Lisbon to Montreal

Lisbon, Portugal's vibrant capital, is a city of hills, history, and stunning views. Start your day at the iconic Belém Tower, a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering a glimpse into Portugal’s maritime past. Nearby, visit the Jerónimos Monastery, a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, where you can admire its intricate designs.

In the afternoon, explore the historic Alfama district, with its narrow, winding streets and traditional Fado music echoing from cozy taverns. Ride the famous Tram 28 to see landmarks like the Lisbon Cathedral and the São Jorge Castle. For a panoramic view of the city, head to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte viewpoint.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Located on São Miguel, the largest of the Azores archipelago, Ponta Delgada is a place of whitewashed buildings, spectacular volcanic vistas, steaming hot springs and impressive landscaped gardens. This city is the gateway to the stunning landscape and lush nature of São Miguel. Ships will dock at Portas do Mar.

Top Things to Do in Ponta Delgada:

• go dolphin and whale watching
• soak in a hotspring in Furnas Valley
• view the Sete Cidades Crater Lakes
• stroll through a botanical garden
• explore São Miguel in 4x4

Sitting atop the island of Terceira, Praia da Vitória dates back to the original settling of the island, one of two founding ports. Its bay shelters the largest sandy beach in the Azores and its historic centre is a charming maze of streets and alleys. Ships will dock at the Port of Praia da Vitória.

Top Things to Do in Praia Da Vitória:

• visit the island's capital, Angra Do Heroísmo
• explore the Algar do Carvão, an ancient lava tube
• admire the Church of Santa Cruz
• take in the view from Monte Brasil

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Bayonne serves as a gentle introduction to one of the most action-packed, adrenaline-inducing and culturally significant areas in the world. Bayonne gives access to New Jersey while also being just minutes away from the heady buzz of New York City. From its coastline, you can take in iconic views of the Statue of Liberty, with the famous Manhattan skyline rising behind her lofted flame. Most who arrive at the cruise terminal will soon be delving into the celebrated and cinematic jungle of New York City to take a big bite out of the Big Apple. The city that never sleeps is within touching distance, welcoming you to a global hub of fine dining, celebrated museums and galleries and soaring skyscrapers.

That’s not to say that Bayonne doesn’t have a little star quality of its own, however. The long arch of the Bayonne Bridge links up with New York City’s Staten Island and you might recognise its steely span from cinematic cameos in A Beautiful Mind and War of the Worlds movies. One of Bayonne’s most poignant landmarks is its waterfront 9/11 memorial. This 100-foot-tall monument, with a metallic tear suspended between steel slabs, was donated by Russia. The moving tribute honours those lost in the September 11th attacks and offers a peaceful, reflective space, with views of the One World Trade Center standing tall on the Manhattan skyline.

Newport, Rhode Island, is celebrated for its stunning Gilded Age mansions lining Bellevue Avenue, each a testament to the opulence of late 19th-century America. The Breakers and Marble House, in particular, offer guided tours that transport visitors back to a time of unprecedented American wealth and style. The city is also renowned for its historic sailing culture, showcased at the Museum of Yachting.

For a leisurely start, visitors can enjoy a stroll along the scenic Cliff Walk, a 3.5-mile walking trail offering breathtaking views of the rugged coastline and architectural history. Alternatively, the bustling wharves provide a charming area to explore local shops, seafood restaurants, and vibrant galleries, all within easy walking distance from the main docking areas.

The Cape Cod Canal, a marvel of engineering, offers a unique passage carved through Massachusetts, connecting Cape Cod Bay in the north to Buzzards Bay in the south.

The canal serves as a shortcut for maritime traffic, significantly reducing the journey around the treacherous Cape Cod.

Opened in 1914, this man-made waterway is not just a vital navigation route; it's a scenic marvel. Cape Cod Canal is one of the few sea-level canals in the world, and during its construction, it was the widest canal of its time. This underscores its significance in maritime history and engineering.

Observing ships navigate the narrow channel provides a fascinating glimpse into the workings of maritime logistics.

Nicknamed 'America's Walking City', Boston is considered to be the epicentre of American history. Skyscrapers mingle harmoniously with cobbled streets and the city brims with heritage landmarks and cultural attractions that tell the story of its country's fascinating history. Ships will dock at the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal.

