Ultimate Viking Discovery: Iceland to Greenland

Welcome to Reykjavík, the world’s northernmost capital city. Your journey begins here in Iceland’s quirky and creative heart.

This afternoon, you’ll meet the Captain and crew of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. Be welcomed on board with a glass of Champagne and explore your spacious suite. Meet your fellow guests for a drink in the Sky Bar as you toast to the start of an epic journey.

Please book your flight to arrive into Reykjavik prior to 02:00 PM.

Sprawling Reykjavík, the nation's nerve center and government seat, is home to half the island's population. On a bay overlooked by proud Mt. Esja (pronounced eh-shyuh), with its ever-changing hues, Reykjavík presents a colorful sight, its concrete houses painted in light colors and topped by vibrant red, blue, and green roofs. In contrast to the almost treeless countryside, Reykjavík has many tall, native birches, rowans, and willows, as well as imported aspen, pines, and spruces.Reykjavík's name comes from the Icelandic words for smoke, reykur, and bay, vík. In AD 874, Norseman Ingólfur Arnarson saw Iceland rising out of the misty sea and came ashore at a bay eerily shrouded with plumes of steam from nearby hot springs. Today most of the houses in Reykjavík are heated by near-boiling water from the hot springs. Natural heating avoids air pollution; there's no smoke around. You may notice, however, that the hot water brings a slight sulfur smell to the bathroom.Prices are easily on a par with other major European cities. A practical option is to purchase a Reykjavík City Card at the Tourist Information Center or at the Reykjavík Youth Hostel. This card permits unlimited bus usage and admission to any of the city's seven pools, the Family Park and Zoo, and city museums. The cards are valid for one (ISK 3,300), two (ISK 4,400), or three days (ISK 4,900), and they pay for themselves after three or four uses a day. Even lacking the City Card, paying admission (ISK 500, or ISK 250 for seniors and people with disabilities) to one of the city art museums (Hafnarhús, Kjarvalsstaðir, or Ásmundarsafn) gets you free same-day admission to the other two.

Grundarfjörður is a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Iceland's stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula. Surrounded by towering mountains and pristine fjords, Grundarfjörður offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and Icelandic charm. Explore the quaint streets lined with colourful houses, or venture into the nearby wilderness to discover hidden waterfalls and volcanic landscapes. Have your camera ready to catch a glimpse of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain, a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.

Nestled on the breathtaking Snæfellsnes Peninsula, Grundarfjörður is home to the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain and cascading waterfalls that make every photo unforgettable. Experience the charm of a traditional Icelandic fishing village, where friendly locals and serene landscapes create the perfect escape. Explore dramatic coastlines, volcanic vistas, and abundant wildlife - Grundarfjörður is your gateway to Iceland’s most captivating adventures.

Weather permitting, today we'll visit the jewel of the Westfjords, Dynjandi Waterfall. Feel the freezing mist on your face as you admire the cascading bridal veil falls and discover why it was nicknamed ‘the thunder’. Tumbling down seven tiers over 100 metres, it is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in Iceland. Marvel at nature's grandeur and wildlife spectacle as you sail through this remote corner of Iceland.

At sea, life is both exciting and challenging. Ships travel across vast stretches of water, carrying people and goods from one place to another. Sailors spend many days away from land, facing changing weather and strong waves. The endless view of the ocean can be beautiful and peaceful. After their journey, they feel happy and relieved when they finally reach shore.

Unlike the rest of Greenland, the Sermersooq municipality (where the Fridtjof Nansen peninsula is located) is smooth and unbroken terrain. Here, the magnificent Greenland Ice Sheet flows right to the shore. The peninsula gets its name from famed explorer Fridtjof Nansen, who launched his pioneering Greenland venture from Umivik Bay. This 1888 expedition confirmed that Greenland was completely covered in ice.

Over the next seven days in Greenland, countless adventures await, from exhilarating whale watching to thrilling kayak excursions and invigorating polar plunges, promising unforgettable experiences.

Glaciers calving, rivers flowing, towering rock walls and colourful forests - the Skjoldungen Fjord is spectacular. Look up to admire huge crevasses and freestanding pillars of ice standing silhouetted against the blue Greenland sky. On the lower slopes, Arctic wildflowers will bloom amongst the dwarf birch and willow trees. Join the Discovery Team on the Observation Deck as nimble Scenic Eclipse weaves through numerous icebergs in this narrow channel and learn about the archaeological remains that have been found in this region, suggesting people lived here over 4,000 years ago.

