Newfoundland Circumnavigation Cruise | CA-AC1101

Our cruise begins in the peaceful isolation of Newfoundland & Labrador’s charming capital, St. John’s. Canada’s easternmost city, St John’s is widely known for its jelly-bean rows of houses and unique location.

Don’t miss your chance to explore colorful Victorian houses nestled on the hills around the harbor, and peek at the historic Signal Hill from the deck. Be sure to catch more fantastic views of this place, as we return here for the final stop of the tour. Savor the moment looking over a tantalizing panorama of ‘mini San Francisco’ and watch out for seabirds and whales, as we set sail from the port, navigating through the world-famous Narrows!

For the next two days, we navigate the rugged shores of Newfoundland’s northeast coast, where you’ll feast your eyes on wild landscapes and quaint centuries-old fishing villages. Some of these hamlets are idyllic, quiet communities, dotted with candy-colored family houses, while others are ghost villages, abandoned due to some unlucky hand of fate.

We’ll also stop along the way to meet local communities, and enjoy a characteristically warm Newfoundland welcome. Stay on the lookout for peculiar seabirds such as murre, eider, and tern, which take refuge in this region, and take in the spirit of the faraway island life as we head up north!

Today we drift ashore at the northernmost tip of the Great Northern Peninsula and step off to visit a place straight out of the Viking sagas. L’Anse aux Meadows is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and an 11th-century Viking settlement. Discovered in the 1960s, this site is the only verified evidence of the first European presence in North America.

Explore this historical landmark as you walk the trails around excavated authentic ruins that date as far back as 1000 c.e.! Visit the interpretation center with reconstructions of Norse-style buildings and travel back in time to where the Vikings once stood.

Next up is yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site, this time on the coast of Labrador, in northeastern Canada. Today we’ll explore the longstanding Red Bay Basque Whaling Station. The town of Red Bay is nestled on the Strait of Belle Isle, on Labrador's south coast.

Named for its peculiar red cliffs, it was one of two major Basque whaling stations constructed in the 1540s. Here Basques lived and worked in the treasured “cod waters,” putting up with danger, hardship, and isolation.

In the 1500s, Red Bay Harbor and its Basque whalers made for North America’s first export industry. Researchers have identified some of the on-site parts of whale oil manufacturing process. Among the artifacts are harpoons, clay tiles, and personal items preserved today in the on-water interpretation center.

As we cruise west, our next stop is Gros Morne National Park, which will inspire your inner artist the second you see it. Gros Morne is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a large plateau known as an exclusive example of continental drift, exposing Earth’s mantle.

It took no less than 485 million years for natural forces to carve such unique scenery, stretching along 1,805 km2 (696 mi²). Towering cliffs, bright green fjords, and thundering waterfalls will leave a lasting impression on you long after you’ve left! Choose from the many hiking and walking options available in the area. After exploring the park, we’ll grab a coffee in the lovely historic town of Woody Point and soak in the cool breeze.

The next two days on the sea will surely add to your bucket-list moments. Newfoundland’s pristine south coast abounds in sweeping views of the tranquil bays, coves, and windswept fjords. Along the way, we’ll make expedition stops and explore the area on Zodiacs or by foot where possible.

We’ll be on the lookout for the wildlife, while also learning about the few remaining outport communities as we go. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to explore the quaint coastal villages and connect with friendly locals.

Right around the corner is one of the most memorable Newfoundland experiences. Living on the edge of North America, the First Nations community of Miawpukek has inherited a culture that’s totally unique. Mi’kmaw people traveling nomadically around the East Coast used this area as one of their semi-permanent hiking sites.

Their settlement near Conne river became permanent around 1822 and was established as a reserve in 1822. Local leaders will prepare a traditional formal welcome, which is sure to be an unforgettable experience! Seize this moment to get to know the locals and their rich colorful culture!

It’s time to add some European flair to our circumnavigation! Today we visit a French overseas territory just 25 km from the Newfoundland’s south coast. You’ll discover one of the three main islands of Saint Pierre and Miquelon, with amazingly preserved French cuisine, culture, and lifestyle.

Originally fishermen settled the islands, and the territory was claimed by France in 1536. However, the French and British fought over the islands for the next several hundred years until 1816, when the French prevailed.

Today you can take in Saint-Pierre’s unique historical character, as you sink your teeth into a freshly baked croissant, practice your French in the colorful local shops, and take a sip of some fine local wine. Wrapping up this day, you can proudly say that this journey is, indeed, international!

As our incredible circumnavigation cruise comes to an end, we sail back through the historic Narrows into St John’s harbor. In this charming seaside capital of Newfoundland with our staff’s assistance, you’ll disembark the Ocean Endeavor and we’ll say our goodbyes!

Our vessel for this voyage is the Ocean Endeavour. A 1B ice-class sailing boat that holds a maximum of 198-passengers and is outfitted with 20 Zodiac boats, our ship is perfect for expedition cruises. Facilities include a top deck observation room, swimming pool, outdoor dining, sauna spa, library, and top-class navigation equipment.

Our three onboard lounges are excellent public spaces for our educational seminars, workshops, and entertainment. Launched in 1982, the Ocean Endeavour has been upgraded many times, most recently in 2010 and 2014. At 137-m (450-ft) length and 21-m (69-ft) breadth, it’s the pride of our cruises in Canada and beyond.

Learn more about the Ocean Endeavour.

No Single Supplement! Solo Adventurers are welcome. Most cabin categories on the ship are available as a private cabin to single travelers at no additional cost.

This program features activities such as walking, wildlife viewing, and Zodiac cruising, all at a relatively easy to moderate level of exertion. The majority of shore landings are undertaken using Zodiacs. Zodiac embarkations involve descending gangway stairs with double handrails and stepping into the Zodiac from a small platform at the water level (assistance is provided).