Autumn. It`s a season of vibrant colors, when the air turns crisp yet the temperature remains comfortably warm and the skies are a robin`s egg blue. Fall is a season like no other…
Autumn. It`s a season of vibrant colors, when the air turns crisp yet the temperature remains comfortably warm and the skies are a robin`s egg blue. Fall is a season like no other. And the best way to take it all in is aboard a cruise on one of the member line ships of the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the marketing and training organization that represents the 19 leading cruise lines serving North America.
Fall foliage cruises traverse picturesque landscapes that glow in brilliant hues of gold, yellow, red and orange. These voyages also visit quaint coastal villages and world-class destinations, including New York, Boston, Montreal and Quebec City.
There`s nothing quite like a cruise to Canada and New England, said Terry L. Dale, president and CEO of CLIA. Vacationers on these voyages not only see an ever-changing panorama of fall foliage as they sail up the coast to Canada – but also take in the charms of the region`s quaint towns and the diverse cultures and attractions of New York and Boston.
Along the way, cruise passengers can sample such regional fare as New England clam chowder and lobster. Guests will also experience French culture in Quebec and Montreal and encounter Nova Scotia`s charm in the smaller ports of Sydney and Halifax.
Optional sightseeing excursions on fall foliage cruises run the gamut – from clambakes on private islands to Broadway shows to culinary tours in Boston`s Italian North End. Travelers will also have the chance to take a walking tour of stately Quebec City, tour St. John`s Bay of Fundy by jet boat or visit lighthouses in Maine.
Following is a list of fall foliage itineraries available aboard CLIA member cruise lines.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES
Carnival`s Carnival Triumph will sail a series of five four-, five- and seven-day fall foliage cruises round-trip from New York, between September 10 and October 1. Ports include Boston, Portland, and Sydney and Halifax in Nova Scotia. Sightseeing highlights include scenic Peggy`s Cove, the Fortress of Louisburg and the Moosehead Brewery. From Portland, guests can board a private boat for a cruise through Casco Bay to an island for a lobster bake.
CELEBRITY CRUISES
Constellation will offer guests some of the region`s best presentations of fall foliage on two 12-night sailings roundtrip from Cape Liberty, N.J., in September and October. Highlights include Boston; Bar Harbor, Halifax; an overnight stay in Quebec City; the Saguenay River; and Portland. Among the sightseeing options are trips from Quebec City to the St. Anne de Beaupre shrine, combined with a visit to the spectacular Montmorency Falls – one-and-a-half times as high as Niagara Falls.
CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal offers five itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days aboard Crystal Symphony in September and October. Highlights include New York, Bar Harbor and Canada`s Halifax – among a host of other destinations. Optional sightseeing tours include a Broadway performance and private lunch with the cast of Wicked in New York, an evening theater outing in Boston to see Blue Man Group or Shear Madness, and coastal kayaking along Bar Harbor`s Frenchman`s Bay.
CUNARD LINE
Cunard`s famous Queen Mary 2 will sail on a 12-day Splendours of the Fall cruise round-trip from New York, departing September 26, 2005. Highlights include Sydney, Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; Quebec City; Halifax; Portland; Boston and Newport. Optional sightseeing excursions include a Pubs tour in Halifax that begins with a complimentary beer tasting to prepare participants` palates for the evening`s reverie. Roving musicians will serenade guests on the pub-crawl.
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
Maasdam will operate on eight itineraries to the Canada/New England region in September and October. Highlights include cruising the St. Lawrence River, Quebec City, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The line`s Medallion Special Collection shore excursions, designed for seasoned travelers, provide a unique perspective on the culture, history and heritage of areas visited and include exclusive options such as becoming a 19th-century Redcoat soldier for a day.
MSC CRUISES
Canada and New England aren`t the only places featuring beautiful foliage during the fall. Leaves change color around the world. Travelers can combine the joys of viewing glorious fall scenery with an MSC Cruises` Mediterranean sailing, viewing the autumn wildflowers and natural beauty of Greece, Italy, Spain and Turkey while enjoying the Italian ambiance, hospitality and cuisine found on the six MSC Cruises` ships sailing in the Mediterranean — without the summer crowds.
NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE (NCL)
NCL`s brand-new Norwegian Jewel, which debuts in Europe in August, will sail on a series 11-day Canada/New England itineraries roundtrip from New York beginning September 18. Itinerary highlights include Boston; Bar Harbor; cruising Cabot Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence in Halifax; Quebec City; cruising the Saguenay River; Sydney; cruising the Bay of Fundy; and St. John. Sightseeing excursions include sea kayaking, a haunted Halifax walking tour and whale-watching sojourns.
PRINCESS CRUISES
Princess` Canada/New England cruises are available from September 3 through October 24, 2005. Golden Princess returns with a series of seven weeklong sailings, roundtrip from New York. Sea Princess will debut in the region with three departures of a new 10-day itinerary from New York to Quebec City. The ship will also sail one Canada/Colonial America voyage along the full length of the Atlantic coast – visiting five of the U.S.`s 13 original colonies.
RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
Seven Seas Navigator will sail Canada/New England waters in September and October on seven-eight- and nine-night itineraries between New York and Montreal. The season kicks off with a 10-night itinerary from Norfolk, Va., to Montreal on Sept. 6. The line is offering a host of unusual optional shore excursions, including a ghost tour of Quebec and an excursion via a World War II amphibious vehicle known as the Boston Duck.
ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
From September 4 to 18, 2005, Royal Caribbean`s Enchantment of the Seas will sail out of Boston on seven-night itineraries to Martha`s Vineyard, Bar Harbor, Portland, Halifax and St. John`s. On September 25, the ship sails from Boston to Quebec; and on October 2, the ship sails a seven-night itinerary from Quebec to Fort Lauderdale. Sightseeing highlights include a visit to Maine`s Acadia National Park, and a canoe trip and lobster bake.
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Silver Whisper will offer nine-, 10-, and 11-day cruises in September and October. Three itineraries sail between Montreal and New York and a fourth sails from Boston to Montreal. Highlights of the nine, 10- and 11-day itineraries include Bar Harbor, Boston, Corner Book Halifax, Sydney as well as many other destinations. A popular Silversea sightseeing option is a flightseeing tour in Nova Scotia, including the Annapolis Valley, in all its autumnal splendor.
YACHTS OF SEABOURN
Seabourn Pride will sail seven-day cruises between New York and Quebec City that can be booked as 14-day combination itineraries. September 18 and Oct. 2 sailings from New York to Quebec call at Bar Harbor, Lunenburg and Sydney. A complimentary excursion takes passengers to the Highland Games at Sydney`s Gaelic College. On Sept. 25 And Oct. 9 the ship will call at Halifax, Boston and Newport, sailing between Quebec and New York.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
