Explore beautiful coastal towns, hike around breathtaking national parks, and stroll through historic districts by taking a cruise along the East Coast of the United States and Canada.
East Coast cruises are wonderful opportunities to soak in the New England charm in picturesque towns such as Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine; brush up on your history in cities like Charleston, South Carolina, and Boston, Massachusetts; and spend a day admiring colonial architecture in Newport, Rhode Island.
If you’re considering a cruise along the Atlantic, here are five of the best East Coast cruises to take this year.
1: Bermuda
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Discover the pink sand beaches of Bermuda on a 6- or 7-night cruise that takes you to this string of islands off of the East Coast.
Our Bermuda cruises combine two overnights in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda with at least two days at sea, allowing you to fully explore the highlights of this island nation while also enjoying all the amenities on board.
Bermuda
In Bermuda, snorkel around the area’s many sunken ships, stroll through the shops in downtown Hamilton, and descend into the stunning Crystal Caves, a magnificent natural wonder. During your days at sea, savor world-class cuisine, watch five-star shows at the theater, and relax by the outdoor pool, all while relishing impeccable service and attention from our dedicated crew.
2: Bermuda, Newport, and Charleston
Castle Hill Lighthouse in Newport, Rhode Island
Cruise from Cape Liberty, New Jersey to Newport, Rhode Island and tour the stunning Gilded Age mansions that line Newport’s Ocean Drive. If you’d rather get some exercise in, you can also admire the architecture from afar during a scenic walk around Cliff Walk.
An overnight stay in Charleston gives you the perfect opportunity to sample local Southern cuisine. Cap off your vacation with two to three nights in heavenly Bermuda, where the island’s famous pink sand beaches and transparent water will have you wishing you could extend your cruise for just a few days more.
3: Boston, Maine, and Canada
Faneuil Hall in Boston, Massachusetts
On a Boston, Maine, and Canada cruise, you’ll sail to picturesque towns throughout New England and Canada. Cruise from Boston and spend the morning walking along the Freedom Trail and learning more about the Revolutionary War.
Many itineraries stop in Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine, where you’ll have the opportunity to hike through the sprawling trees and wildlife of Acadia National Park and sample fresh lobster. In Halifax, Nova Scotia, make your way to the top of Citadel Hill for panoramic views of the harbor city. While in Sydney, follow in the footsteps of Alexander Graham Bell and discover the town’s Scottish roots.
Read: Best Hikes in New England
Depending on your itinerary, you might visit Saint John in New Brunswick, where you’ll be able to watch the thrilling Reversing Falls Rapids and spend a night in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, a gorgeous waterfront town with Victorian homes and some of the world’s best mussels.
Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City
Other cruise itineraries include an overnight stop in Quebec City, where you’ll quickly understand why it’s called the “Paris of America” after having a romantic dinner in a cozy bistro and walking along the city’s beautiful boardwalk.
4: Bermuda and Newport
New York City
Set sail from Cape Liberty, New Jersey and sail past the iconic Statue of Liberty before heading to Newport, Rhode Island, where you can spend a day visiting the many extraordinary mansions that once belonged to some of the richest families in America, including the Vanderbilts and the Dukes.
After a day at sea, you’ll arrive in Bermuda, where you’ll spend three days relaxing on the island’s pristine beaches and swimming in its turquoise ocean.
Crystal Cave, Bermuda
Since you’ll be spending some time on the island, schedule a tour through Royal Naval Dockyard’s stunning Crystal Caves, where you’ll marvel at its natural stalactites and stalagmites. If you’re feeling adventurous, set off on a catamaran to a protected cove, where you’ll spot all kinds of wildlife while snorkeling.
5: Bermuda and Charleston
Charleston, South Carolina
If you prefer cruises with overnight stays, you’ll love this ten-night itinerary, which includes two overnights in both Charleston and Bermuda.
Walk around the cobblestone streets of Charleston’s French Quarter, tour an old plantation, discover the beauty of Magnolia Gardens, and enjoy a Southern meal in one of the city’s many award-winning restaurants.
After a couple of days at sea, take advantage of your three days in Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda, where you can have fun at Harbour Nights, a weekly party in downtown Hamilton with live music and local street food.
Where do East Coast cruises depart from?
Most East Coast cruises depart from either Boston, Massachusetts or Cape Liberty, New Jersey, two major American cities with plenty to do in case you want to extend your vacation.
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is known for being a history buff’s dream. While you’re here, visit Boston Common, the city’s oldest park, the Bunker Hill Monument, and the Paul Revere House.
Sports fans won’t want to miss seeing a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park, while teenagers might enjoy crossing the Charles River and landing in Cambridge, home to Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Cape Liberty, New Jersey
Meanwhile, Cape Liberty, New Jersey is conveniently located less than an hour’s drive from New York City. If you sail from New Jersey, you could add a few days to your vacation and explore the Big Apple.
Central Park in Manhattan, New York City
With so many attractions to choose from, the possibilities of what to do in New York are endless. Walk around Times Square and Central Park, have lunch in one of its many award-winning restaurants, shop in SoHo, or catch a Broadway play in the evening.
When do cruises along the East Coast sail?
The East Coast cruise season kicks off in April and lasts until October. Autumn is one of the most popular seasons to sail around the East Coast of the U.S. and Canada for its gorgeous fall foliage. Once you’re sailing past a coastline dotted with trees in dramatic shades of red, orange, and yellow, you’ll understand why.
Acadia National Park in Bar Harbor, Maine
Get ready to sail on a cruise along the East Coast by booking one of these extraordinary itineraries today. Don’t miss out on discovering the best of New England, Bermuda, and South Carolina while on board one of our award-winning luxury ships. Browse itineraries online and reserve your shore excursions today.
