US Northeast

New Schedule for our September 2026 Trip
2026 Canada, New EnglandCanada

New Schedule for our September 2026 Trip

Instead of the southbound Quebec City to Philadelphia trip from September 16 to 26, we're moving to a northbound adventure from September 26 to October 7. This change comes with the hope of catching peak fall colors—something we narrowly missed in 2023. With a major life event looming for our youngest daughter just before our original departure, this new schedule offers us the flexibility we need. Plus, I’m excited about revisiting the aft balcony experience on the Jewel-class ship.

Bar Harbor Whale Watching
2023 New England, CanadaExcursions

Bar Harbor Whale Watching

As I boarded the ship, the crew's impatience was palpable, especially given the recent tensions between cruise visitors and Bar Harbor residents. It was a stark reminder of the local sentiment towards us—welcomed until we became a nuisance. However, the anticipation of whale sightings overshadowed any negativity. Our Cruise Director, Julie, proclaimed this was the best day of the season for sightings, and soon we lost count of the breaches we witnessed.

Portland, ME
2023 New England, CanadaUS Northeast

Portland, ME

This day started with unexpected lethargy, leading to a long sleep that pushed our plans aside. Just before our 3pm Maine Lighthouses tour, we realized I would miss the cruise's Meet & Mingle event scheduled for 6 tonight. While it's disappointing to sacrifice this experience, embracing responsibility has its ups and downs. Perhaps we'll catch a comedy act later to lighten the mood.

Rose Island Lighthouse & Harbor Cruise
2023 New England, CanadaExcursions

Rose Island Lighthouse & Harbor Cruise

The history that is literally still buried on Rose Island is substantial. Just the stuff that has been uncovered is well worth the trip. You can find out more and follow along as new discoveries are likely to be posted in the next few weeks, showcasing the rich past hidden beneath the surface.

Review: Corner Cafe, Newport RI
2023 New England, CanadaFood and Drink

Review: Corner Cafe, Newport RI

The Corner Cafe offers a delightful escape just a half-mile from the port, where you can truly mingle with locals. The staff, embodying a bit of New York's brashness, quickly warm up and create a lively atmosphere. My refresher, a zesty mix of OJ, grapefruit juice, and lemonade, was a perfect start, while Roxan's unexpected coffee mudslide added a fun twist to our experience. For entrees, I savored a Vermont Omelette with sweet caramelized apples that...

Day 3: Embark!
2023 New England, CanadaUS Northeast

Day 3: Embark!

As I sit looking out over the wake on this clear, pleasant evening, I can’t help but feel grateful for the unexpected connections we’ve made. Meeting Scott and Sandra, who will join us on our small group tour in Halifax, has been a delightful surprise. Dinner at Cagney’s was superb as always, and the unexpected surprise from Avelino and Akim truly made the evening memorable. We’ve not dined with others often while sailing, and I think we may do more of that soon.

Light Houses, Trains and Tours
2023 New England, CanadaCanada

Light Houses, Trains and Tours

The vibrant fall colors of New England and Eastern Canada are a sight to behold, and our upcoming cruise promises to showcase this breathtaking annual display. With two insightful books as our guide, we’re ready to explore the charm of coastal ports like Newport, Rhode Island. Our adventure starts with the Rose Island Lighthouse and Harbor Tour, where we’ll delve into the history of this iconic landmark...