Eastern Seaboard Explorer

See historic treasures of Halifax on a hop-on/hop-off tour that lets you explore the sights that most interest you. You will meet one of the city’s distinctive double-decker tour buses at our berth. Its 60-minute loop takes you around the city, stopping at top attractions including the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Public Gardens. Along the way, you will learn about Halifax’s fascinating history and culture from onboard local guides. Stay onboard for the full narrated loop, or alight your bus as you please to explore further. You might choose to peruse the excellent exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, or stop at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery to learn about the final resting place of more than 100 victims of the RMS Titanic. Admission costs to the city’s various venues is not included. At the end of your excursion, you will return to your awaiting ship.

Witness the scenic and historic corners of Halifax during this comprehensive excursion. Drive with your knowledgeable guide to Peggy’s Cove, Nova Scotia’s famously picturesque fishing village and home to a well-known lighthouse that bears the same name, which has been protecting vessels from the treacherous South Shore since 1915. Spend time admiring this charming community and its striking surroundings, then return to Halifax, pausing along the way at the Fairview Lawn Cemetery to honor 121 victims of the infamous Titanic disaster of 1912. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then take a stroll through the Public Gardens, a lush Victorian-era oasis, before heading up to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. Take in the spectacular views from the summit, then reboard your motor coach for a scenic drive back to your awaiting ship.

Journey to the quaint fishing village of Peggy's Cove, steeped in Atlantic sea air and a simple seafaring heritage. Drive with your guide along the winding scenic coastal highway affectionately known as the Lighthouse Route. Upon arrival at Peggy's Cove, you may join an optional walking tour past colorful houses and fishing shacks perched along the rocky shore, with spectacular views of the roiling Atlantic beachhead. During your stroll, learn more about the local delicacy, lobster. Continue to the most photographed lighthouse in the world, part of a breathtaking seascape that you will also see depicted in a granite sculpture by local artist William deGarthe. There will be time to wander this rocky shore on your own (be sure to wear sturdy shoes with rubber soles), ponder the unusual rock formations forged by glaciers and browse the village shops before returning to your ship.

Stroll through picturesque Lunenburg and join a hands-on craft workshop in Mahone Bay. Drive by motor coach to vibrant Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then set out on foot with your guide to learn about its seafaring heritage. After lunch, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic for a more in-depth look at Nova Scotia’s rich fishing history and maritime traditions. After, continue to Mahone Bay to call at Amos Pewter, an artisan workshop and boutique—its open studio invites visitors to see the artistic process up-close and learn the techniques for creating jewelry, tableware and more. Learn about each step of the process from a skilled instructor and then try your hand at creating your own wax piece as a memento of your visit. Cap your day with a photo stop at the picturesque Three Churches of Mahone Bay, an iconic symbol of Nova Scotia.

Enjoy striking views of Halifax’s harbor while leisurely cruising on board a classic three-masted steel schooner. Take a short walk along the pier to your vessel, the Tall Ship Silva. Originally built in 1939, the Silva was a general cargo hauler and bulk freighter for five decades before its decommissioning; it was subsequently restored, renovated and launched as a charter tour ship. Once on board, receive a safety briefing, then relax as your crew unfurls the sails and you head out into the harbor. Revel in the sweeping views of Halifax’s coastline as your guide highlights points of interest. During your cruise, enjoy soft drinks and coffee or tea while listening to a toe-tapping performance by a local fiddler. After you return to the pier, you may choose to explore Halifax independently or walk back to your ship.

Immerse yourself in local culture and cuisine as our Executive Chef leads you on an interactive culinary adventure. Journey by mini-coach to the local market to handpick ingredients under the guidance of our Chef. Later this evening, you will dine on regional dishes prepared by our experienced culinary team, using produce from the market. As you and your fellow guests enjoy this delicious creation at The Kitchen Table, you will also observe the art of plating with each dish. From fresh market fare to cooking techniques and elegant presentation, experience firsthand how your ship’s world-class culinary staff brings distinct, local flavors from the market to your taste buds. It is an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind opportunity to shop, interact and dine with the masters.

Learn about the brewing heritage of Halifax and visit a local brewer for a tasting. Join your guide and take a short walk to the Atlantic Beer Institute for an in-depth overview of one of the oldest beverages in the world. Discover the art of crafting beer and the techniques employed by the masters along with expert advice on brewing and handling, followed by a tasting of a selection of premium lagers from Belgium, North America and the United Kingdom. With your honorary Bachelor of Beer Arts in hand, continue to Alexander Keith’s Nova Scotia Brewery. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by your costumed guide and enjoy a tour of the facility as you hear fascinating tales of one of North America’s oldest breweries. After time to sample some of Mr. Keith’s celebrated ales, you may return to your ship with your guide or head back independently at your leisure.

Set out to discover the sights of Halifax and visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Drive by motor coach, passing notable landmarks including St. Mary’s Basilica, home to North America’s tallest polished granite spire. Stop at the Victorian-era gardens to see its manicured flowerbeds, ornate water fountains and bandstand. View the Old Town Clock, gifted by Britain’s Prince Edward during the 19th century before continuing your drive to the Halifax Citadel, the city’s star-shaped fortress and Canada’s most visited landmark. After a guided tour and time for photos, head to the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia. Upon arrival, you will receive a brief orientation tour and an introduction to the gallery’s collection, featuring folk art, Inuit stone carvings and a presentation of the life and work of Maud Lewis. After time to explore at your leisure, return to your ship.

Hear the story of RMS Titanic and learn about the events of the greatest maritime disaster in history. Begin with a short ride by motor coach to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, home to the largest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic. Here, you will view haunting relics and gain insight into the chain of events that led to her fateful voyage. On April 10 1912, RMS Titanic departed Southampton, England, for New York City. On the night of April 14, the ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic, just 700 miles from Halifax. The city played a central role in the aftermath, bringing many of the survivors ashore. Of the 2,224 passengers and crew on board, more than 1,500 lost their lives at sea. You will visit the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, the final resting place of 121 victims, and see the grave of the “unknown child.” After time to ponder, return to your ship.