Explore Quebec City, a charming destination that offers visitors a chance to get a taste of France without leaving the continent! You'll feel utterly transported strolling through the cobbled streets of Haute-Ville (Upper Town) and Basse-Ville (Lower Town), popping into boulangeries and patisseries for a croissant, or tucking into a creperie. Impressive views will catch your eye from every direction as you walk the ramparts of the walled city, look out over the mighty St. Lawrence River from Terrasse Dufferin or the Plains of Abraham, and gaze up at the stunning Chateau Frontenac. Come aboard Norwegian Gem and immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Canada and New England. In Charlottetown, enjoy a scenic island drive and tour Cavendish where the famous Green Gables Heritage Place is located. From Sydney, travel back in time to the 18th century at the Fortress of Louisbourg - the largest fortified city outside of Europe - as costumed actors reenact life during this era. Then discover Maine’s dramatic coastline at Acadia National Park or stroll along the idyllic streets of Bar Harbor.
Featuring Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Bar Harbor and Boston
September 24 – October 3, 2025
Itinerary
Sep 24| Here we go!
Board your flight bound for Quebec City, Canada
Overnight: Quebec City (D)
Sep 25 | Quebec City, Quebec
Bienvenue à Quebec! Canada’s oldest city is the only walled city in North America and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With winding cobbled streets, centuries-old stone houses, and a lively sense of joie de vivre filling the air, Quebec City is a wonderful place to explore. This morning after breakfast, depart for a panoramic city tour and admire the city’s main attractions such as Place Royale, Place d’Armes, the Dufferin Terrace, the Latin Quarter, the Plains of Abraham, the famous Château Frontenac, the National Assembly, the Basilica, and the City Hall, while listening to interesting comments on the history and culture of Quebec City. Next, experience Castle life on your guided tour of the iconic Chateau Frontenac hotel found on one of the most beautiful sites in Quebec City. Discover the famous characters and historical events that shaped the identity of the Fairmont Château Frontenac over the years, followed by a planned luncheon at the imperious Chateau’s dining room! This afternoon you journey into the countryside along the Beaupré Coast. Stop at St. Anne Basilica, the oldest pilgrimage site in North America and see the Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine. For over 350 years people of all ages have been gathering at this Shrine dedicated to Saint Anne, the grandmother of Jesus. Next, visit Montmorency Falls, one of the most striking natural wonders in the Québec City area. Stretching upwards of a spectacular 272 ft., the Falls are a whopping 99ft. higher than Niagara Falls. From here you enter the Island of Orléans, one of the first parts of the Province to be colonized by the French. A large percentage of French Canadians can trace their ancestry to early residents of the island. Later today, return to the hotel with the remainder of the evening at your leisure.
Overnight: Quebec City – Avg. temp. 46/63F (B, L)
Sep 26 | Free Morning in Old Town | Embarkation
This morning is yours to explore, shop and browse this historic, walled city with its European Charm before you embark, in time for lunch, onto the beautiful Norwegian Gem, your floating hotel for the next seven nights.
Your ship sails at 4:00pm | Avg. temp. 50/67F (B,L,D)
Sep 27 | Day at Sea!
Chill out by the pool, get lucky in the casino, revive, refresh and recharge in the Mandara Spa. (B,L,D)
Sep 28| Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Your ship anchors at 1:00pm. Opulent clapboard villas lead the way towards Charlottetown’s beautiful Victoria Park. Color is everywhere, from the Victorian architecture to the red sandstone cliffs. Sample homemade island jams, visit the Anne of Green Gables homestead, and stroll the boardwalk, the choice is your on many optional shore excursions offered.
Your ship sails at 8:00pm | Avg. temp. 49/64F (B,L,D)
Sep 29 | Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. Your ship docks at 9:00am. The coal industry brought immigration from many parts of the world, giving Sydney a multicultural mix of over 50 ethnic backgrounds and a global flavor to its history. Sign up for an optional excursion and visit an 18th century French Fortress at Louisbourg on Cape Breton, or take an optional excursion to the Baile nan Gaidheal, an outdoor living history museum dedicated to Nova Scotia’s Gaelic folk-life, culture, and language.
