Overview
Leaving Halifax, your first day is spent sailing along the rugged coastline of Nova Scotia and across the Gulf of Maine to dock in historic Boston Harbor early the following morning. While in Boston , you will have a choice of several walking tours: one that celebrates Boston's central role in colonial and revolutionary times by visiting the historic sites along its famous Freedom Trail ; one that traces the contributions and stories of women throughout Boston's history , another that explores Brahmin Beacon Hill and upscale Quincy Market; and one that takes you across the Charles River to Cambridge and Harvard Yard before returning to Boston for a tour of historic Copley Square , including the Boston Public Library , the first free municipal library in the United States.
Call next in Newport, Rhode Island, once a favorite summer resort for the railroad and industrial tycoons of the Gilded Age. Tour the opulent 'cottages' of Vanderbilts and Carnegies and enjoy a stroll along the stunningly beautiful Cliff Walk . Or, celebrate Newport's storied history as the 'world capital of sailing' and home of the America's Cup on a cruise around Narragansett Bay aboard an 80-foot sailing schooner. Alternatively, set off on an African American History tour and trace the rich Black history of Newport, dating back to the city's founding, through the Gilded Age, to the present day.
Sail into New York Harbor and past the iconic Statue of Liberty . During your full day in the city, you may choose to discover one of its most celebrated landmarks on a walk across the Brooklyn Bridge followed by a visit to the newly fashionable neighborhood of DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a waterfront community of trendy boutiques, bookstores, and art galleries. Or you may want to pay tribute to the memory of the tragic events of September 11, 2001, on a tour of the area where the World Trade Center stood, including St. Paul's Chapel , the FDNY Memorial Wall, and the solemn September 11 Memorial & Museum . Alternatively, trace your heritage with a visit to Ellis Island or a stop at the Tenement Museum and a walk through the early immigrant neighborhoods of the city's Lower East Side. You may also wish to learn about the city's Indigenous history on a walk through Indigenous Central Park and a visit to the National Museum of the American Indian. Or, set out on a Pride tour , tracing LGBTQ history in the city from the Stonewall Uprising through the modern-day LGBTQ Pride Movement.
After a day at sea, from Philadelphia , travel west to the Amish Country of Lancaster County, where you will see farms being worked with horsepower, visit the Amish Village Museum , and perhaps shop for some Amish crafts. Alternatively, stay in the city of brotherly love and enjoy one of three tours—a walk focused on the Revolutionary Period, including the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall ; an exploration of Philly's food scene; or a visit to the Philadelphia Black Metropolis to learn about this section of the city and its role in the struggle for civil rights.
Your journey ends in Baltimore where you will transfer to the airport for flights homeward.
Cruise Itinerary
Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia, a Canadian province that borders the Atlantic on the east coast of Canada. Travellers can spend the day exploring the city’s many museums and learning about its rich history. It’s also fun to spend time walking around the waterfront and busy downtown area to take in the sights and sounds that include ship traffic, open-air cafes, tree-lined streets, statues and memorials, and even a waterfront casino.
Sightseers may also want to book a tour that includes a coastal drive to Peggy's Cove, a small community just north of the city that has long been celebrated for its scenic views of the Atlantic.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.
This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Nicknamed 'America's Walking City', Boston is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Skyscrapers mingle harmoniously with cobbled streets and the city brims with heritage landmarks and cultural attractions that tell the story of its country's fascinating history. Ships will dock at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.
Top Things to Do in Boston:
- walk the Freedom Trail
- visit the Quincy Market
- have a pint at the 'Cheers' bar
- visit Harvard University
- explore the dark past of Salem
Newport, Rhode Island, is celebrated for its stunning Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue, each a testament to the opulence of late 19th-century America. The Breakers and Marble House, in particular, offer guided tours that transport visitors back to a time of unprecedented American wealth and style. The city is also renowned for its historic sailing culture, showcased at the Museum of Yachting.
For a leisurely start, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walking trail offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and architectural history. Alternatively, the bustling wharves provide a charming area to explore local shops, seafood restaurants, and vibrant galleries, all within easy walking distance from the main docking areas.
A visit to this one-of-a-kind cinematic city is a frantic, fascinating feast for the senses. Liberally scattered with familiar landmarks, world-leading museums, and with an atmosphere and infectious energy found nowhere else.
Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the stunning view of the New York skyline. There are three cruise ship terminals in New York City, the Manhattan cruise terminal located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Brooklyn cruise terminal located in the Red Hook neighbourhood and the Cape Liberty cruise port located in the Port of New York and New Jersey.
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing.
This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the Ponant photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
Whether you’re at the beginning or end of your journey, stay and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of Baltimore.
Ships dock at Baltimore’s main cruise port, Cruise Maryland Terminal, which is just a 10-minute drive from Baltimore’s iconic Inner Harbor area.
Stroll along the waterfront promenade and explore the USS Constellation, a floating piece of history, or immerse yourself in underwater wonders at the National Aquarium.
Pay a visit to the Walters Art Museum, housing a diverse collection of artworks spanning across centuries. Venture to Fort McHenry, the birthplace of the "Star-Spangled Banner", or wander through Fells Point, a charming historic district with cobblestone streets, lined with boutiques and eateries.
Life Onboard L'Austral
Explore the world on L'Austral surrounded by French sophistication on this luxury mega yacht. Read more
Every stateroom and suite offers ocean views and most have a balcony. Read more
Savour the exquisite flavours of Ponant's French gastronomy in the onboard restaurants. Read more
Enjoy live music in the lounges or take in a performance or show in the theatre. Read more
Ponant's French crew offer guests refined service from the moment they board. Read more
Unwind with a massage or facial the Spa, where only the best French products are used. Read more
USD Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Pricing and trip details are correct at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Ponant. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from the cruise-line and should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
