New England and Canadian Wonders - 20 nights, October 2013

The lovely, walled Lower Town of Quebec is full of 18th century charm and history and you can best see this at Place Royale. Listen as your guide enlightens you with tales of Samuel de Champlain’s first settlement in Quebec. Around the corner from Place Royale is the charming pedestrian only area of Petit Champlain. Along its narrow cobblestone streets, you will find an array of quaint boutiques, shops and cafés. From Lower Town to Upper Town, enjoy a short funicular ride to reach the historic walled city. The wonderful vantage point at Dufferin Terrace offers impressive panoramas of the St Lawrence River and beyond, so be sure to take your camera. Board your elegant carriage in the Park des Gouverneurs and ride through the historic streets, passing the Quebec fortifications, the Parliament Building, an imposing Second Empire style building overlooking the city. Continuing along Grande Allée, the Champs-Elysées of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafés and boutiques. Enter the Battlefield Park, then continue through St Louis Gate, along St Louis Street towards the Chateau Frontenac to finish your carriage ride.

This excursion will operate by horse drawn carriage, funicular and on foot. This tour includes approximately two hours of walking over cobblestone streets, although the distances are short and there is minimal uphill walking. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. The carriage ride takes approximately 40 minutes. Please bring an umbrella or jacket in case of rain.

Located in the Chelsea neighbourhood of Manhattan, a little more off the beaten track, is Chelsea Market, the ultimate indoor speciality food market. Here you can gain a glimpse into the local life of Manhattan.

A guided walk around the bustling indoor market will allow you to learn the history of the 112 year old building, admire the surrounding artwork and granite sculptures as you become immersed in the atmosphere. The highlight of your visit is the opportunity to sample a selection of tasty foods ranging from sweet to savoury.

After your food sampling, work it off by walking the High line, an old elevated railway situated 30 feet above the city’s west side. Today it has been transformed into a park with street artwork and views that look down over the busy city streets and it is amongst New York’s most visited attractions.

Heading back to Chelsea Market, you will sample a selection of wine and enjoy a brief last minute wander through the Market before heading back to the pier.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion operates by minibus and on foot. This tour involves around two hours of walking and standing at Chelsea Market. The terrain is relatively flat. The walk at High Line is around 30 minutes over varying terrain. Flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. US Dollars are accepted for purchases.

The 27 mile long Loop Road to Cadillac Mountain will take you past famous sights like Jordan Pond House, Otter Cliffs and Thunder Hole, where ocean swells converge against the granite cliffs creating a thunderous roar.

Enjoy the stunning views (weather permitting) from the summit of the Mountain; at 1530 feet, it is the highest point on North America’s eastern seaboard. Be sure to have your camera ready to capture the beauty of the National Park and surrounding areas.

From the comfort of your coach, you will have impressive views of Acadia’s rugged coastline along Ocean Drive.

Enjoy a stop at The Looking Glass, with its commanding view of Frenchman Bay. This restaurant is located on the sight of Fairview, the stately manor home of Mary Roberts Rinehart, a famous mystery writer of the late 19th and early 20th century. Enjoy a piece of Maine’s traditional blueberry pie with tea or coffee.

This excursion will operate by coach. The stop at Cadillac Mountain will not be made in foggy or adverse weather conditions; alternatively, time will be spent at the Visitor Centre. Guests are advised to wear layers as strong winds may be experienced at Cadillac Mountain. Highlights of this tour may operate in reverse order.

Experience an early afternoon home game of the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Baseball Park, the oldest baseball park in the major leagues. Built in 1912, it's smaller than modern parks with narrow, often wood-slatted seating that dates back to 1934 and the scoreboard is still hand operated. There is also a 37 foot high left field wall known as the ‘Green Monster’ for its tendency to strip the opposing hitters of their home runs.

Having won the World Series, in both 2004 and 2007, the Boston Red Sox are no longer the lovable underdogs. On the 4th July they will be put to pitch against the San Diego Padres.

You will drive from the pier to Fenway Baseball Park where, upon arrival, you can enjoy some free time to explore before the game begins. Perhaps visit the gift shop or purchase a hotdog or a drink. It’s then time to enjoy the game!

After the excitement of the American Baseball atmosphere, you’ll return to the ship.

