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

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

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. Note: This tour is also available with a French-speaking guide. French-speaking guests should book LBI_17. The order of stops may be reversed to avoid congestion. 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.

Note: Tour involves approximately 2 1/2 hours of slow walking and standing. The distance of the Cliff Walk is approximately 3/4 of a mile. The Cliff Walk is paved however there are numerous steps along the way. This tour is not suitable for wheelchair guests. 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.

Note: Participants must be able to negotiate walking up and down ramps to board the moving vessel. This tour is not available for Norwegian Dawn guests on the September 20, 2013 sailing. less