Your ship sets sail at 5:00pm | Avg. temp. 47/67F (B,L,D)
Sep 30 | Halifax, Nova Scotia
Your ship docks at 8:00am. The city was founded by the British Government in 1749 and was named the Capital of Canadian Province of Nova Scotia in 1996. Stroll the public gardens and spend some time at the Grand Parade (Halifax Main Square). Admire the rugged coastline that surrounds Halifax, the world’s second-largest natural harbor! Take steps through history and climb to the Citadel to witness the Old Town Clock, or take another optional excursion to Peggy’s Cove, the most iconic site in Nova Scotia.
Your ship sets sail at 5:00pm | Avg. temp. 50/65F (B,L,D)
Oct 1 | Portland, Maine
Your ship docks at 11:00am. Portland is best known for its marine industry, appreciation for the arts, its 19th-century architecture, and of late, its growing impressive culinary scene. It offers all the amenities of a big city: art districts, a vibrant waterfront, museums, parks and diverse shopping opportunities. But within minutes you can be enjoying the view from the historic Portland Head Light. The light station sits on a head of land at the entrance of the primary shipping channel into Portland Harbor. Completed in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in Maine.
Your ship sets sail at 8:00pm (B,L,D)
Oct 2 | Bar Harbor, Maine – Avg. temp. 46/63ºF
Your ship anchors at 8:00am. Have a leisurely breakfast onboard the Gem. Afterwards, take the tender ashore and explore Bar Harbor. This coastal attraction has retained much of its charm since its glory days of the 1900s, when America’s elite vacationed here in opulent summer cottages. Surrounding the rock-bound harbor is the world-famous Acadia National Park where the opulence of nature is on display. Acadia is home to more than 20 mountains that rise from the sea and comprise much of Mount Desert Island. Acadia protects nearly 64 miles of coastline on Mount Desert Island, Schoodic Peninsula, Isle au Haut, and other islands. Mount Cadillac is the highest point on the US Atlantic Coast and offers fantastic views of Bar Harbor.
Your ship sets sail at 5:00pm (B,L,D)
Oct 3 | Boston, MA – Avg. temp. 57/72ºF
Your ship docks at 7:00am. Welcome to an American city where history truly does come to life. After disembarkation, enjoy a brief panoramic city tour, prior to checking in at the Boston Logan airport for your flight home. Fond memories of Quebec City and New England will remain forever. (B)
Inclusions:
Airfare to Quebec City and from Boston back home (baggage fees not included)
- 2-night pre-stay in Quebec City
- Welcome to Quebec City Dinner
- Full day sightseeing in Quebec City area
- Guided tour and Luncheon at the Fairmont Château Frontenac
- All airport/hotel/pier transfers in Quebec City and Boston via private motorcoach
- 7-nights onboard the Norwegian Gem
- All meals while onboard with unlimited beverage package (exclusions apply), incl. gratuities
- 1-night dining package in specialty restaurants, incl. grat. for Inside cabins
- 2-night dining package in specialty restaurants, incl. grat. for Outside & Balcony cabins
- 1 Water-Package for each stateroom
- Ship service fee included
- 300 min. per cabin WiFi package, in balcony category or higher
- $50.00 per cabin shore excursion credit, in a balcony category or higher
- All driver and guide gratuities while in Quebec City and Boston
- All cruise, port charges and government taxes
- Service of a Universal Travel representative throughout the itinerary
Payment
$750 refundable deposit due within 3 days of reservation
Final payment due May 20, 2025
Cancellation
50% non-refundable May 26, 2025
100% non-refundable July 1, 2025
Cash or check payments only
Single occupancy is available upon request
Suite categories available upon request
With sufficient numbers, Universal Travel will offer optional and private shore excursions to our travelers
An optional Travel Protection plan is available with coverage for trip cancellation/interruption, see enclosed product flyer for more information.
A valid passport is required on this itinerary and must be valid for at least 6 month after returning back to the USA.