Cruise Report: 14 Days of Arctic Awe & Atlantic Charm aboard Carnival Pride

Baltimore to Greenland & Atlantic Canada

If ever there was a voyage that blended raw natural beauty, rich history, and jaw-dropping landscapes into a single itinerary, our 14-day sailing aboard Carnival Pride from Baltimore was it! From the moment we pulled away from the Inner Harbor and began our northbound journey, we knew we were in for something special — but nothing could have prepared us for the magic we encountered.

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Day 1–3: Sailing the North Atlantic

Leaving Baltimore aboard Carnival Pride. Sailing past the remnants of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

We left Baltimore under a bright blue sky, the skyline fading into the distance as seagulls escorted us toward open water. The first few sea days were perfect for exploring the ship — we indulged in delicious eats at Guy’s Burger Joint, relaxed in the Serenity adults-only retreat, and danced the night away at the RedFrog Pub. The ocean air was crisp and fresh, hinting at the colder climates to come.

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Day 4: Nanortalik — Missed Due to Weather

Foggy seas en route to Nanortalik.

Our excitement to step foot in Nanortalik, Greenland was sky-high — but unfortunately, nature had other plans. Due to fog, the captain made the difficult decision to skip the port for safety reasons. While it was disappointing, we all understood that Greenland’s unpredictable weather is part of the adventure. Carnival Pride’s crew kept spirits high with extra onboard activities, trivia contests, and surprise treats throughout the day.

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Day 5: Qaqortoq, Greenland

Colorful houses in Qaqortoq, Greenland.

Qaqortoq more than made up for the missed port the day before. We tendered into port using the ship’s lifeboats — a first for many of us — and it turned out to be an exciting little adventure of its own. Bouncing gently over the icy waters with jaw-dropping scenery all around, it really set the tone for the day.

Once ashore, we strolled through the charming town, taking in the colorful houses and quiet streets nestled between snow-dusted hills. We stopped by a small local shop to pick up souvenirs — handcrafted items and Greenlandic trinkets made for meaningful keepsakes. And because Ed is a Firefighter, it was a must to swing by the local Qaqortoq Fire Station. Ed loved getting a peek at how firefighters operate in such a remote and extreme environment.

The air was crisp, the locals were friendly, and the entire town felt like a scene from a storybook. Qaqortoq wasn’t just beautiful — it was personal, peaceful, and unforgettable.

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Day 6: Sea Day

After our Greenland adventure, a relaxing day at sea gave us a chance to warm up and refuel. We enjoyed hot coffee, ocean views, and some much-needed downtime. Afternoon trivia and sunset cocktails on deck made the day feel luxurious.

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Day 7: St. Anthony, Newfoundland

View from the top of Dare Devil Trail.

We arrived in St. Anthony, a quaint town known for its rugged coastline and ties to Norse exploration. We toured the Grenfell Historic Properties and made our way to L’Anse aux Meadows, the only authenticated Viking settlement in North America. Wild and windswept, this land felt like a frontier frozen in time.

And the highlight of the day? We climbed the legendary Dare Devil Trail! This heart-pumping, leg-burning hike took us up steep wooden staircases and rocky paths, revealing jaw-dropping views of the coastline. With Carnival Pride visible in the distance and the Atlantic crashing below, it was one of the most exhilarating experiences of the cruise. Totally worth the effort — a bucket-list moment!

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Day 8: Corner Brook, Newfoundland

Peaceful view in Corner Brook.

In Corner Brook, we slowed things down a bit. The town’s laid-back vibe and scenic beauty gave us a chance to unwind after our big hike. We explored local shops, had a Candian beer (or 2), chatted with friendly locals, and enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere. The charming waterfront and nearby parks were perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the fall colors beginning to show made everything picture-perfect.

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Day 9: Sydney, Nova Scotia

A classic Canadian stop: Tim Hortons.

Our final port was Sydney, where Cape Breton’s culture came alive. We were greeted at the dock by fiddle music and tartan-clad locals. We explored the Fortress of Louisbourg, a fully reconstructed 18th-century French fort, and drove along part of the Cabot Trail, famous for its stunning coastal views.

As self-proclaimed coffee lovers, we had to check out Tim Hortons — Canada’s iconic coffee spot. It was our first visit, and while the coffee was good and the donuts were fresh, we walked away feeling like it was a bit overhyped. Still, it was a fun part of the local experience and gave us that warm caffeine boost we needed to keep exploring.

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Day 10–14: Sailing Home

Final sunset at sea aboard Carnival Pride.

The last few sea days were filled with laughter, new friendships, and reflections on the incredible places we’d just seen. We enjoyed themed dinners, game shows, karaoke nights, and late-night pizza on the Lido deck under the stars. After experiencing icebergs, fjords, and forested trails, it felt good to relax and soak in every final moment aboard our floating home.

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Final Thoughts

Carnival Pride — the perfect ship for adventure.

This wasn’t just a cruise — it was an expedition. We sailed through icy waters, danced to Celtic tunes, stood on Viking soil, climbed to the top of Newfoundland’s rugged trails, and even took a lifeboat to explore Greenlandic towns. Though Mother Nature kept Nanortalik from us, the rest of the journey was packed with beauty, culture, and unforgettable moments. Carnival Pride was the perfect ship for the adventure — comfortable, vibrant, and full of heart.

If you’re dreaming of a unique cruise that’s off the beaten path but rich in wonder, history, and wild beauty — put this Greenland & Atlantic Canada itinerary on your bucket list now.

Until next time, adventure awaits. 吝❄️