What an experience for those who thoroughly enjoy ‘sea days’ as well as a few days exploring iconic and often-missed ports of call. Depart from Southampton for your 6-day transatlantic crossing. Six days of discovery and delight; you can spa, dance, shop, taste wine, have afternoon tea or do nothing at all. Your first stop The Big Apple, visit Times Square, take a horse and buggy around Central Park, or shop ‘til you drop! Next stop Halifax, Nova Scotia where you can visit Peggy’s Cove or Lunenburg and dine on lobster for lunch. A quick sail up to Corner Brook on the west coast of Newfoundland and the start of the St. Lawrence River; a very scenic part of Canada. Start your trek back across the ocean with a stop in Iceland and Reykjavik, the world’s most northern capital city. After two days of exploring it’s off to Scotland – the land of pipes and kilts for a stop in Oban and Greenock. A great way to end an amazing 21-day cruise adventure.
Plenty time for your favourite pastimes – whether it’s bridge, a board game, or getting lost in a good book. Try the famous Afternoon Tea, or take a virtual ride into outer a space, view the stars in Illuminations, Queen Mary’s full scale Planetarium and the only one at sea! Enjoy extraordinary shopping from top boutiques and brands, in addition to exquisite jewellery, fashion and voyage souvenirs.
We recommend Excursion: New York City Lights & Empire State Building
Experience the pulse of New York City after dark, including a bird’s eye view from the observatory in the Empire State Building.
Travel across the East River to Brooklyn to view the illuminated New York City Skyline from beneath the Brooklyn Bridge, at the historical Fulton Landing. The dazzling lights of Broadway, the illuminated icons of the City, the string of pearls that suspend the humming road of the Brooklyn Bridge and the spectacular Art Deco capped Chrysler Building will all be sparkling as you pass by.
Returning to midtown, ascend the iconic Empire State Building for the breathtaking panoramic views of the city at night from the observation deck, on the 86th floor of the tallest building in the city.
Enjoy the hustle and bustle of Times Square with some free time to stroll and take in the lively evening atmosphere.
We recommend Excursion: Peggy’s Cove, Lobster & Maple
Sit back, relax and enjoy the highlights of Halifax, as you travel along the through the historic waterfront and financial district, before heading along the scenic lighthouse route to visit one of the world’s most famous seascapes, Peggy’s Cove. Have your camera ready, to capture the crashing surf and rugged granite coastline of this tiny fishing community. The picturesque fishing village has long been a backdrop for tales of pirates, rum runners and shipwrecks, not to mention spectacular sunsets. Peggy’s Cove is also home to perhaps the world’s most photographed lighthouse. Enjoy some free time to explore and shop for souvenirs or join your kilted guide as they host a walking tour of the Lower Cove. Then, it is time to experience the true taste of Nova Scotia, as you dine on a full lobster luncheon. Afterwards, you will head to the Acadian Maple for a short stop. This specialty retail store produces delicious Canadian Maple Syrup on site, and there is also a gift shop offering a variety of Maple Syrup items.
To round off your tour, a sightseeing drive of Halifax will made, before returning to the ship.
We recommend Excursion: Gros Morne National Park
Embark on a stunning historic drive along the Bay of Islands to the National Park of Gros Morne. The Park stretches across 1,805 square kilometres of western Newfoundland as part of the towering Long Range Mountains. The area is also world-renowned for its complex geology. It was here that geologists proved the theory of plate tectonics. The Tablelands, a mountain of flat-topped rock, formed from a kind usually found only deep in the earth’s mantle, is an awe-inspiring sight.
With your guide, you’ll explore the Visitor Centre, which has informative displays and films about the Park. Your next stop is at the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse. The Lighthouse has guided sailors on the approach to Rocky Harbour and the entrance of Bonne Bay since 1897. The light is now automated, but the light keeper's house is open as a Park interpretive exhibit. Enjoy some free time to wander around and view the original artefacts, historical documents and photographs, many of which have been donated by local and former residents and help to make the story come alive.
Enjoy the views from Norris Point Lookout, before heading to Rocky Harbour for a light luncheon of soup and sandwiches.
We recommend Excursion: The Golden Circle
From Reykjavik, travel over the Mosfellsheidi heath to the dramatic Thingvellir National Park, which is Iceland’s only UNESCO World Heritage site due to its historical, cultural and geological significance. The Park straddles the mid-Atlantic ridge and is where the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. These plates are constantly pulling the earth’s crust in opposite directions causing rifts which add to the unusual and impressive landscape. It's also the site of Iceland's first parliament over 1000 years ago.
Continue into the fertile farmlands of the south to see the majestic Gullfoss Waterfall, otherwise known as ‘The Golden Waterfall’. As you stand and admire the beauty of this waterfall you can hear its raw power as the water gushes down the rock face. Nearby is the fascinating geothermal area of Geysir, with its abundance of hot springs, mud pools, fumaroles and other geothermal phenomena. There’ll be a stop to see the amazing geyser Strokkur, a fountain geyser which shoots up a 75-foot-high column of hot water every few minutes.
Stop at a local restaurant for a delicious Icelandic luncheon, before beginning the scenic return journey. En route there will be a comfort stop at the Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant. Those who are interested can visit the Geothermal Energy Exhibition which provides a state-of-the-art look at how geothermal energy is harnessed in a sustainable manner in Iceland.
We recommend Excursion: Highland Panorama
Your drive will leave Oban and take you to the mouth of Loch Etive and the impressive Connel Bridge. You’ll continue along the picturesque banks, before turning inland to the narrow Pass of Brander, passing by Kilchurn Castle. A brief stop will be made in the small town of Tyndrum, before slowly heading up to the heights of the desolate and eerie Rannoch Moor. This wide expanse of peat bog, heather and windswept pine trees, is unique to Scotland.
<>br> Next you’ll continue through the Pass of Glencoe, scene of the infamous Highland massacre of the MacDonald Clan in 1692 by the Campbells. Here, a short photograph stop will be made for you to admire the awe-inspiring mountain scenery.
We recommend Excursion: Highlights of Glasgow
Your knowledgeable guide will point out other interesting elements such as George Square, with its imposing series of statues of Glasgow’s great and good. Pass the Provand’s Lordship, Glasgow’s oldest house, before stopping to photograph the impressive Gothic architecture of Glasgow Cathedral with the Necropolis silhouetted on the hill in the background.
After driving through the main city park, you’ll make another stop at Glasgow University to admire its historic buildings and impressive wrought iron gates with their ornamental crests before travelling onto Kelvingrove.
Experience an adventure through art, time and the natural world at the Kelvingrove Gallery and Museum. Following a three year, £27.9 million restoration, the museum now has over 8,000 objects on display over three floors. The gallery includes art treasures such as masterpieces by Rembrandt, Titian and Dali. Among the interesting exhibits in the museum are the unique display of fearsome weapons and stunning suits of armour along with objects from Ancient Egypt, including a real mummy.