Located on Greenland’s relatively rarely visited rugged east coast, Skoldungen Fjord has enchanting scenery with towering mountains tipped with snow, ice-scraped valley sides and sculptured icebergs in shades of white and blue. At the top of the fjord one can easily see the retreating state of the Thrym Glacier. The U-shaped fjord offers spectacular scenery and as an extra perk, it is not uncommon to see whales in the fjord.

Carving a breathtaking, naturally formed path that separates the mainland from the islands of Cape Farewell, Prince Christian Sound is one of Greenland's most scenic waterways and a highlight of any cruise in the region. Over a hundred kilometres in length, and flanked by magnificent glaciers and granite cliffs, this narrow passage is only accessible during summer, when the largest ice blockades melt away.

With her elegant design and state-of-the-art technology, Scenic Eclipse brings you closer to the towering glaciers, icebergs and imposing peaks for unmissable photo opportunities.

The transit through the Sound is one of this voyage’s highlights. Connecting the Labrador Sea with the Irminger Seat, Prince Christian Sound or “Prins Christian Sund” in Danish is named after Prince (later King) Christian VII (1749-1808). 100 km (60 miles ), long and at times just 500 m (1500 ft) wide, this majestic and spectacular fiord throws you back into a Viking era – flanked by soaring snow-topped mountains, rock-strewn cliffs and rolling hills, it is as if time has stood still and one easily forgets that this is the 21st century. As you marvel at the sheer size of the mountains that surround you, with the Arctic waters lapping deceptively at the hull, revel in the silence enveloping you. Icebergs float serenely by, carrying with them the ages of time. Be sure to wear warm clothing as this is one spectacle that you do not want to miss.

Herjolfsnes is a historical Norse settlement located in southern Greenland. It was founded during the Viking Age as part of the Eastern Settlement established by Norse explorers from Iceland. The site is best known for its medieval church ruins and archaeological remains, which reveal details about early European life in Greenland. Herjolfsnes was once an important coastal landing point for ships traveling between Greenland, Iceland, and Europe. Today, it is an archaeological site that helps researchers understand Norse exploration, adaptation to Arctic conditions, and settlement history in the North Atlantic.

Set on the southern tip of Greenland, Narsaq is a striking agricultural town located on the edge of a fjord. It’s known for its lush farmland, hardy sheep, legacy of Greenlandic cowboys and intriguing Norse history. In the 1960s, a long house was unearthed here, and it is believed to be the very first place Erik the Red settled in Greenland in the 10th century. Visit the Narsaq Museum, set in historic buildings around the old harbour, to learn more about the area’s rich heritage.

Clinging to a jagged peninsula on the southwest coast of Greenland, Nuuk is the island’s capital and largest city. The area has been inhabited since 2200BC, though the present town was only established in 1728. Colourful wooden buildings can be seen around the shore, while more modern apartment buildings house most of the city’s 20,000 inhabitants. A guided tour through the picturesque Old Harbour reveals history and traditions that remain strong. Nuuk is also becoming known as a centre of modern Nordic culture, with edgy architecture inspired by the Northern Lights and innovative restaurants using local ingredients.

Perched on the seaside in the shadow of ice-capped Sermitsiaq Mountain, Nuuk is the world’s smallest capital city by population, with some 19,000 inhabitants experiencing tremendous cultural and economic growth. Watch for harp seals as you enter the harbor, and hear from local residents to learn how the community has changed over the generations. At the National Museum, examine the extraordinary 15th-century Qilakitsoq mummies found near Uummannaq—a discovery that was featured in a National Geographic magazine cover story in 1985. The Arctic ice preserved these mummies so well that researchers have been able to study their tattoos, their medical conditions and even what they ate.

Enjoy a slow day cruising through Evighed Fjord, or ‘Eternity Fjord’, considered one of the most beautiful in Greenland. Stretching for more than 75 kilometres, you’ll be awed by the endless fields of ice glittering under the sun. Tall, jagged peaks threaded with glaciers rise straight up out of the calm blue waters. Many of the glaciers are very active and you will likely hear chunks of ice calving away and collapsing loudly into the ocean. In Evighed Fjord, you’ll feel the beauty and power of nature all around you.

