September 7-25, 2010: 18-day expedition voyage from Reykjavik, Iceland to St. John's, Newfoundland

07 Sep 2010 Tue Reykjavik, Iceland 7:00 PM
08 Sep 2010 Wed Vestmannaeyjar
09 Sep 2010 Thu Day At Sea
10 Sep 2010 Fri Day At Sea
11 Sep 2010 Sat Skjoldungen Fjord, Greenland
12 Sep 2010 Sun Prince Christian Sound, Greenland
13 Sep 2010 Mon Qaqortoq, Greenland
13 Sep 2010 Mon Hvalsey, Greenland
14 Sep 2010 Tue Arsuk Brae, Greenland
15 Sep 2010 Wed Day At Sea
16 Sep 2010 Thu Day At Sea
17 Sep 2010 Fri Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada
18 Sep 2010 Sat Lower Savage Islands, Canada
19 Sep 2010 Sun Akpatok Island, Nuanvut, Canada
20 Sep 2010 Mon Saqlek Fjord
21 Sep 2010 Tue Day At Sea
22 Sep 2010 Wed Battle Harbour, Canada
23 Sep 2010 Thu L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada
24 Sep 2010 Fri Twillingate, Newfoundland, Canada
25 Sep 2010 Sat St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada

Expedition Highlights:
- Visit remote Greenlandic villages
- Discover deep fjords, finger lakes, coastline caves and spectacular rock walls
- Cruise alongside active glaciers, icebergs and bird cliffs
- Photograph pristine landscapes of rugged mountains
- Watch for whales, walrus, seals and polar bears
- Identify seabirds including guillemots, falcons and puffins
- Explore the ancient Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows

Day 1: Reykjavik, Iceland
Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 16-day Silversea Expedition – “Greenland Exploration”. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2: Vestmannaeyjar Island, Iceland
Vestmannaeyjar (the Westman Islands) was named after the Irish slaves, the “Westmen” who fled here after murdering one of Iceland’s initial explorers, Hjorleifur Arnason. Heimaey is the largest and only inhabited island of the Westman Islands group. The village of Heimaey is characterised by brightly coloured roofs a community that sprawls out across about a third of the island. Heimaey became world-famous when, in 1973, a volcano erupted and residents were forced to flee to the main land. The port was saved when fire fighters cooled the lava using huge jets of water, creating a dam against the red-hot lava stream.

The Prince Albert II will dock in Heimaey in the early morning. Our exploration first stops in Herjolfsdalur valley, where we will visit ruins of old farmhouses dating back to the year 650 AD. We proceed to the island’s famous volcanoes: the 5,000-year-old Helgafell or Holy Mountain, and the considerably younger Eldfell or Mt. Fire. The latter will be our conquest of the day, as we will hike up to the crater. The mountain last erupted in 1973, and amazingly, parts of it are still warm.

Our next stop is Gaujulundur where, in 1988, a couple started planting seeds in the dark lava creating an oasis of colour. Our adventure continues over the new lava fields and into the very centre of the volcano’s crater before visiting the “Pompeii of the North” project, where houses buried in the eruption of 1973 are being excavated. Our last stop will be at Skansinn, site of a wooden church that was donated by the state of Norway to commemorate a millennium of Christianity in Iceland.

Days 3 – 4: At Sea
Spend the day crossing the iceberg-laden Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Day 5: Skjoldungen fjord, Greenland
The wild, rugged and ice-packed fjords of Greenland’s southeastern coast beckon our attention as we begin our exploration of the Skjoldungen Sound. Surrounded by astonishing mountains, spectacular glaciers and undisturbed wildlife is a place the native Inuit call Kalaallit Nunaat or Land of the People. Today we take full advantage of the manoeuvrability and shallow draft of the Prince Albert II, anchoring at the top of the Skjoldungen fjord. Here our Zodiacs will take us scouting ashore with the ship’s own natural history staff, who will help us discover the splendour of nature’s palace.

Day 6: Cruising Prince Christian Sound, Greenland
Irish Monk St. Brendan was likely the first to suggest he had encountered a “floating crystal castle” or iceberg in his 6th century writings. Believed by many to have beaten the Vikings through the North Atlantic and into the New World, but St. Brendan’s adventures are also widely criticized as mythical. However, some truths have been proven possible in recent years. Whether we follow in the footsteps of a group of ancient Irish monks or primitive Vikings, today’s journey promises to be incredible.

