Sunday, March 31, 2024

Boston to Canada & New England Holland America Line Cruise Reviews 2023 UPDATED: Cruise Ratings on Cruise Critic

holland america new england cruise

Given the ship was docked in Canada, several of the bars and lounges were closed. So, this was one of the only places you could get a drink tonight. Overall though, our main dining room experiences were pretty typical for a contemporary cruise line. After this fourth cruise with the brand, we would agree that the specialty restaurants is where Holland America Line really shines.

Final Explorations of the Ship

Standard cabins are on the smaller side, but their modern look and sumptuous beds are appealing. For a splurge, the larger suites will not disappoint discerning travelers. It's important to book well in advance if you want to cruise during peak foliage weeks, generally late September to mid-October. However, the region's photogenic landscapes, charming ports and fresh local seafood make time ashore uniquely enjoyable for couples and families. Plus, late summer and early fall getaways can be convenient and affordable, especially if you already live on the East Coast. Create a masterpiece on canvas during a guided painting class.

Quebec City skyline

For the main course, try the beef short rib stroganoff, citrus grilled rainbow trout, and any beef dishes. In Maine, Angie and I rented a car in Bar Harbor and hit the roads on our own. We wanted to see Acadia National Park, one of the top 10 most visited national parks in the U.S., and also the extravagant and affluent neighborhoods of Northeast Harbor, Seal Harbor, and Ellsworth. Of course, eating a local lobster roll was most definitely in the cards. You’ll have no hard time finding a fresh seafood restaurant every few miles in this area.

Cruise Line Offers Free Parking for Passengers at One Homeport

Heidi also stuck with her usual dish, the red curry chicken which was just mild enough for her tastes. Then, I went with the lobster and shrimp post stickers and spareribs as my own appetizers. Both were prepared in a traditional manner and bursting with far east flavor. I was fond of the soft shell crab and the lobster tempura. The tour went from the Jost and Cossit museums, to St. George’s and St. Patrick’s churches, making a small loop. While only 90 minutes, the trek was full of interesting folklore and ghost stories.

holland america new england cruise

We were able to get some decent photos, but we were not alone scaling the massive granite boulders near the famous lighthouse. Immediately outside terminal 22, we met our tour guide Annette. She would be our host for the next three hours as we made the roundtrip trek out to Peggy’s Cove. The first stop on this Holland America Line Canada and New England cruise was Bar Harbor, ME. Even though we are New Englanders, we’ve never visited this city. Knowing that the crowds dwindle later in the evening, we walked over to the Rolling Stone Rock Room after the piano duo’s set.

The itinerary visits Boston; Portland, Maine; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Saint John, New Brunswick. For over 150 years, Holland America Line has introduced guests to new places and new cultures, sharing the transformative power of travel. We invite you to join Holland America Line for an unforgettable experience. Because travel is more than an itinerary, it has the power to change us and our world, journey by journey.

holland america new england cruise

Hour Room Service

Arriving to the show about 20 minutes late, we found seats on the portside of the ship. There was only one problem though, this production is rather short. When we exited the ship, we were able to get tickets for the 1 pm double-decker bus tour. This one-hour tour took us around the historic downtown and surrounding areas. Our tour guide provided an excellent introduction to the city.

Holland America Line Earns First Global Cruise Line Seafood Certifications - Porthole Cruise and Travel

Holland America Line Earns First Global Cruise Line Seafood Certifications.

Posted: Mon, 08 Apr 2024 13:01:39 GMT [source]

Cruises from Boston

Unfortunately, this dining experience did not live up to our previous expectations. For dinner, I went with my go-to, the spicy Szechuan shrimp. With a light glaze, stir fried vegetables, and tempura fried shrimp, it was as delicious as always.

Holland America Line Canada and New England Cruise – Day 3

The equipment and courts are available for a match anytime, so long as the weather allows. Join a pickleball tournament at sea and put your dink shot to the test. Learn the basics at complimentary beginner’s lessons, starting in spring 2023. Commemorative starter kits will soon be available in our retail shops — purchase as gifts for avid players or as souvenirs, so that you can always look back on your pickleball cruise memories.

Find a rich history and quirky culture in the historic villages of Canada. And of course, be sure to indulge on the lip-smacking seafood of the Northeast when you cruise to Canada and New England with Holland America Line. Following dinner, we met up with our host for a final drink and music set at the Rolling Stone Rock Room.

