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Discover the natural beauty and diverse cultures of Eastern Canada on an adventure along the picturesque St. Lawrence River. Stroll through 400 years of history in Old Québec—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and St-Pierre, the only remaining French territory in North America. Venture into the rugged wildernesses of the Saguenay River Fjord and Île Bonaventure, a National Park of Canada in search of rare wildlife. And, at every turn, you’ll be immersed in the region’s fascinating history, stemming from French, British, and Indigenous roots. 

Highlights


• Look for majestic belugas and minke whales in the Saguenay River Fjord and right whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

• Stroll the charming streets of Québec City to explore its historic architecture, vibrant culture, and renowned culinary scene

• Immerse yourself in the region’s gastronomy both on and off ship—from Indigenous recipes such as traditional Bannock bread to fresh-caught seafood in fishing villages

• Explore the stunning landscapes of the Îles de la Madeleine—its miles of dunes, grassy hills, and red sandstone cliffs —in the company of local experts

• Throughout the voyage, enjoy the unique sounds of Acadian music, with roots in French and Celtic traditions

Day 1 St. John's, Newfoundland / Embark Ship

 

Arrive in St. John’s, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and Labrador, in the afternoon and embark the ship.

Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2 St-Pierre, France

 

The first landfall is in St-Pierre, France’s oldest remaining overseas territory. Get to know this picturesque French fishing enclave by visiting a local island, where you will learn about its historic cod fisheries and explore the fascinating L’Arche Museum, dedicated to preserving the history of this remote territory.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 At Sea

 

Sail across the Gulf of St. Lawrence, known for its abundant plant and animal life both under water and on shore. Find a place on the observation deck to watch for the wildlife that calls this region home—including seven species of whales, such as the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Enjoy the day on board to edit photos, attend a presentation about the region with one of the naturalists or schedule a massage with the wellness specialist.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 4-5 Côte-Nord, Québec, Canada

 

Bordering the Labrador Sea and the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Côte-Nord region of Québec offers breathtaking, wild landscapes and geologic diversity, abundant marine life, maritime history and a culture influenced by its nine Indigenous communities. Spend two days exploring this stunning marine environment by Zodiac, kayak and on foot as you learn about the area alongside local experts.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 6-7 Québec City

 

Arrive in the provincial capital, Québec City. The only remaining walled city north of Mexico, Québec’s rich history comes to life amid the ramparts and ancient streets of its old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Experience the city’s European charm while strolling the lanes below the stately Citadel, keeping an eye out for the iconic realist murals that showcase Québec’s history. As you explore, get a taste for the city’s renowned culinary scene, from its First Nations recipes and traditional French and English flavors to maple syrup-infused sweets.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 8-9 Saguenay River and Tadoussac / At Sea

 

Originating in Lake Saint-Jean in the Québecois highlands and draining into the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Saguenay River is a haven for marine life, most notably the beluga whale. Harbor seals, porpoises and minke, blue and fin whales can also be seen at different times throughout the year in these nutrient-rich waters. The river’s fjord, carved by glaciers over 10,000 years ago, plunges more than 900 feet below the surface, and its rising peaks and hanging cliffs soar more than 1,500 feet into the air. The landscape provides an astonishing backdrop as you sail and explore where two iconic rivers meet. 

Enjoy a day at sea by attending an engaging presentation by naturalists and experts, relaxing with a book in the lounge or experiencing a wellness treatment at the spa. Keep an eye out for wildlife as the ship travels towards Îles de la Madeleine. 

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 Îles de la Madeleine

 

A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of golden beaches and dunes, grassy hills and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide you across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as you learn about Acadian culture.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 At Sea

 

Retrace a path back through the Gulf of St. Lawrence, passing between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. Spend the day on board making final edits to your photos with the certified photography instructor or head to the bridge to learn about the ship’s navigation from the crew.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12 St. John's, Newfoundland / Disembark Ship

 

Disembark in St. John's and transfer to the airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Please note:

Itineraries are subject to change.

02 September, 2026 to 12 September, 2026
ship icon National Geographic Explorer
Book now

Category SB

Category SB
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Category SA

Category SA
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

Category 01

$15,983 AUD pp
Category 01
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 02

$17,353 AUD pp
Category 02
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 03

$18,140 AUD pp
Category 03
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.

Category 04

$19,350 AUD pp
Category 04
Veranda Deck#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.Upper Deck#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 05

$23,196 AUD pp
Category 05
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

Category 06

$26,824 AUD pp
Category 06
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Photo does not reflect #213)Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 07

$32,260 AUD pp
Category 07
#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

12 September, 2026 to 22 September, 2026
ship icon National Geographic Explorer
Book now

Category SA

Category SA
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

Category SB

Category SB
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Category 01

$15,076 AUD pp
Category 01
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 02

$16,377 AUD pp
Category 02
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 03

$17,126 AUD pp
Category 03
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.

