Surrounded by natural treasures and glorious seascapes, Halifax is an attractive and vibrant hub with noteworthy historic and modern architecture, great dining and shopping, and a lively nightlife and festival scene. The old city manages to feel both hip and historic. Previous generations had the foresight to preserve the cultural and architectural integrity of the city, yet students from five local universities keep it lively and current. It's a perfect starting point to any tour of the Atlantic provinces, but even if you don't venture beyond its boundaries, you will get a real taste of the region.It was Halifax’s natural harbor—the second largest in the world after Sydney, Australia’s—that first drew the British here in 1749, and today most major sites are conveniently located either along it or on the Citadel-crowned hill overlooking it. That’s good news for visitors because this city actually covers quite a bit of ground.Since amalgamating with Dartmouth (directly across the harbor) and several suburbs in 1996, Halifax has been absorbed into the Halifax Regional Municipality, and the HRM, as it is known, has around 415,000 residents. That may not sound like a lot by U.S. standards, but it makes Nova Scotia’s capital the most significant Canadian urban center east of Montréal.There's easy access to the water, and despite being the focal point of a busy commercial port, Halifax Harbour doubles as a playground, with one of the world's longest downtown boardwalks. It's a place where container ships, commuter ferries, cruise ships, and tour boats compete for space, and where workaday tugs and fishing vessels tie up beside glitzy yachts. Like Halifax as a whole, the harbor represents a blend of the traditional and the contemporary. 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. |
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. 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. |
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. 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. |
