7-Day Canada & New England: Montreal, Maritimes & Maine

Itinerary

Day 2 Sep 13, 2026 Quebec City, Canada 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king's council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec's formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade. By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec's fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada's most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city - Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) - feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris. Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto "Je me souviens" (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city. Quebec City, Canada port guide Search cruises visiting Quebec City, Canada

Quebec City, Canada photo — Day 2 Sep 13, 2026 Quebec City, Canada 07:00 – 16:00 9.0 hrs ashore For centuries, a native Iroquois village occupied the cliff-top site of what is now Quebec City. The first permanent European settlement began in 1608 when Samuel de Champlain established a fur trading post. By 1663, New France had become a royal province, administered by a council appointed directly by the crown and answerable to the king's council in France. Long-brewing European struggles between England and France spilled over into the colonies, prompting the construction of Quebec's formidable fortifications. The Seven Years War put an end to French reign and left the city in English hands. The English successfully warded off an American attack in 1775, and for the next century Quebec quietly earned its livelihood as a center for shipbuilding and timber trade. By 1840, when it was declared the provincial capital of Lower Canada, the accessible supplies of timber had run out. The final blow came with the appearance of steamships that could travel as far as Montreal, while sailing ships found it difficult to proceed beyond Quebec City. Losing its importance as a major port, the city experienced a decline but remained a center of small industry and local government. Later years saw a tremendous rise as tourism made use of Quebec's fantastic location and appearance. Being Canada's most historic city and the only walled city in North America earned it the classification of World Heritage Treasure by UNESCO in 1985. Today, the visitor is greeted by an authentic, profoundly French city, where 95% of its half million people are French-speaking. Both parts of the city - Haute-Ville and Basse-Ville (Upper and Lower Town) - feature winding, cobbled streets flanked by 17th- and 18th-century stone houses and churches, graceful parks and squares and countless monuments. Croissants and steaming cups of coffee at sidewalk cafés conjure images and aromas of Paris. Great emphasis has been placed on Quebec nationalism; as a result the city has become a symbol of the glory of French heritage. The motto "Je me souviens" (I remember) is inscribed above the entrance to the Parliament Building and on the license plates of Quebec cars. As you come ashore, endless pleasures await you in this marvelous city. Quebec City, Canada port guide Search cruises visiting Quebec City, Canada

Day 4 Sep 15, 2026 Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec 07:00 – 14:00 7.0 hrs ashore Although it is the administrative and economic centre of the Magdalen Islands archipelago, in the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the village of Cap-aux-Meules remains a peaceful location and is ideal for exploring preserved nature. Located on the eponymous island, in reference to the sandstone rocks of the cape that were used in the past to make grindstones, the location is above all considered to be the maritime gateway to the archipelago. In this respect, it offers privileged access to many sites renowned for their natural and historic heritage, such as the village of Havre-Aubert which is a member of the Most Beautiful Villages of Quebec.

Day 5 Sep 16, 2026 Halifax 10:00 – 18:00 8.0 hrs ashore Canada is a huge country that offers tourists a large number of wonderful attractions to visit and explore. One of those not to be missed is Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia found on the east coast of Canada and one of the places you can visit on an MSC Cruise. Each city has a symbol that represents it more than anything else: for Halifax, its citadel that dates back to the late 18th century, famous in Canada both for its beauty and for its historical importance, fills that role. Inside the star-shaped citadel, you can explore the history of Halifax on guided tours. The museum staff, dressed as soldiers of the army and navy, will show you the clothes used in the past and other items in maritime activities. To the south-west of the city, your MSC cruise will offer you an excursion to one of the most beautiful and evocative settings on the Atlantic coast, the small village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its red lighthouse that was built in 1868. In this fishing village, elements of nature and domestic intimacy coexist: it is a land of boulders eroded by glaciers where the presence of humans can be found only in a handful of colorful houses and fishing shacks over the waters of the marina. The village lighthouse stands on top of a granite outcropping, made slippery by the splashes of the ocean waves. Less than a kilometer from the public gardens of Halifax can be found another place of great historical-cultural interest that you can visit on your MSC cruise: the Fairview Cemetery, a Canadian cemetery, famous for being the resting place for 121 victims of the shipwreck of the Titanic. Halifax's connection with the famous naval tragedy on April 15, 1912 can also be seen at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibition on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deckchair in the world. Halifax port guide Search cruises visiting Halifax

