Why Canada and New England Are Ideal Cruise Destinations

Thinking about a vacation? Autumn is the perfect time for a fantastic cruise getaway. With pleasant temperatures and vibrant fall colors, this season offers the ultimate mix of fun and relaxation. If you're seeking an adventure to add to your bucket list, skip the road trips and air travel.

Set sail on a cruise to Canada and New England. With stops at charming ports such as Boston, Portland, Saint John, and Halifax, you're guaranteed an unforgettable journey.

Departure From New York City

A cruise to Canada and New England begins in one of the world's most exciting travel hubs: New York City. Before you embark, take some time to explore the sights. For the best fall foliage experience, enjoy a leisurely walk in Central Park.

Board the ferries to catch a glimpse of the Statue of Liberty and enjoy breathtaking views of the city from the observatory at one of its many viewing towers. For more excitement in the Big Apple, explore the lively ethnic neighborhoods, the theater district, and the numerous restaurants, shops, and museums.

Charming Ports of Call

Whether your journey begins in New England or Canada, this round-trip voyage includes stops at port cities filled with exciting sights and activities. In Boston, Massachusetts, you’ll discover historic landmarks alongside some of the nation's oldest neighborhoods, along with exceptional art museums, restaurants, and shops.

While you’re in Beantown, you can choose from a variety of thrilling shore excursions, such as taking a trolley tour of Old Town, walking the Freedom Trail, and visiting the historic battlefields of Lexington and Concord.

Nestled on a peninsula extending into Casco Bay, Portland, Maine, presents a delightful mix of the old and the new. Visitors can enjoy a bustling working harbor, residential streets adorned with Victorian-style houses, and a revitalized historic district brimming with shops, restaurants, and brewpubs.

In Portland, you can discover the city by both land and sea, visit local lighthouses, and experience an authentic New England lobster bake.

Situated on the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick, Canada, the city of Saint John boasts breathtaking views of the Canadian coastline, charming Victorian architecture, and a lively downtown market filled with a variety of food and craft stalls.

Spend time discovering on your own, or make the most of the various shore excursions. Enjoy local microbrews with your friends or kayak down the Saint John River with your loved one. You could even delight the entire family with a zip line adventure at Fallsview Park, or simply relax with fellow travelers while watching for whales, seals, porpoises, and other marine life.

As the capital of the Canadian province of Nova Scotia, Halifax is brimming with attractions and activities. Visitors to the Halifax Citadel, a grand star-shaped fort situated on a bluff overlooking the city, can immerse themselves in local history while enjoying stunning views of the harbor.

For additional fun in this Canadian port city, you can visit downtown attractions such as the Public Gardens, City Hall, and the iconic Town Clock. You can jump on and off a double-decker tour bus or embark on a lobster and lighthouses tour.

Onboard Entertainment and Dining Options

Cruises to New England and Canada offer a variety of onboard activities for a memorable escape. Check out SportSquare for family-friendly fun with basketball, mini golf, and ping pong. Enjoy a splash-tastic day at the pool or WaterWorks.

Solo travelers, couples, or friends can unwind with a cocktail at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat or indulge in a massage or body wrap at Cloud 9 Spa for ultimate relaxation.

Your cruise ship provides a plethora of delicious dining options. Begin your day with French toast, eggs Benedict, or a salmon and cream cheese bagel at Seaday Brunch. For lunch, enjoy smoked Andouille sausage in a bun at Guy’s Pig & Anchor Bar-B-Que Smokehouse or craft your own tasty tacos at BlueIguana Cantina.

At dinner, savor an authentic Italian feast at Cucina del Capitano, or indulge in delectable beef and seafood specialties at Steakhouse. For dessert, satisfy your sweet tooth with frozen yogurt at Swirls, or treat yourself to a slice of lemon cream pie or marble chocolate cheesecake at Sweet Spot.

Cozy Staterooms

A cruise experience is incomplete without a cozy stateroom.

If you choose an interior stateroom, expect amenities like a full private bathroom. An ocean view stateroom offers breathtaking sunrises and sunsets over the sea. Meanwhile, a balcony stateroom allows you to enjoy stunning vistas and a gentle ocean breeze.

For the ultimate cruise getaway, reserve an ocean suite that boasts ample indoor space, a spacious outdoor balcony, a walk-in closet, and a bathroom equipped with a tub.

If you’ve always dreamed of visiting Canada or experiencing the fall colors of New England, you can tick both off your bucket list with a cruise.

With ideal sweater weather and fewer tourists, September and October are the perfect months to embark on a journey across the Atlantic Ocean.