01 Oct Halifax Nova Scotia
Embark Quest for Adventure and moor overnight in Halifax.
02 Oct Halifax, Nova Scotia
Depart 1800.
A lively, vibrant city and the capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is a city whose maritime heritage makes it a fascinating destination.
Featuring the world’s second largest natural harbour, which stretches for approximately ten miles, the city was integral in the rescue operation of the Titanic in 1912, and was again at the forefront of maritime disaster five years later with the Halifax Explosion. In addition to its history, Halifax has picturesque 18th and 19th-century architecture, a rugged coast and is surrounded by quaint fishing villages.
03 Oct Digby, Nova Scotia
Arrive 1300. Depart 2000. Land by launch or tender.
Digby is a town in western Nova Scotia. Digby overlooks the scenic Annapolis Basin and the area has a reputation for its excellent fishing; particularly scallops.
Away from the busy part of the harbour, you'll find a number of historical sites, well-kept parks, hiking trails and some of the best whale watching in North America. If you've seen all of the sights, you may like to consider a quiet drink or a spot of lunch in one of Digby's restaurants or bars.
Whale watchers will be impressed with the opportunities, particularly in the Bay of Fundy. For spectacular scenery with 600m (2000 ft) cliffs falling off in to the sea, take a trip to Cape Breton, where you'll often see whales breaching in the surrounding waters.
Digby is located near Route 101, a major highway, and is close to the Digby Annapolis Regional Airport which is the highest Airport in Nova Scotia. It also offers the only year round ferry service connecting Nova Scotia to New Brunswick.
03 Oct Saint John, New Brunswick
Arrive 2359 on October 3. Depart 2300 on October 4.
Steeped in 400 years of history, Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city and the largest city in the province of New Brunswick. Located on the Bay of Fundy, this is where the highest tides in the world reverse the flow of the powerful St. John River, creating the renowned Reversing Falls Rapids. Although discovered by Samuel de Champlain and the French in 1604, Saint John is also known as the Loyalist City, with the largest population influx occurring in 1783, as those loyal to the British crown fled north during the time of the American Revolution.
The great fire of 1877 reduced much of the city to ashes, but the community came together and rebuilt the city, this time in brick and stone. Saint John takes great pride in its history and many of these downtown buildings have been restored. You can explore the city on a trolley tour, or explore the Bay of Fundy, the St. John River, and the surrounding towns and villages on a range of excursions.
05 Oct St Andrews, New Brunswick
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800. Land by launch or tender.
St. Andrews is a truly unique place with a population of just 1,800. St. Andrews is steeped with beautiful architecture, stunning scenery and a rich marine life.
During your time here, you have a choice of activities; whether you want to explore the area's history and culture or taste the local cuisine. Perhaps take a visit to the public art gallery, one of its museums, the national marine research centre or have a chucker of golf at St. Andrews' world-class golf course. The local cuisine mainly consists of seafood, but you'll also find a host of fine-dining restaurants and casual eateries.
08 Oct Hamilton, Bermuda
Arrive 0930. Depart 1700.
Hamilton Bermuda is a small, vibrant and friendly city; described as the heart of Bermuda. It's the main container port on the island and is also the centre of shipping trade in Bermuda.
When you step off the ship, you'll be on Front Street, which is the life and soul of Hamilton. Front Street is the perfect place to look across the harbour and taste local cuisine and enjoy a drink in the sun. If you're interested in finding out about the area, perhaps take a visit to Bermuda Society of Arts, Bermuda National Gallery, the City Hall and Arts Centre or Bermuda Cathedral.
09 Oct St George's, Bermuda
Arrive 0800 on October 8. Depart 0730 on October 9.
St. George was the first capital of Bermuda, having first been settled by shipwrecked British settlers in 1609. Today, St. George is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its long, rich history means there are so many interesting things to see and do, including a number of fortresses which attribute to its UNESCO status. This living town and its historic buildings function not only as museums, but as houses, restaurants, pubs and shops - so you're at the heart of its history wherever you go.
In the centre you'll be able to visit King’s Square and the Town Hall. There's also a tourist information centre, which will help you find some of the area's other popular attractions.
12 Oct Eleuthera Island, Bahamas
Arrive 0800. Depart 1700. Land by launch or tender.
Turquoise waters, miles of white sands and striking cliffs all contribute to Eleuthera Island's beauty. The clear waters are perfect for diving and snorkelling. Also along the coastline, you can also visit The Devil's Backbone, where you'll see more natural wrecks than anywhere else in the Bahamas. If you want to explore the area, you'll find some fascinating colonial villages - Tarpum Bay, Bannerman Town and Hatchet Bay to name a few.
13 Oct Freeport, Bahamas
Arrive 0800. Depart 2300.
The Bahamas consist of a group of over 700 islands and cays, which lie off the coast of Florida.
Freeport (also known as Port Lucaya) is located on Grand Bahama and is the second largest city on the archipelago after Nassau. Cosmopolitan and fast-paced, Freeport did not exist until financier Wallace Groves was granted an area of swamp and scrubland in 1955.
It was on this land that the city designed for pleasure was built with its bars, entertainment, outlets, shops and restaurants, as well as two casinos. Beyond the city, the island offers much natural beauty and as a former haunt of smugglers, pirates and rumrunners.
14 Oct Bimini Islands, Bahamas
Arrive 0800. Depart 1800. Land by launch or tender.
Bimini Islands is a chain of islands in the Gulf Stream and is in the district of the Bahamas. They lay at the edge of an underwater cliff, which falls thousands of feet into the blue abyss. Its warm location means it has stunning coral reefs and is home to marlin, mantas, dolphins and sea turtles. Inland, you can explore the Lost City of Atlantis, a number of museums, a host of shops and local cuisine in Bimini's large number of restaurants.
The ocean surrounding the islands is considered to be one of the world's top Big Game Fishing spots. Because Bimini is close to Miami, Florida, many American anglers go to the island by boat to fish or to enjoy the local nightlife. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling are also popular activities, as there are many shipwrecks in the area.
The combined population for the islands is estimated to be about 1600.
16 Oct Havana, Cuba
Arrive 0700.
Cuba’s vibrant capital, Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the island’s north coast and was built around a natural harbour. Its colonial architecture is a legacy of four centuries of Spanish rule: with its narrow, cobbled streets, spacious plazas and wrought-iron balconies, some have likened the city to Seville.
Havana’s sights include the Plaza de Armas, dominated by the magnificent Palace of the Captains-General, which houses the City Museum. Another must-see is the well-preserved Cathedral Square, with the 18th-century Baroque cathedral on its north side.
To see a more modern side of Havana, you can visit the Museum of the Revolution, in the 1950s dictator Batista’s former palace.
Please note: We regret that Havana excursions on 23rd February are not available to passengers embarking or disembarking the cruise. There are exchange offices in the cruise terminal where you can obtain local currency, CUC (Cuban convertible pesos). The exchange rate for US dollars is not competitive: Bank of England notes or euros are recommended. All purchases in Cuba must be made in local currency. Credit and debit cards issued by US-based companies (such as American Express) cannot be used."
17 Oct Havana Cuba to UK
Disembark Quest for Adventure.
