Canada & New England Cruise 9 netter • Cape Liberty (New York), New Jersey • Independence of the Seas

Whether you’re eyeing art at The Met or the MoMa, tucking into a slice of famous New York-style pizza in Little Italy or enjoying a picnic in scenic Central Park, NYC brims with countless ways to fill your days with wonder. That’s why a cruise from New York City is a great option for anyone who loves to keep the thrills going strong — even before you set sail. Globally acclaimed theater productions, award-winning dining and iconic monuments are among the best of New York City’s attractions, but this vibrant metropolis also offers hidden gems and unexpected surprises around every street corner. Head to Central Park for a tranquil break from the city’s fast-paced bustle, or hit a jazz club and learn about the influence of Black musicians and artists in the historic neighborhood of Harlem. Greenwich Village overflows with hip cafes and bars, and in Chinatown you can savor authentic Asian eats before visiting the Museum of Chinese in America.

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.

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.

Come 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.

With a front-and-center-stage view of Lower New York Harbor, Cape Liberty is only a hop, skip and a short subway ride away from New York City. This dizzying urban landscape is filled to the brim with non-stop adventure around every street corner. Tucked among the Wall Street skyscrapers and bright Broadway lights, you’ll discover ethnic enclaves, like the famed Little Italy, historic brownstones, European-style cathedrals and leafy Central Park. Take in world-renowned exhibits at MoMA or the Guggenheim. Trace America’s multicultural past at Ellis Island and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge before or after boarding your New Jersey cruise. Or snap a selfie with Lady Liberty, with the Big Apple’s skyline dazzling in the background.