Canada & New England Cruises: Excursions

Travel back to revolutionary Boston with a walk along the Freedom Trail. Your experienced guide will reveal the sites and scenes of critical events that paved the way for American independence. Highlights include the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church and the Granary Burying Ground, the final resting place of many famous Americans including John Hancock, Samuel Adams and Paul Revere. You’ll see the Old Corner Bookstore where the nation’s greatest authors often gathered, including Emerson, Longfellow and Hawthorne. In the heart of Old Boston is the Old South Meeting House, where angry colonists met on the eve of the Boston Tea Party. Near the circle of stones in front of the Old State House, you’ll hear the story of the Boston Massacre, the first bloodshed of the Revolution. Passing Faneuil Hall, continue to the North End, Boston's oldest surviving residential neighborhood and home of Paul Revere. Before returning to the pier, a visit will be made to the Old North Church where Paul Revere ordered two lanterns hung in the steeple to signal that the British redcoats were approaching. Your guided walk will end at Quincy Market for your return transfer back to the pier. Note: Total distance covered is about two miles, with approximately three hours of slow walking and standing. Not possible for guests in wheelchairs or with limited mobility. less

Best explored on foot, your experienced guide will make the history of Quebec come alive as you walk the charming cobblestone streets of the Old Town. In the heart of the Lower Town, and site of the first settlement of Quebec, is Place Royale. The typical stone buildings surrounding this historic square were once the homes of wealthy merchants. Along its narrow cobblestone streets you'll find an array of quaint boutiques, specialty shops and outdoor cafes as well as strolling musicians, jugglers and street performers. From Lower Town to Upper Town, enjoy a short funicular ride to reach the Chateau Frontenac area. Perched on a hill overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the castle-like Chateau is the most well-known landmark in Quebec. It was here that Roosevelt, Churchill and Mackenzie King met to discuss their strategy during WW II. In front of the Chateau lies the romantic boardwalk of Dufferin Terrace. From here, enjoy a spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River, Ile d'Orleans and the Laurentian Mountains. Continuing through the walled city, pass Place d'Armes, the Seminary of Quebec and the Ursuline Convent before returning to your ship. Note: Tour involves approximately 2 1/2 hours of slow walking and standing on cobblestone streets or uneven pavement for approximately 1 1/2 miles. less

Join this spectacular nature cruise among the islands and along the shores of beautiful Acadia National Park. You’ll cruise past some of the most breathtaking scenery in New England. From the shear granite cliffs of Great Head to smooth rock beaches, you'll see a rugged maritime landscape etched by glaciers and battered by sea and wind. Here the ocean teems with life - seals raise their pups on ledges, eagles build enormous nests and pods of porpoise chase schools of herring. You’ll sail in the protected waters of Frenchman Bay, home to the Abanaki Indians for thousands of years and discovered by French explorers Champlain and Cadillac in the 1600’s.

View magnificent summer homes along what was “Millionaires Row” during the golden age of Bar Harbor. See properties owned by the Rockefellers, Vanderbilts, Astors and Pulitzer. Since 1875, Egg Rock Island Lighthouse has served as a sentinel to mariners and today it is part of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge and an important stop on our tour. An on board professional naturalist will share interesting stories of natural and human history with you, as you take in the crown jewels of Acadia National Park.

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

Climb aboard a 90 foot jet powered catamaran for a cruise past five of Maine's most beautiful and unique lighthouses. During your cruise, you’ll also pass Porcupine Islands, Champlain Mountain, Great Head, Thunder Hole, Sand Beach and the famous Otter Cliff, which juts out 110 feet making it one of the highest Atlantic coastal headlands north of Rio de Janeiro. An historian will be aboard to provide you with fascinating and fun facts about the five lighthouses that occupy the cliffs and islands that dot Acadia's coastline.

The Egg Rock lighthouse sits on an island in the mouth of Frenchman Bay. Winter Harbor features a round brick tower attached to a two story Victorian wood keeper's house. The lighthouse on Baker Island is round and made out of brick. Great is still an active lighthouse. The Life Saving Station on Little Cranberry Island marks your return trip back to the pier.