This excursion will operate by coach. Pre-booking is essential as bookings will close on the 30th April 2013. This tour requires a strict minimum to operate. The tour price is based on standard Lower Bleacher seating and once booked is non refundable. If the Lower Bleacher seating is not available, higher priced seating may be offered and the tour ticket price may change. If this occurs, guests will be contacted and once confirmed, no refunds can be made. Seating may not be covered from the elements so please bring sunscreen and a hat. Seating together for each booking will be requested but cannot be guaranteed. A baseball game will generally last around three – four hours.

Step aboard your Duck and enjoy a drive through Boston’s Back Bay district, as you meander through the Parisian-inspired boulevards you’ll pass beautiful Victorian brick and brownstone mansions. Lining Newbury Street are the fabulous boutiques, unique galleries, and trendy cafés. Look out for the century-old swan boats at the Public Garden and have your camera at the ready as you pass the famous Bull & Finch Pub that inspired the TV series Cheers.

In the heart of the city, overlooking Boston Common lies the elegant neighbourhood of Beacon Hill. On entering Old Boston, you’ll be transported to a bygone era, admire the golden dome of the Massachusetts State House, whose cornerstone was laid by Samuel Adams and Paul Revere in 1795. You’ll also see the Old South Meeting House where colonists gathered on the eve of the Boston Tea Party.

Then it is time for your driver to become your Captain as your Duck splashes into the Charles River. Cruising along the river you’ll see Craigie Drawbridge and the Longfellow Bridge linking Boston with Cambridge.

Upon returning to dry land you’ll return to the ship via Quincy Market.

>strong> This excursion will operate by amphibious vehicle and on foot. This tour involves very little walking, however guests must be able to negotiate ten steps to board the Amphibious Duck. The Duck has no storage for wheelchairs. At the end of the tour, you may leave at Quincy Market for independent shopping. This applies to morning departures only and guests will be responsible for making their own way back to the ship. The advertised order of the sights visited may vary.

Perched on the shores of the Bay of Fundy and less than an hour away from Saint John, is the picturesque fishing village of St Martins, a beautiful window through which to take a peek at life in New Brunswick.

You will pass through Saint John and the scenic countryside en route to St Martins. Stop at the Reversing Falls to view this interesting curiosity. From the bluffs, your guide will explain that twice daily the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy rise faster than the river can empty, causing the rapids to run in the opposite direction and the St John River to flow backwards.

Afterwards, you will visit St Martins sea caves and beach, which were carved out by the pounding tides and the rock covered beach. The caves are accessible at low tide, but can also be viewed from the beach. Enjoy a cup of traditional Maritime Seafood Chowder at a local restaurant on the beach. This area is a favourite with photographers and painters, with its lighthouse, lobster traps, and fishing boats creating a charming scene.

Upon your return to Saint John, your guide will escort you through the Old City Market, where local folks have been purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, and meats since 1876.


Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 300 yards over even surfaces with five to ten steps. Walking on the beach near the sea caves is at your discretion. Flat comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Due to the extreme nature of the Bay of Fundy tide, exact ‘tidal cycles’ of the river cannot be guaranteed.

On this exhilarating ride you will get up close to one of the world's most unique phenomena: the Reversing Falls.

Your tour begins with an orientation through the City of Saint John and a visit to the Old City Market on Germain Street. There your guide will escort you through the marketplace, where the locals have been purchasing fresh produce since 1876. Enjoy a little free time to explore and chat with the stall holders.
Get ready for a thrilling experience, as you board a high speed jet boat at Fallsview Park, for a 20 minute adventure through and across the famous Reversing Falls. Your captain will take you over and around the rapids, with excellent views of the powerful swirling whirlpools and the towering waves.

Every six hours the water level in the bay either falls or rises some 8½ metres, causing the strong harbour currents to reverse. It is difficult to imagine that for approximately 20 minutes during the change of tides, the water is so calm and peaceful, yet a short time later; the currents are wild and forceful. Afterwards, you will be treated to a traditional lobster roll at the picnic grounds overlooking the Falls.