Halifax photo — Day 5 Sep 16, 2026 Halifax 10:00 – 18:00 8.0 hrs ashore Canada is a huge country that offers tourists a large number of wonderful attractions to visit and explore. One of those not to be missed is Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia found on the east coast of Canada and one of the places you can visit on an MSC Cruise. Each city has a symbol that represents it more than anything else: for Halifax, its citadel that dates back to the late 18th century, famous in Canada both for its beauty and for its historical importance, fills that role. Inside the star-shaped citadel, you can explore the history of Halifax on guided tours. The museum staff, dressed as soldiers of the army and navy, will show you the clothes used in the past and other items in maritime activities. To the south-west of the city, your MSC cruise will offer you an excursion to one of the most beautiful and evocative settings on the Atlantic coast, the small village of Peggy's Cove, famous for its red lighthouse that was built in 1868. In this fishing village, elements of nature and domestic intimacy coexist: it is a land of boulders eroded by glaciers where the presence of humans can be found only in a handful of colorful houses and fishing shacks over the waters of the marina. The village lighthouse stands on top of a granite outcropping, made slippery by the splashes of the ocean waves. Less than a kilometer from the public gardens of Halifax can be found another place of great historical-cultural interest that you can visit on your MSC cruise: the Fairview Cemetery, a Canadian cemetery, famous for being the resting place for 121 victims of the shipwreck of the Titanic. Halifax's connection with the famous naval tragedy on April 15, 1912 can also be seen at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which houses an excellent permanent exhibition on the disaster, including photographs, wooden artifacts and the only intact Titanic deckchair in the world. Halifax port guide Search cruises visiting Halifax

Day 6 Sep 17, 2026 St. John, New Brunswick, Canada 12:00 – 21:00 9.0 hrs ashore Saint John, on the southern coast of New Brunswick, is Canada’s oldest incorporated city as well as the only city on the Bay of Fundy. Give your stroll through uptown Saint John a little focus by taking the self-guided Loyalist Trail walking tour, which visits historic attractions like the 1784 Burial Grounds, the 1876 Old City Market, a general store and the Jewish Historical Museum. The New Brunswick Museum, also along the Loyalist Trail, tells the story of the town and exhibits cover some of its natural history, too, with an 80,000-year-old mastodon skeleton. The Martello Tower has been part of Saint John's identity since it was erected for the War of 1812; it was even used to house prisoners during World War I. The most exciting part of your trip to Saint John may be your chance to view the point at which the Bay of Fundy and the Saint John River collide: the Reversing Falls Rapids. If simply observing the churning waves and whirlpool is not enough, ride a zip line over the waters for added thrills.

