Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

One man-made aspect of Acadia National Park that never fails to impress and fascinate visitors is the 57 miles of rustic carriage roads, which weave through the park. After a short drive along a portion of the Park Loop Road, travel back in time to the turn of the century as you board your 15-passenger horse-drawn carriage for an approximately one-hour scenic ride along the famous Carriage Trails around Day Mountain. Built by philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. between 1913 and 1940, the beautifully designed gravel byways afford a unique and close-up view of the Acadia National Park landscape. Made of hand-cut stone and rock, the extensive motor-free trails are enjoyed today by hikers, bicyclists, horse riders and carriages. Weather permitting, continue along the Park Loop Road, making your way to the 1,530-foot (466 meters) Cadillac Mountain, highest point on North America’s Eastern seaboard. With a 360-degree panoramic view, you will see how glaciers carved through the granite cliffs to form a beautiful landscape of lush forest, lakes and valleys. On foggy days the tour does not visit Cadillac Mountain. Note: This tour is not available for all sailings. Walking is at your discretion. Most surfaces are paved but there are some uneven, slippery-when-wet areas and some steps. The stop at Cadillac Mountain will not be made in adverse or foggy weather conditions; a visit to the Acadia National Park Visitors Center or alternative location will be made. less

Enjoy four tours in one and all with choice and flexibility. See the city sites by double-decker bus and the tiny coastal village of Peggy’s Cove by motorcoach, and even take in some shopping. From the moment you leave the pier, your kilted guide will point out interesting sites and vistas all the way to Peggy’s Cove. As you arrive, you’ll see for yourself the impressive rock formations and coastal beauty of this rustic working fishing village. Here you can enjoy leisure time on your own, exploring the unique galleries and shops, taking photos, talking to the local fisherman or trying the famous gingerbread. If you wish, your guide will offer you a brief a live lobster demonstration. While back at the pier and at your leisure, have the city’s entire double-decker bus fleet at your service and your ticket is good all day. This great guided tour by double-decker offers you three separate 30-minute tour choices with over 12 stops. The 'All About Town Loop' tour takes you to all the city’s main points of interests. The 'Waterfront Loop' guides you along the city’s historic waterfront with several scheduled stops on route. Or take the 'Changing of the Guard Loop' allowing you time to witness the pageantry and precision of the changing of the guard at the Halifax Citadel, one of Canada’s most beloved national historic sites. Whatever you decide, whether it’s spending time shopping in the many unique boutiques along Spring Garden Road, strolling along the picturesque waterfront, or uncovering the city’s history at the Town Clock, St. Paul’s Church and beauty of the Victorian-style Public Gardens, this tour offers you the best value. Note: The departure time indicated on your ticket is for the Peggy’s Cove by Coach portion of the tour which is 3 1/2 hours in length. Your double-decker experience is taken at your leisure before or after the trip to Peggy’s Cove, depending on your choice of a morning or afternoon Peggy’s Cove tour departure. The duration of the double-decker portion of the tour is really up to you. Double-decker buses depart the pier approximately every 15 to 30 minutes all day long. Optional admissions are not included at the various stops on this tour. On occasion, big pink motorcoaches may be used in conjunction with double-deckers on the Hop on, Hop off portion. less

Step back in time and discover the artisans of the Saguenay region from a bygone era! Visit the Olivier Soap Museum and Workshop were the aromatic therapeutic properties of pure essential oils, the art of traditional soap making, the science of plants and flowers, and the history of pure olive oil are combined to create extraordinarily mild, biodegradable, long-lasting skin solutions. Then visit the Touverre Workshop. Glass blowing is one of the oldest forms of art and also one of the most difficult to master. The technique was used in Egypt and Syria thousands of years ago.

Nowadays in Saguenay, Guiseppe Benedetto, glass-maker and sculptor, performs this highly sophisticated technique for visitors to his workshop. The glassmaker’s goal is to develop top-of-the-line decorative objects such as whales, blueberries, fruits, lamps, perfumers and more. His creations integrate his art with architecture. Limited-series sculptures incorporate granite, glass, aluminum, bronze or steel contrasts in strength and fragility. You’ll next visit Les Bergeries du Fjord, a quaint little farm where you’ll discover the art of cheese-making. At the barn, learn about the latest methods of milk collection and cheese production. Savor this famous cheese with raspberry wine from a local winery.

Catch a glimpse of the rich Scottish Heritage of Cape Breton Island with a visit to the Nova Scotia Highland Village and the Village of Baddeck. Travel to Iona and immerse yourself in the Scottish Pioneer culture at this living history museum located on a hillside overlooking the Bras d'Or Lake. Featuring a chronological journey through 180 years of Cape Breton architecture, step back in time as your costumed guides provide meaningful commentary. Each structure, from the simple Scottish Block House to the more advanced, multi-storied colonial homes, are filled with furniture and interesting artifacts. You’ll travel by cable ferry to the seaside community of Baddeck, home to Alexander Graham Bell. Nestled along the shoreline of the Bras d'Or Lake, this picturesque village features plenty of interesting gift shops and cozy cafes. You’ll be served a buffet lunch at a resort hotel and then enjoy leisure time strolling the main street while window shopping or perhaps relaxing for a bit while watching the pleasure boats ply the calm waters of the lake. You’ll tour the Alexander Graham Bell Museum prior to our scenic drive back to Sydney. Note: There is a fair amount of walking at the Highland Village. Tour may operate in reverse order. less

Picturesque, historic and entertaining, the lively city of Portland incorporates the character and charm of its past with a developing urban community. Your tour begins with 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 to Munjoy Hill, enjoy terrific views of Casco Bay and the islands from Fort Allen Park before continuing past one of the city’s most celebrated landmarks, the Portland Observatory. Passing through the business and commercial center you’ll see Portland’s new Arts District, as well as the beautiful facade of City Hall before entering the Western Promenade, one of America’s best-preserved Victorian residential neighborhoods. Entered into the National Register of Historical Places in 1982, the Western Promenade is built on a cliff’s edge, rising 175 feet above sea level and remains one of the wealthiest areas of the city. Situated just outside the city center and along the beautiful rocky coast of Cape Elizabeth is Fort Williams. Once a military outpost for coastal defense, it is now the home of the oldest lighthouse in Maine. First illuminated on January 10, 1791, Port 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 before returning to your ship. Note: At Portland Head Light, walking is at guest’s discretion; from the bus parking area to the lighthouse guests must walk approximately 200 yards over even and uneven terrain with a few steps. less