holland america cruise quebec city to boston

Holland America Line cruises from Boston

Holland America Line offers cruises from Boston to Canada & New England and Iceland . See the detailed schedule of departures below.

The Holland America Zaandam's features include America's Test Kitchen cooking shows & workshops, Explorations Central, O the Oprah Magazine, Greenhouse Spa, The Mainstage theater, casino, Explorer's Lounge, Club HAL for kids age 3 to 17, fitness center, and Ocean Bar. Read a Holland America Zaandam cruise review .

7-day Canada & New England cruise on the Volendam. Round-trip from Boston to Portland (Maine), Saint John (New Brunswick), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Bar Harbor (Maine). • 2024 departure: July 20.

7-day Canada & New England cruises on the Volendam. One-way from Boston to Montreal (Canada). Visit Bar Harbor (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Quebec City (Quebec). • 2024 departures: May 11, May 25, June 8, June 22, July 6, September 28.

7-day Canada & New England cruises on the Zuiderdam. One-way from Boston to Quebec City (Canada). Visit Bar Harbor (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island). • 2024 departure: August 24, September 7, September 21, October 5.

11-day Canada & New England cruise on the Volendam. One-way from Boston to Montreal (Canada). Visit Portland (Maine), St John (New Brunswick), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Saguenay (Quebec) and Quebec City (Quebec). • 2024 departures: August 20, September 10.

14-day Repositioning cruise on the Zuiderdam. One-way from Boston to Fort Lauderdale (Florida). Visit Bermuda, St Thomas, St Maarten, St Lucia, Barbados, Curacao and Half Moon Cay (Bahamas). • 2024 departure: November 9.

21-day Caribbean Escape cruise on the Zuiderdam. Round-trip from Boston to Kings Wharf (Bermuda), Half Moon Cay (Bahamas), Grand Turk (Turks & Caicos), Curacao, Aruba, Cartagena (Colombia), the Panama Canal (partial transit), Colon (Panama), Puerto Limon (Costa Rica), Key West (Florida), Bimini (Bahamas) and Port Canaveral (Florida). • 2024 departure: October 19.

24-day Iceland & Canada cruise on the Volendam. Round-trip from Boston to Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Red Bay (Labrador), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Seydisfjordur (Iceland), Djupivogur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Grundarfjordur (Iceland), Nanortalik (Greenland), St Anthony (Newfoundland), St Johns (Newfoundland), Halifax (Nova Scotia) and Bar Harbor (Maine). • 2024 departure: July 27.

35-day Voyage of the Vikings cruise on the Zuiderdam. Round-trip from Boston to Bar Harbor (Maine), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Red Bay (Labrador), Paamiut (Greenland), Nanortalik (Greenland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Eidfjord (Norway), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Djupivogur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), St Anthony (Newfoundland), St Johns (Newfoundland) and Halifax (Nova Scotia). • 2024 departure: July 20.

7-day Canada & New England Circle cruises on the Zuiderdam. Round-trip from Boston to Portland (Maine), Eastport (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and St John (New Brunswick). • 2025 departures: June 14, August 23, September 27.

7-day Canada & New England cruises on the Zuiderdam. One-way from Boston to Quebec City (Canada). Visit Portland (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia) and Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island). • 2025 departures: May 31, June 21, July 5, August 30, September 13, October 4.

7-day Canada & New England cruises on the Volendam. One-way from Boston to Montreal (Canada). Visit Portland (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Quebec City (Quebec). • 2025 departures: September 7, September 21.

11-day Canada & New England cruise on the Volendam. One-way from Boston to Montreal (Canada). Visit Portland (Maine), Eastport (Maine), Halifax (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Cap-aux-Meules (Quebec), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island) and Quebec City (Quebec). • 2025 departure: August 6.

11-day Canada & New England Circle cruise on the Volendam. Round-trip from Boston to Sydney (Nova Scotia), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Cap-aux-Meules (Quebec), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), St Pierre & Miquelon, St Johns (Newfoundland) and Halifax (Nova Scotia). • 2025 departure: July 1.

14-day Repositioning Caribbean cruise on the Zuiderdam. One-way from Boston to Miami (Florida). Visit Puerto Rico, St Thomas, St Maarten, St Lucia, Barbados, Curacao and Half Moon Cay. • 2025 departure: October 18.

25-day Iceland & Greenland cruise on the Volendam. Round-trip from Boston to Eastport (Maine), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Red Bay (Labrador), Qaqortoq (Greenland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Seydisfjordur (Iceland), Djupivogur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Grundarfjordur (Iceland), Nanortalik (Greenland), St Anthony (Newfoundland), St Johns (Newfoundland), Halifax (Nova Scotia) and Portland (Maine). • 2025 departure: July 12.

35-day Voyage of the Vikings cruise on the Zuiderdam. Round-trip from Boston to Portland (Maine), Sydney (Nova Scotia), Corner Brook (Newfoundland), Red Bay (Labrador), Paamiut (Greenland), Nanortalik (Greenland), Isafjordur (Iceland), Akureyri (Iceland), Eidfjord (Norway), Rotterdam (Netherlands), Cork (Ireland), Dublin (Ireland), Belfast (Northern Ireland), Djupivogur (Iceland), Reykjavik (Iceland), Qaqortoq (Greenland), St Anthony (Newfoundland), St Johns (Newfoundland) and Halifax (Nova Scotia). • 2025 departure: July 19.

Have fun. Explore the world. Take a Holland America Line cruise from Boston .

Hot Topic: Surprise Cruise Reveal Ideas

All About Our Cruise from Boston to Canada with Holland America Line

Knowing that summer is the perfect time to explore New England and areas north led us to cruise from Boston to Canada with Holland America Line.

