Many European immigrants came to the east coast of the USA in search of a new life. Today, the search is all about great adventures, which begin for you on the HANSEATIC inspiration as you cruise in Penobscot Bay.

The small town of Bar Harbor is the gateway to the wilderness and your starting point for hiking in Acadia National Park* among dense pine forests and flowering meadows – and for a trip to Cadillac Mountain with its 360° panoramic view of the outlying islands. Enjoy a first-hand experience of lobster fishing in Frenchman Bay* on an exclusively chartered fishing boat.

Saint John feels like a French port town. The Reversing Falls, where the river rapids change direction multiple times a day, are an amazing natural spectacle here. Explore the wild beauty of the Bay of Fundy with a walk in Irving Nature Park*, home to seabirds and seals.

Halifax is the starting point for your scenic tour to Lunenburg*, where the districts and road names tell the story of the first settlement of German immigrants in Canada. Find out about life on the picturesque coast in an old fishing port and about the fate of a legendary ocean giant from Peggy’s Cove and the Titanic*. Enjoy a totally different perspective and explore Halifax by horse and cart*.

From Baddeck, head to the historic Fortress of Louisbourg*, one of the largest fortified towns outside Europe. The Native Americans settled in this hilly land long before Europeans. A visit to the Mi’kmaq people* will introduce you to their culture and history.

Between red cliffs and long beaches, island impressions of Iles de la Madeleine* ensure breathtaking views of the Cape Alright Lighthouse. Enjoy a taste of the island* with cheese, fish and brewing expertise on a culinary tour.

Perhaps a whale might accompany the ship as you head to Gaspe. A scenic tour of the Gaspe Peninsula and Forillon National Park* reveals picturesque bays and cliffs – you can also explore this paradise for amateur ornithologists with an active hike*.

Canada’s wilderness brings new meaning to a sense of freedom as you cruise on the St Lawrence River. This is followed by magnificent mountains as you cruise on the Saguenay Fjord. Dramatic nature shapes your visit in Saguenay (La Baie), a hiker's paradise surrounded by rugged mountains almost 400 m (1,312 ft) high.

At the mouth of the fjord near Tadoussac, various marine mammals hunt for krill and fish. Keep a lookout for humpback, beluga and blue whales as you go whale watching by RIB* (rigid inflatable boat).

With its French savoir vivre and Canadian zest for life, Quebec invites you to explore its historic quarter. A city walk with tea at Chateau Frontenac* will bring around 400 years of history to life. A trip to Montmorency Falls and Ile d’Orleans* will introduce you to some of the country’s oldest French settlements.

Montreal is the second-largest francophone city in the world. Discover its European charm between the picturesque town houses and glittering skyscrapers with a city tour/walk*. The vineyards in the Eastern Townships* will awaken your inner sommelier on the Route des Vins.

The passage through seven locks of the St Lawrence River is a feat of nautical brilliance. Your route then takes you through the forested Thousand Islands and across Lake Ontario, where the skyline of Toronto marks the end of your eclectic cruise.