Montreal to New York

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.

Few places in North America are as steeped in history as Québec City. Founded before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, it boasts intact fortifications, a rarity north of Mexico. The historic district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, houses 17th-century religious orders and hospitals. Stroll through Place-Royale, a familiar sight to explorer Samuel de Champlain, now dotted with modern shops and cafés.

On the Plains of Abraham, walk the battlefield where French forces under Montcalm were defeated by the British in 1759. Despite this, French culture thrives, with over 95% of residents speaking French. Discover this vibrant culture through museums, historic sites, and distinctive cuisine.

The Saguenay Fjord in Quebec, Canada, is a spectacular destination for scenic cruising. This dramatic fjord, carved by ancient glaciers, features towering cliffs and deep, tranquil waters. As your ship glides through the fjord, you'll be treated to breathtaking views of rugged landscapes and the chance to spot diverse wildlife, including beluga whales and various bird species.

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance from the deck, where you can fully appreciate the fjord's natural beauty. The surrounding scenery changes with the light, offering stunning photo opportunities throughout the day. Cruising the Saguenay Fjord is a serene and visually captivating experience, perfect for relaxation and nature observation.

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.

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

Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, an archipelago in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, Canada, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich Acadian culture. The islands are famous for their red sandstone cliffs, rolling green hills, and pristine sandy beaches, making them perfect for scenic drives, beachcombing, and outdoor photography.

Visitors can explore the local culture through vibrant fishing villages, artisan shops, and culinary delights like fresh seafood and traditional Acadian dishes. Activities such as kayaking, windsurfing, and birdwatching are popular due to the region's diverse wildlife and coastal landscapes. Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine is a captivating destination for those looking to experience the charm and beauty of maritime Canada.

Cape Breton is fabled as a magical travel destination and the Port of Sydney is the gateway. Step back into the 18th century while you walk amongst the town's classically inspired buildings and dramatically steepled churches, Sydney is known for its beauty and unique Celtic music and culture - it's also home to the world largest fiddle!

Top Things to Do in Sydney:

• relive history at the Fortress of Louisbourg
• take a road trip along the Cabot Trail
• take in a walking tour of Old Sydney Town or boat ride on Bras d’Or Lake
• tour the museum of Alexander Graham Bell and the scenic village of Baddeck

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.

Known for its coastal beauty, its many yachts and lobster boats, and its view of islands and the ocean in settings that can range from glistening sunlight to thick fog. The natural beauty that surrounds Bar Harbor is punctuated with ocean cliffs and rocky beaches, glacier‐formed lakes and valleys, mountain vistas and boreal forest.

Stretch your legs with a relaxed walk along Shore Path. Explore the cobblestoned streets of the town centre and fuel up on freshly caught lobster. Then, explore wild Acadia, Maine's only national park – hike to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak on the Atlantic seaboard.

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
  

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.

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.

A visit to this one-of-a-kind cinematic city is a frantic, fascinating feast for the senses. Liberally scattered with familiar landmarks, world-leading museums, and with an atmosphere and infectious energy found nowhere else.

Whether arriving or departing, aboard your cruise liner you can take in the stunning view of the New York skyline. There are three cruise ship terminals in New York City, the Manhattan cruise terminal located in Hell’s Kitchen, the Brooklyn cruise terminal located in the Red Hook neighbourhood and the Cape Liberty cruise port located in the Port of New York and New Jersey.