Fall Foliage Northbound

Whether you’re wandering among priceless works of art at The Met or the MoMa, tucking into a slice of famous New York-style pizza in Little Italy, catching a performance of your favourite musical on Broadway or enjoying a picnic in scenic Central Park, New York City brims with countless ways to fill your days with wonder. But did you know that the Big Apple also serves as a portal to some of the most beautiful holiday destinations in the Caribbean and along the coasts of New England and Canada? Just a quick car ride away you’ll find the bustling port of Cape Liberty, home to some of the most incredible ships in the Royal Caribbean NY cruises fleet. Not only is it the perfect starting point for cruises to sun-soaked Bermuda, The Bahamas and other exotic shores in the Caribbean, including the newly revamped Royal Caribbean private destination Perfect Day at CocoCay – it’s also where you’ll catch cruises from NY to the picturesque port towns that line the rugged Northeastern coastline all the way to Canada, like Bar Harbour, Halifax and Quebec City. Whatever holiday spot tops your bucket list, you’ll find the perfect cruise out of New York to get you there.

Sightseeing in Manhattan excites and amazes like nowhere else – and every neighbourhood presents a fascinating, unique personality. Tour the Rockefeller Centre and catch a show at Radio City Music Hall. Walk the High Line and soak in the urban buzz of Times Square. New York cruises allow you to experience it all – by tour bus, train or on foot.

Stand amongst skyscrapers on one of New York’s scenic observation decks. Admire Central Park from the open-air Top of the Rock. Enjoy twinkling evening views from the top of the Empire State Building. Or venture 104 floors up to the One World Observatory in the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.

Halifax was founded as a naval base in 1749 — but you’d never know it from the vibe of this bustling urban capital today. Peer a little closer and you’ll see the Citadel, the star-shaped fortress that still stands guard from its hilltop perch. Discover historic architecture, restaurants, museums and boutique shops on the restored waterfront. Hop a ferry to Dartmouth or visit Peggy’s Cove. Jump onboard a Nova Scotia cruise and spend your day whale-watching, or sailing, and celebrate the day with some of the best beer and lobster the Maritimes have to offer.

The sight of the world’s largest fiddle welcomes you to Sydney, Nova Scotia. In this enclave on Cape Breton Island, metropolitan charm meets local hospitality. Originally founded by Loyalists spooked by the American Revolution, Sydney remains a haven – but today, it’s one replete with golf courses, a hearty music scene and the world-famous Cabot Trail. Step back into the 18th century while you walk amongst the town’s classically inspired buildings and dramatically steepled churches. Cruise to Nova Scotia and stroll along the boardwalk, indulge your inner lover of learning at the Cape Breton Centre for Heritage and Science, and end your day toe-tapping to Celtic beats.

Charlotte Amalie is one of the world’s most beautiful harbours; blue waters peppered with sailing boats and green hills dotted with quaint little cottages make for picture perfect brags. Just outside the lively port town, you’ll find ribbons of powdery sand beaches dotted with hammocks. Cruise to St Thomas and explore colonial landmarks like Blackbeard’s Castle or raise a pint of the local lager at quaint microbreweries. And when it’s time to fuel up, you’ll find plenty of beachside bars serving conch fritters, johnnycakes and coconut patties. St Thomas may technically be part of the US, but with its colourful markets, unspoiled beaches and the ever-present sound of steel drums, you’ll feel a world away.

Surrounded by the Blomidon Mountains, Corner Brook is the ultimate outdoor playground. Captain James Cook might have beaten you to the punch when he arrived here in 1767, but there’s no such thing as a bad time to discover this fjord’s end sheltered in the Bay of Islands off the West Coast of Newfoundland. The locals are warm, the water is cold and the fun factor is high. Hike, paddle, boat, bike, fish and sightsee your way through scenic Humber Valley, and experience the towering cliffs and waterfalls of Gros Morne National park.

Saguenay, Canada is reminiscent of a sleepy New England town; with a church standing tall in its skyline, rolling hills, the Saguenay River flowing by and golden trees come autumn. A former mill town, this French-Canadian city was only formed in 2002 by amalgamating the townships of Chicoutimi, Jonquiere, La Baie and Laterriere. The new city is most well-known for its Saguenay Fjord, which formed during the Ice Age and is the most southerly fjord in the Northern Hemisphere. When visiting Saguenay with your cruise, see its number-one attraction and its pine-studded soaring cliffs from the comfort of a cruise.

Quebec City blends old-world eye candy with fresh attitude from modern boutiques and coffee shops to cutting-edge music festivals. Set upon the mighty St Lawrence River, the city holds more than four centuries of history, a vibrant contemporary art scene and an abundance of gastronomic discoveries. Step back in time and explore the Old City. Pass through imposing stone walls and walk cobblestoned streets – you’ll notice a range of architectural styles, from Baroque to art deco. With Quebec City cruises you can experience a sugar rush at one of the many boulangeries. Then, walk it off with a visit to the iconic Chateau Frontenac towering over the Quebec capital.

Quebec City blends old-world eye candy with fresh attitude from modern boutiques and coffee shops to cutting-edge music festivals. Set upon the mighty St Lawrence River, the city holds more than four centuries of history, a vibrant contemporary art scene and an abundance of gastronomic discoveries. Step back in time and explore the Old City. Pass through imposing stone walls and walk cobblestoned streets – you’ll notice a range of architectural styles, from Baroque to art deco. With Quebec City cruises you can experience a sugar rush at one of the many boulangeries. Then, walk it off with a visit to the iconic Chateau Frontenac towering over the Quebec capital.