Long sunny days, charming port towns, perfect weather, and a mix of American and Canadian maritime culture. We made it even better by spending three days in New York City before boarding.

Pre-Cruise: New York City

We stayed at the Marriott Marquis right in Times Square—perfect for being in the middle of everything.

The Big Bus Tour helped us hit the major landmarks. Hop-on, hop-off style, with great views from the open-top deck. We spent a relaxing afternoon in Central Park—strolling the paths, watching street performers near Bethesda Fountain, and enjoying the lush summer greenery. Walking across the Brooklyn Bridge gave us amazing views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty in the distance.

And, we caught The Lion King on Broadway. Highly recommend building in time for a show if you're in the city.

Halifax, Nova Scotia- Peggy's Cove & Lunenburg

Our excursion took us to two classic Nova Scotia towns. First up: Peggy's Cove, a tiny fishing village turned artist community. The iconic red-and-white lighthouse is probably the most photographed in Canada, and standing on those smooth granite rocks. We browsed the local art galleries and then had the best lobster roll we've ever had. Don't leave Peggy's Cove without trying one.

We also stopped in Mahone Bay, a picturesque little town famous for its three waterfront churches lined up in a row. It's one of the most photographed scenes in Nova Scotia. The town has a charming main street with galleries, shops, and cafes.

Big Salmon River **Suspension Bridge** within the Fundy Trail Parkway in New Brunswick

Next was Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It's the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America. Colorful wooden buildings line the waterfront—reds, yellows, blues.

Saint John, New Brunswick- Bay of Fundy Adventures

This stop was all about the Bay of Fundy—home to the highest tides in the world.

We started in St. Martins, a village settled in 1783 with twin covered bridges.

The Fundy Trail Parkway was gorgeous—winding through forests with lookouts over pristine beaches and the bay. We stopped at the Big Salmon Interpretive Centre, hiked some trails, crossed a suspension footbridge over the Salmon River, and checked out a replica sawmill. The real showstopper: the sea caves. The tides have carved dramatic caves into red sandstone cliffs. At high tide, they're completely underwater; at low tide, you can walk right up to them.

Bar Harbor, Maine- Acadia National Park

Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park—the first national park east of the Mississippi. We took a group tour through the park, and it was the perfect way to see the highlights. The drive started along the gorgeous coastline before heading into the park. Acadia sprawls over three main areas, and our focus was Mount Desert Island.

One of the coolest stops was Thunder Hole—a small inlet carved into the granite rocks. When the tidal conditions are right, waves rush into the cavern below and spew out with a thunderous roar. We also got panoramic views of Otter Cliff and the Schoodic Peninsula from here.

Then we turned inland, driving through lush pine forests as we climbed Cadillac Mountain. The 360-degree views from the top are incredible—Bar Harbor below, islands scattered across the bay.

Portland & Newport- Wandering Days

Not every port needs a planned excursion. In Portland and Newport, we just wandered.

Portland's Old Port district is great for strolling—cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and tons of restaurants. It's earned its foodie reputation.

Newport has that classic New England coastal charm. We walked along the harbor, checked out the wharves, and soaked in the Gilded Age atmosphere.

Wrapping Up

This cruise was a great mix of city excitement, natural beauty, and maritime charm. Add a few pre-cruise days in NYC if you can—it really sets the tone.

And whatever you do, get the lobster roll in Peggy's Cove.

7-Day Canada & New England Cruise from New York