Historically, Canada New England cruises were limited to the months when autumn foliage was at it’s finest. Cruise offerings were also limited: to longer cruises on staid vessels aimed primarily at a senior crowd. While travellers looking for a white-gloved, 10-night cruise experience can still find plenty of variety, more youthful cruise lines have entered these waters with a variety of cruise lengths, embarkation ports and itineraries on offer. Choosing from the many Canada New England cruises will not be easy.
Canada New England Cruises - What to expect on Canadian Cruises
The region is rich with history, culture and attractions for all ages as sleepy ports have been energized and provide some of the best shore excursions around for active adults and young children alike. Canada New England cruises crackle with exciting options including nature hikes, speedboat rides in the Bay of Fundy, cycling through national nature preserves, whale-watching excursions, family bike trips and white-water rafting.
Typically, key ports of call - for short or long itineraries on Canada New England cruises - include Boston and Halifax. Expand the cruise length and, beyond the aforementioned, you could find yourself in a fascinating melange of ports that range from cosmopolitan cities such as Quebec City to hamlets like Bar Harbor, Maine, and St. John's, Newfoundland (with lots of mid-sized destinations in between).
Indeed, it's the smaller ports that really set itineraries apart. Some include stops in Newport, Rhode Island, home to some of the biggest mansions in North America, or to Martha's Vineyard, Gloucester and Provincetown, Massachusetts. Corner Brook or St. John's, Newfoundland, are unique stops, as is the occasional foray to the French St. Pierre et Miquelon just off the coast of Newfoundland. Prince Edward Island is great for family outings.
Your cruise experience will vary depending on the ship you choose. Princess Cruises, Carnival and Royal Caribbean International sail this region with some of their biggest vessels, giving guests the full big-ship treatment (lots of activities and kids' programs), while some lines (Regent Seven Seas, Silversea and Seabourn) have smaller ships and provide a more refined and educational cruise. Holland America, Crystal Cruises and Celebrity Cruises use mid-sized vessels in the region, offering a combination of big- and small-ship experiences.
Whale-watching excursions in New England are the number one draw during the late summer and autumn months. The most common sightings are humpbacks, but other species are seen as well, including minke whales, finback whales and right whales.
Canada & New England Information
New England Travel Planner, usefull information on holidays to the region