Want to cruise, but not interested in the Caribbean — fall is the time of year to visit ports-of-call between Baltimore and Quebec, Canada. Last year, Cruise Atlantic Canada reported nearly 650,000 Americans sailed to the region’s six major ports in the four Provinces: Saint John in New Brunswick, St. John’s and Corner Brook in Newfoundland and Labrador, Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia and Charlottetown in Prince Edward Island.
Because it’s an easy vacation choice for grandparents and toddlers, many families touring Eastern Canada and New England opt for cruising on a luxury liner instead of a driving trip. It sure beats being stuck in a car where someone has to keep their eyes on the road while another is trying to make sense of a map. The captain of the cruise ship will ensure you get from port to port and, best of all, you and your family don’t have to fight over directions.
Atlantic Leaf Peeping Sailings
The rich mix of English, Celtic and French Acadian culture, along with the spectacular coastal scenery and easy-on-the-tummy, close-to-shore routes has made these fall foliage cruises surprisingly popular.
With regular sailings from four major Eastern Seaboard ports — New York, Boston, Baltimore and Cape Liberty, New Jersey — there are also enough choices to keep cruise prices pretty competitive. Major cruise lines offering itineraries in this region include: Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Cunard, Holland America, Oceania, Pearl Seas, Norwegian, P&O, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Seabourn, Silversea, Swan Hellenic and Travel Dynamics.
Adventuring families should note that several expedition lines also call at the region’s ports including: Adventure Canada, One Ocean Expedition, Lindblad Expeditions and Wanderbird Expedition Cruises but these are not appropriate for young children.
Exploring Northern US and Canada Ports-of-Call
Here are some favorite shore excursions on this itinerary.
A great view of Boston can be seen from the Prudential Skywalk Observatory, and once you’ve seen the city from above, you can catch a Boston Duck Tour at the base of the Prudential Center. It is a fully narrated land and water tour in an authentic WWII amphibious vehicle that takes you on the Charles River. After being on the water, you may want to learn what comes out of the sea with a visit to The New England Aquarium and a stop at the Simons IMAX Theatre. A short walk from there is Faneuil Hall and the Quincy Market Building, a great place to pick up souvenirs.
Bar Harbor is a quaint coastal town in Maine known for nearby Acadia National Park. Cars are only allowed on a road along the park, so preferably, plan to bike, hike, or take a carriage tour. You can even go by horseback.
Halifax is the capital city of the province of Nova Scotia and an historic city tour featuring the Province House and the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. There are tours of Halifax that also include a drive to the picturesque fishing town of Peggy’s Cove, which is one of Canada’s most photographed sights.
Sydney is known for its miners and its music – internationally known Celtic songstress Rita MacNeil lives about a block from where the cruise ships dock. Most land tours include a trip to the Cape Breton Miners Museum and a seven-hour jaunt on the scenic Cabot Trail.
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island. Once on land in PEI, you can’t but help notice the soil is a rich red, as rich as the history itself. Fans of Lucy Maude Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books can visit Cavendish where you can actually walk through the homestead of this beloved fictional character. You leave believing the little red head girl really must have lived.
The charm of Quebec can be seen in the below video:
When the ship docks in Quebec City, it is like stepping back in time, into the first French city in North America; the old part of the city is rich with historic buildings, chic boutiques and cafes on every corner. Quebec City is a great place to brush up on your high school French.
Holland America has a Typical Leaf Peekers Route
Holland America Line, a pioneer in this region, offers three ships sailing throughout New England through late October. The popular ms Maasdam and the ms Veendam sail seven-day cruises and the ms Eurodam (10-day trips) alternate departures between Boston, New York and Quebec City. Ports-of-call include Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax, Sydney, St. John’s, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Quebec City. The departures during September, for “fall foliage cruises,” are usually the most popular.
One of our writers joined about 1,200 other passengers aboard the Maasdam, one of the more “intimate” ships in the HAL fleet. She and her family really appreciated the lush amenities and complimentary fruit basket – just in case you need to snack between the multitudes of meals offered during the cruise and the 24-hour room service. Club HAL keeps kids ages 3-12 busy with age-appropriate activities, so parents and grandparents have time to catch up with each other. Or adults can take advantage of the classes, fitness rooms, fine dining and spa on board if they’re kid-free.
Other Major Canada & New England Cruise Options
Keep in mind that most cruise companies only offer this itinerary in the spring, summer and fall seasons, then move ships to Alaska or the Caribbean in summer. Here are some popular options for family cruise vacations.
Carnival has shorter four or five-day Canada/New England cruises with stops at Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia in Canada; Portland in Maine; and Boston, Massachusetts aboard the Carnival Glory through late-fall.
