Canada & New England Cruise 9 netter • 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.

There's always something new to discover in Portland, Maine. A four-season location, this sophisticated seaside city holds itineraries for any kind of traveler. Explore the outdoors with a hike of the Back Cove Trail, then head out to Casco Bay for views of the ocean and the iconic lighthouse. Culinary adventure more your thing? Spend an afternoon hopping between local breweries, and sample ultra-fresh oysters at one of the city's hip restaurants.

This not-so-sleepy fishing town is home to just over 7,000 yearly residents, eight art galleries, miles of coastline and countless friendly faces. Head to the Maine Lighthouse Museum to experience the largest lighthouse museum in the world, with the largest collection of Fresnel lighthouse lenses, United States Coast Guard memorabilia and other marine artifacts. Get your culture on in the town center — right off Main Street, you'll find an array of small art galleries to pop into.

Be sure to devote some of your time in Saint John to the outdoors, exploring the Bay of Fundy. Bike the Fundy Trail along the rugged shoreline, see the towering Hopewell Rocks, or take a kayak out on the Reversing Falls rapids. On cloudy days, head inside and learn more about Saint John's natural and cultural history at the New Brunswick Museum and Loyalist House.

As Canada's Atlantic gateway, Halifax brings together unique history and modern excitement. Stroll the festive waterfront to get a feel for the bustling downtown with its boutique shops and art galleries. Then, visit the museum at Pier 21 to learn the stories of Nova Scotia's immigrants. Got foodie inclinations? Stop by the Halifax Farmers Market and sample the fresh-caught local seafood.

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.