a part of this story with seeds from the museum gift shop to plant their own garden of inspiration.
Your half-day tour today will highlight the village’s best sights. You’ll have time to explore further on your own following your tour, or return to the ship for an afternoon of leisure before dinner on board.
Culture, heritage, and beauty in the Magdalen Islands
Arrive this morning in the Magdalen Islands, a pristine archipelago of red cliffs and dunes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You’ll visit the Fumoir d’Antan, where you’ll witness the enduring tradition of smoking herring. You can even have a sample if you wish. At the Dune du Sud, walk a scenic beach overlooked by dramatic red sandstone cliffs. Conclude your rewarding tour in La Grave, a picturesque fishing and yachting harbor. This haven for artists and craftspeople is teeming with maritime flavor. You’ll also stop by the Atelier Côtier, where local sand from the beaches is transformed into remarkable sculptures.
Cultural Discoveries:
Please note: While some sights in the Magdalen Islands may not open daily and others are only open seasonally, we will make every effort to visit all important sights during your tour. Tour buses can be quite scarce on the island and often not available during our visits. If this is the case, a school bus will be used for transportation instead.
Scenic cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence
Today, you’ll get to take in the breathtaking views as we round the Gaspé Peninsula where the St. Lawrence River opens up to the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You’ll have a day of leisure on board to relax and relish in your ship’s 5-star amenities. Perhaps you’ll join a morning workout class, or lounge on the sun deck. You could enjoy a facial at the spa, meet friends in the lounge for a game of bridge, attend an engaging lecture, or simply soak in the hot tub with the cocktail of the day — the choice is yours!
Scenic Sailing:
See Saguenay Fjord and the best of Baie-Comeau
Be on the lookout for whales and dolphins as we cruise through Saguenay Fjord National Park on our way to Baie-Comeau.
Baie-Comeau is a charming city, founded in the early 20th century and located on the shores of the peaceful St. Lawrence River. Primarily known as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, active visitors will find many watersport opportunities, beautiful hiking trails, paved cycling paths, and scenic beaches.
Today we’ll touch on a few of the city’s most interesting sites, including the Ha! Ha! Pyramid, a permanent art installation that commemorates the Saguenay flood of 1996. Named after the nearby Ha! Ha! River, the exterior of the almost 70-ft-tall structure is entirely constructed of 3,000 triangular “yield” road signs. Inside you’ll find a staircase that leads to a viewing platform overlooking the river.
We’ll also pay a visit to La Petite Maison Blanche (The Little White House). Constructed in 1890, it was once a private residence owned by Jeanne d'Arc Lavoie-Genest. Today, the house is a museum that tells the story of how this modest building survived two major floods in the 20th century. The interior of house is laid out in a way that pays homage to the original architecture. Spread out over three floors, exhibits include models depicting the surrounding area prior to the devastation of the 1996 flood, educational videos, and a collection of art and antiques.
Uncover Québec City’s French heritage
Often called the most French city outside of France, Québec City is considered a loyal sentry that guards the province’s unique culture. You’ll set out today to discover its Upper and Lower Towns. From the Dufferin Terrace, in the shadow of the palatial Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, enjoy sweeping views of the Saint Lawrence and the surrounding Laurentian Mountains. You’ll also admire the 17th- and 18th-century stone architecture of the Place Royale in the Old Town, home to the oldest Catholic church in North America. See the Plains of Abraham, where the French surrendered to the British in 1759, and gaze upon more impressive vistas from Cap Diamant. Continue via the shop-lined Grande Allée to Montmorency Falls — a roaring and scenic cascade that feeds the Saint Lawrence — for a photo stop.
Enjoy a day at leisure in Québec
Québec’s interesting history and multitude of attractions, as well as its welcoming vibe, make this city a stand-out destination for visitors. You’ll have the day to yourself to discover more of this enchanting city at your leisure.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Spend time in breathtaking Montmorency Falls and lovely Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Learn more
Located just a few minutes from downtown Québec City, you’ll find beautiful Montmorency Falls. This towering waterfall, situated at the mouth of the Montmorency River, surpasses legendary Niagara Falls by over 90 feet. You’ll have the opportunity to visit this spectacular site and take in the awe-inspiring views from the suspension bridge hovering over the crest of the falls. Your optional tour will continue on to the picturesque town of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Set along the banks of the Saint Lawrence River, this lovely destination is home to the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. This incredible shrine honoring Saint Anne was constructed in 1926, on the site of the original 1658 shrine. Its breathtaking interior, designed by Canadian sculptor Joseph-Émile Brunet, depicts 52 religious subjects reflecting the life of Jesus. Brunet also sculpted 14 "Stations of the Cross" lining the walls of the cathedral, with a stone statues of Saint Anne at the entrance of the cathedral.
Disembark the Ocean Explorer and explore Montréal
Bid farewell to your ship this morning in Montréal, then set out to explore this remarkable city situated on an island in the St. Lawrence River. This UNESCO City of Design (one of only a few in the world), is home to more than 50 national historic sites, and it boasts a lively downtown arts and cultural scene. During your highlights tour, you’ll view many of its gems, including historic Old Montréal’s stunning architecture the magnificent neo-Gothic Notre Dame Basilica, one of the crown jewels in Québec's rich religious heritage.
Following your tour, you’ll check into your centrally-located hotel. Lunch and dinner today are on your own.
Enjoy Montréal at your leisure
You’ll be able to explore more of Montréal on your own today. The city’s eclectic mix of stunning heritage architecture and impressive skyscrapers make for captivating sightseeing. You can visit the award-winning Canadian Centre for Architecture (CCA) to gain insight into the city’s architecture and learn about its role in shaping contemporary society.
Destination Enhancement: Customize your journey when you add an optional excursion. Enjoy a uniquely Canadian experience when you visit a traditional sugar shack. Learn more
Known for its delicious maple syrup, Canada’s sugar shacks are a long-held tradition that dates back to the earliest First Nations people. European settlers arriving in the northeast during the fur trading boom observed Indigenous peoples making high-calorie maple sugar every spring, which was used to sustain them through the tough winter months. The settlers used their technology to improve on the process of tapping maple trees and making crystallized maple sugar, which was then broken down into slices and melted or shaved directly over dishes. Today, sugar shack meals are a popular northeastern event for locals and visitors alike. A sugar shack meal is unlike anything else and you have to be fully prepared to indulge in a rich, delicious, maple-laden meal that will leave you completely satisfied. You’ll be able to celebrate the tradition yourself on this one-of-a-kind, full-day excursion that includes a sugar shack tour and, of course, a full meal!
Return home
Transfer to the Montréal airport for your flight home.
Please Note: Ocean cruising is not the same experience as river cruising; as such, you may experience fluctuating tides and weather patterns that may involve some rocking of your vessel. Itineraries will include all activities as planned except in extreme cases that can’t be controlled by your shipboard crew. Day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Cruise Director or regional expert.
Half price on all 2024 departures**
