The soul-stirring beauty of eastern Canada and New England greets you at every turn as you cruise along shores popping with spring foliage etched with a dramatic rocky shoreline and teeming with bird and marine life. Here’s how you’ll experience it up close:

• Marvel at Montmorency Falls, a roaring and scenic cascade that feeds the St. Lawrence
• Walk the Dune du Sud on Îles de la Madeleine, a scenic beach overlooked by stunning red sandstone cliffs

North America never looked so good on this journey, so preserve your memories with photography. Here’s a few tips, tricks, and a few must-capture destinations to prepare you for this journey:

• Think like a photojournalist by taking pictures that tell a story and not merely depict a place. Be sure to chronicle your awe-inspiring visits to Montréal, the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec City, and more
• While it’s tempting to capture every dramatic vista of this region, don’t forget to zoom in closer to capture the authentic feel of a place, such as the small — and easily overlooked — details
• Use your surroundings. Instead of edging out other tourists from your photos, utilize them to enhance the scene. Try tilting the camera at your target, including tourists and the real scene in the background or forefront, and the image is instantly more intriguing than a generic snapshot
• Pursue quirky composition — shooting off-center makes for a more artsy, unique shot

Discover some of the most significant cultural and historic treasures in the world throughout your cruise.

• Visit 2 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Montréal, UNESCO City of Design; Historic District of Old Québec
• Stroll among the stunning stone architecture of Montreal’s Old Town
• Step into Québec City’s rich past in the Place Royale and on the Plains of Abraham
• Explore the tranquil Magdalen Islands
• Tour sites pivotal to the Revolutionary War in Boston

This rustic journey through the Canadian Maritimes will expose you to some of the most resplendent natural wonders in North America, as well as offer you opportunities for exploration and activity. Here’s how:

• Enjoy time to explore the region’s cosmopolitan cities on your own with days at leisure in Montréal, Québec City, and Boston
• Explore the charms of coastal towns in Nova Scotia

A long and storied history of arts and culture await during this enriching itinerary.

• Experience the French flavors that infuse Québec City, Montréal, and Canada’s small coastal towns
• Witness the tradition of smoking herring on the Magdalen Islands and even sample some for yourself
• Enjoy visits to some of eastern Canada’s most renowned art institutions, including the Atelier Côtier in the Magdalen Islands

Few things reveal as much about a culture and its people as the food they eat. This journey reveals eastern Canada’s strong culinary ties to the sea and to its French heritage.

• Learn how herring has been smoked for generations in the Magdalen Islands and have a taste of this traditional preparation
• As you explore Montréal on your own, stop to sample one of its most renowned and indulgent dishes: poutine, French fries covered in pork gravy and cheese curds

You’ll encounter diverse ecosystems throughout your journey, each supporting an enormous variety of bird species. Have your binoculars (included in your cabin) and your cameras ready to catch the action!

• Watch out for some of the 200 or more species that reside in the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark, from puffins to razorbills and more!
• As you cruise the St. Lawrence River, keep watch for osprey soaring above in search of fish
• Look for the great cormorant along the rocky coastlines of the Gaspé Peninsula

Our 5-star fleet offers an authentic sailing experience to make your journey unforgettable. While onboard, indulge in a relaxing massage at the spa, or try hot-rock cooking at the onboard restaurant. Then, disembark for an eye-opening visit to a local winery or a walking tour of some of the world’s most iconic cities and undiscovered gems. All the while, enjoy these world-class ship amenities:

• 77 cabins, including a landmark 15 solo cabins, most of which have full walk-out balconies, for the most flexible style of travel — plus, suites designed for comfortable triple-occupancy as well as adjoining room options
• A culinary program offering gourmet dining incorporating regional fare, with wine and beer included at dinner
• Spa, massage, and hair services available at the onboard spa
• Sauna
• Two hot tubs
• Fitness center
• Curated lectures, programs, musical performances, and cultural events
• Low passenger-to-crew ratio, plus onboard Destination Manager
• Knowledgeable staff by region
• Onboard medical doctor (travelers are responsible for medical fees associated with doctor visit and medications)
• Gift Shop
• Library with over 200 titles
• Separate, intimate dining space for groups or special events (available upon request)
• Complimentary unlimited WiFi (WiFi on certain segments of trips may not be available)
• Entertainment programming with 100 movie titles
• Environmentally friendly standards with reduced emissions into air and sea and lower energy consumption
• Dynamic positioning technology
• State-of-the-art safety technology, Polar Code 6 compliant, and fully compliant with the latest SOLAS requirements in expedition cruising
• Rolls-Royce stabilizer system; “Safe Return to Port” technology

On this small ship ocean cruise, independent travelers will enjoy solo-friendly features, such as:

• Onboard Destination Manager services to personalize your journey
• Water-sport opportunities, depending on the location
• A lively social media night and musical performances most nights
• Solo-friendly social activities, including a Solo Connection mixer
• Onboard entertainment, lectures, and cooking demonstrations
• Health and wellness options, including onboard spa, hot tubs, and a gym

Prior to your cruise, our complimentary Concierge service will be available to help you customize your journey. Here are just a few services your Concierge can provide:

• Do you have a special birthday, anniversary, family reunion or other important event you want to celebrate on board? Let your Concierge know before your trip and he or she can make all the special arrangements, whether it’s a private reception in your suite, a gathering in the lounge, and more
• Restaurant reservations. Just notify your Concierge of your interests, and he or she will be happy to make recommendations, and will call ahead to reserve your table
• Special excursions. Would you like a limo to take you for a special night in the city? Perhaps you’d like to look up long-lost relatives. Your Concierge is here to help!
• Extend your stay! Your Concierge can help modify your hotel reservations and flights if you decide to stay on
• Tickets to local concerts, exhibits, theater, sporting events, and more

Take advantage of this free pre-cruise service by making your requests prior to your journey. Call 8-888-888-8888 or email Concierge@vantagetravel.com to speak to a Concierge today, or simply log into My Portfolio up to two weeks prior to departure.

During your journey, your onboard Destination Manager can assist with any special requests such as spa reservations, hotel reservations, and more.