Holland America to add 27 cruises to Canada and New England in 2012

Holland American, a leader in Canada New England voyages, expands their cruise offerings to this region with twenty-seven departures this year.

Crew members shoveling snow on the deck of a cruise ship? Stroll to the world famous Reversing Falls. View breathtaking foliage and visit historic seaports where you dock right in the heart of downtown. It’s all possible on a Canada and New England cruise.

The iconic Chateau Frontenac hotel, looks out over the Quebec City harbor

Holland America Line has announced that in Fall 2012 they will offer 27 cruises on three ships — ms Maasdam, ms Eurodam and ms Veendam — to ports along the eastern coast of North America.

Scheduled May through October, the itineraries range from seven to fifteen days and will include visits to the region during the height of the fall foliage display. The Veendam repositions to the region in 2012, increasing Holland America Line’s capacity and making it possible for more travelers to experience one of nature’s most impressive showings.

“Our Canada/New England itineraries are always popular, and by adding Veendam to the area during the fall foliage season more travelers are able to see this beautiful region during this special time of year,” said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “Maasdam is there throughout the summer as well, making it the perfect cruise for friends, couples, solo travelers and families looking to explore an interesting travel destination that’s close to home.”

Quaint French restaurant in the upper part of Quebec City

Maasdam begins the season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Montreal, Quebec, Canada. During the voyage, guests will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Gaspe and Sept-Iles, Saguenay; and Quebec City, Quebec, before arriving at Montreal. Highlights include an overnight call at Quebec City, Holland America Line’s highest rated port of call, and the premium line’s only call at Sept-Iles this season.

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From May 12 through the Sept. 29 departure, Maasdam offers 15 seven-day sailings between Montreal and Boston, with calls at Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River and make an ideal option for families looking to take a summer cruise without traveling abroad.

Sydney Harbor

Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing Oct. 6 from Montreal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Quebec City, Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Gaspe, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Port Canaveral, Florida.

During the height of the 2012 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises in September and October between New York and Quebec City. The ship will call at Newport, Rhode Island; Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown and Saguenay. The itinerary also features an overnight call at Quebec City and scenic cruising along Saguenay Fjord.

On Oct. 14 Eurodam will depart on a 13-day cruise from Quebec City to Fort Lauderdale. The cruise begins with an overnight aboard ship in Quebec City and then sails for Saguenay, Baie-Comeau, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Gloucester (Boston) and Newport.

 St. Johns, New Brunswick weekend marketplace

Veendam begins its Canada/New England season with a 13-day cruise from New York to Montreal Sept. 2. The ship will call at Gloucester, Bar Harbor, St. John, Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Gaspe, Saguenay and Quebec City along the way. Guests on this itinerary will enjoy an overnight call at Quebec City before arriving at Montreal.

In September and October, Veendam will sail five seven-day itineraries between Montreal and Boston. Ports of call include Quebec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising along the St. Lawrence River.

For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, guests can combine two seven-day sailings for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to hunt for antiques, explore charming fishing towns, learn about local history and sample the region’s fresh seafood. Fares on 14-day Collectors Cruises reflect up to 10 percent savings.

My recommendation is to put one of these cruises on your cruises to-do list. It’s a totally unique, exciting itinerary and yet close to home. I’ve done this trip twice and about to plan my third. If you were to ask me the best time of year to experience all that these itineraries have to offer, I would say pick one of the last two of the season. But if you want warmer days, the September sailings are (usually!) perfect.