Canada Cruise 7 netter • Boston, Massachusetts  • Jewel of the Seas

Planning a cruise out of Boston? Dedicate some time before or after your vacation to soak up all the history and quaint New England charm this city has to offer. Start your adventure in the sprawling Boston Common park, the oldest city park in the United States. Then head to Boston Public Garden — the country’s first botanical garden — for a relaxing swan boat ride across the lagoon. If you want to check out some truly impressive architecture, go to Copley Square and admire the Romanesque exterior of Trinity Church, pop inside the historic Public Library, and walk past the local boutiques and restaurants housed in charming 19th-century townhouses along nearby Newberry Street. History buffs will find plenty of options to explore the city’s rich past, from the Salem witch trials to the American Revolution. Hop aboard a trolley tour to discover the best of Boston in one day, or hit the Freedom Trail, a two-and-a-half-mile walk through Downtown Boston that winds past 16 historically significant sites.

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.

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.

Cruise to Sydney, Nova Scotia, and immerse yourself in multicultural Cape Breton, informed by the influence of the French, the Scotts and the native Mi'kmaqs. Hang out in the French Fortress of Louisburg, sample Gaelic culture at the Highland Village Museum, or take in the ancient art and history of the island at Membertou Heritage Park.

Toting over 400 years of history, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. Boston cruises allow you to see Revolution-era relics standing tall amid modern cityscapes, and homes where legendary patriots, politicians and poets once lived. Discover cobblestone charm in Beacon Hill and Paul Revere’s midnight route through the North End. Breathe in salty air along the Harborwalk and ride in a swan boat around Boston Public Garden. Whether it’s walking the Freedom Trail, kayaking on the Charles River, or living time-honored baseball traditions at Fenway Park, you’ll come to find Boston is the birthplace of New England adventure.