This popular Canada & New England Discovery itinerary presented fabulous places to explore nearby Boston, including Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Prince Edward Island. We ended up in Quebec City and chose to explore the area for a few days, not wanting our vacation to end.

Disclosure: This page has affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you click the link and proceed with a purchase  at no cost to you . We thank Holland America Line for hosting our cruise. We recommend cruises, experiences, products, and services we personally try and use. As Amazon Associates, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Highlights of a Cruise from Boston to Canada

The ease of boarding Zuiderdam (pronounced Zy-der-dam), our Holland America Line (HAL) ship, from Boston so we could cruise north for seven nights was a breeze.

There are so many wonderful places to explore in our own backyard in North America, and using Boston as the jumping-off point for a cruise that started on the East Coast was the catalyst for northeast exploration. Highlights included Bar Harbor, Prince Edward Island, and ending in Quebec City, where we stayed a few more nights before heading home.

Overview of the Holland America Line Cruise from Boston to Canada

• Pre-cruise: Overnight stay in Boston, arranged by the cruise line
• Day 1: Cruise embarkation at the Port of Boston
• Day 2: Bar Harbor, Maine
• Day 3: Halifax
• Day 4: Sydney
• Day 5: Charlottetown and Prince Edward Island

Day 6: Day at Sea, Cruising the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Day 7: quebec city.

• Day 8: Disembark in Quebec City

Considerations for a Late Summer cruise in New England and Canada

This is a great cruise if you're looking for a vacation to enjoy a cruise ship balanced with interesting destinations where everyone speaks English. While most people in Quebec City speak French, they also speak English, and we hardly encountered anyone who wasn't bilingual.

If you go on this cruise from Boston to Canada during late August into September or October, you won't be sweating on excursions because the weather starts to cool off again. However, pack a light jacket. We experienced a lot of wind onboard during our cruise that started the last week of August and ended the first days of September. This meant that it was often unenjoyable to sit on the outside decks but an incredibly pleasant temperature exploring all the ports. Additionally, we were glad that there was an indoor hot tub and pool in addition to the outdoor pool.

Don't forget to pack a passport : this cruise travels internationally from the United States to Canada.

Cruise Itinerary Day-by-Day: Starting in Boston, Massachusetts, and Ending in Quebec City, Canada

Pre-cruise and day 1: boston, massachusetts.

We flew into Boston from the West Coast, as we were in Vancouver for a trip to Alaska before this late summer cruise in New England and Canada. Holland America Line arranged our pre-cruise stay.

The Fairmont Copley Plaza is where HAL organized our overnight. It's a gorgeous hotel, and we were so pleasantly surprised by its beauty. We were also impressed by how well check-in went by the hotel staff and Holland America Line's team, who welcomed us. The HAL representatives at the hotel also let us know what time to be in the lobby the next day to board the buses to the Boston Cruise Terminal.

We were happy to lead ourselves on a self-guided tour of Boston for the morning. We downloaded an audio guide app that helped us navigate Boston's famous Freedom Trail. It also educated us about the Boston Tea Party as we walked through the city's historic districts. We visited the Boston Public Library across the street from the hotel before we gathered our things to board the cruise transfer bus.

Day 1: Boston Embarkation Day

The Boston Cruise Terminal is not in the city center. Rather, it's a 20-minute bus ride from the center of the city, where the pre-cruise hotel (The Fairmont Copley Plaza) was located.

Boarding the buses and loading our luggage was very organized and efficient. Within the half-hour, we were at the Boston Cruise Terminal. It didn't take long to check in and proceed through security. Then we walked the gangway onto Zuiderdam, our HAL home for the next seven nights.

Day 2: Bar Harbor

We were incredibly excited to return to Bar Harbor after previously visiting during our 7-day Maine road trip and Maine Windjammer cruise along the state's coastline. Bar Harbor is such a fantastic city; it comes alive during summer when tourism is at its peak.

We were sure to tender to the shore from our Holland America Line Zuiderdam ship before we met our group. This was because we knew we wanted to walk around town for a bit before the excursion.

It's important to know that not many retail shops open before 11:00 am in Bar Harbor. The ice cream shops open later in the day along with most restaurants. Despite not being able to walk into most stores it was a beautiful morning. It was still nice to walk around before our official Holland America Line tour began.

Lobster Lunch Followed by Acadia National Park

A local guide was our narrator as the buses drove to a casual waterfront restaurant for a Bar Harbor Lobster Bake. If you go to Maine and don't have lobster , were you really there?

After lunch, our bus took us through Acadia National Park to Cadillac Summit. The local guide knew the park inside and out, so it was fun to hear his personal stories of exploration.

Next time around, we will tour Bar Harbor on our own. The lunch was delicious but it took so much time that we barely had time in Acadia National Park. This reminded us why booking your own excursion or tour in the right cruise ports is sometimes best.

Bar Harbor is very easy to navigate in a short amount of time. Though a car is required to tour Acadia National Park, it's doable with some arranging.

Day 3: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

We decided to spend the morning on the ship in favor of not rushing around the city before our 1:15 pm excursion.

Halifax's cruise port looked largely industrial when we looked out from our balcony. We couldn't tell with 100% certainty how far the walk into the city would be from the cruise ship (even with the help of Google Maps) or if a car service could pick us up at the port. So instead we opted to hang out on the ship and enjoy our stateroom balcony before our excursion.

After breakfast and lunch on Zuiderdam, we were on the bus to go to Peggy's Cove. Afterward, we headed to Fairview Lawn Cemetery to learn more about the Titanic.