We arrive at the entrance to one of south Greenland’s most dramatic natural features, Prince Christian Sound. The air is crisp, the water placid and the smell of ice fills the air. On either side of us, waterfalls are streaming down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as we navigate the fjord through a sea of shimmering frozen gems with turquoise auras on their decidedly southern route. Coming to our turning point, we catch a glimpse of the constant state of change and movement that is the polar ice cap. Prince Christian Sound is where icebergs are born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge. Like an artists imagination, this gallery of natural wonders is unbound by convention. Each one as different as the last and their beauty is undaunted by the sheer magnitude of their size. We set out via Zodiacs to discover this pristine world of bays, inlets and glaciers.

Day 7: Qaqortoq/Hvalsey, Greenland
After a morning at sea we arrive at Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok), meaning “white place” in Greenlandic. As we dock in this picturesque harbour town, we go ashore and set afoot for an afternoon of discovery. Southern Greenland’s largest village is populated with striking primary coloured wood colonial buildings. Our local guides and ship’s staff of experts take us to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain. Built in 1928, it has stood the test of time. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. The modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and post-colonial history along with a collection of contemporary artwork.

Strolling through the streets of Qaqortoq is like meandering through a sculpture garden, as there are some 30 pieces of art carved into the granite bedrock all through the town. The “Stone and Man” exhibit is the realisation of a childhood fantasy. Renowned local artist and sculptor Aka Høegh, in the mid 90s gathered 18 Scandinavian artists in an effort to carve faces into the rocks, as she had imagined as a child. Whilst the initial project only lasted two summers, it continues to draw artists each year.

Before leaving, we enjoy a traditional Greenlandic kayak demonstration or folk dance performance. The kayak has long been an important mode of transportation in Greenland and in the 10th century was used as a hunting board by members of the prehistoric Thule culture.

A folk dance, known as the old drum dance is a complex dance and chant that is traditionally called the “Hunting Seal Song”. It talks about the people of Inuvik who were starving and had to go hunting. Songs and dances like these are traditional forms of recounting legends, stories and history at community gatherings. Out of respect, elders perform the first of these festival dances.

Day 8: Arsuk Brae, Greenland
Beautiful, wild and exactly what we love about expedition cruising is embodied in our tour of Arsuk Brae. In this seldom visited, vast white wilderness, listen for the sounds of silence. Aboard our Zodiacs, we journey up to the receding glacier, witnessing bird cliffs and the smaller, but magnificent Fox Havn glacier.

Days 9–10: At Sea
We bid farewell to Greenland and continue our journey westward across the Davis Strait toward the Americas and the Canadian Arctic.

Dividing Baffin Bay and the Labrador Sea, is a broad channel of the North Atlantic Ocean and an integral segment of the Northwest Passage known as the Davis Strait. Famous for fierce tides, which can range from 30-60 feet (9-18 metres), the intimidating strait discouraged many earlier explorers. However, in 1585 English explorer John Davis, undaunted by the tides, aspired to discover the Northwest Passage. Whilst he never did find the elusive passage, he did rediscover Greenland, which had been forgotten about since Norse times; charted most of the unknown Arctic coast; and made keen observations regarding weather, geology, vegetation and the native Inuits. Binoculars in hand, watch for massive icebergs that look like icy blue gems littered throughout the strait; or whales feeding in the rich waters and polar bears drifting aboard ice floes.

Day 11: Iqaluit, Canada
Our first foray into Canada begins in the town of Iqaluit located at the head of Frobisher Bay, an inlet of the North Atlantic extending into southeastern Baffin Island. Iqaluit is the capital of Canada’s newest territory Nunavut, which is Inuktitut for “our land”. Nunavut is both the least populated and largest of all Canada’s provinces and territories, but is filled with culture and charm.

