Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Welcome to New France! Discover the European charm and character of the first French City in North America as you explore the city sites and learn the fascinating history of Quebec’s 400-year legacy. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River is the Chateau Frontenac, the best-known landmark in Quebec. Located just outside the Chateau is the romantic boardwalk known as Dufferin Terrace from where you’ll have a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d’Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Passing through the St. Louis Gate, next explore the National Battlefields Park, with a short photo stop at Cap Diamant. Continuing past trendy Grand Allee, the Champs-Elysees of Quebec lined with quaint shops, sidewalk cafes and boutiques, you’ll pass the Hotel du Parliament, an imposing Second Empire-style building. Note: This tour is only available for Norwegian Dawn guests with flights departing after 2:00 pm out of Quebec Airport (YQB). Guests are responsible for ensuring their debarkation tours are compatible with their flight departure times. This tour does not necessarily drop off at all Norwegian Cruise Line program hotels, please check with the Shore Excursion staff onboard as to which hotel drop-offs are available. 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. less

Enjoy the highlights of Boston both by land and on the Charles River as this tour combines a panoramic tour of the city’s most important and scenic sites followed by an exciting journey by water aboard the unique World War II amphibious vehicle called the Boston Duck. During your land portion of the tour, you’ll pass through the heart of Boston and along a portion of the Freedom Trail to catch a glimpse of the Old State House, the site of the Boston Massacre, the King’s Chapel, Granary Burying Ground, the Park Street Church as well as the expansive green of Boston Common. Pass by picturesque Copley Square, bordered by the architectural wonders of Trinity Church and the Boston Public Library. Then you’ll make your way past the Public Garden with its beautiful formal gardens and whimsical swan boats, the exclusive Beacon Hill neighborhood and the New State House with its impressive gold dome. Cross the Charles River and see Bunker Hill Monument, the Charlestown Navy Yard homeport of the USS Constitution, the New Charles River Dam and Park, and the infamous ‘Big Dig’ Project. Then your driver becomes Captain as your Duck makes a big splash into the Charles River for a brief tour by water. During your Duck cruise you’ll see the Craigie Drawbridge and the Longfellow Bridge linking Boston and Cambridge, as well as Fenway Park and the Esplanade in the distance. Once on dry land you’ll return to your ship. Note: You must be able to climb several large steps into the Duck vehicle, vehicle is not wheelchair accessible. Tour itinerary may vary due to traffic conditions. less

Newport is as famous for its coastal beauty, as it is for its architectural magnificence. Enjoy both on this tour that combines a spectacular stroll along the Cliff Walk trail with a visit to The Breakers, one of Bellevue Avenue’s most spectacular mansions. Begin with a nature walk along Newport’s famous cliff walk, resplendent with wildflowers, colorful birds, and interesting geology. This 1 1/4 mile stretch takes you on a path that runs between the rocky coastline and the “backyards” of many of Bellevue Avenue’s palatial cottages. As you walk, your guide will share the stories of America's "gilded age" and the cast of characters that made Newport one of the nation's wealthiest summer resorts. The walk will conclude at The Breakers (sometimes due to congestion, the walk will begin after touring the mansion).

From the 1870s to the 1920s, the Vanderbilts were one of America’s most affluent families and commissioned the most prestigious and expensive architectural firms to build a series of homes for them along the East Coast. In Newport, these homes, amusingly called “cottages,” are unparalleled in historic significance and beauty. Built during the period known as the “gilded age,” they’re now National Historic Landmarks. The Breakers is considered the grandest of all of the Newport summer cottages. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt for Cornelius Vanderbilt II, this Italian Renaissance palace was completed in 1892 in less than three years at a cost of approximately $11 million, which would be over $200 million today! Originally constructed in France and reassembled here, the Grand Hall boasts 50 foot ceilings and has the largest room of any Newport mansion.

On this Moosehead Pub Crawl, you’ll visit three local pubs, including the city’s most popular Irish pub and try the most popular Moosehead brews, all of which are brewed in Saint John. You’ll also have the chance to sample a few other types of beer that are popular with the locals, including some local microbrews. Enjoy entertainment in each pub, ranging from local beer drinking games to live music by a local musician. Three full beers plus samples are included in the tour and you’ll have the option to purchase additional beer at each pub. Note: Participants must be at least 19 years of age to join in the beer sampling. This is a walking tour that requires an approximately 10 minute stroll with some steep inclines near the beginning of the tour, although fortunately, your return walk to the ship is all downhill! This tour is not recommended for guests with difficulty walking. less