Oceania Vikings & Bon Vivants

Discover this fascinating land where the forces of nature hold sway as you visit the modern capital with its thermally heated outdoor swimming pool, remarkable botanic gardens and folk museum. Explore the starkly beautiful countryside of lava formations, glaciers and incredible waterfalls and the site where the first parliament sat in 930 A.D.

This Icelandic fishing community is set amidst the spectacular scenery of a dramatic bay embraced by soaring cliffs and plunging waterfalls. The town’s most famous landmark is the striking Kirkjufell, an isolated mountain that juts out of the sea. Stroll along the surrounding beaches and hiking trails, enjoy a boat trip to observe the local seals and puffins, or take a guided walk to Kirkjufell Waterfall.

Although remotely located in northwest Iceland and surrounded by ruggedly beautiful fjords, Isafjordur is surprisingly cosmopolitan. The capital of the Westfjords has long been a cultured oasis in the midst of this haunting beauty, fueled by the rewards of being one of Iceland’s largest fishing centers. The first merchants lived in wooden houses now preserved in the Neöstikaupstaöur section of town, which is alive with shops and restaurants. Two museums are of particular interest – the West Fjords Folk Museum for tools and heritage items and the Maritime Museum for a look at the 19th century fishing industry.

One of the most stunning agricultural locales in Greenland, Narsaq offers a rich blend of Norse history and gorgeous South Greenlandic landscapes. The valleys, mountains and surrounding fjord system offer great hiking trails and other opportunities for outdoor exploration. Spend the afternoon kayaking or take a boat tour to explore nearby glaciers, waterfalls and arctic wildlife. The Narsaq Museum in the historic harbor offers a deeper understanding of the Norse period, with exhibitions covering Norse settlers and local history.

This colorful fishing village is rich with Inuit culture and a strong connection to the sea. Learn about the town’s history and culture on a guided tour revealing archaeological discoveries that indicate the area was inhabited as far back as 1500 BC. Explore the stunning coastline on a ferry and perhaps catch a glimpse of the minke whales, fin whales, humpback whales and orcas that swim in pods in the surrounding waters.

The largest city in Greenland, Nuuk is the cultural and economic center of the country. Explore the picturesque colonial harbor with its quaint old buildings and the newly renovated market where locals sell their daily catch. Greenland’s history comes alive in the National Museum, and its culture thrives in the Nuuk Museum of Art and the Katuaq Cultural Centre. Nuuk’s extensive fjord system is home to many whales, and the area is also populated by seals, reindeer, arctic foxes, arctic hares and ravens.

The quaint, unassuming fishing village of St. Anthony lies near one of history’s most significant archeological finds, L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Park. In this UNESCO World Heritage site, an excavation revealed what could very well be the first European settlement in North America. Browse carefully preserved 11th-century Norse artifacts, explore recreated sod-roofed buildings and learn from engaging Viking-era reenactors. The past also beckons at the Dr. Wilfred Grenfell Interpretation Center, dedicated to a tireless 19th-century physician who devoted himself to aiding the region’s poor, building hospitals, schools and orphanages open to both native Inuit and European newcomers.

Start by taking in the breathtaking view from the monument honoring Captain James Cook, the first to map the area in 1767. More history awaits you in the Corner Brook Museum and its marine artifacts, forestry exhibits and collections from aboriginal people.

Once a quaint fishing village, Sept-Îles rose to prominence during the World War II boom, becoming one of Canada’s premier ports. Graced with majestic scenery, beautiful beaches and an attractive archipelago just offshore, Sept-Îles provides plentiful opportunities for adventure and relaxation. Discover the islands by boat or spend the day on the largest, Île Grande Basque, which is full of picturesque hiking trails and seaside picnic spots. In the city, don’t miss the superb museums, including Musée Shaputuan and Musée Régional de la Côte Nord.

Head to La Baie and tour the Musée du Fjord, admire the frescoes covering every nook and corner of barber and painter Arthur Villeneuve’s home, tour a goat farm or travel the Craftsman Road to see artisans in their element creating cheeses, glass-blowing and soap-making. Don’t miss a hike through Saguenay National Park, which cradles the dramatic fjord that has enchanted travelers for centuries.

Surrounded by several miles of granite walls dating back hundreds of years, Quebec City’s fabulous Old Town exudes European character, exemplified in the iconic Château Frontenac. Another architectural gem is the fascinating Musée de la Civilisation, a treasure trove of items recreating the French-speaking city’s early days.

French-speaking, thoroughly romantic and exquisitely cultured, Montreal definitely warrants a pre- or post-cruise stay. The Old Port is a hub of entertainment, while the Museum of Fine Arts is revered for its collection of more than 30,000 objects. For a respite from the vibrant city, stroll the Montreal Botanical Garden, a draw since 1931.