Explore beautiful coastal towns, hike around breathtaking national parks, and stroll through historic districts by taking a cruise along the East Coast of the United States and Canada.
East Coast cruises are wonderful opportunities to soak in the New England charm in picturesque towns such as Portland and Rockport, Maine; brush up on your history in cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts. Head further north and immerse yourself in French Canadian culture and cuisine in Quebec City, or sail south to balmy Bermuda.
If you’re considering a cruise along the Atlantic, here are five of the best East Coast cruises to explore.
Canada & Boston
Quebec City, Canada
Sail round-trip from Boston on an immersive 10-night cruise that takes you along the estuary of the St. Lawrence River into Quebec City, where there’s an overnight to explore the delights of this cosmopolitan place.
Quebec is more than 400 years old, its enchanting Old Town packed with European charm. Gaze in awe at the intricate Chateau Frontenac and make time for the fantastic, interactive Musée de la Civilisation.
You’ll also visit Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, a landscape of rolling farmland and pristine beaches. Sights here include the red-and-white lighthouse and the house that inspired the classic novel Anne of Green Gables.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
The picturesque port town of Sydney, Nova Scotia, is another stop on this cruise, set amid green countryside. This sleepy place was put on the map by Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell, who lived here and changed the world with his invention of the telephone.
You’ll also have four days at sea to enjoy the comforts of the sleek Celebrity Silhouette, where you’ll find a beautiful pool deck and the inviting Lawn Club, with real grass, picnic blankets, boules, and croquet.
Boston to Fort Lauderdale
Willemstad, Curacao
This is an unusual itinerary that combines history and culture with the sun-soaked ABC Islands, Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao, in the far south of the Caribbean.
Over 10 nights, you’ll sail from Boston to Fort Lauderdale, with your first port of call Bermuda’s historic Royal Naval Dockyard. You’ll have time to explore the old military installations around the dockyard, now repurposed as museums, shops, and restaurants.
Bask on Bermuda’s famous pink sand beaches. There are thriving coral reefs to explore, too, as well as spectacular caves.
You’ll have five blissful days at sea, interspersed with port calls, to enjoy the pool deck and many bars and restaurants of Celebrity Eclipse as you head south through the Caribbean.
In pretty Willemstad, the capital of Curaçao, the waterfront is lined with gabled Dutch houses in rainbow colors. Explore the markets and striking street art of the Punda district and sample the famed Blue Curacao liqueur.
Aruba
Aruba, like its neighbors, has beautifully preserved Dutch architecture, beaches of white sand, and sea that’s an almost dazzling shade of turquoise. Tiny Bonaire, meanwhile, is a snorkeler’s dream, encircled by a marine park with some of the best underwater life in the Caribbean.
Cape Liberty to Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Discover the pink sand beaches of Bermuda on a 7-night cruise that takes you to this string of islands off of the East Coast.
Our Bermuda cruises combine two overnights in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda with at least two days at sea, allowing you to fully explore the highlights of this island nation while also enjoying all the amenities on board.
Bermuda
In Bermuda, snorkel around the area’s many sunken ships, stroll through the shops in downtown Hamilton, and descend into the stunning Crystal Caves, a magnificent natural wonder. During your days at sea, savor world-class cuisine, watch five-star shows at the theater, and relax by the outdoor pool, all while relishing impeccable service and attention from our dedicated crew.
Boston, Maine, & Canada
Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts
On a Boston, Maine, and Canada cruise, you’ll sail to picturesque towns throughout New England and Canada. Cruise from Boston and spend the morning walking along the Freedom Trail and learning more about the Revolutionary War.
Many itineraries stop in Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine, where you’ll have the opportunity to hike through the sprawling trees and wildlife of Acadia National Park and sample fresh lobster. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, make your way to the top of Citadel Hill for panoramic views of the harbor city. While in Sydney, follow in the footsteps of Alexander Graham Bell and discover the town’s Scottish roots.
Depending on your itinerary, you might visit Saint John in New Brunswick, where you’ll be able to watch the thrilling Reversing Falls Rapids and spend a night in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, a gorgeous waterfront town with Victorian homes and some of the world’s best mussels.
Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City
Other cruise itineraries include an overnight stop in Quebec City, where you’ll quickly understand why it’s called the “Paris of America” after having a romantic dinner in a cozy bistro and walking along the city’s beautiful boardwalk.
Bermuda & Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
If you prefer cruises with overnight stays, you’ll love this ten-night itinerary, which includes two overnights in both Charleston and Bermuda.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s French Quarter, tour an old plantation, discover the beauty of Magnolia Gardens, and enjoy a Southern meal in one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants.
After a couple of days at sea, take advantage of your three days in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, where you can have fun at Harbour Nights, a weekly party in downtown Hamilton with live music and local street food.
Where do East Coast cruises depart from?
Most East Coast cruises depart from either Boston, Massachusetts or Cape Liberty, New Jersey, two major American cities with plenty to do in case you want to extend your vacation.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for being a history buff’s dream. While you’re here, visit Boston Common, the city’s oldest park, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Paul Revere House.
Sports fans won’t want to miss seeing a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, while teenagers might enjoy crossing the Charles River and landing in Cambridge, home to Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cape Liberty, New Jersey
Meanwhile, Cape Liberty, New Jersey is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from New York City. If you sail from New Jersey, you could add a few days to your vacation and explore the Big Apple.
Central Park in Manhattan, New York City
With so many attractions to choose from, the possibilities of what to do in New York are endless. Walk around Times Square and Central Park, have lunch in one of its many award-winning restaurants, shop in SoHo, or catch a Broadway play in the evening.
When do cruises along the East Coast sail?
The East Coast cruise season kicks off in April and lasts until October. Autumn is one of the most popular seasons to sail around the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada for its gorgeous fall foliage. Once you’re sailing past a coastline dotted with trees in dramatic shades of red, orange, and yellow, you’ll understand why.
Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine
Get ready to sail on a cruise along the East Coast by booking one of these extraordinary itineraries today. Don’t miss out on discovering the best of New England, Bermuda, and South Carolina while on board one of our award-winning ships. Browse our East Coast cruises and reserve your shore excursions today.