This version was actually quite dry compared to previous renditions. This crispy classic was paired with a simple dipping sauce. Since Heidi doesn’t eat any seafood, she opted for the cheese platter from the dessert section of the menu. Our meeting spot for the cocktail party was the deck 2 Ocean Bar. The only problem was that the bar was packed when we showed up.

The bathroom includes a dual-sink vanity, full-size whirlpool bath and shower, and an additional shower stall. Holland America’s Zaandam had good food in the main dining room, but the Canaletto and Pinnacle Grill specialty restaurants were really top-notch. We also had the pleasure of dining at Rudi Sodamin’s Sel de Mer, an extraordinary evening full of perfectly prepared dishes. A unique dish to try is the fruits de mer, a massive sampling of lobster, crab, langoustines, jumbo shrimp, mussels, oysters, and clams. Angie is nuts about Anne of Green Gables, so a museum tour was on our agenda. We went to Silver Bush, the lovely Campbell Homestead and Anne of Green Gables Museum, which is filled with family treasures.

Holland America Line offers you a wide selection of lounges. This popular bar is at the top of the atrium and is the perfect locale for cocktails and dancing. For an elegant breakfast, leisurely lunch or unforgettable multi-course dinner, The Dining Room is your destination.

Are you an already booked guest with Holland America Line? For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer. Cheese curds were the base (classic and fried) with a wide array of toppings — shredded cheeses, sautéed mushrooms, sautéed onions, chives, and several gravies.

Holland America Canada Cruises, 2024, 2025 and 2026 New England Holland America Cruises

holland america new england cruise

Overnights in Quebec City and Portland give passengers more time to explore on land and enjoy regional cuisine in local restaurants for dinner. Some itineraries will swap the extra day in Portland for one in Bar Harbor or add a stop in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. For upscale, door-to-door, all-inclusive cruising to New England and Canada, Silversea Cruises offers itineraries on a wide selection of summer and fall dates.

Holland America Line Canada and New England Cruise – Day 5

Best Canada and New England cruise tips to help you enjoy your coastal vacation - The Points Guy

Best Canada and New England cruise tips to help you enjoy your coastal vacation.

Posted: Wed, 18 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Granted, this onboard party is not as energetic as deck parties you might find on other cruise ships. Still, plenty of guests were all dressed in orange, and the dance floor was the busiest we saw it all week. Given our crazy year of travels, we booked our tours for this cruise rather late. So, the only excursion we were able to reserve that included Acadia National Park was a 2.5 hour bus tour that didn’t get the greatest ratings. The Rolling Stone Rock Room features an amazing rock band playing 3 sets most evenings.

I Spent 7 Days on My First Adults-Only Virgin Voyages Cruise

Plus, passengers can indulge their foodie passions with chef-led classes in the onboard Culinary Arts Kitchen. The 11-night Fall Season Colors sailing on Oct. 1, 2024, is timed to allow passengers to enjoy regional foliage at its peak as the ship sails from Boston to Montreal. Grandeur calls on Portland, Maine; Saint John, New Brunswick; Sydney, Nova Scotia; Corner Brook, Newfoundland; and Havre-Saint-Pierre, Sept-Iles, Saguenay and Quebec City in Quebec. World Stage, the largest theater on board is home to a variety of performances day and night. Our exclusive EXC® Talk lecture series features captivating regional stories told by local experts and narrated by your Cruise & Travel Director. In the evenings, Step One Dance Company, vocal sensation Cantaré, BBC Earth in Concert and more take the stage.

Billboard Onboard

These nightly shows included several productions from the Step One Dance Company. In addition, the theater hosted a headliner comedian, the line’s Origin Story EXC presentation, and a BBC Earth production featuring the Lincoln Center Stage orchestra. For more information, visit our hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements.

Holland America Line Canada and New England Cruise – Day 2

We did a half-day excursion in Halifax to visit the iconic Peggy’s Cove fishing village and Instagram-worthy lighthouse. It is a bit of a drive to get there, but I had to see the site of the most iconic photo of Nova Scotia. Our tour included a panoramic drive through Halifax to see its old buildings and National Historic Sites.

Or explore the untamed landscapes of Iceland & Greenland on 24- or 35-day cruises. Before you set out on your cruise from Boston, take in the city’s many attractions. Meander the streets to find historic wonders and modern neighborhoods; stores and restaurants with old-time character; and generous green spaces alongside a beautiful waterfront. See legendary figures come alive at buildings and attractions on the Freedom Trail, including the Paul Revere House and Old South Meeting House, and in Lexington and Concord just outside.