Category 04

$18,274 AUD pp
Category 04
Veranda Deck#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.Upper Deck#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 05

$21,929 AUD pp
Category 05
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

Category 06

$25,376 AUD pp
Category 06
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Photo does not reflect #213)Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 07

$30,539 AUD pp
Category 07
#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

09 September, 2027 to 20 September, 2027
ship icon National Geographic Explorer
Book now

Category SA

Category SA
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

Category SB

Category SB
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Category 01

$14,929 AUD pp
Category 01
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 02

$15,676 AUD pp
Category 02
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 03

$18,031 AUD pp
Category 03
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.

Category 04

$18,756 AUD pp
Category 04
Veranda Deck#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.Upper Deck#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 05

$23,444 AUD pp
Category 05
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

Category 06

$26,960 AUD pp
Category 06
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Photo does not reflect #213)Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 07

$31,006 AUD pp
Category 07
#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

20 September, 2027 to 01 October, 2027
ship icon National Geographic Explorer
Book now

Category SA

Category SA
#309-312, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.

Category SB

Category SB
Veranda Deck: #105-106; Upper Deck: #203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.

Category 01

$14,929 AUD pp
Category 01
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Cabins #301, 302, and 307 have two twin beds. Cabins #304-306 feature one queen-sized bed. Cabin #308 features two twin beds that can be converted to a queen. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 02

$15,676 AUD pp
Category 02
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 03

$18,031 AUD pp
Category 03
#313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (can be converted to a queen-sized bed), one large window, a sitting chair, a small table, ample storage, writing desk with chair, floor length mirror, reading lamps, TV, and well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower. #341 & 343 — each L-shaped suite also has a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, double closet, espresso maker, and generously sized bathrooms.

Category 04

$18,756 AUD pp
Category 04
Veranda Deck#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.Upper Deck#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert into a queen (cabins 217, 226 & 228 have a queen bed only). They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV.

Category 05

$23,444 AUD pp
Category 05
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, one queen-sized bed, writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, private bathrooms with a glass-wall shower, and a TV. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to a queen.)

Category 06

$26,960 AUD pp
Category 06
Veranda Deck, #101-102 — These newly renovated suites feature two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a sofa-bed that can be converted into a triple, a writing desk, double closet, chairs, three large windows, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. Upper Deck, #213 — This newly renovated suite features a private balcony with glass doors, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, armchairs, TV, mini bar and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Photo does not reflect #213)Guests receive complimentary laundry and priority access to one spa appointment per departure.

Category 07

$31,006 AUD pp
Category 07
#215, 219, 230 — These newly renovated suites feature a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, and a sofa bed that can be converted into a triple. There is a seating area with a writing desk, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Suites feature a double closet, TV, mini bar, and espresso maker. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.

National Geographic Explorer

Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition

Length: 108 meters

Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)

Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008

Originally constructed for Norway’s renowned Hurtigruten Coastal Express, National Geographic Explorer was a natural fit for the Lindblad Expeditions fleet thanks to her exceptional manoeuvrability, ice-strengthened hull, and purpose-built expedition design. Now fully stabilised and refitted with over five decades of exploration expertise, she is ideally suited for navigating the most remote corners of the globe—from the rugged coasts of Europe to the icy passages of the polar regions. With vast windows throughout and a Scandinavian-inspired interior, the ship invites guests to stay connected with their environment at every turn.

Aboard National Geographic Explorer, every feature is tailored to enhance discovery. From the open Bridge and observation deck to the Chart Room and mudroom for expedition gear, the ship is an authentic platform for adventure. Her recently updated suites offer comfort and understated elegance, while public spaces such as the library, Global Gallery, and multiple dining areas encourage camaraderie and relaxation. Carrying expert guides, state-of-the-art tools, and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, this 148-guest ship brings guests closer to nature with all the style and substance expected of a flagship expedition vessel.

Cabin layout for National Geographic Explorer

Inclusions


• All accommodations, meals, and non-alcoholic beverages aboard ships
• Use of snorkeling equipment, wet suits, and kayaks (where available)
• Services of our expert expedition team and guest speakers
• Services of a ship physician on most voyages
• Certain hotels and meals ashore as indicated in the itinerary
• Round-trip transfers based on group flights
• Shore excursions, sightseeing, entrance fees, and special access permits
• Taxes, service charges, and tips (except for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion)
_____________

Exclusions


• Air transportation (except when we indicated in the itinerary, as included) Extensions
• Passport, visa, and immigration fees
• Travel Protection Plan
• Special and unique excursions such as scuba diving, flightseeing, etc. (where offered)
• Alcoholic beverages (alcohol is included on select ships)
• Items of personal nature
• Phone and Internet Service
• Laundry
• Gratuity for ship’s crew, at our guests’ discretion (crew tips are included on select ships)
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Map for Sailing the St. Lawrence Seaway and Canadian Maritimes - Eastern Canada Cruise
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