A cruise to Canada and New England is a relaxing voyage along a dramatic, and sometimes remote, rocky coastline of breathtaking beauty. The capes are dotted with pristine islands and charming fishing villages and bustling harbor towns with an ever-changing panorama of colors. The journey takes you back in time while keeping you close to home. Quaint seaside towns, fabulous mansions and Revolutionary landmarks intermingle to create a luxurious resort-style character and romance to this historical region.

The ports of call on a cruise to New England and Canada are perfect for walking tours. You can spend the entire day strolling along restored waterfronts where you'll find gourmet dining, European pubs, wine bars, microbreweries and antique shops. Or cover a little more ground by taking a horse-drawn carriage or a bicycle tour and enjoy gorgeous perennial gardens in full bloom.

Another popular option is to tour one of the lovely summer cottages built at the turn of the last century by the wealthiest families in America. Designed to escape the heat of their city town homes while maintaining their lifestyle, Vanderbilts and Astors enjoyed high society gatherings and parties, and many of these are mansions are lovingly preserved and restored.

For something a little more adventurous, try whale watching or kayaking. Hike through Acadia National Park in Maine or even take a tall-ship sailing excursion past protected capes and seashore.

Cruises to Canada and New England will usually visit a selection of the following ports of call in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine and the Canadian Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. Depending on the itinerary, you may also be able to cruise through some of the most famous waterways in the northeast including the Cape Code Canal and the St. Lawrence Seaway.

Many cruise lines sail one-way cruises between New York and Montreal, offering the most port-intensive itineraries and opportunities to spend overnights in these fabulous cities either before or after the cruise.

The summer months are the most popular for short cruises of 4- and 5-nights. Longer cruises from 7- 14 nights are offered in September and October to take advantage of the showy Autumn foliage.

Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International offer 5-night cruises during the summer months, which is a nice break from the heat of the city and sail from New York and Bayonne, NJ. For a longer sailing of 7-14 nights, look at Princess Cruises, Holland America, Norwegian Cruise Line and Crystal Cruises departing from Montreal, Boston and Baltimore.