Evighedsfjorden, also called “Eternity Fjord,” is a dramatic fjord located on the eastern coast of Greenland. It features steep, glaciated cliffs and deep, icy waters, typical of Greenland’s rugged fjord landscapes. The fjord is largely uninhabited and remote, offering pristine scenery and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife such as seals, seabirds, and occasionally whales. Its isolation and striking natural beauty make it a destination primarily for adventurous explorers and scientific research.

Spectacular days await as you cruise Disko Bay. Ilulissat is the main town on the bay, named from the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’. It’s famous for the large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed site. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below.

Disko Bay is a large bay located on the western coast of Greenland, opening into the Baffin Bay. It is known for its dramatic Arctic landscapes, floating icebergs, and cold, clear waters. The bay is surrounded by glaciers and coastal settlements, with Ilulissat being one of the most well-known towns nearby. Disko Bay is famous for the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where massive icebergs calve from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also an important area for Arctic wildlife, including whales and seals, and is a popular destination for polar tourism and scientific research.

After days of exploration, enjoy some much-needed relaxation as you cruise through the Kangerlussuaq Fjord today. Towering cliffs and serene waters create a mesmerising backdrop as you enjoy breakfast on your verandah or lunch at the relaxed Azure Bar & Café. Graze the day away and enjoy Scenic Eclipse’s all-inclusive premium beverages to ensure you’ll find something that suits your taste perfectly.

As this is your last full day on board, take some time for a dip in the temperature-controlled Vitality Pools, a treatment in the Senses Spa#, an aerial yoga class in the PURE: Yoga & Pilates studio or an exquisite tea in the Observation Lounge.

The name Kangerlussuaq means "Big Fjord" in the local Kalaallisut language. The settlement of about 500 people is located in western Greenland on flat land at the head of a fjord with the same name. Kangerlussuaq is the site of Greenland's largest commercial airport and most of the economy here is dependent on the air transportation hub and tourism. The rugged lands around the settlement support terrestrial Arctic fauna including muskoxen, caribou, and Gyrfalcons.

At sea, life is both exciting and challenging. Ships travel across vast stretches of water, carrying people and goods from one place to another. Sailors spend many days away from land, facing changing weather and strong waves. The endless view of the ocean can be beautiful and peaceful. After their journey, they feel happy and relieved when they finally reach shore.

Spectacular days await as you cruise Disko Bay. Ilulissat is the main town on the bay, named from the Inuit word for ‘iceberg’. It’s famous for the large number of icebergs breaking away from the nearby Ilulissat Icefjord, a World Heritage-listed site. The Icefjord is the mouth of the vast Sermeq Kujalleq Glacier, one of the world’s fastest moving and most active glaciers, calving a remarkable 46 cubic kilometres of ice annually. Listen for the rumbling sounds in the distance as huge chunks of ice break from the glacier and tumble into the water below.

Disko Bay is a large bay located on the western coast of Greenland, opening into the Baffin Bay. It is known for its dramatic Arctic landscapes, floating icebergs, and cold, clear waters. The bay is surrounded by glaciers and coastal settlements, with Ilulissat being one of the most well-known towns nearby. Disko Bay is famous for the Ilulissat Icefjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where massive icebergs calve from the Greenland Ice Sheet. It is also an important area for Arctic wildlife, including whales and seals, and is a popular destination for polar tourism and scientific research.

Expect more thundering ice today as you sail close to the Eqip Sermia Glacier, one of Greenland’s most active glaciers. Scenic Eclipse will be able to get close to the sheer front of the glacier, so you can hear and feel the huge blocks of ice calving into the water. The expert Discovery Team will be on hand to guide you through the glacier’s activity, showcasing its awe-inspiring beauty and fascinating history. Witness the breathtaking sight of towering ice walls and shimmering blue hues nestled amidst Greenland's pristine landscapes.

