From Nova Scotia To Panama – Connecting Oceanography, Nature, And Wellness

This exciting journey begins with an overnight in Halifax, the cosmopolitan capital of Nova Scotia. This Canadian province sits in the centre of the region’s east coast and is an important seaport that looks out over one of the world's largest natural harbours.

The historic city of Halifax, with its distinctive red-brick buildings, makes for a great start to any adventure. 

Visit a historic 1820 Halifax brewery or walk up to the city’s famous landmark, Citadel Hill National Historic Site, and visit the imposing star-shaped fortress with commanding views over Halifax. You can tour the Army Museum, see the sentry changes, artillery demonstrations or bagpipe performances.

Take a stroll in Halifax Common, Canada’s oldest urban park which opened in 1763. It’s a popular local hangout with a skate park and outdoor pool. And if you enjoy art, the extensive collection in the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia includes contemporary works by over 2,000 artists and has a focus on the region’s cultural history.  

Buzzing with activity, the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a great place for people watching and museums. You can visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which has a large exhibit of the ill-fated Titanic voyage. Close to where we dock is Canada's Museum of Immigration. It’s located at Pier 21, the ‘Ellis Island of Canada’, where thousands of immigrants arrived from all over the world.

After a restful night’s sleep, enjoy breakfast at your hotel and get ready for the day ahead. Today, you'll be joining an included excursion that explores some of the highlights around the harbour.

We’ll travel along the winding coastal highway known as the Lighthouse Route to the tiny fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, famous for its unspoilt beauty and the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. The village has also inspired a number of local artists including William deGarthe. Take time to view what’s said to be the most photographed lighthouse in the world before you head to the pier to board MS Fram.

Once you’ve checked in, you’ll pick up your complimentary expedition jacket and be shown to your cabin. There’s a mandatory safety briefing to attend, but otherwise you can explore the ship and settle in. After we set sail, the Captain will give a welcome address to all guests and you’ll enjoy the first of many delicious meals on board.

 It’s time to relax and unwind as you settle into the ocean’s rhythm and life aboard this cosy ship. Check out the onboard facilities like the hot tub, gym and sauna, relax in the lounge with a book, and get to know your fellow guests.

You will meet your Expedition Team, experts in oceanography, marine biology, ornithology, as well as your wellness instructor, who have all been handpicked for this unique expedition cruise. They will introduce you to the range of science, nature, navigation and wellness activities that will be available.

Your time at sea will be an opportunity to connect with nature. Increasing our awareness and appreciation of the natural environment around us is an important key to mental and physical wellbeing. Our Expedition Team will be on hand to guide your discovery of nature on this ocean crossing, perhaps by helping you identify the seabirds that sometimes follow the ship from deck or by showing you around the onboard Science Center.

In the evenings, you can relax in the lounge and look forward to some fun activities as the Expedition Team host quiz nights, Q&A sessions, put on movie nights, and hold impromptu talks about the area you’re sailing in.

Over the next few exciting days, you’ll be hands on and happily engaged in a range of activities.

As we sail from the cool Nova Scotian coast to the warm, tropical climate of Panama, you’ll study the changes in the sea and the effect of ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream, in lectures and workshops. Learn about the differences between marine life along the continental shelf and the deep ocean with the Expedition Team. This might involve observing seabirds or analysing sea water samples in the Science Center.

You’ll explore celestial navigation, astronomy, and how this compares with modern-day electronic instruments. Discover how explorers of old navigated the seas using tools like a sextant, and how the Vikings used Optical Calcite and the stars. You can visit the bridge and get a ‘behind-the-scenes’ look at how our modern ship operates directly from our officers.

You’ll tackle issues like the plastic pollution blighting our oceans, and what we can do to reduce this. We’ll explain our commitment to the environment and the steps we’re taking towards becoming a leader in sustainable travel.

You can join Citizen Science projects that may include: whale spotting for Happywhale, a global tracker; noting cloud and sky conditions for the GLOBE observer in conjunction with NASA; or taking seabird counts.

Before the invention of micro-photography, scientific researchers on expeditions had to paint their samples. Join a unique art workshop where you can inspect samples under a microscope and try this out for yourself. Or if you prefer, draw your artistic inspiration from the nature around you and paint what you explore.

Learn about our symbiotic relationship with nature: where our own wellbeing has a direct and positive impact on the health of the planet. Studies show that regularly interacting with nature makes us healthier and happier. Research also shows that people who feel connected to nature are more likely to behave in ways which promote environmental health, for instance through conservation activities. Explore what actions you can take to maintain this virtuous circle.

You’ll have many opportunities to engage in wellness activities and deepen your connection with nature. You can practise daily yoga, learn mantras and meditation techniques, and even join the Expedition Team for a morning mile-long walk on deck. There will also be a range of healthy and delicious vegetarian and plant-based menu options, as well as fresh smoothies, juices and nutritious snacks available on board.

As we sail towards Panama on our last day at sea, we bring our onboard programme to a close. You may want to discuss your data counts and findings from your Citizen Science projects with the Expedition Team, or take a last glimpse at the fascinating ocean life under the microscope in the Science Center. Or maybe you’ll simply wish to relax and unwind in the hot tub, sauna or lounge?

Take some time to observe and appreciate the wonder of the nature around you. Silently contemplate the majesty of the sea or the shifting of the clouds above. Scan for wildlife out on deck while basking in the warmer weather of the Caribbean. You might catch sight of dolphins, flying fish and rare seabirds. Observe the harmony of their movements and notice the calming effect this has.

The Expedition Team will host a presentation recapping your programme highlights and summarise what we’ve learned along the way. The officers might join you for a farewell dinner and the crew may even put on a talent show for you, if you’re lucky.

We end our expedition cruise in the bustling port town of Colón, with enriched minds, healthier bodies and plenty to reflect on. Situated at the Caribbean entrance to the Panama Canal, this is a good jumping off point to further explore Panama, the Caribbean or South America.

If you’d like to add some land adventures to your ocean voyage, you can add on three extra nights with our Post-Programme, staying at an exotic jungle lodge nestled in the rainforest next to Chagres River. There, you’ll visit a rainforest centre and a farm working with reforestation. You´ll also explore the jungle on a boat safari at night and enjoy views of the area by cable car.  

Another popular Post-Programme option is a visit to Casco Viejo, arguably the most charismatic neighbourhood in Panama City. Stroll along rustic cobblestone streets and across charming plazas, and admire the architecture of colonial churches, mansions and the Metropolitan Cathedral. Remember to taste some of the local specialities, like coffee and cocoa. 

You can even book another expedition cruise with us from Colón to explore the fascinating coastline of South America, taking in coastal cities, jungle wildlife, and rural villages. Marvel at an impressive feat of engineering as you sail through the locks of the Panama Canal and out to the Pacific Ocean on the other side.

Whatever’s next for you, we hope that you’ll return home inspired, with a deeper knowledge about our oceans, a greater connection to nature and a better appreciation of how your wellbeing can positively impact the planet. We wish you a safe onward journey and look forward to exploring with you on your next adventure.