Day 1: Travel to Albany, NY
Travel through eastern Ontario, picking up guests along the way, and head for the Thousand Islands border. After a stop for lunch (on own), travel south through lush farmland and forested hills, with picturesque, quaint villages in the valleys. Get to know your fellow travellers during a welcome dinner.
Stay:
Holiday Inn Express, Albany, NY (1 night)
Meals: D
Day 2: Albany to Boston
This morning, your journey continues with a scenic tour of Boston. After a brief orientation of the city, head to the cruise terminal to board your home away from home, the Volendam. Onboard, you'll find a wealth of entertainment options and dining venues to suit every taste, along with shopping, a spa, a fitness center, and even pickleball! Be sure to check the daily schedule of onboard activities so you don’t miss out on any exciting events or special experiences.
Stay: Holland America Volendam, Oceanview Cabins (24 nights)
Meals: B, D
Day 3: Eastport, ME (10am - 6pm)
Enjoy visiting one of the most picturesque ports on the East Coast known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, maritime heritage, and great seafood.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: At Sea
Discover the amazing amenities on the ship while at sea. Check out eXc, Explorations Central, to learn more about the shore excursions and the culture of the ports of call you will be visiting. Join in on some fun and games, tastings, or cooking demonstrations, and indulge in the variety of dining experiences.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Sydney, NS (8 am - 5 pm)
Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island and the attractions start at the harbour. Visitors can shop for locally made crafts and see the world’s largest fiddle, which towers beside the port’s cruise pavilion. Some of the city’s historic houses and churches date back to the 1700s and 1800s and are open for tours. Day trips offered by Holland America include the Cabot Trail, a boat ride on Bras d’Or Lake, a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg, or a trip down a coal mine.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 6: Corner Brook, Newfoundland, CA (10am - 6pm)
Quaint Corner Brook is an old fishing village on Newfoundland’s west coast. Explore this bustling port and meet some its friendly inhabitants.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 7: Red Bay, Labrador, CA (8am – 4pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited, time subject to weather)
Experience the rugged and remote landscape of Labrador with a stop in Red Bay, a National Historic Site of Canada. Tiny Red Bay has the hallmarks of rural Newfoundland and Labrador: colorful saltbox houses, craggy coastline and complete peace and solitude.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 8: At Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 9: At Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 10: At Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 11: Isafjordur, Iceland (8am – 5pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Surrounded by three sides of mountains, Isafjordur is one of Iceland’s most untouched lands. Enjoy touring the Old Town and harbour.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 12: Husavik, Iceland (8am – 5pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Husavik, a picturesque fishing village and oldest settlement in Iceland, is often referred to as the whale capital of Iceland.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 13: Akureyri, Iceland (8am – 5pm)
This might be your day to float among the icebergs, just below the Arctic Circle in a RIB (rigid inflatable boat), or perhaps explore Tasermiutfjord by boat and visit an old Norse settlement. Akureyri is described as the capital of north Iceland with its own fjord, and is surrounded by incredible landscapes, boasts an array of interesting shops and restaurants, and has a fascinating museum.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 14: Djupivogur, Iceland (8am – 3pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
This quiet fishing village was first established by the Vikings, and is near natural wonders like the Hofellsjökull Glacier and the Valley of Waterfalls. It will also be possible to journey to nearby Papey Island and meet some of eastern Iceland's beloved, cute and quirky puffins.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 15: Reykjavik, Iceland (10am – 11pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Reykjavik, the world's most northerly capital, is like nowhere else on earth, with a staggering backdrop of gnarly lava fields, majestic glaciers, and rainbow-colored houses. During your stop, enjoy one of the many shore excursions like bathing in the Blue Lagoon or take a tour of one of many world-class museums or at galleries.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 16: Grundarfjørdur, Iceland (8am – 4pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Black-lava beaches, crystalline waterfalls and massive glaciers are found on this long stretch and Grundarfjørdur is a good place to see some of these natural wonders. Kirkjufell, the town’s landmark, has the distinction of being the most photographed mountain in the entire country; it’s even featured in the Game of Thrones. Here, excursion options include sitting in a steaming hot spring, seeing how petrified shark meat is made at the Shark Museum, or watching puffins around on sea cliffs from a boat tour off Melrakkaey Island. Don’t forget to sample some of the local fare such as thick and creamy yogurt called skyr, Iceland hot chocolate, and plokkfiskur (fish stew), a hearty comfort food after a day of exploring.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 17: Day at Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 18: Cruising Prince Christian Sound
Cruising only, subject to weather conditions
Navigate one of Greenland’s most scenic inland passages
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 19: Nanortalik, Greenland (8am – 6pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited
Nanortalik, which means "the place with polar bears," is the southernmost town in Greenland, but don’t worry, the chances of meeting one are slim. Old Norse and European colonial history meld together to shape this culturally rich destination.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 20: Qaqortoq, Greenland (7am – 4pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited, time subject to weather conditions
Qaqortoq, the most populous town in southern Greenland, has a history that spans to prehistoric times. Evidence of Thule and Norse cultures can be seen today with the ruins of a 14th century church. Enjoy meandering through the town’s main square.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 21: Day at Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 22: St. Anthony, Newfoundland, CA (7am – 3pm)
Tender required, wheelchair access limited, route time subject to weather
St. Anthony is best known as the gateway to one of North America’s most intriguing archaeological sites, an 11th-century village at L’Anse aux Meadows. This stop is also an opportunity for a whale-watching expedition and sightings of other wildlife.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 23: St. John’s Newfoundland, CA (8am – 5pm)
Route time subject to weather & ice
Enjoy St. John’s, the capital of Newfoundland and one of the oldest cities in North America. Be greeted by colourful houses, fondly known as jellybean row, and be sure to check out George St., St. John’s entertainment district.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 24: Day at Sea
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 25: Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA (7am – 4pm)
Halifax is a spirited mix of world-class history and nautical-themed museums alongside bunkers and fortresses that guard the harbour. Explore the waterfront where steamships once anchored to drop off arriving immigrants at Pier 21. Choose an excursion to visit the charming fishing villages, Peggy's Cove and Mahone Bay, or wander the streets of Lunenburg, whose colorful Old Town is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wherever you venture, be sure to savour the fresh seafood and other Nova Scotia specialties.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 26: Portland, Maine, U.S. (1pm – 10pm)
Portland is a quintessential New England town with a rich maritime history. Walk quaint, cobblestone streets and discover a scenic working waterfront.
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 27: Disembark in Boston, Stockbridge, Travel to Syracuse
After breakfast aboard the ship, disembark and board the coach for Stockbridge, Massachusetts. Enjoy some free time to explore this charming town, nestled in the Berkshires, before regrouping for a special lunch at the award-winning Red Lion Inn. After lunch, visit the Norman Rockwell Museum, where you can learn about the life and work of this iconic artist and view many of his famous paintings, including some of the beloved covers of The Saturday Evening Post. Overnight in Syracuse, NY and share your new favourite memories over a farewell dinner.
Stay: Marriott Downtown, Syracuse, NY (1 night)
Meals:
B, L, D
Day 28: Journey Home
After breakfast, continue the journey home, arriving in Gananoque late in the morning for a break and a final opportunity to shop at the duty-free. Once we cross into Canada, we'll head west, with regular drop-offs along the way.
Meals:
B
