The perfect reprieve, a cruise to the cool forests of Maine and the rugged splendor of Nova Scotia; its capital, Halifax, is the largest city in the Maritime Provinces and just a short drive to picture-perfect Peggy's Cove.
Day 0Montreal, Quebec 5:00 pm
Day
1 Quebec City, Quebec 7:00 am 5:00 pm
Day
2 At Sea
Day 3Charlottetown, Prince Edward 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Day 4Sydney, Nova Scotia 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Day 5Halifax, Nova Scotia 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Day 6Bar Harbor, Maine 1 8:00 am 5:00 pm
Day 7Boston, Massachusetts 7:00 am
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Montreal, Quebec
Partly English, mostly French, completely intriguing - these are the cobblestone streets of lamp-lit Old Montreal. For a view of the city and the seaway, climb to the top of Mont Royal, or visit the tranquil Botanical Gardens. Downtown are world-class restaurants and the elaborate cathedral. Step inside for the full effect.
Quebec City, Quebec
Explore this noble, walled city that speaks with more than just a slight French accent. Stroll Old Quebec's maze of cobblestone streets that have little regard for the niceties of flat terrain. Happen upon quaint sidewalk cafes and indulge in the pastries and sandwiches that are a taste of old France. Don't even glance in the windows of the adorable boutiques and lovely antique shops, unless of course you don't mind yielding to temptation.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island A provincial capital with a distinctly English feel. Where red double-decker buses motor along streets lined with gingerbread-trimmed Victorian houses; and tea is served promptly at three.
Sydney, Nova Scotia So green and Gaelic is Cape Breton Island that Scotsman Alexander Graham Bell called it home for the last 37 years of his life. Your journey over the 184-mile-long Cabot Trail begins here, or you can be a soldier for the day at Louisbourg, meticulously restored to its mint 1744 condition.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Lighthouses stand sentinel on cliffside ledges; tiny villages huddle in rocky inlets; lobsters make it from the ocean to your plate in record time—this is Nova Scotia! In Halifax proper, through war and peace, the ramparts of the Citadel boldly defend the city and await your inspection.
Bar Harbor, Maine
Tucked into a cove in the shade of Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor is the quintessential New England coastal town. Enjoy the great outdoors with a bike ride or kayak adventure, participate in a lobster bake and chew on hand-stretched taffy from an upscale boutique.
Boston, Massachusetts The cradle of American history, Boston rests on its glorious historic laurels–Trinity Church, Old Ironsides, the Freedom Trail and Faneuil Hall–yet is thrust into the next millennium as a high-tech hub of the computer industry.
MS Maasdam The MS Maasdam is the fifth ship in Holland America Line's more than 130-year history to bear the name. Featuring an interior motif that pays homage to the historical Dutch East and West India companies of the 17th through 19th centuries, the centerpiece of this elegant ship features Luciano Vistosi's "Totem," a monumental sculpture using nearly 2,000 glimmering pieces of glass, prominently displayed in a soaring three-story atrium. She exudes a warm, elegant feel throughout by combining rich, polished woods over $2 million dollars of art and antiques. The ms Maasdam completed all Signature of Excellence enhancements to her public rooms and staterooms in Spring 2006.
At 720-feet, the ms Maasdam is designed to carry fewer guests while providing them with more space for maximum comfort. Accommodating 1,258 guests, many staterooms feature commanding ocean views, and each of the 149 suites has a private verandah.
Signature features include:
* The two-tier Rotterdam Dining Room features impeccable service and an extensive wine list, and offers five-course menus, from continental cuisine to vegetarian and low-carb options
* The intimate reservations-only Pinnacle Grill offers an elegant, sophisticated dining experience and features premium hand-selected cuts of Sterling Silver beef, inspired seafood dishes and many select wines rated "Excellent" by Wine Spectator - as well as distinctive Bvlgari® china, Riedel® stemware and Frette® linens
* The Lido Restaurant offers a relaxed ambiance for all three meals and features a variety of fresh, cooked-to-order specialties
* The Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine, is the setting for gourmet cooking demonstrations and interactive classes
* Explorations Café, powered by The New York Times, features the largest library at sea, as well as comfortable music listening stations and Internet access
* The Greenhouse Spa & Salon features thermal suites, a hydrotherapy and thalassotherapy pool, heated ceramic lounges and more
* The Rembrandt Show Lounge features Las Vegas-style productions, talented vocalists, illusionists, comedians and variety acts
* The Crow's Nest, where sweeping views make this observation lounge a top choice for relaxing during the day, and in the evening transforms into a hip, fashionable nightclub features top-notch DJs and great bands
* Club HAL®, dedicated youth facilities and activities for kids ages 3 to 12
The Loft for teens, new areas designed exclusively for teens (ages 13-17) to have fun, socialize and hang out with people their own age