Celebrity Cruises has longer 13 and 14-night cruises leaving from Bayonne, New Jersey and stopping at four ports in Canada.
Crystal Cruises is offering a variety of themed itineraries on seven to 10-day cruises throughout New England and Canada with stops at Saint John, New Brunswick and Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Cunard has autumn themed cruises that include cities like New York City, Bar Harbor, Saint John, New Brunswick and more. Cruise durations can range from 5-20 nights.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers seven day or 10-day excursions from either Boston, New York, Philadelphia or Quebec City. Ports include Saint John, New Brunswick; Charlottetown; and Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia.
Princess Cruises offers seven to 12-day cruises between New York City, Quebec and all the way south to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Royal Caribbean has 7 to 11-day Canada & New England cruises that depart from Cape Liberty Cruise Port, New Jersey and Baltimore, Maryland, with stops in Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine as well as New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Boston.
Budget Alternatives for a Foliage Sailing
There’s nothing as relaxing as a cruise on a major line, where you can leave the cooking, cleaning, bed-making and driving to someone else. However, the states of New England and the Atlantic Canada region do offer many budget alternatives in the way of ferries. These large working boats transport passengers and cars all year round and, in fall especially, offer great packages with local on-shore hotels to accommodate families who are using them for recreational leaf-peeping instead of workaday transport.
The state of Maine has a variety of ferry options along its coast as well as north to Canada. Nova Star Cruises is a major Canadian company that sails overnight between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia — and they even welcome your pets onboard. Check out their value pricing for a budget cruise experience.
Bay Ferries Limited and Northumberland Ferries are the Canadian cruise ferries that serve passengers traveling between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Together, their routes make stops at Halifax, Lunenburg, Cape Breton, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis Valley and South Shore in Nova Scotia; and also Saint John, New Brunswick and Charlottetown or Wood Islands, PEI –depending on the route you choose. Check out their site for specials that combine ferry passage with land based accommodations.
Happy sailing!
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“We could change our clothes less often and the world more often.”
Wow. Just… wow.
Congratulations :]
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Thanks for writing. I hear you and respect your view point. I guess it's all in the attitude and approach. Just concerned that the spas may promote a self-centered attitude, but you don't think so and that's cool.
Best
I love holidays and weekend breaks. Recently we stay at an authentic Castle in France.
It would be good to have more chains like Premier Inn, especially in Europe
Inn
Give Kids the world
Dreams for some, Nightmears for others
Everyone that visits Give Kids the World comes out very please, that's because of the great treatment and better yet for its facilities, well thats what people see from the outside what goes on inside is a different story. The worse this that could ever happend to any one trying to provide for their home, I am a ex-employee and I want the world to know while you may see all of us with a smile in our face, thats not what we truly feel. In this company there is what's called competition for power, also hatred between employees and most of all ethnic racism there is no such thing as employee relationship due to the bad administration that depends on what people can say there for approving of those they like and getting rid of those that they don't that many not occure with all hispanics only with those thats are not liked.The sad part about all of this is that every conversation White American has with their Group is no simpler then how they are going to get rid of the next guy without even investigate anything about that person as has happend in the past few months all put together but a group whos leader is Richard Bortula (profecional racist) and has use people like Jhon Bushko to put together stories about all the hispanic which get carried out to the person in charge of executing their employees no matter how profecional or respectful they are whith out any respect the person I am talking about is Neal McCord Acompanied by the person in charge of human resorces Taberi Scott(another racist). She is in charge of dismising inocent hispanic for no operant reason yet the other American who have been know for several offences and untocheble for these two people. The last thing is when Richard Bortula uses two other latins to accuse another latin of racism that leading to his dissmisal and not giving him any explanation not even the benefit of the doubt. Ladies and Gentelments unfortunately this is an institute were the main goal is to provide well being and happy relationships but all of this happenings is due to the administration once again. All I have to say is, what kind of dreams is a kiss going to have when his or her dad cant buy them a chritsmas present, This is not a dream this is a Nightmear.
I know a natural supplement for flu and colds. It is not like cough and cold preparations in the stores which only deal with symptomatic relief. It strengthens our resistance to the viral infection.
This natural supplement is Sinus Eliminato Complex.
Sinus Eliminato complex is made up of Carpinus Betulus (Hornbeam) buds, Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) young shoots, Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) buds, Populus Nigra (Black Poplar), Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) and Juglans Regia (Wlanut) buds.
Fecka (2009) has isolated tannins and polyphenols from Rosa Canina. Polyphenols act as antioxidants. They protect cells and body chemicals against damage caused by free radicals, reactive atoms that contribute to tissue damage in the body. In addition, polyphenols also activate the key enzyme (AMP kinase) that can exert an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the activation of inducible inflammatory proteins that normally occurs once the innate immune system has been activated.
