Compromising the USA and Canada, this huge land mass is the ultimate destination for many people, stretching from the Pacific Ocean to the East and the Atlantic Ocean to the West.
THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
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NEW YORK
New York is a people-packed, adrenaline-charged, "love it or hate it" city that holds immense romantic appeal for visitors. Wandering the streets, see icons of the modern age and experience the bustle of this busy, buzzy, cosmopolitan place.
There's no city in the world quite like New York - and there's no better way to arrive there than by cruise ship! Here are some of the highlights of the city that never sleeps.
There are the different ethnic neighbourhoods, like lower Manhattan's Chinatown and Little Italy — as well as the more artsy areas like SoHo, NoHo, TriBeCa, and the East and West Villages. Of course, there is the celebrated architecture of Manhattan, with the skyscrapers in downtown and midtown forming the most indelible images.
If this is your first trip to New York, remember that it will be impossible to take in the entire city in one go - so here are a few recommendations for your Big Apple visit!
Brooklyn Bridge
The bridge crosses the East River and walking over it is a great experience on a beautiful day. If you're in the mood for a workout, at a total length of 6,016 feet, it's a great way to exercise.
Central Park
Central Park is an oasis of green in the middle of New York City with over 800 acres of scenic views, playgrounds and ponds. You've seen it so often in films and on TV it will look almost familiar!
Chinatown
Chinatown is New York City's most famous and largest ethnic neighbourhood. Although the Chinese originally immigrated to this area of the city, this neighbourhood is now inhabited by a variety of Asian groups. It is a colourful and vibrant area of the city.
Many shops offer bargains on clothing and leather. If you walk down Canal Street in the open markets where you can buy copies of almost anything - be warned! Most of the Chinese restaurants can be found near Mott St and there are literally hundreds of them to choose from.
The Chrysler Building
Once the world's tallest building at 1,046 feet, the Chrysler Building the world's tallest structure, it was also one of the most decorated. Chrysler decorated his skyscraper with hubcaps, mudguards, and hood ornaments, just like his cars, hoping that such a distinctive building would make his car company a household name. Only four months after its completion the world's tallest title would be claimed by a new structure, the Empire State Building. Today, the Chrysler Building is recognized as New York City's greatest display of Art Deco.
Harbour Cruise
Enjoy a relaxed and refreshing three-hour cruise as you discover the secrets of the city - three rivers, seven major bridges, five boroughs, over 25 world renowned landmarks and, of course, a magnificent close-up of the Statue of Liberty.
The Empire State Building
New York's famous Empire State Building soars more than a quarter of a mile into the atmosphere above the heart of Manhattan. Located on the 86th floor, 1,050 feet above the city's bustling streets, the Observatory offers panoramic views from within a glass-enclosed pavilion and from the surrounding open-air promenade. The majestic art deco masterpiece is the symbol of New York, and one of the city's main tourist attractions.
You can tour the Observatory 365 days per year, day and night, for breathtaking views of Manhattan and beyond.
The Top of the Rock
Another Observatory, this one at the top of the massive Rockafeller complex in central Manhattan offers the classic view of the New York skyline, and includes the one main attraction the Empire state building observatory can't show you: the Empire State Building!
Grand Central Terminal
Grand Central Terminal is one of New York City's most famous landmarks. The terminal opened in 1913, after about 10 years of construction. Over the years, the terminal suffered deterioration and possible demolition. But the city wasn't going to let Grand Central suffer this fate. In the 1960's, the terminal was designated an historical landmark, despite some serious opposition. In the 1990's, the terminal was completely renovated and is now quite the midtown destination.
Greenwich Village
Greenwich Village is an area of the city known for its Bohemian lifestyle. It is located between Houston and 14th Street. It is one of areas of the city where the roads lose the simple grid pattern. If you venture here, do yourself a favour and bring a good map to navigate the streets. It is a charming city area with lots of coffee shops, jazz clubs, bars, Off-Broadway theatres and many restaurants. If you like to people watch, it is great place to come at night and just walk around and explore!
