Why I Booked A Boston To Quebec City New England And Canada Cruise
I love cruises and had never considered one as local as New England. But once I looked more closely at the itinerary, I was intrigued. The timing worked when my cousin Ronald invited us to join the cruise they had booked. Even more appealing was the departure city: Boston, a place I had never visited and one deeply rooted in the history of the U.S.’s founding. What ultimately sealed the decision was the chance to disembark in Quebec City, another destination I had long wanted to explore.
How To Use HGV Max Points For A Holland America New England Cruise
HGV Max allows Members to use points with cruise partners, sometimes covering the full booking during specific windows and other times requiring a mix of Points and Cash. With Points to spare, I was able to book the entire seven‑night Holland America cruise using the Have It All rate. I’ll discuss each cruise port in detail as we go, but first, let’s start with Boston.
Arriving Early In Boston Before A Cruise
We arrived in Boston three nights before departure with a well‑defined plan: walk the Freedom Trail, marked by its meandering red brick path, visit the Paul Revere House, enjoy oysters at the Union Oyster House and explore Boston Common while learning how this country began beyond the pages of history books. We accomplished everything we set out to do, yet it quickly became clear that Boston offers far more history, food and culture than can be experienced in just a few days.
Pre-Cruise Hotel Review: Hilton Boston Park Plaza
The Hilton Boston Park Plaza stood out for its beautiful lobby, genuinely nice restaurant and extremely convenient location. Boston is an easy city to explore on foot, which suited us well since we spent most of our time walking and sightseeing. While our upgraded room was quite compact and overlooked the neighboring building, it met our needs for a short pre‑cruise stay where location mattered more than time spent in the room.
First Impressions Of Holland America For First-Time Cruisers
Never having cruised with Holland America before, I can honestly say I was pleased with some aspects and less so with others. The ship itself was extremely comfortable, and the food was exceptional, with afternoon high tea standing out as a particular highlight. I also appreciated the half‑mile walking trail around the ship, which quickly became part of our daily routine.
The ports of Portland, Maine and Sydney, Nova Scotia were picture perfect, with Prince Edward Island, Canada standing out as our favorite, though there was limited opportunity to venture beyond the immediate port areas into the countryside.
Hiring A Private Driver In Prince Edward Island
In Prince Edward Island, I hired a driver to take us beyond the port, allowing us to see the countryside made famous by Anne of Green Gables, visit the coast and oyster farms and stop at a wonderful gallery called Dunes Studio Gallery and Cafe that features only local art.
Onboard Entertainment And Who This Cruise Is Best For
Evening entertainment on this cruise line was more limited and low‑key than we expected. Aside from one enjoyable performance by a Celtic group, the magicians and comedians were fairly repetitive. That said, the overall atmosphere clearly caters to travelers who value relaxation and quieter evenings, making it a good fit for those who prefer unwinding over high‑energy nighttime programming.
Where To Stay In Old Quebec City After A Cruise
Every now and then, I manage to do the right thing by accident. I had recently learned about Hilton’s partnership with Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), and we had already stayed at one such property in Portugal, which I have written about before. With that experience in mind, I booked another Small Luxury Hotels stay at Monsieur Jean Hotel Particulier, located in the heart of Old Quebec City.
Hotel Review: Monsieur Jean Hotel Particulier
This hotel almost defies explanation, yet I can easily say it is one of the most wonderful hotels I have experienced to date and a close second only to Palacio Do Governado in Portugal. From its location and architecture to the room design and the René Magritte artwork on the walls and ceilings, every detail feels intentional. Add to that a hidden diamond in each room that, if discovered, earns you a free appetizer, along with a generous buffet breakfast that carries you through much of the day. Monsieur Jean has created a truly memorable hotel in Old Quebec City, designed to delight guests at every turn.
Exploring Old Quebec City On Foot
As you might expect, Quebec City has it all. It is a walled city with so much European influence that you feel transported overseas. From street vendors and art galleries to remarkable botanical gin varieties and the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, there is a marvelous experience at every turn.
Old Quebec City Vs The Lower City
I would recommend spending most of your time in the old city. While there is also a lower city, it has become more commercialized and upscale, which somewhat detracts from the distinctive character that makes Quebec City feel so special.
Is The Hop On Hop Off Bus Worth It In Quebec City
The hop on, hop off city tours are a plus as they afford you the opportunity to see everything and then some at a very reasonable cost. We all came away planning our next trip to this marvelous place.
Key Takeaways
Boston Sets The Stage: Arriving early allows time to walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Paul Revere House and enjoy classic seafood before embarkation.
Holland America Prioritizes Comfort: Strong dining, a relaxed onboard atmosphere and afternoon high tea define the cruise experience.
Port Planning Matters: Independent touring, especially with a private driver in Prince Edward Island, unlocks scenery beyond the cruise port.
Entertainment Is Secondary: Evening programming is limited, making this itinerary best for travelers seeking comfort and relaxation.
Quebec City Delivers The Finale: Disembarking in the walled Old City provides a European feel and a natural extension of the journey.
Old Quebec City Is Worth Extra Time: Staying within the walls preserves atmosphere and walkability compared to the lower city.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time of year for a New England and Canada cruise?
A: Late summer to early fall offers mild weather, fewer crowds and the chance to see early fall foliage.
Q: Is a Boston to Quebec City cruise good for first-time cruisers?
A: Yes, the itinerary balances scenic ports, walkable cities and a relaxed onboard atmosphere ideal for first-time cruisers.
Q: Is a New England and Canada cruise good for travelers who prefer walkable destinations?
A: Yes. Ports like Boston, Prince Edward Island and Old Quebec City are ideal for exploring on foot or with minimal transportation.
Q: Can HGV Max Points fully cover a cruise booking?
A: Depending on availability and booking windows HGV Max Points may cover all or part of a cruise fare.