After completing formalities associated with customs and immigration, we go ashore and explore the edges of Canada’s, “true north”. Our ship’s experts along with local guides point the way. Here we find the Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and the Nunavut Legislative Assembly Building, both housing incredible collections of Inuit artwork. Another distinctive building is the St. Jude's Anglican Cathedral, which is shaped like an igloo. Currently, the cathedral is undergoing extensive construction work due to a fire that destroyed much of the interior’s one-of-a-kind décor. The distinctive architecture should still be in tact and is quite impressive on its own.

Day 12: Lower Savage Islands, Canada
Dropping anchor in the turbulent waters between Frobisher Bay and the Hudson Strait, we hunt for the elusive polar bear. Via our Zodiacs, we cruise the southeastern tip of Baffin Island know as the Lower Savage Islands. Here, polar bears spend their summer on, and sometimes get stranded by, the retreating pack ice.

The polar bear’s scientific name is ursus maritimus or sea bear, but the Arctic’s native Inuit refer to it as Nanuk or Nanuuq. The adult male measures 8-10 feet (2.5-3 metres) tall and weighs in at about 550-1,700 pounds (250-770 kilograms). A polar bear’s physique is exceptionally well adapted to Arctic life. With a double coat of fur, a 4.5-inch (11.5 cm) layer of blubber insulation, plus compact ears and a small tail keep heat from escaping. Papillae or small bumps keep their feet from slipping on the ice. Massively powerful claws enable them to catch their most common prey, the ringed or bearded seal. A far-reaching sense of smell makes it possible for them to detect prey miles away.

Rocky alcoves and reefs are perfect hiding places for both predator and prey, so be on the lookout for Harbour seals, birds and sea life – all enjoy the rich ocean environment.

Day 13: Akpatok Island
This morning we venture out with our fleet of Zodiacs in search of the King of the Arcitc, the Polar Bear. Remote, rugged and uninhabited Akpatok island, is the largest in Ungava Bay. Thickbilled Murre breed and live on the ledges along the limestone cliffs surrounding the island.

We hope to find polar bears patrolling the beaches along the steep limestone cliffs that towers 200 – 300 meters above the sea level.

Day 14: SaGlek Fjord, Labrador, Canada
Abrupt, stately mountains, deep fjords, finger lakes and spectacular rock walls are all products of glaciations making Saglek Fjord one of Canada’s most incredible landscapes. Only sparse vegetation in low, sheltered valleys reside in this rocky tundra, whilst the caribou thrives. A popular summer fishing destination of the Inuit, from nearby Nain, seek out the plentiful Arctic char.

This morning we explore this impressive fjord, and if conditions permit, we will attempt landing. The ship’s natural history staff will provide insight and highlights of the area. We hope to meet up with some local Inuit fishermen and watch them prepare pitsik, a northern delicacy of dried char.

Day 15: At Sea
As we make our way along Canada’s eastern coast, enjoy some time out on deck keeping an eye out for seabirds, dolphin, seals and migrating humpback, fin and blue whales, or listen to additional presentations by our expert natural history staff in The Theatre or in the comfort of your own accommodation. Enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs at the Connoisseur’s Corner or indulge in any of the other special amenities offered aboard ship.

Day 16: Battle Harbour, Battle Island, Labrador, Canada
Step back in time as we meander through the streets of this painstakingly restored fishing village that salutes the Labrador lifestyle of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. This National Historic District commemorates the era of whalers, seasonal or floater fishermen, mercantile salt fisheries, and polar explorers.

Most notable explorers beginning treks deep into the arctic included North Pole discoverers and Americans Robert E. Peary and Matthew Henson along with Inuits, Oatah, Egingwah, Seegloo and Ookeah; and American Frederick Cook. Cook is best known for falsifying evidence pointing to his being the first person to discover the North Pole, one year prior to Peary. It was here in 1909, that Peary wired the announcement, “The Pole is ours”! to a world audience. Battle Harbour is also the site of two press conferences that ignited the controversy between Peary and Cook.

Today we catch a re-enactment of one of these press conferences and meet our local guides, who will teach us about the Newfoundland and Labrador fishing industry. Before leaving, we delight in a Canadian “crab fest” complete with fresh snow crab, cheese and crackers and accompanied by traditional interpretations of coastal Labradorean music.

