Welcome to the world of coastal elegance and maritime adventure with New England Cruises from Boston. Embark on a journey that blends scenic beauty, rich history, and modern comfort as you set sail from one of America’s most iconic ports. From the bustling harbor of Boston, these cruises offer an unforgettable way to experience the charm of New England, with picturesque coastlines, charming seaside towns, and the gentle rhythm of the Atlantic Ocean as your backdrop. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or setting out on your first seafaring excursion, cruising from Boston opens the door to a perfect getaway filled with relaxation, exploration, and breathtaking views.
1. Canada & New England: Maine, Maritimes & Montreal
Operator: Holland America Line
Ship: Zuiderdam
Duration: 7 days
Itinerary: Departing Boston, this cruise visits Portland, ME; Saint John, NB, Canada; Halifax, NS, Canada; Sydney, NS, Canada; Charlottetown, PE, Canada; and Quebec City, QC, Canada, before concluding in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Price: Starting at approximately $1,099 per person (based on double occupancy, subject to change).
The Zuiderdam, a Vista-class ship, offers a refined and intimate experience with a capacity of 1,964 passengers. Dining is a highlight, with the elegant Main Dining Room serving multi-course meals inspired by global cuisines, complemented by specialty venues like Pinnacle Grill for steak and seafood. The Lido Market provides casual buffet options with fresh, locally inspired dishes. Entertainment includes live performances at the World Stage, featuring music, dance, and BBC Earth-inspired shows.
The ship’s Music Walk venues, such as Billboard Onboard and Lincoln Center Stage, offer live piano duets and classical music. Accommodations range from cozy interior cabins to spacious Neptune Suites with private verandas, concierge services, and luxurious amenities like whirlpool baths. Onboard activities include cooking demonstrations, art galleries, and a relaxing spa.
2. Best of Canada & New England
Operator: Princess Cruises
Ship: Majestic Princess
Duration: 7 days
Itinerary: This cruise departs Boston, visits Portland, ME, Saint John, NB, Canada, Halifax, NS, Canada, and Sydney, NS, Canada, and returns to Boston.
Price: Starting at approximately $750 per person (based on double occupancy, a standout deal for 2025).
The Majestic Princess, accommodating 3,560 passengers, blends modern luxury with approachable elegance. Dining options are diverse, from the World Fresh Marketplace buffet to specialty restaurants like Crown Grill for premium steaks and Harmony for Asian-inspired cuisine. The ship’s signature Chef’s Table offers an exclusive multi-course experience. Entertainment shines with Broadway-style shows at the Princess Theater, live music at the Piazza, and Movies Under the Stars on the pool deck. Accommodations include comfortable interior cabins, balcony staterooms with ocean views, and lavish suites with perks like priority boarding. Guests can enjoy enrichment programs, such as guest lectures on regional history, alongside fitness centers, pools, and a tranquil Lotus Spa.
3. Grand New England Cruise
Operator: American Cruise Lines
Ship: American Patriot
Duration: 14 nights
Itinerary: Starting in Boston, this cruise explores Portland, ME; Bath, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Newport, RI; and returns to Boston, with additional stops at smaller ports like Camden, ME, and Gloucester, MA.
Price: The price starts at approximately $13,940 per person (based on double occupancy, reflecting the premium small-ship experience).
The American Patriot, a small ship with a capacity of just 100 passengers, offers an intimate and personalized journey. Dining is single-seating in an elegant dining room, with menus highlighting regional specialties like lobster and clam chowder, paired with complimentary wines. Entertainment focuses on enrichment, with onboard historians and naturalists delivering talks on New England’s maritime heritage and ecology. Evening activities include live music and storytelling sessions.
Accommodations are spacious, with private balconies in most staterooms, offering panoramic views of the coastline. The ship’s intimate size allows for personalized service, daily cocktail hours, and access to exclusive ports larger ships can’t reach.
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4. Canada & New England: Portland & Bar Harbor
Operator: Norwegian Cruise Line
Ship: Norwegian Gem
Duration: 7 nights
Itinerary: Departing from Boston, this cruise visits Portland, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Halifax, NS, Canada; Sydney, NS, Canada; Charlottetown, PE, Canada; and returns to Boston.
Price: Starting at approximately $1,181 per person (based on double occupancy, subject to change).
The Norwegian Gem, with a capacity of 2,394 passengers, offers a vibrant and flexible Freestyle Cruising experience. Dining is a highlight, with 16 options ranging from the complimentary Magenta Dining Room, serving global-inspired dishes, to specialty restaurants like Cagney’s Steakhouse and Le Bistro for French cuisine. Entertainment includes Broadway-style shows at the Stardust Theater, live music at Bliss Ultra Lounge, and a lively casino.
Accommodations range from budget-friendly inside cabins to luxurious Haven Suites with private butler service and exclusive access to a courtyard with a pool. Guests can enjoy a spa, fitness center, and family-friendly activities like the Splash Academy for kids. Enrichment programs, such as talks on local history, enhance the cruise experience.