A study done by Roschek et al (2009) has shown that Sambucus Nigra (Black Elder) has flavonoids which bind to and prevent H1N1 infection.
Also contained in Sinus Eliminato are a variety of plant growth hormones and vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, which can certainly fight off infection and boost immune resistance during the cold months!
WHY WASTE HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS during this economic recession for only temporary symptomatic relief when you have a natural supplement which you can buy for $ 30 a bottle and experience relief after 1-2 weeks and boost immune resistance as well to prevent repeated viral infections which can cost you thousands of dollars in clinic visits, medicines and hospitalizations? NOT TO MENTION your lost time in work.. and the time you can spend with your kids and loved ones!
Sinus Eliminato Complex can be purchased at PSC Nutrition’s website: http://store.plantstemcells.net.
For more top tips and advice on fun family holidays and breaks in London, including family friendly hotels and things to do visit http://www.takethefamily.com
I don't get why Brian Head is up there – it does have a lovely ski school for kids but it can't even come close to the other areas you mention or many other western US resorts for a family experience. It's really a day trip for people who live in Las Vegas!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful story. You make some great points and I hope to have the experience you did one day.
I especially like that you wish that kind of eye-opening experience for the people you care about too.
Can anyone tell me where I can buy golden russet apples.
Thanks
I did my essay on Honduras too! How refreshing 🙂
Vanessa, great article! Another great source of both domestic and international vacation condos/resorts/villas/homes is http://www.VacationValuesClub.com With over 2 Million weeks in 200 countries, there are a lot of choices at prices that are really affordable- especially for a family. Check it out
I love Europe!
We get many questions from parents about their kids traveling within the US, over state lines, with guardians other than their parents.
It is illegal to cross U.S. state lines with a minor without custodial parents' consent, and the age of "minors" varies across the states. However, the families within this travel community have never complained about having a problem when inviting friends of their children along on a trip, for example, so we have little experience with this issue.
Therefore, this article is for travel outside the United States, where there are clear international laws in place to prevent international child abduction.
Within the US, temporary guardians should use the same permission to travel letter as well as medical treatment authorization letter noted at the end of the article, when possible.
Keep in mind that these laws are in place to allow authorities to investigate a traveling party if they notice suspicious activity (such as children who resist going with adults). Of course, the majority of travelers will never be stopped and questioned. For most of you, if the birth parents are easily available by phone, then making a daytrip should not be a problem.
nice to know 😀
What a great article! We went to Tulum a few years back, before we had kids, and loved staying in the $15 cabanas on the beach but always wondered how to go back with the little ones … you have given us an option!
I would like to know if a permission letter from my son and Daughter inlaw and my grand Daughters birth certificate is enough to take my 10 yr old grand daughter
on a day trip in to the U.S.A
I agree that these ski trips are expensive, and although I enjoy going with the family I don't ski, and have no urge to learn at my age. I love going with the family however, but spend all my time at the spa and the lounge in front of the fire.
In this article the author comes across as the typical 'progressive' who feels apologetic about their country.
I found online trip planning tools to be a great resource when i wsa planning our reunion. Nice sites for planning are http://www.triporama.com and tripit.com. We planned out our hotels through http://www.groople.com and once through http://www.hotelscouter.com All the resources can be found with simple searches online. It used to be much different when we were growing with actual maps and stopping for directions.
Planning an event, whether large or small, can be a challenge
Hi, a tutu is what we would call a taxi in Anerica. They get you from one place to another and they are mad so different. They don’t have doors on them, they can fit about 3-4 people in them. They don’t have a steering wheel what the driver drive with is made like a motorcyle steering wheel. They are so fun and amazing… If you would visit the website at the bottom of my article you will get a chance to see one… Thanks for your interest in my article…
We are off to the Whitsundays with our two girls for ten days and the article sounds great. We're provisioning ourselves though, as we save alot of money each time we sail from Shute Harbour. We've also practised man-overboard procedure in our pool and have increased the frequency of our girls swimming lessons and have stinger suits.
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Nice article. I have traveled Ireland many times and loved staying in Self Catering vacation rentals. It's like having a home form home and provides lots of space for the kids.
"parents …will find that the special infant fare is currently offered on all major domestic airlines;" Not all of them. "Delta does not offer discounted infant and child fares for travel within the domestic U.S." according to their website.
Made my mouth water. A great piece. Can't wait to return to discover the places you did and we didn't.
Great piece! Very insightful!
what a fascinating article
it certainly makes the cove palace come to life
seems like a great place to go
alison you brought it to life
We did a similar trip when our daughter was 6 at Club Med. However, that was much more costly and with fewer options.
