Canada/New England Cruise Vacations

Canada and New England cruises take passengers into a tapestry of colonial brick buildings, autumn woods and rocky shores. Sail into the historic harbor of Halifax, or stroll on a carpet of fallen leaves along a carriage road in Maine's Acadia National Park. See the birth of America's history in Boston, or people-watch and sip coffee in Québec City.

A decidedly French influence can be felt throughout the provinces of Eastern Canada, from the idyllic coastal villages of Nova Scotia to the Rue St. Louis in Québec City. Be sure to visit the region's best-known sights, like the lighthouse at Peggy's Cove or the renowned churches of Saint John.

Along the rocky coastline of New England lie America's roots. There's so much history to be experienced in cities like Philadelphia, where you can see the Liberty Bell, the house where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, and the great melting pot of New York City. The quaint New England of your imagination is also alive and well in charming port cities like Bar Harbor and Newport--grab a bowl of clam chowder or a lobster roll and watch the fishing boats go out to sea.

Things To Do

When your ship docks at a port of call along the North American east coast, you can take guided tours to historic spots or just stroll around and enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Excellent seafood, antique shops, wine, and historic waterfronts are the order of the day here. Seasonal gardens can be breathtaking when in full flowering.

For the more active, kayaking along these shores is a popular pastime. Acadia National Park in Maine is a popular stop, with great opportunities for hiking in the coastal mountains. Tall-ship sailing expeditions journey along the rugged shorelines here, a thrilling glimpse back into the exciting past of maritime history.

Ports of Call

Cruises to Canada and New England stop at numerous ports in Massachusetts and Maine and in the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. These generally include:

St. John Halifax Newport

Boston Bar Harbor Quebec

Charlottetown Sydney Montreal

Some cruises traverse the Cape Code Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Season / Trip Lengths / Departure Ports

Short-duration cruises of 4 or 5 nights are offered most frequently in summer, encouraging visitors to combine their cruise with shore-side adventures. Longer, more leisurely cruises explore this lengthy coast during fall months, when the colors are most spectacular.

Some cruise lines travel one-way between New York and Montreal making lots of stops and enabling guests to spend time at both ends in wonderful cities.