5. Canada Cruise
Operator: Royal Caribbean International
Ship: Brilliance of the Seas
Duration: 7 nights
Itinerary: This round-trip cruise from Boston includes stops at Portland, ME; Saint John, NB, Canada; Halifax, NS, Canada; and Sydney, NS, Canada, before returning to Boston.
Price: Starting at approximately $822 per person (based on double occupancy, a competitive deal for 2025).
The Brilliance of the Seas, hosting 2,946 passengers, combines adventure and relaxation. Dining options include the elegant Minstrel Dining Room with multi-course menus, the casual Windjammer Café for buffets, and specialty venues like Chops Grille for steaks. Entertainment features Broadway-style productions, live music at the Schooner Bar, and an outdoor movie screen.
Accommodations range from cozy interior staterooms to spacious balcony suites with ocean views. The ship offers an adults-only Solarium pool, a rock-climbing wall, and a Vitality Spa. Shore excursion briefings and cultural talks provide insights into the destinations, making this cruise ideal for families and couples alike.
6. New England Explorer Cruise
Operator: American Cruise Lines
Ship: American Pioneer
Duration: 10 nights
Itinerary: Departing Boston, this cruise explores Portland, ME; Bath, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Camden, ME; Rockland, ME; Portsmouth, NH; Gloucester, MA; Newport, RI; Martha’s Vineyard, MA, and returns to Boston.
Price: The price starts at approximately $10,745 per person (based on double occupancy, reflecting the premium small-ship experience).
The American Pioneer, a small ship with around 100 passengers, offers an intimate and luxurious experience. Dining is single-seating in a refined dining room, featuring regional specialties like Maine lobster and New England clam chowder, paired with complimentary wines. Entertainment focuses on enrichment, with onboard historians and naturalists offering lectures on New England’s maritime and cultural heritage. Evening activities include live acoustic music and storytelling.
Accommodations are spacious, with most staterooms featuring private balconies for stunning coastal views. The small ship size ensures personalized service, daily cocktail hours, and access to smaller ports inaccessible to larger vessels, creating a boutique cruise experience.
7. Canada, Maine & Boston
Operator: Celebrity Cruises
Ship: Celebrity Silhouette
Duration: 11 nights
Itinerary: This round-trip cruise from Boston visits Portland, ME; Bar Harbor, ME; Halifax, NS, Canada; Sydney, NS, Canada; Charlottetown, PE, Canada; Quebec City, QC, Canada (overnight); and returns to Boston.
Price: Starting at approximately $1,605 per person (based on double occupancy, subject to availability).
The Celebrity Silhouette, with a capacity of 2,886 passengers, offers a sophisticated and modern cruise experience. Dining includes the Grand Cuvée Dining Room with globally inspired menus, plus specialty options like Tuscan Grille for Italian cuisine and Sushi on Five. Entertainment features theater productions, live music at multiple lounges, and an adults-only solarium for relaxation.
Accommodations range from stylish inside cabins to luxurious suites in The Retreat, offering exclusive dining and lounge access. The ship boasts a Lawn Club with real grass for outdoor games, a spa, and enrichment programs like wine tastings and destination lectures, catering to adults seeking a refined experience.
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8. Star Collector: Autumn in Newfoundland and New England
Operator: Windstar Cruises
Ship: Star Pride
Duration: 25 nights
Itinerary: Departing Boston, this cruise visits Portland, ME; St. John’s, NL, Canada; St. Anthony, NL, Canada; Woody Point (Bonne Bay), NL, Canada; Cap-aux-Meules, QC, Canada; and concludes in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Price: Starting at approximately $9,799 per person (based on double occupancy, subject to change).
The Star Pride, a small luxury ship with 312 passengers, offers an intimate and upscale experience. Dining is a culinary delight, with Amphora Restaurant serving gourmet dishes inspired by local flavors, such as seafood chowder, and Candles for al fresco steak and seafood dining. Complementary wines and spirits enhance meals.
Entertainment includes live music in the Compass Rose lounge, destination-focused lectures by onboard experts, and a Watersports Platform for kayaking in select ports. Accommodations feature spacious oceanview suites with private balconies, luxurious bedding, and modern amenities like Bose sound systems. The small ship size allows access to exclusive ports like Woody Point, and guests enjoy personalized service, including nightly turndown and a relaxed, yacht-like atmosphere.
9. 7-Night Boston to Montreal
Operator: Crystal Cruises
Ship: Crystal Serenity
Duration: 7 nights
Itinerary: This cruise departs Boston, visiting Bar Harbor, ME; Halifax, NS, Canada; Sydney, NS, Canada; Charlottetown, PE, Canada; Quebec City, QC, Canada; and ends in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Price: Starting at approximately $5,500 per person (based on double occupancy, reflecting the ultra-luxury experience).
The Crystal Serenity, hosting 740 passengers, epitomizes ultra-luxury cruising. Dining is exceptional, with Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa offering Japanese-Peruvian fusion and Waterside Restaurant serving globally inspired cuisine in an open-seating format. Specialty venues like Prego provide Italian fare. Entertainment includes Broadway-style shows at the Galaxy Lounge, enrichment lectures on regional history, and live music at the Crystal Cove.
