Canada, New England, & The US Coast
Regional Cities
Whether it's a stop at historic Saint John's, Canada's oldest incorporated city; a visit to famed Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts; a call at Baltimore's bustling harbor; or a day baking in the hospitality of beautiful Charleston, South Carolina - a rich variety of wonderful experiences await "close-to-home" vacationers on a cruise along the eastern coast of the U.S. and Canada.
Cruises ranging from two-night getaways to12-night voyages sail the coastal waters of North America and into Canada along the St. Lawrence Seaway. Choices in embarkation ports that include Montreal, New York, Baltimore, Boston, Philadelphia, Norfolk (Virginia), Charleston (South Carolina) and other cities have helped to make these itineraries a popular choice for drive-and-sail cruises and as part of a land and sea vacation.
The ships sailing east coast cruises rival the ports of call for diversity. Cruise vacationers can choose to take their Canada/New England/U.S. Coastal cruise on ships ranging from intimate vessels carrying fewer than 50 passengers to spectacular resorts at sea.
Typically the Canada/New England cruise season runs from May through October, with fall foliage highlighting the later sailings, and more southern coastal sailings run through the winter. Value hunters will find the best deals on early spring departures.
Ports of Call
Newport -
Charming mom-and-pop shops and restaurants line the streets just steps from the cruise pier of this waterfront town located on Narragansett Bay. A beach community where icons such as Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and William K. Vanderbilt once lived, Newport is rich in history and famous for its ocean view mansions.
Mansion Tours -
The great mansions of Newport can be explored during a cliff walk, a stroll around town, or via bus tour down Bellevue Avenue. Some of the stops along the way may include The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms, and Rosecliff.
History and Scenery -
Visitors can enjoy Newport's history and scenic beauty on a walking tour around the city or a motor coach excursion down the 10-mile long Ocean Drive. Sights to see and break at along the way include Federal, Colonial and Victorian homes, the Gothic Church of St. Mary's (where JFK and Jacqueline married), Redwood Library, Tourno Synagogue, Newport Art Museum, the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and Salve Regina University.
Shopping Options -
Along with parks and million-dollar yachts, visitors can find art galleries, souvenir shops, boutiques, restaurants, name-brand clothing stores and outdoor kiosks along Newport's wharf area and Thames Street.
Boston -
One of the nation's oldest and most historic cities, Boston also ranks among the premier attractions on Canada/New England cruise itineraries. Fascinating historical sites and cultural landmarks, a wealth of top museums and trendy shopping and entertainment areas make Boston a great place to visit for anyone.
Freedom Trail -
A walking tour of Boston can take visitors back to the revolutionary roots of America. Points of interest and story telling on this guided tour include the Massachusetts State House, Park Street Church, Granary Burying Ground, the Old Corner Book Store, America's first public school, and Faneuil Hall.
Lexington, Concord and Harvard Yard -
A scenic drive to the outskirts of Boston will take visitors to the battlefields of Lexington and Concord, where Minutemen battled the British army and Paul Revere made his legendary midnight ride. Other highlights include Walden Pond, where Thoreau wrote his masterpiece, and Harvard University.
Marblehead and Salem -
These two famous coastal communities provide a link to Boston's maritime and Puritan legacies. Visitors to Marblehead will discover its rich nautical heritage, cobblestone streets, Federal and Georgian homes and 19th century mansions. Best known for its 17th century witchcraft hysteria and trials, Salem is home to the Salem Witch Museum where guests will be entertained with stories of Pagans, Wiccans, midwives and healers. A scenic drive down Chestnut Street, often referred to as the "most beautiful street in America," also is a highlight.
Halifax -
Lighthouses dot the rocky coastline of this Canadian city, the capital of Nova Scotia. Lush parks and gardens, and historic hot spots and picturesque fishing villages add to the allure of this popular port of call.
Peggy's Cove -
Highlighted by colorful homes and a picture-perfect scene of a lighthouse set in granite boulders and crashing waves, this charming fishing village is one of Canada's most photographed locations. A journey to this area may also include a lobster or salmon bake.
Titanic Tales -
On April 15, 1912, Halifax served as the main base for the recovery of 209 victims of the sinking of the Titanic some 750 miles east of the city. Cruise excursions visit the church and cemetery where the victims were memorialized and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses a collection of Titanic artifacts.
Historic Halifax -
Halifax can be explored via foot, bus and boat. Sights to see and visit include Citadel Hill, St Paul's Church, Public Gardens, Government House, Province House, the Black Cultural Center and many historic homes