Many of you have been asking for more domestic options, so for the purposes of this post, let’s include Canada. In many ways Canada-New England cruises that include stops in New Brunswick and Quebec serve a dual purpose: they are close enough to be considered (almost) domestic, but the French Language and unique culture makes it feel somewhat European. Some Canada/New England Cruises also include a stop at the last remaining territory of France in North America: St. Pierre & Miquelon.
The autumn months are when these journeys usually occur, and if you’re looking at THIS fall, things are filling up quickly.
This is partly because of the fall colors (or “colours”, if you’re on the Canadian side), and partly because the St. Lawrence Seaway is a pleasant place to park cruise ships during hurricane season in the Caribbean.
Some cruise lines focus on the larger ports: New York, Boston, Halifax and Montreal. All these cities are well worth a visit, but I like the itineraries that also include some of the smaller, lesser known places. Charlottetown is infinitely charming, and Bar Harbor is increasingly frequented by cruise ships, but still an interesting stop.
If your cruise starts or finishes in Montreal or Quebec City, then hopefully you get to visit some of the Quebec townships that dot the St. Lawrence. If you ever doubted Canada was a French speaking country, a visit to small-town Quebec will clear it up right away.
Quebec City is often an embarkation or disembarkation port on the longer Canada & New England Cruises. It is North America’s only walled city, and is full of history for both Americans and Canadians. You’ll want to stay an extra day or two here, and feel the European vibe (and have a glass of wine at the Chateau Frontenac – the world’s most photographed hotel).
Almost all the cruise lines have some presence in Canada & New England, and the most interesting ones, in my mind, are those that have a mix of the big ports with some more remote ports that you’ll probably only ever visit on a cruise like this.
The best part about these cruises is that for many of us, the journey to the port can be made by a short domestic, or cross-border flight. Those living in the Northeast may even be able to drive to the port.
Canada & New England cruises offer a great opportunity to explore something new that is really our own backyard. There are enough itinerary variations, that even if you’ve already done a cruise in the region, you can probably find another with almost completely different port stops.
Today’s Travel Opportunities
OCEANIA
Our friends at Oceania have TWO ships in the St. Lawrence this fall. Both ships hold 680 guests for a great small-ship experience, with their exceptional culinary program. As a bonus, on both the cruises below we can get your FREE prepaid gratuities due to our exclusive arrangement with Oceania:
Montreal to Miami departing October 28 for 12-days
- Visit Montreal, Quebec City, Saguenay, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Boston, New York, Charleston, Miami.
- Verandas from $4799 with a $300 per person shore excursion credit
London to New York departing August 17 for 15-days
- This itinerary is the best of the UK and Ireland, as well as Canada/New England. The best part is you only have to fly one-way to Europe. It also visits St. Pierre – the small island in the St. Lawrence River that is part of France!
- Visit London, Bruges, Paris, Dublin, Belfast, Killybegs, St. John’s, St. Pierre, Portland, Newport, NYC
- Verandas from $6599 with a $400 per person shore excursion credit
These Oceania voyages include the indicated shore excursion credit, beer/wine with meals, wifi on the ship, specialty dining and FREE prepaid gratuities.
HURTIGRUTEN
If you’ve already done a cruise to Canada/New England, but would like to see some of the more remote ports, then Hurtigruten might be your best choice. You also get to sail on the world’s first hybrid-electric cruise ship. See our ship tour video here: https://youtu.be/1L_ByDqhGR0?si=ewhsmbCCokL3W1ac
Halifax to Boston for 8-days departing September 14
- Halifax, Sable Island, Lunenburg (UNESCO World Heritage site), Eastport MN, Rockland and Castine (MN), Bar Harbor, Provincetown, Boston.
- Veranda suites from $4250 per person (represents $2000 off), with a €90 on board credit.
Vancouver to Halifax for 26-days departing August 20
- This one is for the true explorers – a trek from Pacific to Atlantic across the Arctic Ocean. Arctic cruises are like going to Africa on Safari – although you’re looking for polar bears and icebergs.
- Visit Vancouver, Nome, 4-days in the Bering Sea, 8-days traversing the Northwest Passage, 2 stops in Greenland, Red Bay (Newfoundland), Cornerbrook (NFLD), Halifax.
- Includes pre-cruise hotel night in Vancouver, transfers, expedition jacket, use of expedition gear.
- Fares from $22,594
Hurtigruten includes beer/wine with meals, wifi on the ship, and due to our exclusive arrangement, a €90 per person on board credit.
SILVERSEA
If classic luxury is more your speed, then SilverSea is a great option. The Silver Shadow will be in Canada/New England this year, and with only 388 guests!
Quebec City to New York City for 12-days departing June 30
- This is one of only a handful of Canada/New England cruises that DON’T sail in the autumn months.
- Visit Quebec, Saguenay, Gaspe, Halifax, Saint John, Portland, Boston (overnight), Newport, NYC.
- Fares from $4950 per person
New York City to Quebec City for 10-days departing September 18
- Visit NYC, Newport, Boston, Portland, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Saguenay, Quebec City.
- Fares from $5950 per person
SilverSea includes all taxes & fees, an open bar, a shore excursion in each port, butler service, gratuities, and wifi on the ship.
SEABOURN REPOSITIONING
Seabourn’s 264-guest expedition ship is relocating for the season to Antarctica, and you can catch a ride part of the way for a fantastic price.
St. John’s Newfoundland to Barbados for 10-days departing September 27
- This is a great way to check out an expedition ship to see if it’s right for you. You also get to visit both Newfoundland AND Caribbean Islands.
- Visit St. John’s, San Juan, Great Harbor Jost van Dyke, Carambola Beach, Fort de France, Bridgetown
- Veranda suites from $3519 per person
Recently booked a Viking Cruise?
Viking makes it really easy to book direct, either online, by phone, or on board. Our clients worry that if they book on-line (or on board), that they’re cutting us out, but if you let us know after you’ve booked, then we can still help you with your reservation.
We’ll check over your reservation to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal, and we will also add some onboard credits that are not available on direct bookings.
We can add at least $100 per person onboard credit to any direct Viking reservation made in the last 60 days.
There is never a situation where you’ll get a better deal by booking directly with Viking (or any other cruise line).
If you recently booked a Viking Cruise, please let us know as soon as possible.
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I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