Day 17: L’Anse Aux Meadow, Labrador, Canada
We continue our voyage southward whilst enjoying a spot of lunch aboard the Prince Albert II. After midday, like ancient Vikings, we land on the shores of L’Anse aux Meadows or Land of Meadows albeit via Zodiac. After a short walk with our local guides, we encounter the ruins of an entire Viking village dating back to the year 1000. Norseman Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, established this colony in the New World some 500 years before the likes of Christopher Columbus and John Cabot. In 1978, this village was designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the L’Anse aux Meadows archaeological site remains natural and unspoiled. Three building have been reconstructed near the original site in order to provide visitors insight into the lifestyles of these hardy explorers.

Day 18: Twillengate, Newfoundland, Canada
Welcome to the self-proclaimed ‘Iceberg Capital of the World’. Twillingate is one town on two islands with about 3,000 residents and is one of the oldest towns in this part of Newfoundland. We begin our day with our local guides as they take us atop a 114–year-old lookout known as Long Point Lighthouse. The panorama of the bay and coastal cliffs is simply breathtaking!

Next we visit The Prime Berth Museum, where our guides explain the town’s history, as well as, the interworkings of Newfoundland’s traditional inshore fishery, including a tour of the net loft, fishing stage, fish store and a fully restored Newfoundland motor boat. Enjoy interactive demonstrations of cod splitting and salting, mending holes in a cod trap, and catching “conners” or local fish.

Day 19: St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
We will arrive at St Johns, Newfoundland in the morning of August 25th, and go alongside. After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II.

Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions.

Early Booking Rates
Oceanview cabins from USD 8195 per person plus $325 in taxes

We offer the right Greenland expedition at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

Prince Albert's deck plan and cabin/suite descriptions (pdf file)

PRINCE ALBERT II DISTINCTIONS
- Superior accommodations in a large suite
- Superlative service and genuine hospitality
- Crew to guest ratio of nearly 1 to 1
- Expert naturalists and special guest lecturers
- Complimentary, hosted adventures ashore
- Complimentary parka
- Fares include all onboard gratuities
- Complimentary fine wines, champagnes and spirits served throughout the ship
- In-room beverage cabinet stocked with your complimentary selections
- Casual/informal attire – no formal nights
- Open-seating dining
- Gourmet menus by Relais and Chateaux
- Complimentary 24-hour room service
- Spa, fitness centre, two top-deck whirlpools, live evening entertainment
- Ship-wide Internet access and cellular phone service (fee applies)

ABOUT PRINCE ALBERT II
Embark on a luxurious expedition to the best far-flung destinations in the world aboard Prince Albert II, a purpose-built expedition ship unlike any other. Designed specifically for navigating waters in some of the world’s most remote destinations, including both of earth’s polar regions, the 6,072-ton vessel boasts a strengthened hull with a Lloyd’s Register ice-class notation (1A) for passenger ships. With eight Zodiac boats, her 132 privileged guests can visit even the most off-the-beaten path locations. Experience the thrill of a true expedition aboard Prince Albert II. Venture deep into regions where other vessels cannot go whilst enjoying a privileged lifestyle that is simply second-to-none.

Onboard Luxury
Savour a convivial cosmopolitan ambience and many special amenities usually found only on larger ships, including a spacious Library with an Internet Café, boutique shopping, a full-service spa, beauty salon, fitness centre, sauna, live evening entertainment and two top-deck whirlpools. The Prince Albert II even features The Humidor, where connoisseurs can enjoy the finest cigars and cognacs - a diversion offered by no other expedition ship.

More information and photos of Prince Albert II

Prince Albert II expedition video

Sailings in Svalbard, near the North Pole, on Prince Albert II

Prince Albert's deck plan and cabin/suite descriptions (pdf file)

Other Greenland Programs

We offer the right Greenland expedition at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

Sisimiut, Greenland (photo credit: Katrina Barre)

Icebergs in Greenland (photo credit: Katrina Barre)

September 3-20, 2011: 17-day expedition voyage from Reykjavik, Iceland to Toronto, Canada

