With more cruises heading for Canada’s eastern provinces in 2024 and beyond, Isobel Turner asks Azamara, Princess and Celebrity Cruises for their best itineraries
1. Culture
What’s the brief?
A couple would like to spend time exploring some lesser-visited cities. Their main wish is to immerse themselves in the places they visit and get a feel for the local way of life, so their itinerary should include plenty of time for exploring and some cultural activities.
Michael Pawlus, head of itinerary planning, Azamara
“After an eight-year break, Azamara will return to Canada in 2025, and our 15-night Greenland, Newfoundland & Quebec voyage on Azamara Quest is perfect for these travellers. The itinerary is crafted to offer longer port stays and the perfect combination of hotspots and hidden gems.
“The ship departs Reykjavik and visits four ports in Greenland, before sailing south for an overnight in St John’s on the Canadian island of Newfoundland. The next stop is the lesser-explored St Pierre, capital of the French St Pierre and Miquelon archipelago, which is home to French restaurants and ancient architectural treasures underneath the colonnaded cathedral. “In Quebec, Saguenay is accessed by cruising down the Saguenay Fjord, where breathtaking mountains tower on either side.
We dock here from 10am to 9pm – ample time for exploring the vibrant city and sampling the local delicacies, including broad-bean soup and blueberry pies. “No Canadian itinerary is complete without a visit to Quebec City. It’s a walkable city, so it’s easy to explore the Château Frontenac (pictured) and Place Royale. I recommend a trip on the St Lawrence River to soak up the sense of history.”
Book it: Azamara’s Greenland, Newfoundland & Quebec sailing starts at £4,538, excluding flights, departing July 21, 2025.
azamara.com
2. History and nature
What’s the brief?
A multigenerational family would like to book a 10-day sailing that visits historic points of interest. As first-time visitors to Canada, they’d like to learn about the country’s past and visit a couple of national parks. On board, they want activities that the whole family can take part in.
Nick Hughes UK and Europe sales director, Princess Cruises
“Following the recent expansion of our 2024 programme in this region, I’d recommend our Classic Canada & New England voyage. After departing from Boston, Massachusetts, then calling at Portland, Maine, Emerald Princess’s first stop on Canadian soil is the city of Saint John (pictured), home to the country’s oldest settlement.
Here, passengers can witness the natural phenomenon of the Bay of Fundy’s ‘reversing rapids’, where changing tides force the river to flow upstream. “In Halifax, the waterfront and Maritime Museum of the Atlantic are worth exploring.
“We also call in Charlottetown, a city where nature and heritage come together. Green Gables Heritage Place, set in sprawling 19th-century gardens, celebrates local author LM Montgomery, while just along the coast in Prince Edward Island National Park, visitors can hike, cycle or simply enjoy a picnic on the beach. “There’s something for all ages in each port, while Emerald Princess has clubs for children and teens, plus a spa just for adults.”
Book it: Princess Cruises’ 10-day Classic Canada & New England sailing starts at £799, excluding flights, departing August 28, 2024.
princess.com
3. Food
What’s the brief?
Two foodie friends are interested in seeing the sights and tasting some of Atlantic Canada’s finest produce. They’d like to explore a few cities, sample traditional dishes and soak up the local culture. On board, they want to be able to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Charlotte Hallam, field sales manager, Celebrity Cruises
“I’d recommend our 11-night Boston, Maine & Canada sailing, which spends time in some of Canada’s most established culinary destinations. “Celebrity Eclipse (pictured) departs Boston, Massachusetts, and makes a stop in Rockland, Maine, before docking in Halifax.
The Annapolis Valley is perfect for tasting local wines and cheeses, and marvelling at the breathtaking views across the Bay of Fundy. “In the small town of Sydney, visitors can enjoy historical sites, natural beauty and the day’s freshest catch – hard-shelled lobster and cold-water shrimp are just a few menu staples.
“Foodies will love Quebec City, birthplace of the world-famous poutine. Aside from this traditional Canadian dish of chips, cheese curds and gravy, the Montreal-style bagels and tourtière (meat pies) are unbeatable. “The culinary delights aren’t restricted to the ports, either – Celebrity Eclipse’s restaurants serve dishes created by Michelin-starred chefs. There are plenty of places to relax after a busy day, including the Lawn Club, where 2,000sq m of grass is the ideal spot for enjoying the scenery.”
Book it: The cruise-only fare for Celebrity Cruises’ Boston, Maine & Canada sailing starts at £3,561, based on two adults sharing an Ocean View Stateroom, departing September 8, 2024.
celebritycruises.com
PICTURES: Celebrity Cruises/Michel Verdure; Steve Dunlop; Neil Hanna; Shutterstock/Aqnus Febriyant, Sergii Figurnyi
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