Do you love cruise vacations but are looking for something other than a Caribbean itinerary? How about sailing New England and Canada? You’ll discover charming ports, stunning national parks and rich history. That’s why major cruise lines like Princess, Holland American and NCL offer summer and autumn sailings in this region.

On these itineraries, you’ll follow in the footsteps of America’s forefathers in cities like Newport and Boston, see the bright lights of New York City and be seduced by French-infused Québec City.

Whether you’re retracing the past or taking in the East Coast’s legendary autumn colors, you’ll get to experience it all while unpacking once.

Cruising Eastern Canada is a decidedly French influence, from the idyllic coastal villages of Nova Scotia to the Rue St. Louis in Québec City. See the best-known sights, such as the lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove in Halifax or the churches of Saint John.

Sailing through New England, one discovers America’s roots along its rocky coastline. Visit historic cities like Philadelphia, home of the Liberty Bell, the house where Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence, as well as the great melting pot of New York City.

The quaint New England of earlier times is alive and well in charming port cities, like Bar Harbor and Newport. Grab a bowl of clam chowder or a lobster roll, or nibble on fresh Maine blueberries.

Dubbed “The Cradle of Liberty,” Boston is rife with historical significance stretching back to the earliest days of the United States. Winding through the city’s colonial streets is the 2.5 mile Freedom Trail, which thousands of visitors traverse annually to visit 16 significant sites. All these historic spectacles, combined with the modern amenities of any world-class city, make Boston a must-see stop on a New England cruise.

The Freedom Trail’s southern terminus is the picturesque Boston Common. Located at the foot of the cobblestone streets of the Beacon Hill neighborhood, Boston Common became the nation’s first public park in 1634, when colonists used it as a cow pasture. In the centuries since then, the Common has been the site of some of the city’s darkest moments — and some of its brightest, too. In 1713, citizens rioted over the cost of bread, and, until 1817, public hangings were staged here. More recently however, notable figures including Dr. Martin Luther King and Gloria Steinem have used the Common to make vibrant speeches, and, in 1987, it was declared a US National Historic Landmark.

Further down the Freedom Trail, near the waterfront, are famous Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market.

Today, the Faneuil Hall area is a great place to shop for the perfect memento from your Boston vacation or sample classic New England-style seafood — but back in the fledgling days of the nation, this was a breeding ground for great minds to hatch revolutionary ideas. Some of the earliest gatherings at the marketplace were in protest of the Sugar Act and Stamp Act, giving rise to the concept of “no taxation without representation.” Patriots, including Samuel Adams and James Otis among other Sons of Liberty, gave remarkable speeches here on the eve of the American Revolution, invigorating the passions of those who bore witness.

Across the harbor sits Charlestown, Boston’s oldest neighborhood, and nestled atop this colonial hub is the Bunker Hill Monument. Built on Breed’s Hill, this monument was erected to commemorate the first major battle of the Revolutionary War, during which Colonel William Prescott uttered the famous order, “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.” There is no better way to finish your walk down the Freedom Trail than by making the climb up to the top of the 221-foot monument for a gorgeous view of Boston.

The town of Newport, Rhode Island, is one of the more picturesque stops that you’ll be able to visit on your Canada and New England cruise, and you shouldn’t miss this opportunity to see some of the most famous landmarks in the country — the Newport Mansions.

Newport was home to many of America’s wealthiest families, and they all tried to out do each other by building the largest mansions possible. The tenants have long since moved away, but these historical landmarks are now open to the public.

Spending a day here isn’t really enough time to see every mansion that Newport has to offer, as they have so many rooms that it’s easy to spend several hours exploring a single house. Even better, each building has its own distinct style. Fans of architecture will be in heaven here, seeing what can be built with nearly unlimited resources.

The Breakers is generally considered to be the top mansion among the houses here, and it’s no wonder that it was home to the famous Vanderbilt family. Modeled after an Italian Renaissance villa, each room is more jaw-droppingly beautiful than the last.

Another Vanderbilt establishment is Marble House, which looks to the French palace of Versailles for inspiration. It’s amazing that these two mansions were owned by the same family, yet are so starkly different in design and temperament.

Beyond the mansions, there’s much to see and do in the more modern town of Newport, as the town is home to quaint boutiques and shops located right by the harbor. Dine at one of the delicious local eateries, like the Red Parrot or Brick Alley Pub. Tennis fans shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to visit the International Tennis Hall of Fame, which sometimes holds matches. Finally, don’t leave without springing for a cup of Del’s Frozen Lemonade – a delicious Rhode Island tradition that is the perfect complement to a summer day.

These itineraries are perfect for pre- and post- cruise land options. Adding a couple days shore side allows you to experience the region in much more depth.

By all mean do your research online! But when you’re ready to reserve your stateroom do it with a local cruise travel professional. It’s also not a bad idea to consult with them during your research.

They can help you navigate through the different cruise offerings. Ask me. I’ve sailed these waters.
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Got travel? Email Steve Call at the travelprofessor@gmail.com or dial 740-550-9540