03 Sep 2011 Sat Reykjavik, Iceland 5:00 PM
04 Sep 2011 Sun Day At Sea
05 Sep 2011 Mon Skjoldungen Fjord, Greenland
06 Sep 2011 Tue Prince Christian Sound, Greenland
07 Sep 2011 Wed Qaqortoq, Greenland
08 Sep 2011 Thu Day At Sea
09 Sep 2011 Fri Day At Sea
10 Sep 2011 Sat ST. ANTHONY
10 Sep 2011 Sat L'Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland, Canada
11 Sep 2011 Sun Gros Morne National Park, Labrador, Canada
12 Sep 2011 Mon Cruise Magdalen Islands
13 Sep 2011 Tue BONAVENTURE ISLAND
14 Sep 2011 Wed HAVERE ST.PIERRE
15 Sep 2011 Thu Day At Sea
16 Sep 2011 Fri Québec City, Québec, Canada
17 Sep 2011 Sat Montréal, Québec, Canada
18 Sep 2011 Sun Cruise St. Lawrence River
19 Sep 2011 Mon PORT DALHOUSIE
19 Sep 2011 Mon TORONTO 8:30 PM
20 Sep 2011 Tue TORONTO

Expedition Highlights:
- Cruise into deep fjords, alongside glaciers and amongst icebergs
- Photograph pristine landscapes of rugged mountains and waterfalls
Watch for whales, seals and polar bears
- Explore the ancient Viking site at L’Anse aux Meadows
- Identify birds including eagles, osprey, ptarmigans, puffins and a colony of 122,000 northern gannets
- Observe the Mingan limestone monoliths
- Learn of Quebec’s French culture
- Discover Montreal’s scenic Laurentian Mountains
- Experience Niagara Falls

We offer the right Greenland expedition at the right price. Call 1-800-334-6544 (U.S.) or +1-212-480-4521 (International) or go to How to Book

Day 1 — Reykjavik, Iceland
Embark the Prince Albert II and depart on your exciting 17-day Silversea Expedition – Viking Routes & Fall Colours. This evening, you will be introduced to your Expedition Leaders and receive a Zodiac briefing.

Day 2 — At Sea
Spend the day crossing the iceberg-laden Denmark Strait, which connects the Arctic and Atlantic oceans. Meet some of your fellow explorers as you become acquainted with the luxurious amenities found onboard the Prince Albert II. Tonight, we invite you to attend a special Welcome Aboard cocktail party whereat the Captain will introduce his senior officers and various members of the crew.

Day 3 — Skjoldungen Fjord, Greenland
The wild, rugged and ice-packed fjords of Greenland’s southeastern coast beckon as we begin our exploration of the Skjoldungen Sound. Surrounded by astonishing mountains, spectacular glaciers and undisturbed wildlife is a place the native Inuit call Kalaallit Nunaat or Land of the People. Today we take full advantage of the manoeuvrability and shallow draft of the Prince Albert II, anchoring at the top of the Skjoldungen fjord. Here we join the Expedition Team’s naturalists for a Zodiac exploration of the area’s remarkable splendour.

Day 4 — Cruising Prince Christian Sound, Greenland
We arrive at the entrance to one of south Greenland’s most dramatic natural features, Prince Christian Sound. The air is crisp, the water placid and the smell of ice fills the air. On either side of us, waterfalls are streaming down sharp, wrinkled mountainsides as we navigate the fjord through a sea of frozen turquoise gems on their southern route. Coming to our turning point, we glimpse the constant change and movement of the polar ice cap. Prince Christian Sound is where icebergs are born of compacted ancient snows that calve into the sound at the glacier’s edge. Like an artist’s imagination, this gallery of natural wonders is unbound by convention. Each one as different as the last and their beauty is undaunted by the sheer magnitude of their size. Time and weather conditions permitting, we set out via Zodiacs to discover this pristine world of bays, inlets and the Sermet Glacier.

Day 5 — Qaqortoq, Greenland
During lunchtime we arrive at the picturesque harbour town of Qaqortoq (pronounced ka-kor-tok), meaning ‘white place’ in Greenlandic, and go ashore for an afternoon of discovery. Southern Greenland’s largest village is populated with striking primary coloured wood colonial buildings. Our local guides and ship’s staff of experts take us to the charming town square, home to Greenland’s oldest fountain built in 1928. Surrounding it are two churches, one old and one new, an open-air fish and meat market, and the Qaqortoq Museum. The modest museum houses a superb collection of historical artefacts associated with Inuit hunting and fishing, a whaler’s gun and a collection of contemporary artwork.