Scattering chunks of sea ice like confetti, Eqip Sermia Glacier’s 2-mile-wide wall of ice is alive with thrilling activity. Known as the Calving Glacier, this immense formation towers up to 550 feet above the surface. Cracks and rumbles echo through the air from Eqip Sermia Glacier, one of the most active in the Northern Hemisphere. Enjoy the show, as dramatic collapses send mini-icebergs tumbling across the surface and the ship rolls gently on the ensuing waves. Explore this incredible glacier up close, immersed in pure silence, with only the calls of seabirds and the murmurings of the ice breaking the quiet. Eqip Sermia Glacier is retreating quickly, and this rapid movement drives the frequency of its calving events. Found at the terminus of Eqi Fjord, the compacted flow of ancient ice mass spills down through black and white mountains from its roots in the Greenland Ice Sheet - the second-largest body of ice in the world after Antarctica, covering 80% of the island. The deep blues and turquoise hues are caused by centuries of compression. Icy sculptures from Eqip Sermia Glacier and nearby Jakobshavn Glacier and Kangilerngata Sermia Glacier drift toward Disko Bay, where fin, humpback, and minke whales breach and roll through the lively waters.

Sitting around 40 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the second-largest town in Greenland. With colourful houses sprinkled around a picturesque bay, the town is bathed in perpetual sunlight during the summer months. Explore Sisimiut’s rich history, dating back some 4,500 years, at the local museum, which has a collection of ancient Saqqaq artifacts. You'll have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs crafted from qiviut, the inner wool of a muskox, such as scarves, hats, or mittens. Immerse yourself in authentic interactions with local communities, adding depth and authenticity to your Arctic experience.

Located just north of the Arctic Circle, Sisimiut is the northernmost town in Greenland where the port remains free of ice in the winter. Yet it is also the southernmost town where there is enough snow and ice to drive a dogsled in winter and spring. In Sisimiut, travelling by sled has been the primary means of winter transportation for centuries. In fact, the area has been inhabited for approximately 4,500 years. Modern Sisimiut is the largest business center in the north of Greenland, and is one of the fastest growing Greenlandic cities. Commercial fishing is the lead economy in the town‘s thriving industrial base.

Enjoy a slow day cruising through Evighed Fjord, or ‘Eternity Fjord’, considered one of the most beautiful in Greenland. Stretching for more than 75 kilometres, you’ll be awed by the endless fields of ice glittering under the sun. Tall, jagged peaks threaded with glaciers rise straight up out of the calm blue waters. Many of the glaciers are very active and you will likely hear chunks of ice calving away and collapsing loudly into the ocean. In Evighed Fjord, you’ll feel the beauty and power of nature all around you.

Evighedsfjorden, also called “Eternity Fjord,” is a dramatic fjord located on the eastern coast of Greenland. It features steep, glaciated cliffs and deep, icy waters, typical of Greenland’s rugged fjord landscapes. The fjord is largely uninhabited and remote, offering pristine scenery and opportunities to observe Arctic wildlife such as seals, seabirds, and occasionally whales. Its isolation and striking natural beauty make it a destination primarily for adventurous explorers and scientific research.

At sea, life is both exciting and challenging. Ships travel across vast stretches of water, carrying people and goods from one place to another. Sailors spend many days away from land, facing changing weather and strong waves. The endless view of the ocean can be beautiful and peaceful. After their journey, they feel happy and relieved when they finally reach shore.

Sitting at the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland, L'Anse aux Meadows is the site of the first recorded European contact with North America. It’s a true milestone in the history of human migration and discovery. Now a World Heritage Site, it marks the sole Viking-established settlement on the continent, dating back to the 11th century. The archaeological remnants, including remnants of wood-framed peat-turf buildings, mirror those found in Norse Greenland Iceland. Exploring the site, you’ll embark on a fascinating journey tracing the footsteps of Vikings who arrived in North America centuries before Columbus.

Around the year 1000, Vikings from Greenland and Iceland founded the first European settlement in North America, near the northern tip of Newfoundland. They arrived in the New World 500 years before Columbus but stayed only a few years and were forgotten for centuries. Since the settlement's rediscovery in the last century, the archaeological site has brought tourism to the area. Viking themes abound but so do views, whales, icebergs, fun dining experiences, and outdoor activities. L'Anse Aux Meadows on the northern tip of the island of Newfoundland is a remote community of just 40 people, with St Anthony, 40 minutes away, having a population of only 3,500. The region is locally famous for springtime polar bears, nesting eider ducks, the northern extreme of the Appalachians at nearby Belle Isle, numerous spring and summer icebergs, and a rich ocean fishery. L’Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site is the UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells the story of Leif Erickson and the first Europeans in the new world. This site is often the keystone attraction for cruises themed around the Vikings. Discovered in 1960, it is the site of a Norse village, the only known one in North America outside of Greenland. The site remains the only widely-accepted instance of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact, and is notable for possible connections with the attempted colony of Vinland established by Leif Ericson around 1003, or more broadly with Norse exploration of the Americas. The root of the name "L'Anse aux Meadows" is believed to have originated with French fishermen in the area during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, who named the site L'Anse aux Meduses, meaning 'Jellyfish Bay'.

