Sights to see & things to do
Approached by sea, the north Atlantic coast of the United States and the Maritime Provinces of Canada appear almost untouched. Along coastal waters and the banks of the St. Lawrence River, lighthouses stand watch on craggy promontories where time seems to have stood still in colonial era towns and fishing villages. Ports of call offer a window to days gone by when independence was won and settlers fanned out to tame the wilderness.
The increasing popularity of Northeast Passage and Fall Foliage cruises has proven to be a boon for inquisitive cruisers. From late summer through autumn, there’s no better way to experience the magical changing of the seasons than by taking a cruise to the most picturesque ports in New England and Canada. With more ships plying the Atlantic and St. Lawrence than ever before, chances are you’ll find one to fit your budget and interests.
Unlike year-round cruise destinations, New England and Canada cruises are seasonal. Mother Nature doesn’t always cooperate, but the “peak” for Fall Foliage color is generally sometime in October, depending on how far north the ports of call are located. If the cruise itself or historic sites are your objective, you’ll find more cruises of varying lengths offered during summer months as well.
New England and Northeast Passage cruises take several “flavors.” Many itineraries of seven to ten days are one-way from New York to Montreal (or vice versa) and include such ports as Boston, Newport, Bar Harbor, Portland, Halifax, and Quebec City. After selecting an itinerary, it’s important to pick the right ship to ensure the cruise meets your expectations. Ships range from small excursion/adventure vessels to megaships with every resort convenience at hand. The former are more casual and destination intensive, while the latter conform to a traditional cruising standard. Unlike the not-so-distant past, the majority of Fall Foliage cruise passengers are not senior citizens. Newer and larger ships in the region have been a boon for families whose children find as much to enjoy onboard as their parents and grandparents. For comfort, think layers and stick with cottons and other natural fabrics when you plan your wardrobe. Plan to buy souvenir sweatshirts and make them a part of your warmth plan. Late in the season, instead of a heavy coat, take a tightly woven, hooded windbreaker, a cap that covers the ears, and gloves. You’ll appreciate warm socks and comfortable walking shoes. Remember, a nighttime stroll on deck can be chilly—even in summer months—on the north Atlantic.
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