Strolling through the streets of Qaqortoq is like meandering through a sculpture garden, as there are some 30 pieces of art carved into the granite bedrock throughout the town. The ‘Stone and Man’ exhibit is the realisation of a childhood fantasy. Renowned local artist and sculptor Aka Høegh, in the mid 90s gathered 18 Scandinavian artists in an effort to carve faces into the rocks, just as she had imagined as a child. Whilst the initial project only lasted two summers, it continues to draw artists each year.

Before leaving, we enjoy a traditional Greenlandic kayak demonstration. The kayak has long been an important mode of transportation in Greenland and in the 10th century was used as a hunting board by members of the prehistoric Thule culture.

Days 6–7 — At Sea
We bid farewell to Greenland and sail towards the Americas following in the wake of the Vikings who made this journey centuries ago.

Binoculars in hand, watch for massive icebergs littered throughout the strait, whales feeding in the rich waters and polar bears drifting aboard ice floes. Onboard, a variety of diversions are offered and include spa treatments, a workout in the Fitness Centre, and, of course, exquisite dining experiences.

Day 8 — St Anthony, Newfoundland, Canada
L’Anse Aux Meadow, Labrador, Canada
Our day begins on the northern tip of Newfoundland with an exploration of St Anthony. This area was once the staging point for many northern expeditions. Arctic explorers used its sheltered harbour to take on sled dogs and other supplies as the world raced for the North Pole. We will visit the Grenfell Interpretation Centre and the Grenfell House to learn of Dr. Wilfred Grenfell, a young English doctor renowned for bringing medicine and education to the Inuit and poor European settlers along the harsh Labrador Coast, and view the artefacts gathered from his life of Arctic adventure and global philanthropy.

This afternoon, a traditional Viking feast is served in the great hall at Liefsburdir overlooking Fishing Point. Our dining hall is a replica of the 1,000-year-old Leif Erickson home at the nearby L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site. Leifsburdir is covered in sod and nearly invisible from the outside, but inside it takes you back to a time when the Vikings roamed the land. We will enjoy the theatrics of a rowdy but merry band of Norse hosts. The meal features a number of authentic Norse dishes including local game and fish plus a local berry dessert.

Following lunch, we travel by coach to L’Anse aux Meadows (Land of Meadows) where we encounter the ruins of an entire Viking village dating back to the year 1000. Norseman Leif Eriksson, son of Erik the Red, established this colony in the New World some 500 years before the likes of Christopher Columbus and John Cabot. In 1978, this village was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Much of the L’Anse aux Meadows archaeological site remains natural and unspoilt. Three buildings have been reconstructed near the original site in order to provide visitors insight into the lifestyles of these hardy explorers.

During lunch, the Prince Albert II will reposition to Le Anse aux Meadow where it will await our arrival at the conclusion of our excursion ashore.

Day 9 — Bonne Bay, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
This morning we anchor off Gros Morne National Park, where we see firsthand the geological past of our planet. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for both exceptional natural scenery and distinctive geological history, Gros Morne National Park is filled with transition. Our staff geologist, Juan Carlos Restrepo, will show us evidence of the turmoil between Europe and North America when antediluvian oceans disappeared and modern ones were created, shaping these two continents, as they exist today.

Via Zodiac, we go ashore for a day of discovery. We board a coach and pick up a few local guides to help maximize our understanding of this dramatic park, which is mostly comprised of coastal lowlands bordering the Gulf of St. Lawrence and alpine plateaus of the Long Range Mountains, an outlying part of the Appalachian Mountain chain. Weather permitting; we visit Western Brook Pond, a freshwater fjord that was carved by glaciers about 10,000-25,000 years ago. A reason why so many different varieties of birds live and visit here in this Canadian Wildlife Service bird sanctuary. Species include: ospreys, terns, Greater yellowlegs, Spotted sandpipers, ptarmigans, Harlequin ducks, Bald eagles, Red-throated loons, cormorants, herons, ibises, cranes, owls and many, many more. Land mammals found in the park, range from shrews, bats, hares, squirrels and beavers to black bears, lynx, caribous, moose, and foxes.

