New England Charm toCanadian Shores
From Boston's historic harbor through Maine's rugged coast, across Nova Scotia's maritime charm, and into the European elegance of Old Quebec — a 14-night voyage through lighthouses, lobster, and the St. Lawrence River.
Port Guides
Six unique destinations — from New England charm to Maritime Canada — with return visits to explore even more. Tap the + on any item to build your wishlist and send it to Marley.
Portland
Maine, USA
Maine's largest city packs a serious punch for its size. The Old Port district is a maze of cobblestone streets lined with independent boutiques, galleries, and more restaurants per capita than almost any city in America. Portland is a foodie paradise — from freshly caught lobster on the waterfront to James Beard Award-winning kitchens. The craft beer scene rivals cities ten times its size.
Top Experiences
1. Old Port District
Wander the cobblestone streets of this beautifully preserved waterfront district. Brick buildings house independent shops, art galleries, and some of New England's best restaurants.
2. Portland Head Light
Maine's oldest lighthouse (1791) stands dramatically on the rocky shore of Cape Elizabeth. The surrounding Fort Williams Park offers stunning ocean views and picnic spots.
3. Lobster on the Waterfront
You can't visit Portland without eating lobster. Hit the working wharves for the freshest lobster rolls, steamers, and chowder you'll ever taste.
4. Craft Beer Trail
Portland has more craft breweries per capita than any other US city. Allagash, Bissell Brothers, Foundation, and Austin Street are all within a short distance.
Worth a Stop
Allagash Brewing Company
Allagash White on tap — the classic Belgian-style wheat that started it all. Try their barrel-aged sours if available.
One of America's most respected craft breweries with a beautiful taproom
Eventide Oyster Co.
Brown butter lobster roll on a steamed bao bun. It's legendary.
James Beard Award winner — the lobster roll that changed the game
Halifax
Nova Scotia, Canada
Nova Scotia's capital is a lively harbor city with a fascinating maritime heritage. The waterfront boardwalk stretches for kilometers, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic ships. Above it all sits the star-shaped Citadel — a hilltop fortress with sweeping views of the harbor. Don't miss Peggy's Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in Canada, just a short drive away.
Top Experiences
1. Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Stroll the longest downtown boardwalk in North America. Browse the Seaport Farmers' Market (North America's oldest!), explore boutique shops, and watch the harbor come alive.
2. Peggy's Cove
The iconic lighthouse perched on dramatic granite boulders is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. The tiny fishing village is equally charming. About 45 minutes from Halifax.
3. Citadel Hill
This star-shaped hilltop fortress offers panoramic views of Halifax and the harbor. Costumed interpreters, the noon cannon firing, and fascinating exhibits bring history to life.
Worth a Stop
Alexander Keith's Brewery
Take the brewery tour — it's theatrical and fun. Try the IPA that started it all in 1820.
Canada's oldest working brewery, right on the waterfront
The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse
Fish and chips with a pint of local ale. Live Celtic music most evenings.
Best pub atmosphere in Halifax — feels like Dublin on the harbor
Sydney
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Sydney is your gateway to Cape Breton Island — one of the most beautiful places on Earth according to pretty much everyone who's been. The Cabot Trail is a legendary scenic drive through highlands that plunge into the Atlantic. Celtic culture runs deep here, with live fiddle music, square dances, and Gaelic signs. Alexander Graham Bell chose Cape Breton as his summer home, and once you see it, you'll understand why.
Top Experiences
1. Cabot Trail
One of the world's most scenic drives. Dramatic coastal cliffs, lush highlands, and sweeping ocean vistas. You can do a partial loop in a day from Sydney. Stop for whale watching along the way.
2. Alexander Graham Bell Museum
Fascinating museum in Baddeck exploring Bell's life and inventions beyond the telephone — including early flight, hydrofoils, and more. Beautifully situated on the Bras d'Or Lake.
3. Celtic Culture Experience
Cape Breton is the heartland of Celtic culture in North America. Catch a ceilidh (kitchen party) with traditional fiddle music and step dancing.
Worth a Stop
Governors Pub & Eatery
Local seafood chowder and a cold beer on the patio overlooking the harbor.
Sydney's go-to waterfront spot with live music and great atmosphere
Charlottetown
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Welcome to Canada's birthplace. Charlottetown is where the Confederation was born in 1864, and the charming downtown still feels like stepping into a storybook. Think colorful Victorian houses, tree-lined streets, and some of the friendliest people you'll meet anywhere. PEI is famous for red sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables, and legendary lobster suppers — communal feasts where the lobster just keeps coming.