This sounds great.
I loved reading your article. Our family tends to vacation your USUAL way (that is, no big all- inclusive resort package) yet reading your piece I realized how much our teenage kids would enjoy that type of experience- whoa! A teenage LOUNGE? Cool!! So if indeed such a holiday can be had as you say at an economic price- why not? Who knows, maybe next time we might just head down to Mexico ourselves- the easy way!
PS: We are interested in Eastern Europe and are considering a family holiday in Serbia or Croatia- Any suggestions? Maybe there are some good family deals over there?
Indy is a great place to visit … so many things to do, yet very walkable and convenient. And affordable.
"Chinggis" Tourist Camp is located in the Southern Part of Terelj National Park ( GPS: N47°49.893', E107° 31.339') in the beautiful natural Tuul river Nomad's Sacred Valley of streams, pine trees with mountains and steppes in the background , just 55km (25miles) from Ulaanbaatar city."Chinggis" Tourist Camp is Highly recommended by "Lonely Planet Mongolia", by the author Michael Kohn and Mongolian Tourism Board. "Chinggis" Tourist Camp, was inaugurated in July 2002 in memory of "Chinggis" Khaan's 840th Birthday Celebration!.This lovely traditional tourist camp owned by Samar Magic Tours LLC, lies on the bank of "Tuul" river between 107°31'29" Longitude and 47°49'32'' Latitude. The average altitude is 1446m (4338 feet) above sea level. "
-A 40 meter (~133,3 feet) Statue of "Chinggis" Khaan on a big horse on Tsonjin Boldog Hill is located just ~3kms (~1,5miles) to "Chinggis" Tourist Camp.
-Around 15km (~7.5miles) Southeast of the "Chinggis" Tourist Camp is an 8th-century Turkic Stele of Tonyukuk.
Hi Shamita,
What’s a tutu… it sounds pretty funny.
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Whew!*sigh of relief* Fathers are really amazing, they can comfort you whenever possible. This post made me realize that diffrent people has diffrent cultures, it just that, sometimes, we need to trust others, as one saying goes “If you’ll never learn to trust, how can you find the good guys?” 😉
Life’s really like that, sometimes, learnings come from unexpected places. Good for you atleast that experience made you a better person.:)
hi to all my family?
The author mentions 2 highly regarded companies, Nabila Tours and Sonesta, an American hotel chain that has boats on the Nile. Both companies have links in the story, and both can help with land arrangements as well.
Another author traveled with Oberoi Tours, an Indian hotel chain with Nile boats, and loved her trip. You can read about it on http://www.travelBIGO.com.
For more help, please fill out a Custom Trip Plan request form at this link: http://www.travelbigo.com/trip_plans/new and we'd be glad to help you.
Wish all the family have a nice time in China.
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Halong Bay Kayaking: Halong bay cover the area of 1600square km with 3000 plus islets rising above the emerald water. This 3 day trip is not only for the adventure- bound traveller but also for those who appreciate seafood or time on the water
Sapa Vilage Walking: This unique trek itinerary suitable for most active traveller. The remote northern Town of Sapa close to the Chinese border offers some ofVietnam's most colorful experiences. Layer upon layer of blue ridges fade into the distance, edged by sharp, rocky peaks and lust green rice paddies in between highlight the beauty of the region.
Festival Hue: Visit Hue by the waterway. The all day boat trip give us a chance to visit the ancient capital of Vietnam: tomb of the Emperor, Perfume river, Pagodas… Hue own its beauty to its narrow treet, tranquil garden houses and old pagodas
Vung Tau Golf tour: Located just 100 km in the west of Hochiminh City, Vung Tau is perfect relaxing place for the locals in the City. The trip combine golfing and relaxing in the top resort of Vietnam.
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RoomSaver's website says that they are available in all of the lower 48 states, so they are no longer limited to 33. I love using them myself, both for the discounts as well as the free maps! I even follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
Who can you recommend to book us an organized tour for a family of three. Travel would be between December 21, 2009 and January 1, 2010.
This is such a good story and you make a really good point about how people — often more than places — make up the travel experience. I hope I sit next to you on a plane some day.
hello, i would like to spend ma holidays in engaging in that forum, so i need an invitation letter. Hope to hear from u.
Ruth.
I'm goin to travel to another state to see my family, and my cousin wants me to take her 6month baby boy so the family can meet him. What kind of form would I need in order for me to travel with my cousin's baby?
Please e-mail me and I woild appreciate your help.
wonderful!!
Please send me a copy of letter of concent so that I may use it to travel with my children Thank you