Whilst wildlife seems to flourish, flora is less fortunate. In summer, the mountainsides turn green and some colourful plants grow, but because of the harsh weather few survive year-round and those that do have had to learn to adapt. Tuckamores, as the locals call them, for instance, are a slow-growing, low-lying clump of trees, usually evergreens, which are continually ravaged by the full force of the savage winds coming off the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These trees become a tangled forest protected in the winter by drifting snow, but any branch extending beyond the drift is frozen and killed by winter winds.

Day 10 — Magdalen Islands, Canada
Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, just north of Prince Edward Island, the Magdalen Islands are a group of nine main islands and numerous islets. Magdalen Islanders, who are known for their generous nature, are intimately familiar with their fellow residents, the harp seals. During our tour this afternoon we learn about life on this small island beginning with a visit to the Fumoir d’antan smokehouse where we will enjoy a guided tour and tasting. We next visit the Fromagerie Pied de Vent cheese factory that produces artisan raw milk cheese. Crossing the Chemin des Montants, we will discover a small valley and a panoramic view of Havre-aux-Maisons. At the South Dune Beach we will walk through amazing red sandstone underground caves, sculpted naturally by the sea.

On the north side of the islands, we find Belle Anse with its steep red sandstone cliffs that show the effects of year after year of erosion. Upon arriving at La Côte, we will enjoy some time to browse the boutiques and chat with the local craftsmen and fishermen. Here at the interpretation centre we can also learn how about the raising of mussels and scallops in the lagoon. To conclude our excursion, we head to the Artisans du Sable for a whole new way to look at sand, and then visit the historical meeting place of La Grave that today offers an aquarium, museum of the sea and several boutiques.

Day 11 — Bonaventure Island, Canada
Today we will visit Bonaventure Island and Perce Rock National Park – home to the largest migratory bird refuge in North America. Its colony of 122,000 northern gannets is the most accessible and the largest in size in the world. Without a doubt, the high point of our visit will be the sight of 250,000 birds nesting on the island. The island also offers four hiking trails and a historic heritage trail that reflects Bonaventure Island’s prosperous past. Percé Rock is a massive limestone stack containing millions of marine fossils from the Devonian period. Here, we will talk geology and hope to take advantage of a low tide to point out interesting beach organisms.

Day 12 — Havre-Saint-Pierre, Canada
Havre-Saint-Pierre is among the Mingan Islands that lie along the North Shore of the Gulf of St Lawrence on the coast of eastern Quebec. Our adventure today leads us to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve where the ecological integrity of unique “flowerpot” monoliths is protected and preserved. Together with the ship staff and local Canada Parks Rangers, we will search for osprey, families of eider duck, Atlantic puffins and various other shore birds. Botanists amongst us will delight in the woodlands, bogs, orchids, insectivorous plants and arctic-alpine flora.

Day 13 — At Sea
Our knowledgeable Lecture Staff members are experts in a variety of scientific fields. Gather in The Theatre to hear their fascinating tales of adventure and to learn more about the region’s endemic wildlife and remarkable nature. Be out on deck with binoculars and camera in hand as we hope to catch good views of the whales that call the waters off the St Lawrence River home during the summer and fall months.

Day 14 — Québec City, Québec, Canada
Canada’s great historic city and the only walled metropolis in North America, Québec provides a taste of authentic, profoundly French culture. Our full-day tour combines the highlights of historic Québec with an adventure into the picturesque countryside. Highlights include the magnificent Château Frontenac castle, the beautifully restored Place-Royale market square of typical 17th and 18th century stone architecture where we find the oldest standing Catholic church in North America: Notre-Dame-des-Victoires, and National Battlefield Park, Cap-Diamant – site of the 1759 battle between France and Britain now a beautiful 250-acre park. We will also visit the Shrine of St-Anne-de-Beaupré. With over 1.5 million visitors and pilgrims making their way to the shrine each year, Ste-Anne has become one of the most important catholic sites in North America. After a narration by our guide en route, we will wander through the lovely grounds and explore the Basilica, Scala Santa, and Memorial Chapel. Montmorency Falls, our next stop, cascades down a 272-foot cliff and is 1½ times as high as Niagara Falls. Then we take a step back in time at Île d’Orléans where we will enjoy a scenic drive through traditional rural Québec villages. During our tour, we will savour a delightful French lunch at a typical Quebecois restaurant and spend some time shopping along the narrow cobblestone streets of charming Petit-Champlain.

