Now that the year is getting close to the end, there are still a few cruises to the Canadian/New England ports available.  Southerners and Midwesterners alike can still enjoy the months of September and October in cooler temperatures on a cruise rather than plodding through these last hot weather months.  International travelers who already experience cool weather will feel right at home on these cruises.  A number of American and Canadian cruise lines offer scheduled cruises with varying port excursions and embarkation ports.  These are Crystal’s - Crystal Symphony, Silver Sea’s – Silver Whisper, Cunard’s – Queen Mary 2, Princess’s – Sea Princess and Gold Princess, Celebrity’s – Constellation, Holland’s – Maasdam, Radison Seven Sea’s – Navigator, Seabourn’s – Seabourn Pride, Carnival’s – Carnival Triumph, and Royal Carribean International’s – Enchantment of the Seas, Regal Cruises, Canadian Saling Expeditions Inc., Scotia Prince cruises, American Canadian Carribean line, Adventure Canada, Fred Olsen cruise line, Travel Dynamics International, Hapag Lloyd, Campagnuie del I’les du Ponant, Delphin Cruises, Phoenix-Reisen, Clipper cruises, P&O

What’s in Canada that would lure you on a cruise?  Cold, crisp air, adventure, luscious abounding forests, pristine rivers, waterfalls, grizzlies, rich French history, culture, and of course shopping!  Exploring the northeastern ports of the New England-Canadian land mass is a thrill all its own. With Canada being diverse and vast, the traveler will not be entertaining boredom.  Rather each day will bring its own adventure and memories to be relived.  Sampling just a few of the ports in the northeast takes you through some magnificent harbors and land excursions such as:   Maine’s Bar Harbor, Boston’s harbor, New York, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Lancaster, Montreal, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Quebec City, and Toronto just to name a few.  When in Boston be sure and visit some of the historic sites such as the Old North Church where Paul Revere was signaled to begin his famous ride alerting the new tiny nation “the British are coming.”  Don’t forget to visit Faneuil Hall and Quincy market.  Hopping over to Quebec City, Canada’s only walled city with the Ancient Royal Palace and Notre Dame Basilica just waiting to be explored, you’ll find rich French history.  In Ottawa visit Parliament Hill, and the Royal Canadian mounted police stables.  Canada’s largest city, Toronto, sports Niagara Falls a natural wonder of the world.  While in Canada learn about the British liberation from France’s rule in the 1700’s.  For excursions in the Canadian area contact:   www.aquilatours.com and www.tourismsaintjohn.com.  These tour companies can help set up the ideal excursion just for you.  Remember each cruise line will have excursion information and provide exciting day trips into these port areas and beyond. 

Compared to 1970 when only about 500,000 people cruised, last years numbers sprang up over nine million and then some.  Since ships are coming and going out of ports in record time, it is well worth your investment to book your excursions with the cruise line or if going with an optional tour company, making sure you keep up with your required time back on board.  These cruise ships must sail on.  Deadlines and schedules will be kept with a minimal of delay.  Remember that while Canada is a US neighbor, you’ll still need to carry your photo ID (usually driver’s license) and an original birth certificate at all times with you.  This changes beginning 2006 onward as the new international border rulings take place where passports will be required from everyone.  Just one of those 911 changes!  Boston harbor above.

There is something about the sea, a ship, and romance.  Those who cruise for the first time will either fall in love immediately with this mode of travel or never want back on a ship.  Some travelers have no sooner disembarked before they are scouring the papers, websites, and calling their travel agents looking for their next affordable adventure.  Don’t be disappointed in your port excursion if you didn’t get to “see and do all.”  Port excursions are only to give you a taste for that isolated area.  You’ll know if a particular place calls to you again to visit inland and seek a more in depth opportunity of exploration.  Cruise ports are like a                                                                        sample taste of ice cream, you might find you need a whole                                                                      scoop!

While the Canadian area requires heavier layered clothing to visit comfortably, you’ll forget about wearing the coat, hat, and gloves when your eyes behold the sights and sounds of another world.  Since there’s little time left for your cool visit to the New England – Canadian area, here are the cruise ships and their websites to the cruise lines where you can see their exact  port of calls, itineraries, prices, and available dates:  Crystal Symphony – www.crystalcruises.com, Silver Whisper – www.silversea.com, Queen Mary 2 – www.cunardline.com, Sea Princess and Gold Princess – www.princesscruises.com, Constellation – www.celebritycruises.com, Maasdam – www.hollandamerica.com, Seven Seas Navigator – www.radissoncruises.com, Seabourn Pride – www.seabourn.cm, Carnival Triumph – www.carnival.com, Fred Olsen – www.fredolsen.co.uk, Regal – www.regalcruises.com, Canadian Sailing Expedition – www.canadiansailingexpedition.com, Scotia Prince- www.scotiaprince.com, American Canadian Carribean – www.accl-smallships.com, Adventure Canada – www.adventurecanada.com, Travel Dynamics Int. – www.traveldynamicsinternational.com, Hapag Lloyd – www.hapag-lloyd.com, Compagnie del I’les duPonant – www.ponant.com, Delphin – www.delphin-cruises.com, Phoenix Reisen – www.phoenixreisen.com, P&O – www.poquises.com, Clipper – www.clippercruises.com.   Picture of Parliment building above.

Fabulous choices for such cool places!  Happy Traveling!

Photo Credit:  Queen Mary 2 - by Annelise Johnson, Queen Mary 2 - by Carsten   Rideau Canal, Ottawa Byward Market Quebec City  all by Noriko Natsume   House of Parliament - by Ben Lancaster

(resources:  Cruise Travel Magazine August 2005,  photos courtesy of stock.xchange.com)