DAY 1 / NEW YORK

Our expedition starts in New York City, the city that never sleeps. Spend some time enjoying all that New York City has to offer before embarking on MS Fram. Make sure to be out on deck as we sail past the Statue of Liberty on our way out to sea.

DAY 2 / NEWPORT

Founded in 1639, Newport, Rhode Island, is considered to be a shining gem in the coastal crown of New England. It is home to spectacular coastal scenery, awe-inspiring architecture, a thriving waterfront downtown, and welcoming hospitality. Tour the famed Gilded Age mansions that were once the summer playground for socialite families with names such as Astor and Vanderbilt, or enjoy wine-tasting at Newport’s three scenic vineyards. Hop on a ride through Newport’s downtown and along the iconic Ocean Drive, discover Colonial architecture, or explore the tunnels at Fort Adams – America’s largest coastal fortification. Experience the world-renowned Cliff Walk, a path tracing the edge of the Atlantic Ocean that offers views of opulent Newport mansions, or stroll the city’s historic Old Quarter. Join fascinating walking tours or experience natural wonders such as Hanging Rock, where American author, poet, philosopher, and naturalist Henry David Thoreau found inspiration. The Norman Bird Sanctuary boasts 325 acres and seven miles of trails that wind through diverse habitats. Newport has earned an enviable reputation as a culinary hot spot as well. Newport chefs create local delicacies by working with area farmers, foragers, and fishermen, making amazing dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients, so enjoy eating well while you’re here!

DAY 3 / BOSTON

Boston can be described as one large outdoor museum. As we arrive, Boston Harbor provides a spectacular scenic backdrop to the city, and its 34 islands provide an exciting urban-adventure destination. Walk the Freedom Trail and you’ll quickly get a sense of the city’s revolutionary spirit and history. As you follow the redbrick road, from the Boston Common to the Bunker Hill Monument, you pass 16 sites where dramatic history played out. Be sure to explore some of Boston’s fine museums and old neighbourhoods. The city’s most magnificent architecture is clustered around Back Bay plaza, symbolic of the culture of learning that gave Boston its nickname: the Athens of America. Harvard Square is also a rich source of colonial and revolutionary history. Lined with mansions that were once home to royal sympathisers, it earned the nickname Tory Row. This is where you find Harvard, founded in 1636, the oldest university in the US. Throughout Harvard Square, street musicians perform on the sidewalks and in the parks, and there are live performances in many of the clubs. Follow the brick sidewalks to an eclectic mix of bookstores and music stores, performing arts theatres, and museums. And don’t forget: Boston is America’s seafood capital, famed for clam chowder and lobster, and foods prepared with a rich mix of ethnic flavors from all corners of the world.

DAY 4-5 / ROCKLAND / BUCKSPORT

As we continue sailing north, we reach Rockland, a beautiful coastal town in Maine situated alongside Penobscot Bay. Rockland is known for its lobster-fishing industry and deep harbor that’s dotted with hundreds of inlets and coves. Downtown Rockland has great architecture among its historic homes and shops. There are plenty of tasty cafés and restaurants here that serve local seafood, of course. Rockland is also home to the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center, which celebrates Maine’s role in American art. With beautiful mountains, scenic waterways, charming wineries, and pristine Atlantic beaches, Rockland offers many options for outdoor activities. Sailing further up the coast, we come to Bucksport, located on the Penobscot River, and home to approximately 5,000 people. Across the bay is Fort Knox, one of the largest fortifications on the New England coast. Major attractions of Bucksport include the Downtown Waterfront Walkway and an old railroad station that now houses the local historical society. Here you can learn about the town’s eventful past through photos, exhibits, and lore, including the legend of a witch’s curse placed upon the town’s founder, Jonathan Buck. To this very day, evidence of the curse can be seen on the Buck Monument located on Route 1. Stroll in this typical American small town and enjoy its charming atmosphere.

DAY 6 / BAR HARBOR

Adventure, romance, rocky coast, and soaring granite cliffs – there is a special mystique to Bar Harbor, Maine. Surrounded by Acadia National Park and perched on the edge of the sea, this little community offers tons of charm. Bar Harbor is the artistic, culinary, and social centere of Mount Desert Island. Around the turn of the last century, the island was known as a summer haven for the very rich because of its cool breezes. Bar Harbor’s shops are clustered along Main Street, Mount Desert Street, and Cottage Street. Or take a stroll down West Street, a National Historic District, where you can see some fine old houses. One of Bar Harbor’s many attractions is its close proximity to Acadia National Park, which has over 50 square miles of mountains, lakes, hiking and biking trails, amazing views, and dramatic coastline. We aim to catch the sunrise from the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the east coast of the US, which offers magnificent views of the glaciated coastal and island landscape.

DAY 7 / AT SEA

Because of the on-site coordination and guidance of our experienced captain, expedition leader, and local experts, guests will enjoy unique stops in destinations that other cruise ships are not able to deliver. This might mean a special landing site to go for walks and launch our kayaks, a community visit, or a stop to watch wildlife. This area we are in, often called ‘Down East Maine’, is an amazing coastal landscape carved by glaciers. Wildlife is abundant, so keep your eyes open for a variety of marine and avian life we may encounter.

DAY 8 / HALIFAX

While the area around Halifax has been inhabited by native Mi’kmaq peoples for millennia, modern Halifax was founded in 1749 as a British military outpost. Today it is Atlantic Canada’s entertainment and cultural capital, melding the old and new worlds. Modern office towers of glass and steel stand beside historic buildings that once stored the booty of privateers. Located on the second largest natural harbour in the world, life here revolves around the sea and the surrounding areas offer plenty of fun activities on land, in and on the water, and in the air. Spend some time to explore this vibrant urban centre resting on the edge of nature or join one of the optional excursions.

• Hurtigruten expedition in the cabin grade of your choice on a full board basis
• Wind- and water-resistant jacket
• Landings with small boats and activities on board and ashore
• Professional English-speaking expedition team that gives lectures and accompanies landings and activities
• Complimentary tea and coffee

Not included:

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Luggage handling
• Optional excursions and gratuities

Please stay tuned for travel tips tailored for this itinerary!

For any immediate questions, please contact us as 905.258.7778.