Peggy's Cove & Titanic Combination Excursion

We arrived at Peggy's Cove after an hour tour on a double-decker coach bus with a local guide. We admit that this wasn't our favorite stop, but we also knew that we took the tour largely for the second stop, which was at a cemetery in Halifax where victims of the Titanic were buried.

Except for the tourists visiting Peggy's Cove during the summer, it's a tiny, simple fishing village. You can walk along the rocky coast for the pretty views and visit a small lighthouse. You can also roam around and visit a few small shops in the area.

At Fairview Lawn Cemetery, our knowledgeable guide shared sobering stories of the recovery efforts after the tragedy. As we visited specific gravestones, she told us corresponding stories of who the epitaph was in memory of.

Though it's a bit ironic, perhaps, to be on a cruise and go on an excursion that discusses the most infamous cruise ship of all time, it was important to us that we go. We wanted to learn more about what happened to honor the victims and educate ourselves about Halifax's connection to the tragedy.

It was interesting to learn that Halifax was the closest seaport and most well-equipped area in proximity to where the ship sank. This was important for the recovery of Titanic victims because the city's railway allowed the bodies of the deceased to be shipped to their families for a final return home. White Star Line paid for the majority of the gravestones in Fairview Lawn Cemetery for the bodies that remained there.

Additionally, it's important to acknowledge that with this tragedy came learning and industry improvements so lives were not lost in vain. Because of the Titanic sinking, there are strict regulations for passenger lifeboats on cruise ships.

Day 4: Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

This port was a nice place to get off the ship for one or two hours. We walked ashore to explore the small city for a little while. Locals officially welcomed us to the port in such a lovely way, including with live music performances.

We didn't do much here but stretch our legs and get some exercise. And of course, we got a photo with the oversized violin, a landmark at the port.

One activity we enjoyed was browsing the racks at a cool secondhand clothing store that was filled to the brim with interesting clothing and jewelry. After photographing some interesting architecture, we returned to the ship.

We were sure to get a photo with the “SYDNEY” sculpture before getting back onboard Zuiderdam.

Day 5: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Our favorite port of the trip was Charlottetown, the entry port to Prince Edward Island.

Despite the cold rain, we had the warmest welcome. We walked into the terminal building when we got off the ship to find it alive with vendors of all kinds, including people shucking oysters for guests to try and handing out mini lobster rolls.

Three women from the Mi’qmak First Nation performed several traditional songs and dances to welcome us.

It was a preview of the things we would soon learn about the island, including what makes it beautiful and unique in various ways, from food to culture. We bounced around Prince Edward Island to visit the home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, who wrote Anne of Green Gables then had a wonderful seafood lunch.

We were lucky enough to view the gorgeous coastline at Prince Edward Island National Park that day as well. To end our time on land that day, we walked around the downtown area. This included walking back to the port, where there were plenty of restaurants and a couple of shops, including an ice cream shop.

A day at sea is one we always look forward to. Our day on the water aboard Zuiderdam was a great time to get to know the ship better and enjoy our stateroom. We opted to walk up later than usual as a treat and enjoy a casual day.

Our favorite part of that day's special programming was the A City on the Sea presentation. The presentation was in the ship's World Stage theater and provided a behind-the-scenes look at the ship's operations and history.

If you've never been to Quebec City, you're in for a real treat with this cruise from Boston to Canada. Ending or beginning your itinerary in this French Canadian destination is truly lovely during summertime.

The highlight of visiting Quebec City is its old city center, where you can walk around the romantic cobblestone streets. It's abuzz with tourists during summer when it's filled with colorful flowers and sunshine during longer days.

There is so much to do beyond what meets the eye in Quebec City. You can sign up for ghost tours or historical walking tours through HAL or on your own. There are also vineyards and waterfalls not too far away from the city center, where the ship docks.

The ship overnighted in port on the last evening of our cruise from Boston to Canada. This provided even more opportunity to explore Quebec City during the last leg of our New England and Canada cruise.

Though we could have easily dined on land for lunch or dinner on the last full day of our cruise vacation, we opted to dine onboard to enjoy our last hours with Zuiderdam and our new cruise friends.

Day 8: Disembarkation in Quebec City

We said goodbye to Zuiderdam in the morning. But luckily, we didn't need to go far for our next adventure. We transferred from our ship to the historic and centrally located Auberge St. Antoine hotel , where we did a post-cruise stay to explore Quebec City further.

Our Top Tip for a New England Cruise from Boston to Canada

Since the season for this cruise is short — sailing only during summer months and sometimes into very early fall — our number one recommendation is to book early. This is especially true if you have your heart set on a specific date or itinerary.

Holland America Line Cruise Itineraries from New England to Canada

If this 7-day cruise from Boston to Quebec City doesn't fit the bill for you for one reason or another, HAL has several incredible itineraries in the area. Here are a few more options :

• Canada & New England Discovery 7-day cruise on Volendam from Montreal to Boston. Stops in Quebec City, Prince Edward Island, Halifax, Sydney, and Bar Harbor.
• Historic Coasts cruise starting and ending in Boston. This 7-day closed-loop cruise on Volendam visits Portland, St. John (Bay of Fundy), Halifax, Sydney, and Bar Harbor.
• Newfoundland & New England Discovery for 11-days on Volendam. This cruise begins in Boston and ends in Montreal. In between, ports include Portland, St. John (Bay of Fundy), Halifax, Corner Brook, Prince Edward Island, Saguenay, and Quebec City.
• Newfoundland & New England Discovery 10-days on Volendam. Starting and ending in Boston then Montreal, with ports of call in Rockland , Halifax, St. John's, St. Anthony, Corner Brook, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Baie-Comeau, and Quebec City.