Alternatively, enjoy a half-day morning drive into the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains to renowned Lac-Beauport. This sparkling lake, surrounded by emerald forests, is an unforgettable place to soak up the beauty of autumn’s fall foliage. We then take a step back in time as we cross the bridge into Île d’Orléans and drive through the picturesque villages of traditional rural Québec. Passing the tip of the Island, we will see the lovely 19th-century resort homes of Québec’s rich merchant class with spectacular views of the Québec skyline. Québec is well known for its production of maple syrup, and we will have the opportunity to visit an authentic sugar shack where we will learn about the production of maple products and sample sweet maple taffy. Our final stop for the morning is Montmorency Falls, which cascades down a 272-foot cliff, and is 1½ times as high as Niagara Falls. At the top of the falls, we will enjoy tea and pastries at the elegant Montmorency Manoir. Take in the panoramic views of the falls and surrounding autumn colours, visit the interpretation centre or browse in the unique boutiques. This half-day tour returns to the ship for lunch onboard. This afternoon, explore Quebec at your leisure.

Day 15 — Montreal, Québec, Canada
Montreal’s skyline of glass and concrete rises above churches and monuments in a medley of European styles as complex as Montréal’s social blend. Today we head away from the city and into The Laurentians, one of the oldest mountain chains in the world, just twenty miles north of Montreal. The region has been developed to preserve its natural setting, huge forests, picturesque villages, cosy valleys and crystal-clear lakes. We will browse the shops in typical villages like St-Sauveur and have lunch in the heart of the mountains at the Cabane a Sucre (Sugar Shack). Dressed in traditional clothing, the local tenants will describe the traditional techniques for processing and producing a variety of maple products. During our family-style meal we will be entertained by live traditional music and folk dancing. There will be some free time in Mont-Tremblant, the region’s foremost resort. Here, a ride to the top of the mountain in a gondola is the perfect way to have a scenic view of the region. In the old part of the village, we can observe artists at work.

Alternatively, join for an excursion that explores the historic character and charm of Old Montréal. Our walking tour takes us along narrow cobblestone streets and past the charming waterfront district. We will discover the splendid architecture of one of the oldest cities in North America as we learn about the fortifications, the seigniorial system, and religious institutions. We will see the first financial district, City Hall, the historic and new Courthouse and Jacques Cartier Square – an area of café terraces and old world charm. We will then follow our local guide through the walkways of the underground city. Montreal has the world's largest interior pedestrian network and we will see the unique fountain at Place Riopelle, the Palais des congrès and the "Lipstick Forest", and the World Trade Center. We return to the Prince Albert II for lunch. Enjoy free time to explore the city on your own this afternoon.

Day 16 — Cruising St Lawrence Seaway and Thousand Islands
The St Lawrence River is about 745 miles (1,200 km) long and is the main outlet into the Atlantic of the Great Lakes. It rises in northeastern Lake Ontario and flows northeast to the Gulf of St Lawrence. In its upper course, which includes the scenic Thousand Islands, the river forms the boundary between Ontario and New York state. At Montreal the river expands to create Lake St Louis, and below Sorel it forms the much larger Lac Saint-Pierre (Lake St Peter). Below Quebec City the St Lawrence broadens from a width of about 2 miles (3 km) to one of 90 miles (145 km) at its mouth. The waters of the St. Lawrence support a large population of marine mammals, including several species of seals.

Day 17 — Port Dalhousie, Ontario, Canada and Toronto, Canada
The Canadian side of the spectacular Niagara Falls is our destination today. Observation decks on the backside of the 13-storey-high water curtain offer amazing views, but cannot compare to our tour aboard the Maid of the Mist where we will cruise almost under the Falls, raincoats provided! Following our visit to Niagara Falls, we return to the Prince Albert II and sail into Toronto for an overnight in port.

Day 18 — Toronto, Canada
After breakfast, disembark the Prince Albert II.

Early Booking Rates
Oceanview suites from USD 9447 per person plus $325 in taxes