Top Things to Do in Boston:

• walk the Freedom Trail
• visit the Quincy Market
• have a pint at the 'Cheers' bar
• visit Harvard University
• explore the dark past of Salem
  

Portland is the main coastal city and port of the Pine Tree State, Maine. Set on a peninsula extending into the Casco Bay, this city is filled with delicious restaurant's, epic lighthouses, booming craft breweries, historical landmarks and cultural hotspots. It’s casual, yet trendy, and is packed with a long list of ventures to explore.

Top Things to Do in Portland:

• try a Maine Foodie Tour
• watch a concert or theatre production in the vintage, turn-of-the-century Merrill Auditorium
• visit Portland’s ‘Museum of Art’
• go sightseeing at the Portland Head Light

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia, a Canadian province that borders the Atlantic on the east coast of Canada. Travellers can spend the day exploring the city’s many museums and learning about its rich history. It’s also fun to spend time walking around the waterfront and busy downtown area to take in the sights and sounds that include ship traffic, open-air cafes, tree-lined streets, statues and memorials, and even a waterfront casino.

Sightseers may also want to book a tour that includes a coastal drive to Peggy's Cove, a small community just north of the city that has long been celebrated for its scenic views of the Atlantic.

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

Charlottetown might be small but it’s bursting with big energy and infectious island vibes. It’s got all the charm and hospitality Prince Edward Island is famous for, plus culinary experiences and an arts and culture scene that takes visitors by surprise. Ships will either dock or anchor offshore in Port Charlottetown.

Top Things to Do in Charlottetown:

• hike or bike through Prince Edward Island National Park
• see the Green Gables House
• enjoy a scenic drive around the island
• visit the picturesque Victoria-by-the-Sea

Days at sea are the perfect opportunity to relax, unwind and catch up with what you’ve been meaning to do. So whether that is going to the gym, visiting the spa, whale watching, catching up on your reading or simply topping up your tan, these blue sea days are the perfect balance to busy days spent exploring shore side.

The gateway to the Saguenay Fjord, the city lies at the intersection of a triad of sprawling national parks, amid some of North America’s most impressive scenery. Embark on adventures to witness leaping waterfalls, forest-clad fjord banks, and whales crashing athletically offshore. Learn more of Saguenay's heritage, with a tour of the picturesque pulp mill, which dates back to the 1800s, and now houses a museum.

Elsewhere, the Petite Maison Blanche is a humble wooden house that was one of the few buildings to survive the floods of 1947. It’s the expansive scenery of Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park that draws most visitors to this part of Northern Quebec, however, and you can venture out to immerse yourself in the immense Ice Age fjord's national park, as it gouges through a spectacular 60-mile route, before unloading into the St. Lawrence River.

Said to be the Northern Hemisphere’s most southerly fjord – and one of the world’s longest - it's 270 meters deep in parts and towered over by steep, scenic slopes. Get out to meet the area’s varied wildlife – which ranges from moose and wolves to orcas, belugas, and blue whales. Sail on the surface in kayaks, or take a sightseeing cruise. Earthy trails invite you to hike in the fresh air, among fragrant pine needles, while daring strung bridges, mountain bike routes, and climbable rock faces cater to the adventurous. Secluded rocky beaches and rejuvenating spas offer a more relaxed way to experience Saguenay's charms.

Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Québec, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where 17th-century architecture abounds. Don't miss the iconic Château Frontenac, towering over the St. Lawrence River, offering stunning views. For a taste of local culture, visit the bustling Place Royale and enjoy authentic Québécois cuisine at a nearby bistro. The Plains of Abraham provide a lush green space perfect for a leisurely stroll, while the Musée de la Civilisation delves into the region's rich history and vibrant present.

Montreal, Quebec's largest city, stands out as a centre of culture and history, reflecting a dynamic blend of French and English influences. The city's heart beats strongest in its old quarter, Vieux-Montréal, where cobbled streets and historic buildings create a European ambiance. Notable landmarks include Notre-Dame Basilica, with its intricate interior, and the bustling Place Jacques-Cartier.

Montreal is also celebrated for its culinary scene, from classic poutine to innovative fine dining, drawing on its diverse cultural heritage. The city hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as the famous Montreal Jazz Festival, which transforms the streets into vibrant venues for live music, demonstrating Montreal's lively spirit and its residents' love for celebration.