Our recommendation is to check HAL's “Have it All” package pricing no matter the itinerary you select. This pricing is inclusive of WiFi, a drinks package, shore excursions, and specialty dining.

Zuiderdam Ship, Overall Review

Two ships that currently sail to this area of North America in the HAL fleet are Volendam and Zuiderdam. Zuiderdam — the ship we cruised on — is part of Holland America Line's Vista Class of ships.

The vessel was lovely, though she was showing her age a little bit. The main lobby area had a nice design, though not a focus of the ship or too grandiose. The wrap-around staircase encircled a couple of decks, from a little lounge area where there was nightly jazz music to the guest services area below.

The restaurants were comfortable and served good food, as is to be expected on most cruises. The music venues were some of our favorite places to be, especially the dueling pianos area, a favorite Holland American Line musical feature. Though we're not gamblers, it was next to the casino, and it was fun sometimes to look over to see people at slot machines or card tables enjoying this aspect of the cruise line.

The shops were best for Holland America Line cruise gear. Nothing particularly caught our eyes like the watch stores on other cruise lines. But they had shopping events like a clearance sale one day that was very popular, sales on metal chains by the foot as we've seen on other cruise lines, and an assortment of non-cruise line apparel and gifts.

Neptune Suites are part of the cruise line's ship-within-a-ship class. This ship seemed to have been somewhat retrofitted to accommodate the suite class. The Neptune Suites lounge was very nice, but the top deck cabanas and such that are part of Neptune Suites weren't anything like The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises . This is likely because the ship was built in 2002, though its last refurbishment was in 2017. Pinnacle suites do not exist on HAL's Vista Class ships, the ship class of Zuiderdam.

We really enjoyed that there was an indoor and outdoor pool. It's great to have both options during a cruise that heads north in summer when the temperatures can be a bit breezy outside.

We look forward to sailing with Holland America Line in the future and discovering more ships in the fleet!

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MS Zuiderdam - August 31, 2024

August 31, 2024.

Aug 31st - Sep 7th

MS Zuiderdam

Holland America Cruise Line

7 Night Canada & New England Discovery

from Quebec City, Quebec

The August 31, 2024 cruise on the MS Zuiderdam departs from Quebec City, Quebec. On this 7 Night Canada & New England Discovery (Quebec City To Boston) sailing, the ship will visit a total of 8 different cruise port destinations, including its departure port. The MS Zuiderdam sets sail on Saturday, Aug 31st and returns on Saturday, Sep 7th.

MS Zuiderdam - August 31, 2024 - 7 Nights

The MS Zuiderdam was built in 2002 and is amoung Holland America's 22 ships in it's fleet. The MS Zuiderdam is included in the cruise line's Vista Class class. In the cruise ship stats below you'll find the MS Zuiderdam vs all other Holland America ships.

Quebec City is the capital of Canada's province of the same name. Most of the city's residents speak French and are Roman Catholic. Important cultural institutions in the city include Laval University, the concert hall, and the Grand Theatre. Winter sports are popular, especially ice hockey and skiing. Popular events include the 3-week-long Winter Carnival and the Provincial Exhibition.

Charlottetown is the capital and commercial center of Prince Edward Island. Places of historical importance are plentiful, including Government House, Province House National Historic Site, and Ardgowan National Historic Park. To get a taste of maritime culture, listen to a fiddler's reel, go to the local theater, or enjoy the Winter Carnival.

Halifax is perfect for exploring on foot, with tree-lined streets, inviting sidewalk cafes, and museums in a park-like waterfront setting. Discover historic dockside vessels at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Stroll lazily through one of the finest Victorian city gardens in North America. Experience the charm of Peggy's Cove, as ships from every corner of the globe sail by in the background.

Saint John is a spectacular commerical port at the intersection of the St. John River and the Bay of Fundy. Visitors will be exhilarated by the pounding surf and sounds of the world's highest tides, best viewed at Reversing Falls. Saint John features a climate-controlled pedway system, allowing the utmost comfort as you visit attractions including the Canada Games Aquatic Centre and Old City Market.

The rising sun lights the top of Cadillac Mountain before any other spot in the United States, and on island-dotted Penobscot Bay, Bar Harbor welcomes you. Tall ships unfurl their sails while seals and porpoises play in the wide blue bay. Admire the rugged coastline preserved in Acadia National Park. Then watch as a traditional lobster bake is prepared, and enjoy a cup of wild Maine blueberries.

Stroll the cobblestone streets of one of America's most historic cities, home to such patriots as Paul Revere, Ben Franklin, and Drew Bledsoe. Discover a living museum where almost four centuries of American history can be traced. When it comes to variety, see why Boston is called the Hub. Nightclubs and theaters, the North End and Chinatown, Fenway Park and Boston Common can all be found here.

Best Canada and New England cruise excursions

The cruise season in Canada and New England may be brief — most ships visit between July and October — yet tour opportunities for everything from historical immersion to outdoor adventure abound. The best Canada and New England cruise excursions are as varied as the states and provinces you'll visit.

Options include Revolutionary War landmarks in Boston , whale watches in New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy, "Anne of Green Gables" lore on Prince Edward Island and atmospheric old towns in French-speaking Quebec. And, of course, you'll find plenty of scenic drives, walks and boat trips to admire the gorgeous fall foliage from late September to late October.

