Taxi! Take Me to New England!
July 29, 2005
It's no secret that New England cruises during peak foliage season are spectacular. Rightly famous for breathtaking autumn colors, this region is also known for the early arrival of that crisp autumn air you've been longing for since--oh, say "the first day of summer"
In New England and Canada, that fresh, cool air starts knocking on the door of places like Bar Harbor, Maine around September 1st and so begins the changing of the leaves. Travel by cruise ship is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience this natural phenomenon. The vision of charming seaside towns and bright reds, oranges, and yellows reflected against the deep blue waters is only part of it; the real joy comes in having your own designated driver and avoiding the humungous headache that navigating your way through the area inevitably produces.
Far from the likes of a taxi cab, these ships—big and small—are some of the most magnificent in the industry. Often compared to as floating resorts or five star hotels, these amenity-filled ships offer everything from spa treatments and Broadway-style entertainment to luxurious accommodations and exquisite dining.
From September through October, New England cruises call upon ports of all sizes--from the quaint coastal fishing villages to the thriving metropolitan cities. Itineraries vary from 4- to 12-night sailings, round-trip as well as one-way.
Destinations vary by cruise line and ship size. Itineraries may include passing through Nantucket Sound, cruising around Cape Cod, or into the Bay of Fundy or Gulf of St. Lawrence. Some ships traverse the St. Lawrence Seaway or the smaller Saguenay River. New England cruises typically stop in ports like Bar Harbor, Maine; Newport, Rhode Island; and the ports of Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick in Canada.
Smaller cruise ships have the option of visiting dozens of other, smaller ports, like New London, Connecticut; Portland, Maine; Fall River, New Bedford, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts; Lunenburg and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Corner Brook in Newfoundland.
Shore excursions on New England cruises also vary by cruise line. In Boston, you'll have your pick of historic tours, walking or by trolley, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. If your cruise lands you in the port at Bar Harbor, Maine, one the most scenic options in all of New England is the tour up to Acadia National Park. In Halifax enjoy a freshly-caught lobster lunch or an invigorating bike trip along the scenic St. Lawrence River.
Some cruise lines offer optional extended shore excursions. For instance, Crystal offers a Broadway performance and private lunch with the cast of Wicked in New York and an evening theater outing in Boston to see the Blue Man Group or Shear Madness.
New England cruises have become so popular that six of the larger cruise lines including Carnival, Celebrity, Holland America, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Princess, have ships in the area for the short September/October 2005 season. There also are four luxury lines servicing Canada and New England cruises this year: Crystal Cruises, Cunard Line, Radisson Seven Seas and Silversea.
Norwegian will have the newest ship running Canada and New England Cruises this year as the Norwegian Jewel is expected to debut in August. The 2,376-passenger ship will offer 11-night New England cruises round-trip from New York, which will include stops in Boston, Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, and Saint John. This itinerary includes cruising time in Cabot Strait, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Saguenay River, and the Bay of Fundy.
Royal Caribbean has the most recently refurbished ship cruising in New England this year. The 2,252-passenger Enchantment of the Seas will be sailing 7-night cruises out of Boston including ports at Martha's Vineyard, Bar Harbor, Portland, Halifax, and Saint John's.
Princess Cruises has two ships in the region this fall, the Golden Princess and Sea Princess. Golden Princess will sail a series of seven weeklong cruises round-trip from New York, visiting Boston, Newport, Bar Harbor, Halifax, and Saint John. Sea Princess, the smaller of the two, will be sailing 10-night one-way cruises between New York and Quebec City. Ports include Newport, Boston, Bar Harbor, Saint John, Halifax, and Corner Brook, with cruising on the Saguenay River.
For more information, call 888-267-1232 to speak with a knowledgeable Cruise Specialist.