Top Experiences
1. Historic Charlottetown
Walk the charming downtown with its colorful Victorian architecture, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. Visit Province House, where the Fathers of Confederation met in 1864.
2. PEI Lobster Supper
A quintessential Maritime experience. Communal dining halls serve unlimited mussels, chowder, and a whole lobster. New Glasgow Lobster Suppers is the most famous.
3. Red Sand Beaches
PEI's signature red sandstone cliffs meet the ocean at beaches like Cavendish and Basin Head. The sand is actually red from iron oxide. Basin Head has "singing sands" that squeak underfoot.
4. Anne of Green Gables Heritage
Visit the farmstead that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved novels. The Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish brings the story to life.
Worth a Stop
Gahan House Brew Pub
Their Island Red amber ale paired with PEI mussels. Craft beer brewed right on Victoria Row.
PEI's original craft brewery, in the heart of downtown's prettiest street
The Merchantman Fresh Bar
Fresh oysters and a local craft cocktail. The seafood is impeccable.
Farm-to-table with an emphasis on local PEI ingredients
Quebec City
Quebec, Canada
With 16 hours in port, you have time to truly experience North America's most European city. The UNESCO World Heritage old town is a maze of cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and sidewalk cafes that feel straight out of Paris. The iconic Chateau Frontenac towers above it all. Walk the old fortifications, explore the lively Quartier Petit Champlain, and indulge in French-Canadian cuisine — from poutine to tourtiere to sugar pie. This is the crown jewel of the itinerary.
Top Experiences
1. Old Quebec & Chateau Frontenac
Walk the cobblestone streets of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Chateau Frontenac is the world's most photographed hotel — the views from the Terrasse Dufferin boardwalk behind it are breathtaking.
2. Quartier Petit Champlain
North America's oldest commercial district is a charming pedestrian quarter with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. Take the funicular or the famous Breakneck Stairs to get there from Upper Town.
3. French-Canadian Cuisine
With 16 hours you can do both lunch and dinner. Try classic poutine, tourtiere (meat pie), creton, and maple everything. Aux Anciens Canadiens in a 1675 house serves traditional Quebecois cuisine.
4. Montmorency Falls
At 83 meters, these falls are 30 meters taller than Niagara! Just 15 minutes from Old Quebec. Walk across the suspension bridge above the falls or take the cable car.
Worth a Stop
La Barberie
A flight of their house-brewed craft beers on the sun-drenched terrace. The blonde ale is crisp and perfect on a summer day.
Quebec City's beloved cooperative microbrewery — owned by the brewers themselves
Le Chic Shack
Gourmet poutine on the Terrasse Dufferin with Chateau Frontenac views. Lobster poutine if you're feeling fancy.
Best poutine with the best view in the city
St. Lawrence River
Four days of scenic cruising along one of the world's great waterways. The St. Lawrence River stretches over 1,000 km from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic, and the ms Zuiderdam navigates through some of its most spectacular stretches.
What to Watch For
- Beluga whales and minke whales in the estuary
- Dramatic cliffs and forested shorelines
- Charming villages dotting the riverbanks
- Stunning sunsets over the water
Pro Tips
- Bring binoculars — whale sightings are common
- Early morning on deck is magical
- The river narrows significantly near Quebec City
- Great days to enjoy the ship's spa and pools
14-Night Itinerary
What to Pack
Summer cruising through New England and Canada — here's what you actually need.
Pro Tip: Ocean breezes can drop the temperature 5-10 degrees from shore conditions. Always bring a layer when heading to the upper decks or on excursions near the water!
Weather Guide
Late June and early July bring warm summer weather to New England and pleasant conditions across Maritime Canada
Portland, ME
Warm, sunny, occasional fog
Halifax, NS
Mild, coastal breeze
Sydney, NS
Mild, chance of showers
Charlottetown, PEI
Warm, pleasant
Quebec City, QC
Warm, humid
St. Lawrence River
Cool on the water, breezy
Ready to Set Sail?
14 nights aboard the ms Zuiderdam. 6 incredible ports. Departing Boston June 20, 2026. From Maine's lighthouses to Quebec City's cobblestone streets — this is a voyage you won't forget.