You’ll find quaint fishing villages and whaling towns, as well as major cities like Boston and Montréal, while cruising along New England and Canada. Itineraries range from four nights to two weeks, with most in the seven- to 10-day category. Most sail between New York City and Montréal or Québec City, stopping in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine before heading north of the border.
Americana: From Boston’s Freedom Trail and historic sites like the U.S.S. Constitution battleship and Newport’s Gilded Age opulence to New York’s Statue of Liberty, these cruises hit some of America’s most iconic places.
Regional Food: Crack open a Maine lobster, order up a bowl of clam chowder in Boston, indulge in Québécois delights like poutine — there are lots of local goodies to try on this route.
Whale Watching: Especially good off the coast of Massachusetts, these tours depart from Boston bound for Stellwagen in Cape Cod Bay, the best place for spotting whales. Further up north off the Canadian coast you’ll see them too, from humpback to fin, minke, and right whales (the rarest of all the great whales).
Leaf Peeping: A cruise to these parts in the peak-foliage fall months is nothing short of spectacular, when the vibrant color takes over the coastline.
Halifax, Nova Scotia: There’s plenty to do in this pretty town within walking distance of your ship, including Pier 21, Halifax’s version of Ellis Island, and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, where exhibits include an impressive collection of Titanic artifacts and ship models.
Québec City: Overlooking the St. Lawrence River from a cliff top, the oldest part of beautiful Québec City dates back to the early 17th century, when the French established a fur trading post there. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the flavors of Old World France are everywhere, from the language to the restaurants and architecture (check out those mansard roofs).
Newport, Rhode Island: The summer seaside retreat for America’s turn-of-the-century rich and famous, from the Vanderbilts to the Astors, the town remains a symbol of Gilded Age opulence for America’s great industrialist-era wealth. There are 11 summer “cottages” open for touring.
It’s Definitely Low-Key: These tend not to be party cruises, and most of the destinations themselves are also pretty laid-back. While very scenic, some people may find some of the ports along eastern Canada a bit on the dull side.