Your Cruise Your Way Cruise Blog

As I sit here overlooking the harbor in Portland, Maine, it dawned on me that we are most famous in the cruise world for Fall Foliage. But the more I look around when I travel through the area, the more I realize how much you can miss if you don’t know ahead of time what’s available.

There are at least 9 cruise lines that visit Canada/New England, and offer a full range of pricing and shore excursions. Just remember ahead of time to preplan what you think is most important in each port, because you won’t be able to see it all. Boston is known for it’s historical significance, with Concord and Lexington nearby ready to educate you on the American revolution. What you may not know is that the North End in Boston has some of the most outrageous cheesecake I’ve ever had the pleasure to sample. The tourist spot is the Cheesecake Factory, but the real atmosphere lies in the little shops that line the streets. Speaking of atmosphere, you’ll be able to see some of the coolest looking lighthouses still in existence, and in most of the towns all the way up the cost to Nova Scotia. The oldest in Maine is right here in Cape Elizabeth called Portland Head Light. This is a common gathering area for all the locals, some with their pets. When in Maine, lobster is the first thought on most folk’s minds, with L.L.Bean’s a close second. Keep your eyes open on the way from either Bar Harbor or Portland, as the area is famous for many B & B’s and country Inns, that would make a great little getaway for any special romantic celebrations. There’s just something down right relaxing about sleeping with the windows open. If breath-taking scenery is your thing, then put Acadia National Park on your list. Cadillac Mountain and the surrounding areas are great places for photography and hiking. For you more adventurous folks, I recommend the Reversing Falls in St John’s. While it may sound docile, definitely make a point to do the Jet Boat Ride up to the bridge. A short ride, but a lasting memory of a great experience. In Halifax, you can get in some salmon fishing, which is fun, but remember you have to throw back all the ones you foul hook. And believe me you will because there are so many you hook the tails, the dorsals and the bellies just by moving your line. All in all, I’ve had some of my best fishing battles with a salmon. Halifax is also an excellent place to get some small ship sailing in if the cruise isn’t enough! All in all, history, good food, antiques, adventure, great photography, and nostalgic turn of the century lifestyles are here for the taking. Here are some of the cruise lines who sail there, and a list of what is available in each port by clicking on their link. Carnival, Celebrity Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, NCL, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Remember to plan ahead, and the whole experience will be a lot more enjoyable. What you really enjoy doing and seeing may make your ship and port selection that much easier. Either way, it’s a great alternative destination to the Caribbean.