Whether you prefer vibrant cities, charming coastal hamlets or unspoiled natural landscapes, New England and Canada cruises offer access to all three. If your tour does not include snacks, make sure to save time to taste the region's iconic treats — lobster rolls, clam chowder and all things maple. No matter which tour you choose, remember to dress for changeable weather and wear comfortable but sturdy shoes.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Here are the best Canada and New England cruise excursions to introduce you to all the region has to offer.

• $ Inexpensive (less than $70)
• $$ Moderate ($70-$140)
• $$$ Expensive ($140-$200)
• $$$$ Very expensive (more than $200)

Newport, Rhode Island

Grand mansions and Newport highlights tour

The excesses of the Gilded Age live on in Newport's magnificent landmark mansions, which were "summer cottages" built by the Astors, Vanderbilts, Morgans and other titans of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Book a tour to step inside one of these impressive homes.

Most tours include a panoramic bus ride through the scenic Ocean Drive historic district, where sights include the Tennis Hall of Fame and Trinity Church. Next, along Bellevue Avenue, you'll admire elegant mansions and the Gothic-style St. Mary's Church, where John and Jacqueline Kennedy married in 1953.

You'll finish your tour with a visit to a historic mansion. Examples include The Elms, modeled after an 18th-century French chateau and built in 1901, and Rosecliff, designed by architect Stanford White and completed in 1902.

Important to know: Most mansion excursions last 2 1/2 hours and combine easy sightseeing by bus with a walking tour of a mansion. Many mansion tours are self-guided and require you to download the Newport Mansions app to your smartphone and listen to the audio tour with earbuds.

Related: The best cruises to Canada and New England

Newport Cliff Walk and The Breakers

If you prefer to sightsee by foot and love oceanfront vistas, a Newport Cliff Walk and The Breakers excursion will put you center stage. You can admire Narragansett Bay on one side and the famed mansions of Newport on the other.

While the entire Cliff Walk spans 3 1/2 miles along the scenic coastline, this guided excursion typically covers just 1 1/4 miles as you pass the backyards of some of Bellevue Avenue's most celebrated mansions. The walk ends with a tour of The Breakers, an Italian Renaissance palazzo built in 1895 by Cornelius Vanderbilt II. It features 70 rooms, 27 fireplaces and a central great hall with a 50-foot ceiling.

Important to know: Most Cliff Walk and The Breakers excursions last three hours. The Cliff Walk is flat and paved in this section, but comfortable footwear is a must since this tour involves more than two hours of walking and standing.

Freedom Trail walking tour

Do you love American history? Will you be cruising with school-age kids? A port call in Boston offers a chance to learn about major historic events, such as when the colonies battled for independence from England almost 250 years ago.

A guided walking tour along the city's famed Freedom Trail lets you discover 16 historical sites. These include Boston Common, the Massachusetts State House, the Old South Meeting House (where a gathering sparked the Boston Tea Party in 1773) and the Old North Church. The latter is where Paul Revere placed two lanterns to signal that the British were approaching by sea during his midnight ride on April 18, 1775.

Important to know: Freedom Trail walking tours generally last 3 1/2 hours and cover a distance of 2 to 2 1/2 miles at a moderate pace. The walk generally ends near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, so you might have time to explore on your own before returning to your ship.

Related: The best time for a Canada and New England cruise

Fenway Park and Boston highlights tour

Love 'em or hate 'em, the Boston Red Sox play in one of baseball's most celebrated stadiums: Fenway Park. Book this popular New England cruise excursion, and you'll find yourself among some of the sport's most dedicated fans. All will be eager to step inside the oldest stadium in the major leagues, built in 1912.

You'll see the dugouts, the press box, the manually operated scoreboard, Pesky's Pole in right field and the 37-foot-tall left-field wall known as the Green Monster. On your way to and from Fenway, you'll also take in some of Boston's top historic sites from inside your bus with guided commentary.

Important to know: Family-friendly Fenway Park and Boston highlights tours are generally 3 1/2 hours and involve some walking within the stadium. Tours do not include an actual game, and some areas may be off limits due to activity within the stadium.

Related: An insider's guide to Boston's top 16 attractions

Portland, Maine

Portland highlights and lighthouse tour

Aside from its lobster, Maine is perhaps best known for the lighthouses that dot its rugged coastline. This sightseeing tour showcases a picturesque landmark that has long protected sailors from meeting a tragic end, along with several popular Portland neighborhoods.

After enjoying a bus tour through downtown Portland — home to Victorian houses and a modern Arts District — you'll drive along the scenic coast to Portland Head Light, Maine's oldest lighthouse. Sitting in the onetime military outpost of Fort Williams, the Instagram-worthy landmark dates to 1791 and features beautiful grounds; there's also a museum in the lighthouse keeper's quarters.

Important to know: These scenic tours are generally two hours, and much of that time is spent on the bus. The museum entrance fee ($2) is not always included in the tour cost.

Related: Lobster rolls and lighthouses: The perfect Maine road trip

Kennebunkport

Price: $$-$$$

Exploring Kennebunkport is a popular day trip from Portland. Cruise lines offer several shore excursions to this charming seaside village, perhaps best known as the summer residence of former President George H.W. Bush and first lady Barbara Bush.

Shorter excursions focus on the town's 18th- and 19th-century sea captains' mansions and offer free time to explore independently. They may also include a scenic sailing (the best way to have a look at the Bush compound at Walker's Point).

Longer tours combine bus sightseeing with a scenic cruise, a clam chowder and lobster roll lunch and free time to browse Kennebunkport's shops and galleries.

Important to know: Kennebunkport is approximately a 45-minute drive from Portland, and excursions range from three to seven hours. If you plan to shop, ask the shore excursion desk how much free time will be allotted.