NEW ENGLAND
Famous for the colours of its trees in the Fall, or Autumn, New England is an area of stunning scenery and fascinating history, while Canada offers vast landscapes, rugged coastlines and friendly cities.
Portland
Portland, Maine, is an old seacoast town. It is also a funky city filled with galleries, one-of kind boutiques and shops, and incredible restaurants specialising in New England clam chowder, lobster rolls and Maine seafood to nouveau cuisine. Portland stands as one of the few working waterfronts left in the United States, acting as New England's largest tonnage seaport and second largest fishing port.
Boston
This vibrant, thriving city is renowned for its cultural facilities, ands its place at the very forefront of American history. Discover the history on the Freedom Trail, one of Americas' first historic walking tours, and the perfect introduction to Colonial and Revolutionary Boston. The walking tour takes visitors to 16 historical sites, covering two and a half centuries of America's most significant past.
CANADA
Canada is the second largest country in the World. Extending from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland to the Pacific via the Great Lakes.
Canada is several countries in one, surprising the visitor at every turn. Nature dominates, bounteous and unspoiled, where bears, elk and whales still live undisturbed by human activity.
A cruise along Canada's eastern coast delivers a wealth of breathtaking destinations - from towering cliffs and long peaceful beaches, to picturesque bays and charming villages, there is no shortage of ways to discover the sights and enjoy the renowned hospitality of this area.
Rich with history and abundant with natural beauty, all these wonders have been here for thousands of years and are simply waiting to be enjoyed.
Quebec
Always a highlight of a 'Fall Foliage' cruise along the New England and Canadian coastline, Quebec City is a living testimonial to the grace of Old Europe. Its steep cobbled streets make an atmospheric counterpoint to the trees blazing crimson, yellow and gold and creating one of the most dazzling spectacles on earth.
To visit Québec is to experience France without crossing the Atlantic. The architecture, ambiance and mostly French-speaking citizenry are proof that some of France has been permanently ingrained in North America. In addition to it's European flair, Québec City is the only remaining walled city north of Mexico.
Do not miss the magnificent view from the turrets of medieval-style Chateau Frontenac, which dominates the city. Despite it's appearance, this hotel-cum-museum dates from the 19th century, when it was constructed by the Canadian and Pacific Railway Company.
A visit here for afternoon tea-with-a-view will make a perfect end to a day ashore.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is the principal city of Nova Scotia and one of the most dramatically indented coastlines in the World with considerable charms. It is also one of the closest Canadian ports to Europe, hence it's early prominence in transatlantic trade (Samuel Cunard was born here).
For lovers of maritime history, a call at the cruise port Halifax will be one of the most memorable of a cruise around the USA's Eastern Seaboard and the Canadian Maritimes. Halifax is also the gateway to Nova Scotia's picturesque landscapes and rugged natural beauty.
When the Titanic hit an iceberg and sank in April 1912, the rescue and recovery operation was co-ordinated from Halifax, which became the last resting place for many of it's victims. The city's fascinating Maritime Museum - set right on its waterfront - holds remnants of the ship, including a steamer chair.
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Sydney on Cape Breton Island was originally founded in 1785 by fleeing British Loyalists. They established a coal and steel-producing community in Sydney that attracted a myriad of ethnic backgrounds. Today Sydney still exports coal and is a perfect jumping point for the scenic attractions of Cape Breton Island.
Fortress Louisbourg: A National Historic Site and Canada's largest historical reconstruction, this living museum within the fortress was once France's administrative, military and commercial heart in North America. Now completely restored, locals dress in period costume and run 18th century businesses.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest and greenest province. Cradled on the waves of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Island is known for the vivid colours of its gently rolling landscape. Prince Edward Island is surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and vivid red sandstone cliffs.
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