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Boston Fall Foliage Cruise Options - 2011

New England and Canadian cruises

To enjoy the most breathtaking fall foliage, cruise from Boston along the New England coast and Eastern Canada. These special cruises departing from Boston in September and throughout October specialize in showing you fabulous foliage color and scenery. 

A New England cruise from Boston may be as short as 5 days, while Canadian cruises to Halifax, Montreal, Prince Edward's Island, or other locations can last as long as 14 days filled with spectacular sights plus fascinating land tours.

What will you see on a fall foliage cruise from Boston?

In addition to vibrant vistas of crimson and golden foliage, all the more beautiful against blue water, you'll see many lighthouses, quaint villages and ornate "summer cottages" along rocky coastlines, and even fjords and waterfalls. 

At ports of call such as Portland and Bar Harbor in Maine and Saint John and Halifax in Canada, you can dine on the finest fresh lobster, visit maritime museums, and enjoy natural beauty along scenic walking trails.  In Quebec City and Montreal, you can experience French Canada and dine in the best restaurants.

Hopping on a fall foliage cruise is a breeze because Boston's cruise port, the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in the South Boston waterfront neighborhood is easy and convenient to get to.  Board your cruise liner, stow your bag in your cabin, and go out on the deck to let the show begin!

How to find the best price on fall foliage cruises

Although you can book fall foliage cruises departing from Boston directly with the cruise lines, the best cruise discounts and cruise specials are usually through travel agents.  Be sure to check with several who specialize in cruise bookings to make sure that you find the best deal, because even through travel agents, prices can vary by hundreds of dollars. 

The easiest and fastest way I've found to do this is CruiseCompete.com - just pick your cruise (they list them all), tell them the date you want, and then relax while their pool of 300+ independent travel agents compete to quote you the best deal.  It's fast, easy - and best of all, free.

And remember, by booking early, you'll have the best selection and get .  By booking late, you'll get the biggest cruise discounts. 

Typical fall foliage cruise line itineraries

Here are just a few examples of fall foliage cruise line itineraries for ships departing from Boston for you to consider:

Holland America - Crafting and Scrapbooking Special

This 7-night cruise on the HAL Maasdam combines a gorgeous fall foliage tour of the New England and Eastern Canadian coastline with crafting and scrapbooking sessions led by experts.

You'll depart Boston and cruise to Bar Harbor, where you'll have a day to explore this quintessential Maine seacoast village and take lots of photos. Next, you'll head to Halifax, Nova Scotia, for another day of sightseeing in this beautiful waterfront city.

After additional stops in Sydney and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, you'll cruise through the Gulf of St. Lawrence to Quebec City, often called the most European city in North America, where you can explore the French restaurants, bistros, and galleries of the Old City. 

A high point of this fall foliage cruise is a day at sea while your ship goes through the Gulf of Saint Lawrence and up the Saint Lawrence River.  You can avail yourself of all the ship's amenities - fitness center, classes, movies, boutiques, tennis, and of course, lavish meals and Broadway-style entertainment - or just enjoy the spectacular sights as you pass by some of Eastern Canada's most magnificent vistas. 

Finally, you'll reach your last destination on this fall foliage cruise, Montreal.  You'll enjoy sophisticated designer boutiques, student bookstores, and cosmopolitan restaurants.  You can fly back to Boston right away . . . or even better, spend a few extra days exploring Montreal's Old Town, taking walks along the Canal or Mount Royal, and visiting the Botanical Garden to enjoy the last autumn blooms and brilliantly-colored leaves.

Only 3 fall departures for 2011 - September 10, September 24, and October 8. The September 24 departure offers the option of a 14-day cruise returning to Boston.

Royal Caribbean:  7-night New England and Canadian cruise on Jewel of the Seas

After departing from Boston for this special 5-night fall foliage cruise, you'll arrive in Portland, Maine early the next morning, where you'll have the day to explore this maritime city filled with trendy shops, museums, and coastal walks. 

Then it's on to scenic Bar Harbor, and finally historic Halifax, where an authentic bagpiper will greet you upon arrival.  You can explore a restored 19th century neighborhood filled with boutiques, cafes, and art galleries, visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic right on the waterfront, or relax over a fabulous lobster dinner and some local brew. 

Finally, after a day of cruising, you'll return to Boston on the following morning.

Departures on September 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15, 22. Ask CruiseCompete agents about the special deals and discounts on this sailing.

Norwegian Cruise Lines:  2-night round-trip "cruise to nowhere" from Boston on the Norwegian Dawn

Want to go on a quick fall foliage tour but don't really have the time? On this quick 2-day cruise getaway, you'll depart Boston, spend a day relaxing at sea, and then return to Boston.

The October 24 departure means that you'll see some fall foliage as you pass the Boston Harbor Islands.

Sure, this cruise won't be as spectacular as the New England/Canada cruises - but if you have only 2 days, it's a terrific option, and cheaper than 2 nights in a nice hotel.

More fall foliage cruises

You'll find even more autumn fall foliage cruises leaving from Boston from these cruise lines, as well as Holland America.  And don't forget, if you're looking to a one-way cruise, you have the option of flying to a departure city such as Montreal and ending your cruise in Boston.

Of course, by the end of October, foliage is beginning to disappear and the ships head south for cruises from Boston to the Caribbean.

What to pack for a fall foliage cruise

Be sure to pack clothing appropriate to the season.  Remember, this isn't a Caribbean cruise through the tropics! 

After all, you're heading up and down the New England and Canadian coast in September and October, a time of the year when weather is usually gorgeous but crisp. 

You'll typically encounter outdoor daytime temperatures in the 50s and 60s during September, and as low as the 40s during October.  Nighttime temperatures can be even chillier.  Rain is always a possibility.

Although your cruise ship will be warm and comfy inside, remember that you may want to stroll around the deck, as well as feel comfortable when you explore ports of call. 

Be sure to pack clothing that you can layer, comfortable walking shoes, and even gloves and hats.  Include an umbrella and a waterproof jacket. 

Another Option: Fall Foliage Tours 

Sometimes no matter how hard you try, you just can't fit a fall foliage cruise into your schedule or budget.  These affordable 1-day fall foliage tours by luxury bus provide a wonderful way to experience the most spectacular New England fall foliage - and as a bonus, the Cape Cod foliage tour even includes a cruise!

These popular tours fill up fast - so don't wait to reserve your spot!

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