Canada & New England Cruise 9 Nights • Baltimore, Maryland • Vision of the Seas

If you’re kicking off your vacation in Maryland, you have more to look forward to than your time in the tropics. Cruises from Baltimore offer the perfect mix of big-city bustle and vacation vibes. This northeast capital overflows with rich history, plenty of iconic sights, and a top-notch food scene you won’t want to miss out on. Spend the morning walking around Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, where stately tall ships offer a glimpse into this East Coast city’s rich maritime legacy. Check out the National Aquarium, home to more than 750 species, an open-ocean shark tank, and a multi-story coral reef exhibit. And be sure to visit the star-shaped Fort McHenry, birthplace of America’s “Star-Spangled Banner” anthem. In between city sights, make a pit stop at one of Baltimore’s many acclaimed restaurants, locally loved coffee and tea shops, or craft breweries. Add a day or two to your vacation to experience the best of Baltimore before or after you set sail — you’ll be glad you did.

Your ship departs promptly at 3:00 pm, so plan to arrive at least 2-3 hours early to account for checking in and boarding protocols. During this time, many of the ship's amenities are open and operating, so feel free to start your holiday early.

Explore 400 years of history while walking the Freedom Trail in one of America’s oldest cities— Boston. Trace Paul Revere’s midnight route through the North End. Visit the homes of legendary patriots, politicians and poets. Or live time-honored baseball traditions at Fenway Park. It’s all here, in the birthplace of New England adventure.

Portland, Maine: Portland is one of the prettiest coastal towns and has a rich history and folklore waiting to be explored. Established in 1632 as a fishing and trading settlement by the British, the city still holds its rustic charm near and dear.

From the beautiful looming lighthouses to the deep blue waves of the Atlantic Ocean, the quaint brick buildings, and 19th century warehouses, everywhere you look on your cruise to Maine you’ll find enchanting New England splendor. The famous Portland Head Light dates back to 1791 and is by far one of Portland’s most iconic landmarks. Sitting on Cape Elizabeth, the beautiful lighthouse served as a lookout for oncoming intruders (particularly, the British) and today stands as a symbol of Maine’s heritage. It’s the oldest of its kind in continuous use in the States.

The Portland Museum of Art is well worth a visit. The museum features a broad collection of American and European art, plus an impressive selection of work by notable artists, like Georgia O’Keefe, Andy Warhol, Claude Monet and many other greats. Architecture buffs, as well as literary enthusiasts will appreciate a visit to the great poet and Portland native, Henry Wadsworth-Longfellow’s childhood home. The Wadsworth-Longfellow House is a National Historic Landmark contains most of the original household items and is the oldest standing structure on the Portland peninsula.

Hop on a beer tour on your cruise to Maine and discover what beer experts say is some of the best brews in the United States. The microbrew movement strong in Portland. There are about 17 locally-brewed brands that offer a wide range in flavor profile. Learn all about the fermentation process and sample handcrafted Belgian-style beer, blueberry wheat ale, rich dark stout, and much more.

Wander along the bustling cobblestone streets and alleys of the Old Port district in the downtown city center for wonderful dining and shopping. This small coastal town boasts many award-winning restaurants that are rooted in the farm-to-table tradition. Talented chefs prepare the freshest New England lobster with hearty, local, organic and plant-based foods on menus. And there’s a host of incredible locally owned boutiques within walking distance for unique, one-of-a-kind mementos.

Founded by Loyalists escaping the Revolutionary War in 1785, Saint John has emerged as a thriving port city. Its restored historic waterfront and surrounding natural beauty have made Saint John a wonderful destination. Experience the amazing Reversing Falls Rapids, Saint John's best-known attraction, when twice daily the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy rise faster than the river can empty. When this happens, the tide attempts to push the river back upstream, then the tide ebbs and the river appears to reverse itself and flow over the rocks, creating the appearance of reversing rapids. Visit St. Martin's Sea Caves and Beach, where you'll see caves carved out by the pounding tides. St. Martins' twin-covered bridges, harbor area and lighthouse are perennial favorites with photographers and painters.

Located on the shores of the world's second-largest natural harbor, the "City of Trees" adds to the pastoral beauty of Canada's maritime region. An extensive network of walking trails extends from the waterfront out to a series of beautiful parks and vibrant gardens, inviting exploration.

Sydney, Nova Scotia: Sydney, Nova Scotia lies on the northeast coast of Cape Breton Island and is the largest metropolitan area on the island. Founded in 1785 by the British, this small port city has served as home to many immigrants who arrived on Canadian shores through the centuries, including French Acadians, Eastern Europeans, Scotsmen, and Africans. Sydney is the perfect gateway to the beauty and wonder of Cape Breton Island on a Nova Scotia cruise. Just outside the city limits lies a wealth of sightseeing possibilities, including nature walks and museums. Visit the Louisbourg Fortress, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, and relive the life of the first settlers of this region. Discover Cabot Trail and explore the raw unspoiled nature of Canada, breathtaking coastal vistas, kayaking, hiking and much more. Seafood fresh from the ocean and traditional pub fare are always on local menus. Head to the Big Fiddle Market located inside the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion where you’ll find local arts and crafts for keepsakes and souvenirs.

Baltimore’s nickname— Charm City— is well earned. This town’s charisma runs deep— from the tall ships floating in the Inner Harbor to the top-notch museums. It’s an East Coast slice of American history where you can visit Edgar Allan Poe’s grave, and tour the fort where America’s national anthem was penned. And for authentic Baltimorean neighborhood experiences, nothing beats sipping pints in the pubs of Fells Point, cracking open steamy crabs in Canton’s seaside shacks, and enjoying sweeping skyline views from the top of Federal Hill.

The cruise might have ended, but there are still some great activities to enjoy in the area. If you flew into this port, be mindful of your departure flight time and plan accordingly.