Related: Canada and New England cruise packing list: What to pack for every season

Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia National Park

Your cruise line is likely to offer a variety of excursions that explore Acadia National Park , the coastal preserve known for its share of Maine's 3,478 miles of shoreline and the 360-degree panoramic views from atop 1,530-foot Cadillac Mountain.

The easiest excursions involve sightseeing from a bus (or an executive minicoach on a small-group tour) and generally cover the 27-mile Loop Road and/or coastal highlights. The most strenuous involve hikes or bike rides. Another option is an excursion that combines a Loop tour in Acadia with an authentic lobster bake lunch.

Important to know: Acadia National Park tours range from two to four hours and the visibility from atop Cadillac Mountain depends on weather conditions. Additionally, the park regulates the number of buses allowed to stop atop the mountain, so in September and October (foliage season) tour buses are not always allowed there.

Kayaking in Frenchman Bay

Active, outdoors-loving cruisers can opt to paddle the waters surrounding Mount Desert Island, considered one of the top sea kayaking spots on the East Coast.

Local outfitters provide stable tandem (two-person) kayaks; you'll be instructed on how to perfect a fluid stroke and glide past the scenic coastline off of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. Keep your eyes open for local residents, such as harbor seals, porpoises and bald eagles.

Important to know: Kayaking tours typically last 2 1/2 to three hours and are considered a strenuous excursion. Anyone in good physical condition (upper body strength is key) can participate, and beginners are welcome. You'll hear instructions from a professional guide and get a dry bag.

Related: 5 best fall foliage cruises in New England, Canada and beyond

Saint John, New Brunswick

Whale watching by Zodiac on the Bay of Fundy

From June to October, the Bay of Fundy is home to hundreds of finback and minke whales; humpbacks arrive in late summer. So, a port call here offers an opportunity to view these magnificent creatures as they feed and play.

The Zodiacs (some tours also use larger vessels or catamarans) depart from St. Andrews, about 75 minutes from Saint John. You have a 90% or greater chance of spotting whales as you zip around the bay for two hours. You might also see seals, porpoises and eagles. Most tours allow you free time to explore the picturesque seaside town of St. Andrews, and some include a snack or lunch — typically seafood chowder.

Important to know: Whale watching by Zodiac tours are generally six or seven hours long, and the Zodiacs do have fixed chairs (some with shock absorption). This makes them suitable for most adults without major back or mobility issues and older children (generally ages 9 and above).

Reversing Falls, St. Martins sea caves and the Bay of Fundy

Fallsview Park's dynamic reversing rapids are a must-see when visiting Saint John. Your cruise line will likely offer a variety of Bay of Fundy tours, but look for one that combines a visit to the park with a drive to the small town of St. Martins.

The Reversing Rapids is what happens when the Saint John River meets the strong and dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy. The exchange of water flowing into the bay at low tide and back from the bay at high tide creates a series of rapids and whirlpools.

The highlight in St. Martins is the sea caves, dramatic formations carved into the red-hued cliffs by the tides. You'll walk along the pebble-strewn beach — and even into the cave entrances if your visit is at low tide — and afterward enjoy a hearty bowl of seafood chowder. St. Martins is also home to several covered bridges and gift shops. Before returning to your ship, you'll visit the circa-1876 Old City Market in Saint John.

Important to know: St. Martins is about 70 minutes from Saint John and tours generally last five to six hours. The sights you'll see are dependent on the daily tide schedules and the weather (fog is not uncommon). While this is a moderate activity, some walking is involved, especially to reach the sea caves from the rocky beach.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Peggy's Cove

Peggy's Cove, a coastal village dating back to 1811, has inspired numerous painters and photographers. It's also a popular Canadian cruise excursion destination.

Your ship will likely offer several different excursions here, from a scenic coastal drive and tour to a longer option that allows time to savor a delicious lobster lunch and explore the town's shops and galleries on your own. A highlight is the circa-1914 lighthouse set atop an impressive rocky outcropping. Back in Halifax, some tours also do a drive-by of Province House, where the Nova Scotia House of Assembly has gathered every year since 1819.

Important to know: Excursions to Peggy's Cove range from three to seven hours. The drive from Halifax is about an hour each way, which means shorter tours offer very little time to actually explore the town.

Halifax hop-on, hop-off bus tour

Prefer to sightsee at your own pace? If so, book a tour that lets you utilize Halifax's hop-on, hop-off vintage double-decker buses to explore the sights on its 90-minute loop.

The bus will take you to the Public Gardens, the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, the fashionable North End shopping district and the Fairview Lawn Cemetery, where 121 passengers who perished on the Titanic in April 1912 are laid to rest. Some cruise lines also add extras, such as fast-pass access to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (home to some Titanic memorabilia) and Citadel Hill National Historic Site — a star-shaped fortress constructed in 1856.

Important to know: Buses run every 30 minutes, so plan your stays at the various sights carefully to avoid wasting precious port time.

Related: Best cruise destinations for every type of traveler

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island

Nova Scotia's rich Scottish-Gaelic history and culture come to life during a visit to Cape Breton Island. The area is in eastern Nova Scotia and is encircled by a roadway called the Cabot Trail.

Tours from Sydney, the island's largest city, vary by cruise line. Still, highlights include the Bras d'Or Lakes region, which is home to Highland Village — a cultural center and living history museum dedicated to early Gaelic settlement in Nova Scotia. You'll also visit Baddeck village, the birthplace of Alexander Graham Bell, where you can visit a museum that showcases his life and inventions.

