Are you looking for an alternative to the Caribbean for a summer cruise? Look to the northeast: New England and Maritime Canada aren’t just for fall color cruises. The area’s natural beauty, rich history and love of celebrations come alive in the warmer months, making it a great choice for a summer voyage. In fact, you may find that summer is the best time to sail the region. Here are a few reasons why.
Summer is prime time to follow the Cliff Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. It’s the best way to admire the Gilded Age mansions along the shore – The Breakers, Marble House, The Elms and more. Many of these were built as summer homes for the wealthiest families of the day and are at their best when the gardens are in bloom.
July and August are soft-shell lobster season in Maine. The tasty crustaceans shed their hard shells (so they can grow bigger ones), providing a seasonal treat. Soft shell lobsters are known for their sweet taste. They don’t travel well, so they are best eaten when and where they are caught (look for them on menus in Bar Harbor).
Halifax, Nova Scotia, celebrates its seafaring heritage and culture all year long, but especially in the summer. You may dock in the midst of a yacht race, an international military tattoo, a jazz festival, a celebration of indigent peoples or immigrant heritage, or even the International Busker Festival. You’ll enjoy the lively pub life of Halifax, too.
Prince Edward Island is a bucket-list destination for many fans of "Anne of Green Gables,” which is set on this island province. From mid- June through September, you can catch a musical version of the beloved book at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown. It’s been the headline event of the Charlottetown Festival, a celebration of the arts, for more than 50 years.
As an added incentive, the best time to see whales off the Atlantic coast is June through September. You may spot some playful seals, too.
You can choose from a delightful variety of itineraries of various lengths for your summer cruise of New England and Canada. Depending on your cruise line, you can embark from Baltimore, Boston, New York City, Quebec or Montreal. There are round-trip cruises, as well as one-way cruises that may enable you to experience more of the region. To explore all of the options, talk with Anita, your professional travel advisor.