Passengers can snorkel or swim directly from the side of the ship. The ships cruise mostly during the day, stopping for passengers to tour an island or enjoy a beach. Nights are sometimes spent in ports to enjoy the local entertainment. There are motorized landing craft for adventure cruises, or the ship ties up right at the dock at town or in small harbors and marinas. Snorkeling and diving are featured on warm water itineraries.
Fares vary greatly for different cruises because of the uniqueness of the destinations.
Shore excursions are optional and most are at an additional cost. All zodiac exploration is included in the cost of the cruise. The ships will cruise the eastern coastline of the United States, Canadian Maritime Provinces and the Great Lakes. A 14-day cruise goes from Halifax to Buffalo and includes the Saguenay River fjord and St. Lawrence River. Another 14-day cruise goes from Philadelphia to Charleston, including ports in Chesapeake Bay, Washington DC, Mt. Vernon, Norfolk, Beaufort, Savannah, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island.