Newfoundland Circumnavigation - 12 Day Adventure Cruise

Welcome to St. John’s—Newfoundland’s historic, vibrant capital. Sailing out of the port of St. John’s, Signal Hill keeps watch as we exit the world-famous Narrows. The charming houses of the Battery are always a hit with shutterbugs. Watch for icebergs, whales, and seabirds as we sail!

The northeast coast of Newfoundland is known for the dozens of picturesque villages that dot its rocky shores and we’ll find harbour in one of these unique communities. We look forward to a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome upon our arrival. Photographers will have their work cut out for them capturing all the special charm of classic island communities and picturesque coastlines.

L’Anse aux Meadows, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the only authenticated Norse settlement in North America. The archaeological remains found here in 1960 date to approximately 1000 CE. Amazingly, the location was first established by a close reading of the Viking sagas. Today, a superb interpretation centre and several reconstructed Norse-style sod buildings make L’Anse aux Meadows a must-see for any visitor to Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Red Bay Basque Whaling Station became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2013. Basque whalers operated out of the Red Bay harbour in the 1500s: North America’s first export industry. The interpretation centre at Red Bay is excellent. Here we find tools, personal items, and navigational instruments recovered from the wreck of the whaling ship San Juan. The ship was lost in a storm in 1565 and found centuries later submerged in the harbour. We'll visit nearby Saddle Island to learn the history of the whaling industry.

Gros Morne National Park's Tablelands, a six-hundred-metre plateau, form one of the world’s best examples of exposed mantle. Normally found below the Earth’s crust, the mineral-rich rocks support very little life, making the Tablelands an eerie landscape. We will offer various walking and hiking options here. Views of Bonne Bay are spectacular. Gros Morne’s interpretation centre is excellent and the town of Woody Point is a delight to explore.

The wild and windswept coast of southern Newfoundland is home to a few remaining outport communities. Visits here are often a highlight of our trips. There are many choices of unique bays and coves to explore via Zodiac or land excursions. Along the coast, the geology is outstanding and the plant life is gorgeous. We’ll be on the watch for wildlife, too. We’ll make the most of every chance to explore this beautiful and remote coast.

The First Nations community of Miawpukek became a permanent settlement sometime around 1822. Before then, it was one of many semi-permanent camping sites used by Mi'kmaw people, who traditionally travelled nomadically throughout the east coast of Canada. Since its establishment as a reserve in 1987, Miawpukek has successfully bridged traditional knowledge and contemporary practice. We will receive a formal welcome from local leaders and have a chance to explore this special community.

Explore Saint-Pierre, a last bastion of France’s colonial territories in North America. The colourful and charming shops and residences of the town of Saint-Pierre reveal its unique historical character. French food, wine, clothing, and culture are all on offer here. The sweets at the local cafes and bakeries are in high demand. Saint-Pierre offers a taste of European living, just a short sail from the coast of Newfoundland!

On the final day of our expedition, we sail back though the Narrows and into St. John’s harbour. We will say our farewells in the cultural hotspot of North America's oldest city.

Itineraries are subject to change.

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 137m

Passenger Capacity: 199

Built: 1982 - refurbished 2001, 2004, 2010, 2015, 2016, 2018

Ocean Endeavour is a comfortable, well-appointed small expedition ship expertly engineered to explore the Polar Regions. The ship has an ice-strengthened hull, Zodiacs for exploration and remote landings, and advanced navigation equipment. The newly-refurbished vessel offers a superb guest experience with an expansive choice of cabin categories, large cabins and common areas, a sundeck and observation area, plenty of deck space for polar landscape viewing, and lounges for learning and reflection. The ship’s interiors have a contemporary aesthetic that provides a bright and spacious feel throughout.

Endeavour is also the only polar adventure ship in Antarctica focused on health and wellness , and offers a contemporary approach to cuisine and newly-designed health and fitness features. Facilities include a spa serviced by organic spa provider VOYA, His & Hers saunas, a salt water pool, a gym, and a juice and smoothie bar. Complimentary activities include yoga and stretching classes, an exclusive Polar Photography program, the Scientists in Residence program, and more adventure activities than any other Quark vessel. The ship also has a polar library, and a Polar Boutique for gifts and any needed gear.

Features of the Ocean Endeavour  

VOYA spa treatments and beauty products, Choice of 13 cabin categories, Bright, spacious cabins and common areas, Plenty of deck space for observation, Lounge with expansive views, Quiet zone for contemplation, Newly-refurbished restaurant, Contemporary dining with complimentary wine with dinner, Juice and smoothie bar, Lecture theater, Polar library, Polar boutique, Health and Wellness, Spa treatments and beauty products by spa provider VOYA - Organic Beauty From The Sea, Spa menu for face, body, hair and nails, including the exclusive Quark Explorer’s treatment, and signature VOYA hand and foot rituals, Yoga and stretching classes, His & Hers saunas, gym, and heated salt water pool

Full range of adventure activities including: kayaking, camping, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, Zodiac cruising, shore landings and hiking/ walking.

Deck plan varies for the trips to Antarctica

Vessel Type: Expedition

Length: 73 metres

Passenger Capacity: 86

Built / Refurbished: 1992 / 2005

The ice-strengthened expedition ship Ocean Nova was built in Denmark in 1992 with high ice class to serve Greenland’s west coast. In 2004 to 2005 she was completely refurbished and has now a career as a small and comfortable expedition ship. The Ocean Nova accommodates 86 passengers in single, double and triple cabins, all with sea-view and private facilities. The double cabins have either two lower beds or upper and lower beds. The triple cabins have upper and lower beds. In your cabin you will also find a desk with chair and ample storage space for clothes and equipment.

In the dining room you are treated to delicious meals in between landings and in the panorama lounge you can enjoy a drink with a breathtaking view of the surrounding polar landscape. This is where PolarQuest’s on board specialists entertain and educate you with lectures on polar biology, history, geology and conservation. There is also a library with panoramic views and a good selection of polar books. On board there is a satellite phone, gym and medical doctor. Passengers are welcome on the bridge around the clock and there is always something to see or search for from the spacious observation decks. The ship has North European officers and there is a friendly and informal atmosphere on board. Travelling with this small expedition ship offers an entirely different experience and perspective than you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship.

Ice Class: Ice 1B, E0 (Hull Ice 1A)