Embark National Geographic Explorer and sail into eastern Canada's breathtaking natural beauty. Discover Newfoundland's little known, astonishing Viking past. Your journey of pure discovery ventures to the legendary islands of Cape Breton, Saint Pierre, and the Isles de la Madeleine.
Immerse yourself in the region’s extraordinary history
Venture into the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only widely accepted site of trans-Atlantic Viking establishment and very early Norse exploration. See WWII harbor defenses, and visit the only North American island that remains under French control, an outpost of its era as a colonial superpower.
Revel in wild landscapes
Discover sweeping dunes, wind- and wave-carved cliffs, and sandstone hills in a wild land. Keep an eye out for moose, see birds, including charming puffins, and rely on our eagle-eyed naturalists to keep an eye on the horizon for whales.
Discover Gros Morne National Park
Explore the intriguing red cliffs and strange tabletop formations at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll walk one portion of the reserve in the morning with our geologist, and then reposition Explorer over lunch to hike the tabletop formation. This site is one of the few in the world where the same rock at the Earth’s core is visible at the surface, and it has recently become the focus of NASA research since findings from the Mars rover have uncovered very similar features.
Highlights
• Immerse yourself in the region’s extraordinary history
• Revel in wild landscapes
• Discover Gros Morne National Park
Arrive in St. John’s late afternoon and embark the National Geographic Explorer. (D)
Our first landfall is St. Pierre, France's oldest remaining overseas territory. Explore this picturesque French fishing enclave where we visit a local island to learn the importance of the historic cod fisheries here, and explore the fascinating L'Arche Museum. (B,L,D)
Today we visit the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, an 18th-century fort where the British and French fought. Later, we visit the village of Baddeck, where Alexander Graham Bell built his summer home, now the centerpiece of a beautiful park and museum. Enjoy a guided tour of the Bell Museum and have the opportunity to see historic artifacts not otherwise available to the public. (B,L,D)
A cluster of wispy islands isolated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are home to miles of dunes, grassy hills, and dazzling red sandstone cliffs. Local experts will guide us by Zodiac across this landscape of caves and sea arches, stopping along the way in colorful fishing villages as we learn about Acadian culture. (B,L,D)
This is a day of exploration where our expedition team will look for the best opportunities to focus on the natural history and landscapes of the region. (B,L,D)
Graced by cliffs, fjords, and a sweeping alpine plateau, Gros Morne National Park has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its spectacular geology. Go on a variety of walks with our naturalists along waterfalls, marine inlets, and forested trails. Learn about the forces that shaped this land and the ancient serpentine rock that illustrates the phenomenon of plate tectonics. (B,L,D)
In the UNESCO World Heritage site of L'Anse aux Meadows, walk among 11th-century Norse ruins and reconstructed sod huts and learn the saga of the Vikings in North America--nearly 500 years before Columbus arrived. (B,L,D)
Wild, rugged, and often accessible only by sea, Newfoundland's east coast is dotted with tiny fishing villages tucked into coves. Explore one of these towns and have the opportunity to hike along this spectacularly rugged coastline with local guides and our ship's naturalists. (B,L,D)
Sail through the harbor narrow in the early morning as we approach St. John's, the picturesque capital city of Newfoundland and the most easterly point of North America. Visit the colorful waterfront, Signal Hill, and The Rooms Museum before you transfer to the airport for your flight home. (B)
All day-by-day breakdowns are a sampling of the places we intend to visit, conditions permitting.
13 September, 2021 to 21 September, 2021
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Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308
Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228
Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334
Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208
Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224
Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102
Upper Deck–Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.
21 September, 2021 to 29 September, 2021
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Book now
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Main Deck with one or two Portholes #301-308
Main Deck with Window #317-320, 335-336
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350 Triples: Main Deck with WIndow #341, 343
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228
Solo A Main Deck with Window #309-312, 329-334
Solo B Upper and Veranda Decks with Window #105-106, 203, 208
Upper Deck with Balcony #209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224
Veranda Deck–Suite #101-102; Upper Deck-Suite with Balcony #213 Triples: #101-102
Upper Deck–Suite with Balcony #215, 219, 230 All cabins are available as triples.
National Geographic Explorer
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition
Length: 108 meters
Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins)
Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008
National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world.
Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation.
Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair.
Cabins: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear.
Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry.
Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
• Alcoholic beverages (Premium brands may be excluded)
• Gratuitites inclued on NG Explorer
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry