Atlantic Passage – Halifax to Barbados

Your crossing begins in Nova Scotia's capital

Welcome to Halifax. With its red-brick waterfront buildings, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and 3-mile boardwalk running along the harbour, it's a perfect starting point for any Atlantic crossing. Take time at your leisure to wander the waterfront and grab a coffee before boarding in the afternoon.

Once aboard MS Roald Amundsen, you’ll have time to settle into your cabin. The Captain will give a welcome speech as we set sail, and you can enjoy the first of many dinners on board.

Halifax exudes a fine European air and lies along the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. Visitors by sea are greeted by the 1758 Sambro Island Lighthouse, the oldest surviving beacon in North America. In the harborside Historic Properties district, grand and charming stone buildings built in the 18th and 19th centuries grace the cobblestone streets. The city grew up around Citadel Hill, where Fort George protected the harbor. The fortress, along with the adjacent stately Halifax Town Clock, has been gloriously restored and preserved.

Two days at sea heading south

We’ll spend the next two days at sea, giving you the chance to fully enjoy your ship’s facilities. Relax and unwind in the hot tub and pool area, stroll the deck, and grab at drink at the Explorer’s Bar & Lounge, chatting to fellow travellers.

Witness the beauty of Bermuda

Today you're in Bermuda. The Crystal Caves are the standout: a vast underground world of limestone chambers, clear azure pools, and delicate stalactite formations sculpted over millions of years. A floating boardwalk leads across glass-still pools, revealing formations that continue to grow drop by drop.

Beyond the caves, Bermuda offers pink-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear water, pastel-coloured architecture, and a coastline that rewards a slow wander. Make the most of your day here before we set sail south towards the Caribbean.

With a permanent resident population of 1,500 households, Hamilton doesn't qualify as a major metropolis. Yet it has enough stores, restaurants, and offices to amp up the island’s energy level. Moreover, it has a thriving international business community (centered on financial and investment services, insurance, telecommunications, global management of intellectual property, shipping, and aircraft and ship registration), which lends it a degree of sophistication seldom found in so small a center. The central parishes cover the large area of Paget, Warwick, and Devonshire. These parishes are much sleepier than Hamilton and provide great nature and beach respites when you tire of city life. Convenient bus and ferry connections connect the parishes, so trips outside of Hamilton are easy and a fun way to get off the tourist track.

Lectures, photography, and ocean views

Enjoy three days at sea as you sail south towards Barbados. The Expedition Team are experts in the oceans you're crossing and the places you're visiting, and they might also offer astrology sessions as you spend long evenings gazing into clear skies lit up by the constellations. By the time you reach the Caribbean, you'll notice the air has changed completely: warm, humid, tropical.

Arrive in the warmth of the Caribbean

Your voyage ends in Bridgetown, Barbados. Disembark in the morning and bid farewell to the Expedition Team and fellow travellers, then take the day to explore. Barbados is edged by vibrant blue water, and Bridgetown's colourful streets are lively with bars, restaurants, and warm Barbadian hospitality. Don't miss the UNESCO-listed Historic Bridgetown and its Garrison, inscribed in 2011 as a testament to three centuries of British colonial maritime history. A fitting tropical finale to your Atlantic crossing.

Located beside the island’s only natural harbour, the capital of Barbados combines modern and colonial architecture with glorious palm tree-lined beaches and a number of historical attractions. Experience the relaxed culture of the city renowned for its British-style parliament buildings and vibrant beach life, and seek out the Anglican church and the 19th-century Barbados Garrison. The distance between the ship and your tour vehicle may vary. This distance is not included in the excursion grades.