Foodie favourite, Holland America Line, explores Canada and New England

Author: Daniel Edward

Published on:

With perfectly sized ships, Holland America Line can take you all the way up the St Lawrence River to Montreal on week-long itineraries from Boston

A cruise around the east coast of Canada and New England is a seafood lover’s dream.

Responsible for some of the most valuable fish and seafood hauls in the world, it’s no surprise that Holland America Line is so at home in the region, given the line’s deep association with sustainable fish and top-quality food.

Holland America Line’s Canada and New England season runs from May to October, with the 2025 season featuring a range of itinerary lengths – from one week to 25-days – and late-night stays in a number of ports, including Portland, Newport, Maine, and Charlottetown.

Delivering fresh, local produce as part of its ‘Destination Dining’ programme, Holland America Line serves up authentic regional experiences throughout the journey – from locally inspired dishes on the nightly-changing dining room menu, to expertly curated shore excursions which continue this quality enrichment into the port.

And, of course, all this is capped off with the line’s award-winning, personalised service, which can only be achieved on perfectly sized ships like Volendam – who will be returning to the region after a successful season there this year.

From Maine Lobster to Prince Edward mussels, let’s take a look at what awaits you on Holland America Line’s Canada New England itineraries…

HAL has been sailing the oceans for more than 150 years. Credit: HAL

Award winning, personalised service
Year in, year out, Holland America Line wins awards for the friendliness of its crew members, who are known for their genuine and warmly attentive service.

Holland America Line sails with some of the most loyal guests in the business, and that’s a huge reflection of the authentic connections that the crew form with guests. If it’s your first Holland America Line cruise, experience says it won’t be your last.

Introduce yourself on Zuiderdam’s seven-day voyage from Quebec City to Boston, departing September 6, 2025.

Boston is the birthplace of modern America. Credit: Shutterstock

Immersive shore excursions
Holland America Line’s Canada & New England itineraries a full to bursting with wonderful shore excursions, to help you maximise your time off the ship in ports.

Head out to the famous lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove or visit Anne of Green Gables in Charlottetown. The region has a huge range of options, whether you’re looking for cultural and historical immersion, or a bit of adventurous fun.

Volendam’s 10-day New England, New France and Newfoundland voyage from Boston to Montreal, departs August 6, 2025.

Anne of Green Gables has become emblematic of Prince Edward Island (PEI). Credit: Shutterstock

History, nature and lighthouses
This region is packed with fascinating sites to explore ashore. History buffs are spoilt for choice with military fortresses and significant battlegrounds all along the itinerary.

If nature is your thing, then Sydney, Nova Scotia, is the ideal port for a scenic drive, and Bar Harbor is at the base of Acadia National Park.

Of course, the northeastern states and Canada’s Maritimes boast a fine collection of lighthouses – and a few wrecks to boot.

Visit Halifax for a fascinating insight into the region’s maritime history on Volendam’s 14-day repositioning cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montreal, departing June 7, 2025.

Find your ideal cruise

Search for the best cruises with HAL

Perfectly-sized shipsIn 2025, Volendam returns to the region – and this is a big deal, because Volendam is one of just two ships in the Holland America Line fleet that can sail all the way up the St Lawrence River to Montreal.

The ship, which is completing the line’s eye-catching ‘Pole to Pole’ voyage from January to June, will be based between Boston and Montreal for most of the summer.

For something a little more expansive, Volendam’s 25-day Canada, New England, Greenland and Iceland cruise takes you roundtrip from Boston, departing July 12, 2025.

Most relevant articles