Accommodations range from elegant verandah suites to opulent Crystal Penthouses with private butler service. Guests enjoy a spa, fitness center, and unique experiences like art classes and bridge tournaments. The all-inclusive experience covers drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, ensuring a seamless journey.
10. Yankee Seaports
Operator: American Cruise Lines
Ship: American Independence
Duration: 7 nights
Itinerary: Departing Boston, this cruise visits Plymouth, MA; New Bedford, MA; Newport, RI; New London/Mystic, CT; Sag Harbor, NY; New York, NY, and returns to Boston.
Price: The price starts at approximately $5,240 per person (based on double occupancy, reflecting the premium small-ship experience).
The American Independence, with a capacity of 100 passengers, offers a cozy, personalized cruise. Dining is single-seating in an intimate dining room, featuring regional specialties like New England clam chowder and lobster rolls, paired with complimentary wines. Entertainment focuses on enrichment, with historians and local experts delivering talks on colonial history and maritime traditions. Evening activities include live acoustic music and storytelling. Accommodations are spacious, with most staterooms offering private balconies and modern amenities. The small ship size ensures access to smaller ports like Sag Harbor, and guests enjoy attentive service, daily cocktail hours, and a relaxed atmosphere tailored to history enthusiasts.
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11. Boston to Montreal
Operator: Oceania Cruises
Ship: Insignia
Duration: 11 nights
Itinerary: This cruise departs Boston, visiting Bar Harbor, ME; Saint John, NB, Canada; Halifax, NS, Canada; Sydney, NS, Canada; Charlottetown, PE, Canada; Saguenay, QC, Canada; Quebec City, QC, Canada; and ends in Montreal, QC, Canada.
Price: Starting at approximately $3,380 per person (based on double occupancy, subject to availability).
The Insignia, accommodating 670 passengers, offers a refined, small-ship luxury experience. Dining is a highlight, with the Grand Dining Room serving gourmet dishes inspired by Master Chef Jacques Pépin and specialty restaurants like Toscana for Italian cuisine and Red Ginger for Asian fusion.
Entertainment includes live music at Horizons lounge, cooking classes at the Culinary Center, and lectures on regional culture and history. Accommodations range from comfortable inside cabins to lavish Owner’s Suites with private verandas and butler service. Guests enjoy a spa, fitness center, and enrichment programs like art workshops. The intimate size and inclusive amenities, such as free soft drinks and Wi-Fi, create a sophisticated yet approachable vibe.
New England cruises from Boston: Historical Significance and Cultural Highlights
The ports visited on these cruises are steeped in history and vibrant with cultural charm, offering a deep dive into the heritage of New England and Canada’s Maritimes.
Boston, MA: Known as the “Cradle of Liberty,” Boston is central to the American Revolution. The Freedom Trail connects sites like the Paul Revere House and Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, while the North End offers Italian-American culture with historic bakeries like Mike’s Pastry.
Portland, ME: A historic seaport, Portland’s Old Port district features 19th-century brick buildings and the Portland Head Light, commissioned by George Washington in 1791. Its arts scene and craft breweries, like Shipyard Brewing, reflect modern vibrancy.
Bar Harbor, ME: A gateway to Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor was a Gilded Age retreat for families like the Rockefellers. Its lobster fishing heritage shines through in local eateries, and the Abbe Museum highlights Indigenous Wabanaki culture.
Newport, RI: Famous for its Gilded Age mansions, such as The Breakers, Newport showcases America’s 19th-century wealth. The Cliff Walk offers stunning views of these estates, blending history with natural beauty.
Halifax, NS, Canada: A key British stronghold, Halifax is home to Citadel Hill and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which details its Titanic connections. Celtic and Acadian influences are evident in live music and seafood-heavy cuisine.
Sydney, NS, Canada: On Cape Breton Island, Sydney reflects Scottish heritage through festivals like Celtic Colours. The nearby Fortress of Louisbourg, a reconstructed 18th-century French fort, is a historical highlight.
Charlottetown, PE, Canada: Known as the “Birthplace of Confederation” for the 1864 conference that led to Canada’s formation, Charlottetown features Victorian architecture and Anne of Green Gables attractions, celebrating its literary legacy.
Quebec City, QC, Canada: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Quebec City’s fortified Old Town, with landmarks like Château Frontenac, reflects its French colonial roots. Cobblestone streets and French bistros create a European ambiance.
St. John’s, NL, Canada: One of North America’s oldest cities, St. John’s boasts colorful row houses and Signal Hill, where Marconi received the first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901. Its vibrant arts scene and seafood cuisine are cultural draws.
Saguenay, QC, Canada: Known for its stunning fjord, Saguenay offers a blend of French Canadian culture and natural beauty. The Musée du Fjord explores the region’s ecology and Indigenous history.
These destinations weave together colonial history, Indigenous heritage, and modern cultural vibrancy, with opportunities to explore historic sites, enjoy local cuisine like poutine and lobster rolls, and engage with festivals and artisan markets.