Note: To participate, each person is required to sign a waiver and must be a minimum of 42 inches tall and 13 years of age or older. This tour is not recommended for guests with heart problems, back problems or those who may be pregnant. Please bring along a change of clothes and a towel as you will get wet riding the rapids. Exact ‘tidal cycles’ of the river cannot be guaranteed. Before you book this excursion, you must refer to the ‘Activity Excursion’ paragraph under the Guide to Symbols in this brochure.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the heart of Newport’s National Registered Historic Landmarks District. Along the quaint and shady streets, you will hear the stories of how this long neglected neighbourhood became one of the most celebrated communities of American colonial restoration. Along the way, you will pass by the Brick Market, now a museum, the Old Colony House, White Horse Tavern and the Quaker Meeting House. You will also stroll past Trinity Church and its burial grounds as well as Touro Synagogue, the oldest synagogue in the country and one of the many sites visited by George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and others.

During your tour, you will probably spot pineapple carvings on many of the colonial buildings in Newport. Let your guide entertain you with the stories behind this and how the pineapple has become a sign of hospitality throughout New England.

This excursion operates on foot. There is approximately 1½ hours of walking, at a slow and leisurely pace, some pavements can be uneven. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. At the end of the tour, you may opt to remain in town and return to the ship independently.

Boston and Cambridge are inseparable cities, both bustling metropolis, divided only by the Charles River. Your tour will begin by crossing the Charles River, to Cambridge where a short stroll through the quaint student neighborhood brings you to Harvard Yard, the heart of America’s oldest university.

Built in 1723, Old North Church is the oldest standing church in Boston and features chandeliers from England and tall box pews. It was here, on 18th April 1775, that Paul Revere ordered two lanterns will be hung to signal that the British Redcoats were approaching. You will have a short time to browse for souvenirs at the Old North Church Gift Shop.

Your fascinating narrated drive takes you past the ‘new’ State House, Trinity Church, Boston Public Library, Public Garden, the Boston Common and Beacon Hill. Follow the ‘Freedom Trail’ past the King’s Chapel, Old South Meeting House - where the Boston Tea Party began - as well as the Old Corner Bookstore. You will even get a glimpse of Quincy Market and the Faneuil Hall Marketplace.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. This tour may occasionally pass through tunnels to avoid traffic. Guests are advised that there will be approximately one square block to walk during the tour to Harvard Yard. To access Old North Church there is a walk of 160 yards. The highlights of the tour may operate in reverse order.

Begin your sightseeing drive of Manhattan and view the Rockefeller Center, Times Square, the Theatre District, the Empire State Building and St Patrick’s Cathedral from the comfort of your air-conditioned coach. You will travel through quintessential New York neighbourhoods such as trendy Greenwich Village, Little Italy, the Financial District and Fifth Avenue with its designer stores and boutiques. You will also see glimpses of Central Park, which covers some 843 acres at the core of this bustling metropolis, and provides the people of the city with a green oasis.

The highlight of your New York exploration will be a visit to St Paul’s Chapel, where President George Washington paused to pray after his inauguration. St Paul’s Chapel is currently the home to exhibits and memorabilia relating to the 9/11 attacks. A short stroll from St Paul’s Chapel will lead you to the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, where you can learn about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum through models, renderings, films and genuine artefacts.

Following your stop at the 9/11 Memorial Preview Site, you’ll resume your travels on the pulsing streets of the city. With your hunger to discover the ‘Big Apple’ satisfied, you’ll return to your ship.

Guests who are embarking or disembarking the ship in New York should not book a shore excursion for this port.  New York excursions are available for guests visiting New York as a port call.

This excursion will operate by bus and on foot. There will be approximately 30 - 45 minutes of walking during the stop at St Paul’s Chapel and the 9/11 Memorial. Guests should note that the tour duration is heavily dependent on local traffic conditions and may vary. The majority of this tour is spent on the coach. Tour sequence may vary. Depending on traffic or street closures, some sights may not be accessible.

The soaring white concrete and glass building housing the John F. Kennedy Library and Museum is located just to the south of Boston overlooking the sea. A profoundly spiritual and symbolic structure.

At the Kennedy Museum, relax in the theatre for a short introductory film narrated in part by JFK. Incorporating historic television footage and cherished family home movies, this film provides the background, family and political accomplishments of the ‘Camelot’ legend. Following the presentation you’ll have free time to independently explore the Museum. Featuring an extensive range of audio-visual displays, you’ll have an opportunity to stand in a recreation of the Oval Office and experience the drama of President Kennedy’s historic address to the nation on Civil Rights, or perhaps capture the inspirational spirit of the space program.