Explore Baddeck's shops and cafes on foot; then make a final stop at Seal Island for a photo op atop Kelly's Mountain overlooking St. Ann's Bay.

Important to know: Canada cruise excursions to Cape Breton last between four and seven hours, with a one-hour drive each way from and to the port in Sydney. A fair amount of walking is required, especially in Highland Village. Longer tours typically include lunch.

Fortress of Louisbourg

History buffs with a penchant for live reenactments can enjoy a guided excursion to the Fortress of Louisbourg, North America's largest reconstructed 18th-century French fortified town.

The original fortress was built from 1720 to 1740 and once ranked as France's most important military and trade center on the continent. The entire 12-acre complex, now a Canadian National Historic Site, is home to more than 50 period buildings. A wide range of characters dressed in mid-18th-century garb offer historical context as they reenact everyday life from almost 300 years ago.

Important to know: The Fortress of Louisbourg is about 45 minutes from Sydney. Excursions of less than four hours may not offer enough time (just 30 to 45 minutes) to explore the complex independently after the guided tour ends. This excursion involves a significant amount of walking.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Anne of Green Gables

There are many reasons to visit Prince Edward Island, including its beach-fringed national parks and fresh-from-the-sea cuisine. But perhaps the biggest tourist draw, especially for literary enthusiasts, is Anne of Green Gables — the character created by PEI native Lucy Maud Montgomery in her series of books for young readers.

Feisty Anne, with her red pigtails and straw bonnet, remains beloved more than a century after her literary debut. Most cruise lines offer a variety of excursions to the place that inspired Montgomery, a farm estate now known as Green Gables Heritage Place. In addition to a museum that chronicles Montgomery's life and literary works, this Canadian National Historic Site encompasses the farm and surrounding woodlands that inspired the author.

Important to know: Tours are generally four to seven hours. If you're a tried-and-true Anne fan, ensure the tour you book allows enough time to explore both the museum and grounds at Green Gables Heritage Place, about 40 minutes from Charlottetown. If your port call is long enough, you might also be able to book separate tickets for "Anne & Gilbert, The Musical," staged in Charlottetown from late May to early October.

Charlottetown culinary tour

Charlottetown is an atmospheric spot to take a foodie walking tour and sample a variety of local specialties. On the menu: oysters, mussels, lobster rolls, french fries made with local PEI potatoes, craft beer and more.

Tip: If you're not completely full, stop at Cows to sample the local ice cream — and buy a bag of Cow Chips (chocolate-covered potato chips) to savor later.

Important to know: Foodie tours generally last about three hours and require you to walk about 2 miles.

Quebec City

A stroll through Old Town

You'll feel like you've been transported back hundreds of years and across the Atlantic to France as you explore the photogenic streets of Quebec City's Old Town with your guide.

Founded in 1608 by French explorer Samuel de Champlain, this UNESCO World Heritage Site charms visitors. Highlights include Lower Town's Place Royale (the city's first settlement) and Le Quartier Petit-Champlain (its first shopping street).

In Upper Town, you'll explore sites that include the Place d'Armes, Dufferin Terrace and Place de l'Hotel de Ville, all while being mesmerized by the towering Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. On some tours, you'll head inside this landmark hotel — constructed in 1893 and inspired by the castles of France — for afternoon tea and pastries. Other strolls conclude with a wine tasting.

Important to know: These walking tours are generally about three hours across hilly and cobblestoned streets.

Montmorency Falls and Ile d'Orleans

Just 20 minutes from Quebec City are the thundering Montmorency Falls, which cascade 270 feet down a cliff face into the St. Lawrence River. The drop is 1 1/2 times that of Niagara Falls.

Some tours here visit the base of the falls for a photo op, while others include a tram ride to the top for spectacular close-up views from a suspension bridge. Some Montmorency excursions also combine a visit to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre, a late-19th-century basilica considered one of the top Catholic shrines in North America. Others stop at the rural Ile d'Orleans (Island of Orleans), just across the river, known for its photogenic villages and hundreds of historic buildings. Some tours also include a stop at a sugar shack where you can sample maple candy and other treats.

Important to know: Tours to Montmorency Falls are typically three to four hours long.

Related: Avoid these 10 mistakes when booking cruise shore excursions

Old Montreal walking tour

Montreal, the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris, is also home to an atmospheric cobblestoned Old Town. This must-see neighborhood is known as Vieux-Montreal and dates to the city's founding in 1642.

Here, you'll find the landmark Place d'Armes and the neo-Gothic Notre-Dame Basilica (its interior is awash in heavenly blue). There's also the Place Jacques-Cartier, lined with cafes. The adjacent Old Port, which stretches along the St. Lawrence River, is a vibrant mix of historic and modern buildings.

Some Old Montreal walking excursions combine top sites with a culinary tour that can include tastes of everything from French pate and cheese to smoked meats and Portuguese custard tarts.

Important to know: Walking tours of Old Montreal are usually 2 1/2 to three hours in length, with most of that time spent on your feet.

Montreal highlights city tour

If walking tours aren't your thing, you can also get a great overview of Montreal via a bus excursion that visits many of the city's architecturally dynamic neighborhoods.

Notable spots include Old Montreal and Notre-Dame Basilica, the city's modern downtown business district, leafy 500-acre Mount Royal Park, Golden Square Mile with its historic Victorian and Renaissance homes and iconic Olympic Park.

Important to know: City tours by bus generally last three hours and are mostly panoramic, meaning you'll spend as much as two-thirds of your time on the bus. There might be three or four stops for photos and a quick visit to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Need free advice? Talk with a Personal Cruise Consultant.

