Canada & New England Cruise Trip with Norwegian Cruise Line (Part 1)

Fall (Autumn) has always been my favorite season because of the beautiful changing leaves. I've lived in Boston for almost 18 years, which has given me the chance to enjoy this season's beauty. However, despite my lengthy stay, I've come to realize that my knowledge of the history and coastal life in the New England region remains rather limited.

I've never been good at remembering historical facts and dates from books. But I've noticed that when I travel to historical places, history becomes much more interesting. It's like the past comes to life.

So, with curiosity and excitement, my family and I went on a Canada & New England cruise. This journey turned out to be more educational than I expected. It not only deepened my understanding of history but also opened my eyes to the rich tapestry of cultures from around the world. If you're inspired to plan your own cruise vacation, be sure to check out my other article on cruise packing tips.

Cruise Memory Lane

We went on a cruise with the Norwegian Pearl, which was our third time cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line. We've always been happy with their trips, especially because they have ships that leave from Boston, which is convenient for us.

Our plan was to explore five destinations: Charlottetown, Sydney, and Halifax in Canada, and then on the way back, we'd stop at Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine. However, during our visit to Sydney, there was a severe storm, so it was too dangerous to go ashore, and we had to stay on the ship for the day. Despite this, we still had a good time. 😀

During my journey, I got to explore many interesting places, each with its own unique stories and charm.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada:

Our first destination was Charlottetown, where the red soil underfoot hinted at the island's rich iron content. This picturesque coastal city, located on Prince Edward Island, is renowned for its stunning landscapes and, interestingly, for being the heart of Canada's potato production. In fact, Charlottetown contributes to a third of Canada's potato yield 🥔, a remarkable feat given its relatively small size. Here's a time-lapse video I captured of the island before we disembarked.

But Charlottetown is more than just its natural beauty and agriculture; it has an important historical title as the "Birthplace of Confederation." In 1864, Charlottetown hosted the Charlottetown Conference, where representatives from British North American colonies, including Prince Edward Island, discussed the idea of coming together to form one nation. This conference marked the beginning of the journey towards Confederation, which ultimately led to Canada becoming a self-governing country within the British Empire in 1867.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada:

As I mentioned earlier, our Sydney day turned out to be a sea day due to the bad weather, so we continued on to our next stop, which is Halifax. Fortunately, by the time we arrived, the rain had subsided, allowing us to disembark and explore this beautiful Canadian city.

Despite the post-storm chill, my time in Halifax was truly enjoyable. We seized the opportunity to explore the city's rich history via the Hop On Hop Off City Tour double-deck buses. These tours start at the cruise ship terminal, offering a 90-minute round trip with stops at 10 intriguing locations. The guide shared stories and historical anecdotes along the way. What's great is the flexibility it offers - you can hop off to explore a stop that interests you and easily catch another bus when you're ready to continue. These buses come in various colors for your preference.

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, Canada, and it's known for having the largest shipbuilding facility in North America. Interestingly, Halifax has a connection to the Titanic. When the Titanic sank in the North Atlantic, Halifax was the closest major port with good rail connections. After the tragedy, ships from Halifax were sent to recover the bodies of the victims. They brought 209 bodies to Halifax, and 150 of them were buried in three local cemeteries.

During my short visit to Halifax, I had a chance to explore different arts and crafts stores. While visiting a store called Jennifer's of Nova Scotia, I was reminded of the story of the Halifax Explosion as narrated by the tour guide, and how Boston extended a helping hand after the tragic event in 1917. Each year, as a token of appreciation, Nova Scotia sends a splendid Christmas Tree to Boston. Experiencing these stories in person was very touching, especially because I have a tradition of visiting the Boston Christmas Tree annually. This year, my visit will hold even more meaning because of the heartwarming tale I discovered in Halifax.

Portland, Maine, United States:

Our journey continued south to Portland, Maine, a city that effortlessly blends small-town charm with metropolitan diversity, offering a wide range of attractions and experiences.
Portland is known for its vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. The city's music venues host a variety of live performances, making it a hub for artists and creatives. Interestingly, even the city hall itself boasts an artistic appearance!

One of the city's standout features is its thriving craft beer scene. With a multitude of breweries and brewpubs, Portland is often referred to as a craft beer mecca. It's a place where you can savor unique, high-quality brews brewed from locally sourced ingredients.

While exploring the city, you'll encounter a distinct sense of community and a rich culinary landscape. Portland's food scene is diverse, with a focus on farm-to-table dining and fresh seafood. If you happen to visit on a weekday, you're in for a treat with the seafood lunch specials. And let me tell you, it's a feast!

Portland's coastal location provides stunning ocean views and access to picturesque landscapes.

The city is also home to the iconic Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine, which stands as a symbol of the region's maritime heritage. Saying 'cheese' in front of Portland Head Light. 

Bar Harbor, Maine, United States:

Our final destination was Bar Harbor, a nature lover's paradise. As the cruise ship was too large to dock at the port, it anchored a bit farther away. To bridge the gap, small boats known as 'tenders' shuttled passengers back and forth between the ship and Bar Harbor throughout the day.

During our visit, we decided to join the Shore excursion for the lighthouse and nature cruise tour around Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. This tour provided an excellent opportunity to explore the stunning coastal landscapes and learn about the area's rich history, including the significance of the five lighthouses that dot the shoreline. 

Although I couldn't explore Acadia National Park fully during this trip, it's definitely a place I want to visit in the future. The park is famous for its rugged coastlines, clear lakes, and beautiful mountain views, making it a must-see for people who love the outdoors and nature.

While exploring Bar Harbor, I also learned about the rules and regulations surrounding lobster fishing in Maine, gaining insight into the delicate balance between preserving marine life and sustaining local livelihoods.

Thank you for reading, and I hope my experiences encourage you to go on your own adventures.

Looking back on my Canada & New England cruise, I feel so thankful for the opportunity to explore these amazing places. From the beautiful scenery in Charlottetown to Halifax's interesting history, the lively culture of Portland, and the stunning nature of Bar Harbor, each stop made me love this region even more.

Stay tuned for my next post, where I'll share exciting activities from my cruise on the Norwegian Pearl. Happy travels! 🚢✨