Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Take in the sites of the Big Apple's most fascinating areas in midtown as well as Lower Manhattan. Pass by lively Chinatown, the tree-lined streets of Greenwich Village and the oh-so-fashionable SoHo district, whose name derives from its location south of Houston Street. Drive by The World Trade Center and 9/11 Memorial then Battery Park to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty in the distance. Heading back uptown, view the austere United Nations Plaza (time permitting), Rockefeller Center with its famous flags and statue, the instantly recognizable Empire State Building, and Times Square, where the ball drops every New Year’s Eve. A drive by beautiful Central Park, New York's in-city oasis completes your tour before heading to the airport. Note: This tour is only available to guests with domestic flights departing La Guardia Airport (LGA) or JFK Airport (JFK) after 4:00 pm and guests with international flights departing JFK Airport (JFK) after 5:00 pm. The tour sequence may vary depending on local conditions. Guests are responsible for ensuring their debarkation tours are compatible with their flight departure times. Guests have the option to book their flights through our Premium Air Department to ensure that flight departure times do not interfere with debark tours. This tour is only available for Norwegian Gem guests on Canada and New England itineraries and Norwegian Breakaway guests on Bermuda and Bahamas & Florida itineraries. less

To make the most of your day in Portland, this tour combines the city highlights with a visit to Portland Head Light and the charming seaside town of Kennebunkport. Highlights of Portland include a scenic drive through the quaint streets of the Old Port where street lanterns highlight a gracious mix of architectural styles. Once the home of the warehouse district, the red brick buildings have been transformed into charming restaurants, pubs, unique boutiques, and galleries. Continuing past a number of historic Victorian homes and neighborhoods, enjoy terrific views of Casco Bay and the islands from the East End Promenade. Passing through the urban center, you’ll see Portland's new Arts District, as well as the thriving commercial and business district. Continuing along the beautiful coastline of Maine, arrive at the picturesque town of Cape Elizabeth for a visit of the oldest lighthouse in Maine. First illuminated on January 10, 1791, Portland Head Light has since stood at the gateway to Portland Harbor for mariners traveling Maine's perilous coast. A short photo stop will be made.

Located just 45 minutes from Portland, enjoy a scenic drive through Kennebunkport passing the stunning Federal and Victorian-style mansions built by wealthy sea captains and merchants in the 1700s and 1800s. Pass Walker's Point, the Bush estate and former Summer White House where world leaders often gathered. A stop will be made in the center of Kennebunkport at Dock Square to enjoy some free time for shopping along the picturesque bayfront streets lined with galleries, unique boutiques and antique stores. You’ll also have time for lunch or a snack on your own in one of the many restaurants, outdoor cafes, or pubs overlooking the harbor.

Note: This tour is conducted in French. Participants will have approximately 1 3/4 hours of free time at the Dock Square area of Kennebunkport. Walking is on sidewalk and gravel at guest’s discretion. Lunch is at your own expense. At Portland Head Light, guests must walk from the bus parking lot to the lighthouse for approximately 200 yards on level and uneven ground with a few steps. less

After a short shuttle ride, follow a backcountry trail through Boreal forest before reaching the entrance to the Corner Brook caves. These caves were formed by the Corner Brook stream which still runs through part of the cave system. Climb down an approximately seven foot (two-meter) rock face (with assistance) to enter the caves and proceed through the underground tunnels. Next you’ll enter the part of the cave system that contains the stream where you’ll manage to stay dry by climbing the path alongside the stream. The next section of the cave will require wading. This water may reach your knees depending on your height and you’ll get soaked!

At one point the stream will get too deep to stand and you'll have the choice to swim or walk around and meet up with the swimmers on the other side. The height of the caves range from big caverns several meters high to narrow passages high enough to allow people to just comfortably slide through on their belly or back and be able to remain and move in a ducked stance. A certain level of mobility is required to move through the narrower passages and a fear of dark enclosed spaces needs to be considered.

Note: Polyester/nylon t shirts and pants are suggested as cotton and jeans get heavy when wet. Study shoes are also recommended and keep in mind that they will get wet. Helmets and headlamps are provided. Participants must be at least 8 years of age, not pregnant, weigh no more than 220 lbs. (approximately 100 kg) and not be taller than 7 feet (2 meters) in height. Must be in good physical condition, able to bend, move around and lift their weight with assistance. All participants will be required by the operator to sign an English language waiver prior to the start of the adventure. less

As you rove along the north shore landscape most famous for its red cliffs and sandy dunes, you'll get a real taste of what makes Prince Edward Island such a treasured vacation destination. Stop off at the Anne of Green Gables homestead and walk in the footsteps of one of Canada's most celebrated authors, Lucy Maud Montgomery. Then indulge in a favorite island tradition, a lobster ceilidh at the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. Combine a magnificent view of the River Clyde, impressive surrounding gardens, a traditional lobster lunch and foot-stomping musical entertainment for an experience that will please all of your senses.

Note: Walking is at your discretion on paved sidewalks, gravel pathways, wooden decks and grassy areas with some steps and inclines. The second floor at Green Gables is not wheelchair accessible. less

Ciad Mile Failte - A Hundred Thousand Welcomes await you. Nova Scotia is Latin for New Scotland and nowhere is this more evident than on Cape Breton Island. This picturesque excursion takes you to the very Heart of the Island. The route includes some of the Island's most dynamic scenery, weaving a route through rugged countryside, touching the shores of the famous Bras d'Or Lakes. Known as the Great Inland Sea (the lakes are salt-water) the Bras d'Or region is a major breeding ground for the bald eagle and other exotic wildlife.

As your tour progresses, you'll stop at the geographical center of Cape Breton Island, Hectors' Point, Iona and visit the Nova Scotia Highland Village, a 50-acre historical site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes. Take a chronological journey through 180 years of Cape Breton’s Scottish architecture, hosted by costumed staff trained in conversational Gaelic and local history. Here you will view a full-size replica of a Scottish Blackhouse, the original one-room structure occupied by the first Scottish settlers in the region, and the only one of its kind in North America. A hilltop panoramic view offers a beautiful blend of land, sky and water. Enjoy tea or coffee and oatcakes before returning to your ship.

Note: This tour is also available with a French-speaking guide. French-speaking guests should book SYN_18. There is a fair amount of walking at the Highland Village. However, the tour is very scenic and if you wish, you can enjoy the views from the motorcoach and the Visitors Center. Tea or coffee is served at Highland Village. less