Travel Tips for Boston

The property includes a barn and lake, all in the pristine, picturesque countryside. Lucy Maud Montgomery’s niece was a tour guide at the house and will sign books if you wish. If you desire to see some of the greatest cities in New England and the gorgeous places around Nova Scotia and its neighboring provinces, this is the cruise for you. It is chock full of history, beautiful scenery, unique attractions, and delicious food. A sampling of Holland America Line 2025 Canada and New England itineraries include Volendam’s 10- and 11-day cruises between Boston and Montréal, sailing in both the summer and the fall. Connoisseurs of fine dining will be in their element with eight onboard restaurants, which include Chartreuse for fine French cuisine and Pacific Rim for flavorful pan-Asian menus.

For dinner, choose from classics such as Boneless Lamb Loin en Croute, Rosemary Roasted Chicken, as well as regionally inspired cuisine and artfully prepared vegetarian dishes. Find exceptional City Stays & Pre/Post Overland Packages, which offer a seamless experience ashore to add to your cruise. Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more. What should I expect boarding to like for my cruise departing Boston, MA? At Holland America, we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Please, see more information on our flight ease program here.

From the moment you step aboard one of Holland America's spacious, mid-sized ships, you’ll feel the difference. Hone your culinary skills at Port-to-Table shows and workshops. Exclusive Onboard Activities Through exciting new partnerships with BBC Earth Experiences; Explorations Central (EXC™) programs and live entertainment, you can continue exploring on board. Check out our Holland America cruise discounts and take part in the experience. The ships do not have an onboard casino, but two pools (one with a retractable roof) offer relaxation during sea days.

From here, our bus did a “slow” drive by the Montmorency Falls. Honestly, we thought the tour included a photo op at this picturesque landmark. The day began with a ride out to the lower part of the city, past some notable landmarks. A bit before our tour meeting time, we made our way down to the Grand Dutch café for an afternoon coffee. With caffeine in hand, we checked in at the World Stage for our Best of Quebec tour.

Add flights, hotel packages and onboard celebrations to your cruise from Boston. Pop into the three-story Bier Markt for dinner, perfect for tasty nibbles like classic poutine, charcuterie boards, and beer cheese dip with pretzels. We'll send you the latest cruise updates daily to your inbox.

With Holland America Line, you can savor the flavor of fresh from port to plate, especially with our new global fresh fish program. Uncover the secrets of maple tapping at a New Brunswick maple sugar farm. Explore the architecture of Portland’s Victorian homes and Newport’s mansions. Soak up the sights of lighthouses in Maine and Prince Edward Island. Adventures await you where the past meets the present and fall foliage shows off its many colors, from Boston to Québec City, and the ports in between. If you want to extend your journey beyond 7 to 15-day cruise itineraries, consider the 25-day Canada, New England, Greenland and Iceland cruise.

holland america new england cruise

Learn more about our current cruise deals to the Caribbean including Holland America Line's exclusive private island, Half Moon Cay. Personalize your cruise experience with our free mobile-friendly tool. Enjoy a wide variety of duty-free shopping in such signature shops as The Vault, Diamonds and Gemstones by Merabella, which offers the best diamonds at sea, brought to you by Effy. Sing along, test your music trivia skills or just sit back and enjoy as the hits fill the room each night. Sing along, test your music trivia knowledge, or sit back and enjoy as chart-topping hits fill the room each night.

Seven Seas Grandeur does not offer an indoor pool for cool-weather swims. Here are 11 of the best cruises to Canada and New England to consider. The roundtrip Montreal cruise calls at Halifax, Nova Scotia; St. John’s and St. Pierre, Newfoundland; Charlottetown; Sydney, Nova Scotia; and Québec City.

Having cruised on Rotterdam twice now, we were familiar with this class of ship. Still, we explored the outdoor areas and lido deck getting the requisite video and photos. Though, with only 1 sea day during this Holland America Canada and New England cruise, you may find yourself spending a lot of time ashore exploring these historic and scenic ports of call. For this 7-night itinerary, there was a new show each evening.

Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Spa & Salon®. Or enjoy a sumptuous meal at one of our fine dining restaurants. Along with our fellow cruisers, we headed towards the gangway on deck 2, through the terminal, and to the meeting point. Now, it was time to learn more about our last port of call.

30 Amazing Golden Brown Hair Color Ideas to Inspire Your Makeover

Table Of Content Light Ash Brown Hair Color Subtle Golden Brown Balayage You: Fair, Warm Skin Tone How to Find Infallible Foundation Shades ...