Scenic Eclipse will continue sailing down the west coast of Newfoundland, bound for Bonne Bay and Woody Point. These small towns are nestled within Gros Morne National Park, a World Heritage-listed site that was formed over 485 million years. This sprawling and beautiful park is made up of strikingly diverse landscapes, from moody mountains and deep fjords to barren tablelands and deserted beaches. On the water, the cove is divided into Inner and Outer Bonne Bay. Inner Bonne Bay boasts serene wooded coves and sandy beaches, while Outer Bonne Bay serves as the gateway to the majestic Bonne Bay fjord.

Acclaimed for its unearthly landscape, Woody Point is probably as close to Mars as you will ever get in this lifetime. Situated on the west coast of the island, the Tablelands behind Woody Point in the Gros Morne National Park are composed of peridotite — like much of the surface of Mars — and  NASA, the Canadian Space Agency, plus others are studying this unique land form searching for insights into possible bacterial life on the red planet. The story of the Tablelands earned Gros Morne its World Heritage Site status from UNESCO in 2010, and the area remains a geological wonder, showcasing a time when the continents of Africa and North America collided. When the plates struck 485 million years ago, the peridotite was pushed to the surface, and remained above sea level. The rock lacks the nutrients to sustain plant life, thus giving the Tablelands a barren, isolated appearance. As the name suggests, the flat topped mountains dwarf the tiny village (population 281!), yet Woody Point has retained its character and the historic houses and buildings dating from 1870 have been beautifully maintained.

Step into a piece of living history when you go ashore at Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island. This well-preserved 18th century fortress will immerse you in French colonial life amidst charming cobblestone streets and historic buildings. It’s the largest historical reconstruction in North America and authentic fortifications, kitchen gardens and homes sit alongside the original ruins. Uncover the secrets of this World Heritage-listed site as you wander through its picturesque streets and soak in the unique atmosphere.

Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, is a thriving seaport located on the eastern tip of Cape Breton Island. French settlers first arrived in Louisbourg in 1713, using the island as a base for their lucrative cod fishery. Soon, the town became one of the busiest harbours in North America and an important trading outpost and military hub. They named it Louisbourg, in honour of King Louis XIV. The fortress was built to defend against the threat of a British invasion. After two major attacks, the fortress was destroyed in the 1760’s. In 1961 the Canadian Government commenced a $25 million reconstruction project to restore portions of the fortress to its pre-siege glory of the 1740’s. It was the largest reconstruction project in North America. The lighthouse was Canada’s first, constructed in 1734, but was severely damaged during the last siege and was abandoned in 1758. The existing lighthouse was built in 1923.

Halifax, Nova Scotia's dynamic capital, has long been tied to the sea. It has one of the largest and deepest ice-free harbours in the world, and has been an important military and commercial port for more than 250 years. Today, you can learn about its rich cultural heritage through the city’s many museums and historical sites. Wander through bustling downtown streets and picturesque waterfronts, savouring maritime delights and charming cafes. A late departure gives you time to sample the city’s famed live music scene, which takes over historic pubs and cosy venues every night of the week.

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.

Lunenburg is one of Canada's most beautiful towns, a World Heritage-listed site where 70 per cent of the original buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries still stand. It is the best surviving example of a British colonial settlement in North America, set out along an orderly grid pattern. You’ll be charmed by its picturesque colourful houses and architectural wonders like the Lunenburg Academy, the pink Wedding Cake House, and St. John's Anglican Church. The historic waterfront is now home to a lively mix of restaurants, breweries, distilleries and boutiques, all of which embrace the town’s proud seafaring legacy.

Nova Scotia’s coast still retains much of its unspoiled natural beauty. Rolling hills and boreal forests stretch to coastal cliffs that steeply drop to rugged shores dotted with sheltered bays and sea caves. The site of the first permanent European settlement north of Florida in the New World, it is rich in maritime heritage. The city of Lunenburg was once a busy shipbuilding center. Its historic Old Town is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Historic Site, considered the best surviving example of planned British colonial settlement in North America.