Your scenic tour of the Boston will take you past Copley Square bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. In the heart of the city and overlooking the green oasis of the Boston Common, lies one of the most elegant and wealthiest neighbourhoods of the city, Beacon Hill. You’ll pass a number of sites along the Freedom Trail including the gold dome of the Massachusetts State House, Quincy Market, Faneuil Hall, and the Old South Meeting House where the Sons of Liberty plotted the Boston Tea Party.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. Sights seen on the city tour may vary due to traffic conditions. Guests wishing to remain at Quincy Market at the end of the tour must return to the ship independently.

Your tour will begin exploring this fully restored lighthouse and see remains of the two hundred year old Fort Hamilton, now an important wildlife sanctuary. First lit in 1870, the Rose Island Lighthouse was lovingly restored to its original late 19th-century ambiance in 1993, and remains a classic example of American maritime architecture.

Due to its strategic location, Rose Island has been of military importance since the Revolutionary War. Today, it plays an important role as home to a number of migrating birds. A visit to this ‘living museum’ offers an insight into a life spent tending the lighthouse and raising families in dedicated self-sufficiency. Following your visit to the lighthouse, re-boarding your vessel for the return to the pier.

This tour will operate rain or shine. Rose Island is exposed to weather; wear comfortable non-slip footwear, and a windbreaker or rain jacket. There is approximately one hour of walking involved in this tour at a leisurely pace.

Sit back, relax and enjoy the highlights of Halifax, as you travel along the through the historic waterfront and financial district, before heading along the scenic lighthouse route to visit one of the world’s most famous seascapes, Peggy’s Cove. Have your camera ready, to capture the crashing surf and rugged granite coastline of this tiny fishing community. The picturesque fishing village has long been a backdrop for tales of pirates, rum runners and shipwrecks, not to mention spectacular sunsets. Peggy’s Cove is also home to perhaps the world’s most photographed lighthouse. Enjoy some free time to explore and shop for souvenirs or join your kilted guide as they host a walking tour of the Lower Cove. Then, it is time to experience the true taste of Nova Scotia, as you dine on a full lobster luncheon. Afterwards, you will head to the Acadian Maple for a short stop. This specialty retail store produces delicious Canadian Maple Syrup on site, and there is also a gift shop offering a variety of Maple Syrup items.

To round off your tour, a sightseeing drive of Halifax will made, before returning to the ship.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. There are no pavements at Peggy’s Cove. The roads are narrow but paved and hilly in places and the rocks around the Cove may be slippery. Guests wishing to have an alternative to lobster should advise the Shore Excursions team on board in advance of the call. The order of this tour may vary.

Set off on a Boston sunset cruise.

Sit back and relax, as you sail around the open harbour, passing by the private yachts that call the city home during the summer. Whilst on board enjoy appetisers and unlimited drinks as you admire nature’s show in the air conditioned saloon or take a seat on the open deck and relish the sea breeze as the sunset unfolds before you.

A memorable experience.

This excursion will operate by boat. This tour will operate rain or shine, so please dress appropriately. A visible sunset cannot be guaranteed.

The 27-mile-long Loop Road to Cadillac Mountain will take you past famous sights such as Jordan Pond House and Otter Cliffs. Most of the land here was donated by the Rockefeller family.

Make your way to the summit of the 1,530-foot high Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on North America’s eastern seaboard. From this vantage point, you will have wonderful views (weather permitting) of Mount Desert Island and Acadia National Park. The Park itself is an enchanting place of mountains, islands and ocean with some stunning natural scenery. There will be an opportunity to purchase local souvenirs in the small gift shop here.

From the comfort of your coach, marvel at the impressive views of Acadia’s rugged coastline along Ocean Drive.

Become acquainted with the sights of Bar Harbor town, before savouring the views along the scenic coastal road. During your tour, you will pass through the quaint town of Bar Harbor to view some of the charming Victorian Mansions built by some of the country’s most prominent citizens, many of which have been converted into quaint bed and breakfast inns.

This excursion will operate by coach and on foot. The stop at Cadillac Mountain will not be made in foggy or adverse weather conditions; alternatively, time will be spent at the Visitor Centre. Guests are advised to dress warmly as it can be windy on Cadillac Mountain. The terrain is uneven in places, however guests may remain onboard the coach, if they wish. Highlights of the tour may operate in reverse order.