In 2014, Holland America Line is offering an extensive Canada and New England program with 48 sailings spanning spring, summer and fall. With three ships departing from five convenient homeports, more travelers can experience the region’s breathtaking scenery, historic seaports, culinary treats and cultural charm.
Scheduled May through October, the nine different itineraries on ms Eurodam, ms Maasdam and ms Veendam depart from Boston, Mass.; Montréal and Québec City, Canada; Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and New York City. The cruises range from seven to 15 days and include family-friendly summer cruises and visits during the height of the fall foliage season as summer turns to autumn and the jewel-toned leaves offer one of nature’s most impressive showings.
“Canada and New England is one of the most picturesque, historic and culturally rich regions in the world, making it an ideal vacation for families, nature lovers and history buffs,” said Richard Meadows, Holland America Line’s executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs. “With our comprehensive program featuring three ships sailing throughout the year, our guests can enjoy a variety of experiences in spring, summer and the beautiful fall season.”
Departures Across the Summer Perfect for Getaway or Family Vacation
Veendam kicks off the line’s Canada and New England season with a nine-day cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Québec City departing May 1, 2014. The ship will make its way up the coast with calls at Gloucester (Boston), Mass.; Bar Harbor, Maine; Halifax and Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
From May 10 through the October 11 departure, Veendam will sail 17 seven-day itineraries between Québec City and Boston. Ports of call include Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor, with scenic cruising on the St. Lawrence River. These sailings also include an overnight at Québec City, Holland America Line’s number-one rated port of call.
Departing Aug. 16, Veendam adds a single cruise roundtrip from Boston that highlights the historic coastline. During the seven-day itinerary the ship calls at Bar Harbor; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Sydney, and Portland, Maine. While ashore, guests will be able to sample the famous Maine lobster, admire the photogenic lighthouses and learn about the area’s interesting maritime history.
Maasdam begins its season with a 15-day northbound cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Montréal departing May 2. During the voyage, guests will visit Charleston, S.C.; Newport, R.I.; Bar Harbor; Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown; Gaspé, Sept-Îles, Saguenay and Québec City, Québec, and Trios-Rivieres, Canada, before arriving at Montréal. Highlights include an overnight at Québec City, scenic cruising in the Saguenay Fjord and the only Canada and New England sailing to call at Trios-Rivieres.
From May 24 through the Oct. 11 departure, Maasdam offers seven-day sailings between Montréal and Boston, with calls at Québec City, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax and Bar Harbor. The itineraries feature scenic cruising on the St. Lawrence River and make an ideal option for families looking to take a summer cruise without traveling abroad.
Maasdam concludes the season with a 13-day sailing departing Oct. 18 from Montréal to Fort Lauderdale. Ports of call include Québec City, Saguenay, Sept-Îles, Gaspé, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor and New York City. Guests can take in the beautiful landscape at peak fall foliage time on scenic cruising along the Saint Lawrence River, Saguenay Fjord and Gaspé Bay. Guests may also choose a 10-day option to sail from Montréal and disembark in New York.
In September and October, during the height of the 2014 fall foliage season, Eurodam will sail three 10-day cruises between New York and Québec City, and one 12-day cruise from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale. On the 10-day itinerary departing Sept. 14 the ship calls at Boston, Portland, Maine; Saint John, Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown, with an overnight at Québec City. The Sept. 24 departure spends 10 days exploring Québec City (overnight), Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Boston and Newport, with scenic cruising along the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord. On the 10-day return trip from New York to Québec departing Oct. 4, the ship calls at Boston; Rockland, Mass.; Halifax, Sydney and Charlottetown, concluding with an overnight at Québec. Guests will enjoy scenic cruising in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Saguenay Fjord, as well as the line’s only call at Rockland this season.
Eurodam concludes its New England season on a new 12-day cruise from Québec City to Fort Lauderdale departing Oct. 14. The itinerary begins with an overnight at Québec City and then sails for Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Portland, Boston and Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
For seven-day Maasdam and Veendam itineraries, two back-to-back sailings can be combined for an extended 14-day roundtrip journey, allowing extra time ashore to get to know each port better with repeating calls. Guests can hunt for antiques, explore the charming fishing towns, learn about local history and sample more of the region’s fresh seafood.
On each Canada and New England cruise, Holland America Line’s “On Location” enrichment program brings local traditions, culinary tastes and cultural experiences to life both onboard and ashore to deepen guests’ appreciation of the region. Guests might enjoy a New England clam bake or a Fiddlin’ Flapjack breakfast, complete with authentic Canadian maple syrup and featuring local Cape Breton Celtic fiddlers. Other activities to enjoy include regional beer and wine tastings, a Canadian Bar mixology class, cultural cooking demonstrations, and a special Quebecois L’auberge de Lido or New England sailaway party.
Presently, Holland America Line is offering the Explore4 early booking promotion that features a free Signature Beverage Package or beverage card, a free specialty restaurant dinner, free or reduced fares for third and fourth guests in the same stateroom and 50 percent reduced deposits for bookings on select 2014 cruises made before October 15, 2013. Guests may receive all four offers when booking a qualified itinerary.
Cruise fares for 2014 Canada and New England itineraries begin at $799 per person, double occupancy for a seven-day sailing and include Explore4 Early Booking Promotion offers. With free or reduced third and fourth guests, a family of four can take a dream vacation to Canada/New England next summer on select dates with fares starting at $799 for the first and second guest, and the third and fourth guests in the same stateroom sailing for free.