Crossing into the United States, welcome to Boston, Massachusetts, a historic yet vibrant gem. This storied city offers a rich maritime legacy, the iconic Freedom Trail, colonial architecture, and superb dining. Enjoy its thriving arts, craft breweries, and bustling waterfront, with coastal trails and historic Lexington nearby. Immerse yourself in Boston’s unique charm, where past and present blend seamlessly.

There’s history and culture around every bend in Boston—skyscrapers nestle next to historic hotels while modern marketplaces line the antique cobblestone streets. But to Bostonians, living in a city that blends yesterday and today is just another day in beloved Beantown.

Your journey concludes this morning in Portland, Maine. A historic coastal city, Portland is one of New England’s oldest settlements and a vibrant hub of maritime heritage.

After a final delicious breakfast, farewell the crew and new friends who shared this incredible voyage with you. You'll be transferred to the airport for your onward journey or return flight home, taking with you memories that will last a lifetime.

Please book your flight to depart out of Portland after 12:00 PM.

+All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. #Spa treatments at additional cost. ~Kayaking may not operate in all locations.

Please note the itinerary is a guide and may be subject to changes for operational reasons. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Portland, Maine The largest city in Maine, Portland was founded in 1632 on the Casco Bay Peninsula. It quickly prospered through shipbuilding and the export of inland pines which made excellent masts. A long line of wooden wharves stretched along the seafront, with the merchants' houses on the hillside above. From the earliest days it was a cosmopolitan city. When the railroads came, the Canada Trunk Line had its terminal right on Portland's quayside, bringing the produce of Canada and the Great Plains one hundred miles closer to Europe than any other major U.S. port. Some of the wharves are now occupied by new condominium developments, with the exception of the Customs House Wharf, which remains much as it used to be. Grand Trunk Station was torn down in 1966 and a revitalization program of this historic section was spearheaded by a group of committed residents. The result was the revival of the Old Port Exchange District with its redbrick streets built in the 1860s following a disastrous fire. The area today features a wide variety of restaurants, specialty and antique shops, and makes for a pleasant place for a stroll. Congress Street and its many side streets are an engaging mixture of culture, commerce and history. Art is everywhere, from the Portland Museum of Art to the many statues and monuments throughout the city. Other points of interest include the Portland Observatory, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's childhood home, several colonial mansions and Fort Williams Park, with the adjacent Portland Head Light. Farther afield one can visit the charming yachting and fishing village of Kennebunkport, also noted as the locale of the home and summer White House of former President George Bush. Going Ashore in Portland Pier Information The ship is scheduled to dock at the Portland Ocean Terminal, a very easy walk to the Old Port District located about two blocks away. Taxis are available at the pier. Shopping A wide range of Maine-made clothing, crafts and imported items can be found in shops along the cobblestone streets of the quaint Old Port Exchange. Small boutiques and numerous art galleries feature everything from paintings, crafts and furniture to prints and photographs. Antique lovers will enjoy browsing through area shops. Bargain hunters may want to visit the designer factory outlet shops in Freeport. On Sundays, most shops are open from 12:00 noon to 5:00-6:00 p.m. The local currency is the dollar. Cuisine Portland has the most restaurants per capita, second only to San Francisco. Eating establishments are as diverse as the menus they offer. The fresh catch of the day can be found on most menus, but seafood is only one of many culinary delights. From specialty coffee houses and ethnic restaurants to chowder and lobster houses to elegant dining rooms, Portland makes it easy to please every palate. Other Sights Longfellow's "City by the Sea" Portland is a walkable city, and a good place to start exploring is at the Old Port with its striking buildings comprising a bevy of architectural styles, ranging from Italianate to Mansard, Queen Anne to Greek Revival. The charming streets house an amazing collection of shops, galleries, bookstores and restaurants. Congress Street and the Arts District reflect the changes of 350 years of history, boasting an engaging mixture of culture and commerce. Portland Museum of Art The museum's award-winning building is a blend of 1911 Beaux Arts and 1983 post-modernism. It houses one of New England's finest art collections. Don't miss the museum's indoor Sculpture Garden. Portland Observatory Built in 1807, this is a rare example of a signal tower from which signal flags would be flown to identify incoming vessels. Factory Outlets of Freeport About a 25-minute drive north of Portland (approximately $35 one way for a taxi), this shopping mecca is crammed with serious shoppers who come from as far away as New York. Private arrangements for independent sightseeing may be requested through the Tour Office on board.