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Share this article, stay updated, your guide to alaska cruises with holland america line.

If Alaska glaciers, wildlife and wilderness adventures top your list for an ultimate vacation, an Alaska cruise with Holland America Line is the way to do it. We have been sharing the wonders of Alaska longer than any other cruise line, and we know how to make the journey an unforgettable one. Here’s your guide to Alaska cruises with Holland America Line:

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2026 Alaska Cruises Now Available for Booking

Experience mesmerizing sights of alaska glaciers & wildlife, explore the wilderness on alaska cruisetours, savor the flavor of fresh fish, travel tips to help you plan the journey.

Embark on the ultimate Alaska cruise vacation with 2026 Alaska cruise itineraries ranging from seven to 28 days. Set sail from Seattle or Vancouver to discover popular Alaska ports, natural wonders and hidden gems. In Juneau, visit Mendenhall Glacier, hike trails to sparkling waterfalls or go on a whale-watching tour. In Ketchikan, experience the rainforests, glaciers and wildlife of Misty Fjords National Monument. Immerse yourself in these destinations and more on shore excursions .

If you want to dive even deeper into Alaska’s wilderness, embark on an Alaska cruisetour with nine to 18-day itineraries. Visit Denali National Park & Preserve, experience the nostalgia of Dawson City in Canada’s Klondike Yukon Territory, and enjoy the sights as you kick back and relax on our private glass-domed railcars. With so much to do and see, you may just find yourself coming back time and time again. Our 2026 Alaska Cruisetours will be available for booking in the near future. If you’re looking to go on a 2025 Alaska Cruisetour , you can book one now.

When you go to Alaska on a Holland America Line cruise, you will see more Alaska glaciers than with any other cruise line. Enjoy up-close views of these icy-blue giants from the comfort of our cruise ship. Experience a day in Glacier Bay National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site – only accessible by air or sea.

Knowing these wonders are as much a highlight for you as they are for us, you can cruise with confidence with our Glacier Guarantee ™. That means if we do not visit a glacier during your Alaska journey, you will receive a Future Cruise Credit equal to 15% of your cruise fare. We have been showcasing the breathtaking wonders of Alaska since 1947, so we know these gigantic glaciers well. We are still in awe every time we see them, and we know you will be, too.

As mesmerizing as the glaciers are, Alaska wildlife will also have you in awe. From whales and seals to Alaska’s “Big Five,” you will have more access to wildlife with Holland America Line than with any other cruise line. Imagine seeing a whale bubble-net feeding and harbor seals floating on ice. Experience the sight of eagles flying overhead, or bears catching salmon along the shore. With more than 175 animal sanctuary, sightseeing and shore excursion activities that bring you close to the creatures of Alaska, you will have many tales to tell.

Plus, as part of our immersive “We Love Alaska” programming, you will have the opportunity to learn more about Alaska’s history, culture, wilderness and wildlife through Alaska Up Close presentations. From wildlife experts to National Park Service Rangers, those who know Alaska best share the significance of every sight.

Our Alaska cruisetours combine land and sea experiences by adding two to 11 days of land exploration to your cruise itinerary. Going beyond shore excursions at Alaska’s ports of call, your cruisetour is made easy with stays at our exclusive 60-acre Holland America Denali Lodge – your base camp for adventure at the gates of Denali National Park & Preserve. Our glass-domed McKinley Explorer® railcars will take you deeper into the wilderness where you could see Alaska’s “Big Five” – bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep and wolves – throughout the journey.

All Alaska cruisetours include a guided visit to Denali National Park & Preserve, and you can also venture into the Yukon on select itineraries, making you feel like you stepped back in time to the days of the Klondike Gold Rush. As the only cruise line that takes you into the heart of the Yukon Territory with expert-led guides, prepare to experience the history and sights of Dawson City .

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dawson City used to be the destination for Gold Rush prospectors in search of fast fortunes. Here you will find guides in costume sharing the history of the town through site tours. Consider stopping by Diamond Tooth Gerties, Canada’s oldest gambling hall, where you can try your luck at various games of chance and take in a can-can show, led by Diamond Tooth Gertie herself. If you want to pan for gold, you can do that, too. In fact, gold is still one of the top industries here.

When you cruise with us you don’t just see the world from your doorstep – you taste it with fresh flavors, locally sourced ingredients and destination-inspired menus. As part of our Global Fresh Fish Program , we serve 100% fresh, traceable wild Alaska seafood that is certified sustainable by Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM). Tasting Alaska’s fresh and flavorful seafood on our ships has long been part of our immersive culinary experiences. If catching a big one is at the top of your list during an Alaska cruise, consider reeling in a catch on select fishing-focused shore excursions and savor every bite onboard through our  Savor My Catch program. Our expert chefs prepare and serve it in a true ocean-to-table experience.

To help you plan an epic and unforgettable Alaska vacation, consider contacting our Personal Cruise Consultants. They are experts on the  Holland America Line cruise experience and have knowledge about destinations around the world, including Alaska. They are here to help you plan every detail of your cruise at no extra cost to you, as this is a complimentary service for our guests. Also explore offers and cruise deals that could be available at the time of your booking to help make the most of your cruise vacation.

Below are additional resources to help you plan an Alaska cruise:

Guide to Glaciers in Alaska Guide to Glacier Bay National Park Whale Watching on an Alaska Cruise How to Find the Best Alaska Wildlife Tours How to Find the Best Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing in Alaska How to Choose the Best Camera for Your Cruise

Using our guide and travel tips, you can prepare for an unforgettable Alaska cruise highlighted by natural wonders and awe-inspiring sights.

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