Day 8 Sep 19, 2026 Boston, USA Arrives 07:00 If there is any American city where you can breathe some “European air”, it is Boston: a large city built for people, thanks to its center area that can be easily visited on foot or by public transport. Your MSC cruise will take you on the discovery of the capital of Massachusetts offering many opportunities to relive its history, immerse yourself in its arts, visit its museums and taste the flavors of one of America's most famous breweries. What makes Boston different is the unique way that it combines attention to the past with an ambitious enthusiasm for modernity. Walking through the city, it is not unusual to find a historical house from the times of the American Revolution placed next to a futuristic skyscraper, a truly fascinating mixture. A walk along the famous Freedom Trail is one of the best ways to breathe in the atmosphere of Boston and absorb the spirit of a city rich in historical monuments. An absolute must to visit is the area of Cambridge, the cradle of the greatest minds in the country, home to MIT and Harvard, two of the most important universities in the world where both prominent figures and US presidents have studied. When it comes to Boston, there are not only things to see, but also delights to be savored. If you like gourmet food, take a trip to QuincyMarket: this lively market is a great place to buy fast food and be surprised by eccentric street artists. Do you want to swim, hike, explore the ruins of an ancient fort and camp under the stars in a national park? You can do all of this in Boston on your MSC cruise. The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area consists of 34 narrow islands scattered around the historic New England harbor where you can visit “hidden pearls” by boarding one of the seasonal ferries that sail from Boston Long Wharf. Boston, USA port guide Search cruises visiting Boston, USA

Boston, USA photo — Day 8 Sep 19, 2026 Boston, USA Arrives 07:00 If there is any American city where you can breathe some “European air”, it is Boston: a large city built for people, thanks to its center area that can be easily visited on foot or by public transport. Your MSC cruise will take you on the discovery of the capital of Massachusetts offering many opportunities to relive its history, immerse yourself in its arts, visit its museums and taste the flavors of one of America's most famous breweries. What makes Boston different is the unique way that it combines attention to the past with an ambitious enthusiasm for modernity. Walking through the city, it is not unusual to find a historical house from the times of the American Revolution placed next to a futuristic skyscraper, a truly fascinating mixture. A walk along the famous Freedom Trail is one of the best ways to breathe in the atmosphere of Boston and absorb the spirit of a city rich in historical monuments. An absolute must to visit is the area of Cambridge, the cradle of the greatest minds in the country, home to MIT and Harvard, two of the most important universities in the world where both prominent figures and US presidents have studied. When it comes to Boston, there are not only things to see, but also delights to be savored. If you like gourmet food, take a trip to QuincyMarket: this lively market is a great place to buy fast food and be surprised by eccentric street artists. Do you want to swim, hike, explore the ruins of an ancient fort and camp under the stars in a national park? You can do all of this in Boston on your MSC cruise. The Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area consists of 34 narrow islands scattered around the historic New England harbor where you can visit “hidden pearls” by boarding one of the seasonal ferries that sail from Boston Long Wharf. Boston, USA port guide Search cruises visiting Boston, USA

Ship

Your ship Volendam 5★ **61,214** GT **1,432** guests Built **1999** Elegant and spacious, Volendam takes her décor cues from the garden. Her grand public spaces are graced with floral fabrics and tapestries, as well as huge vases of fresh floral arrangements. While on board, explore the wonders of nature in BBC Earth Experiences. Enjoy regional cooking demonstrations and food and wine tastings with EXC Port to Table programming. Relax with a spa treatment at the Greenhouse Salon & Spa. Or dine in one of our selection of fine restaurants. Volendam ship guide Search cruises on Volendam

Name	Supplier code	Type
Large Interior Stateroom	I	Inside
Large Interior Stateroom	J	Inside
Large Interior Stateroom	K	Inside
Large Interior Stateroom	L	Inside
Large Interior Stateroom	M	Inside
Large Interior Stateroom	MM	Inside
Large Interior Stateroom	N	Inside
Large Ocean view Stateroom	C	Oceanview
Lanai Stateroom	CA	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	D	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	DA	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	DD	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	E	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	EE	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	F	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom	FF	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom (Porthole View)	G	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom (Partial Sea View)	H	Oceanview
Large Ocean view Stateroom (Fully Obstructed View)	HH	Oceanview
Vista Suite	A	Suite
Vista Suite	AA	Suite
Vista Suite	B	Suite
Vista Suite	BB	Suite
Vista Suite	BC	Suite
Pinnacle Suite	PS	Suite
Neptune Suite	SA	Suite
Neptune Suite	SB	Suite

7-Day Canada & New England: Montreal, Maritimes & Maine

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