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The Best Fall Foliage Cruises Across the U.S. and Canada

Plot a course for the best autumn destinations on the water.

Dougall_Photography/Getty Images

Fall foliage may only be around for a few weeks, but the brilliant colors that illuminate both city and countryside invite travelers to make the most of the season. You can see fall foliage on a road trip or from a train window, but one of the best ways to experience autumn is by cruise.

Highlighting the rolling hills and mountains of New England, the craggy coastlines of Alaska, or picturesque Quebec cities, these are some of the best cruise routes you can take to soak up the beautiful, quickly changing fall foliage.

Royal Caribbean's fall foliage northbound cruise; 11 nights

Cruise ship :  Jewel of the Seas  

Cost : Starting at $949/person

Capacity : 2,702 guests

Why you should go : This late September cruise leaves from Cape Liberty port in New Jersey and heads north, allowing you to take advantage of the seasonal foliage as you make your way toward Quebec City , a perfect historic setting in which to watch the leaves change. On board, get an elevated view of the multicolored leaves by climbing to the top of the rock wall or embrace the cooler weather with a poolside movie.

Princess Cruises' Canada and New England sailing; 7 days

Daniel Hanscom/Getty Images

Cruise ship: Enchanted Princess

Cost : Starting at $468/person

Capacity : 3,080 guests

Why you should go : Starting from your port of call in New York City, this fall foliage cruise leaves in late October. It will take you up the coast past Newport, Rhode Island where you’ll be treated to panoramic views and golden leaves all around. During a stop in Halifax, Canada, you can check out the coast and, of course, dine on butter-soaked lobster. While on board, watch the world go by from the outdoor deck with a hot chocolate in hand.

Carnival Cruise Line's Canada and New England journey from New York; 7 days

Cruise ship :  Carnival Venezia

Cost : Starting at $519/person

Capacity : 4,090 guests

Why you should go : In September, enjoy the changing colors as you sail from the Big Apple toward Portland, Maine, and Canada’s Saint John. Watch the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red as you meander around these quaint towns. On the Venezia, you also get to sail in the ship's signature "Fun Italian Style," with Venice-inspired decor, plus lots of Italian restaurants and menu items.

Cunard's New England and Canada cruise; 7 Nights

Cruise ship :  Queen Mary 2

Cost : Starting at $1,199/person

Capacity : 2,691 guests

Why you should go : This late-September cruise will take you from New York City to the fall foliage and crisp air of Halifax, where your autumn adventure starts. You'll follow the colorful coastline through Sept-Iles and Saguenay, before finishing out the peaceful week in Quebec City. On the ship, watch performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company and indulge in dishes like croquettes of suckling pig and Dover sole meunière.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Autumn on the Frontier; 7 nights

Tan Yilmaz/Getty Images

Cruise ship :  Seven Seas Explorer

Cost : Starting at $6,699/person

Capacity : 746 guests

Why you should go : Not just the land of ice and snow, Alaska is an underrated destination for fall foliage. This cruise sets off in the northern city of Seward and makes a detour to the waters around the Hubbard Glacier, before turning inward toward Juneau and finishing up in Vancouver, British Columbia . You can watch the changing scenery from your room’s private balcony and indulge in excursions like a wilderness sea kayaking adventure in Sitka, Alaska, and rain forest bicycle tours in Skagway.

Related Articles

5 best fall foliage cruises in New England, Canada and beyond

If you feel left out whenever your social media feeds blow up with beautiful pictures of fall foliage, you probably should plan your own leaf-peeping trip. Sure, you could arrange an epic road trip, complete with traffic jams and overpriced, overcrowded tourist traps. Or, you could take a fall foliage cruise.

From a cruise ship, you can enjoy the autumnal hues of the Canadian and New England coastline as you sail between northeastern U.S. home ports like New York and Boston and Canada's Montreal or Quebec City. Book shore excursions for a more relaxing day out; the bus driver will navigate the traffic along tree-lined byways to scenic vistas, and your mealtimes will be prearranged (or held on board your ship's multiple dining venues).

If you'd rather explore fall's colors outside of the Northeast, a few cruise lines will take you to fall foliage destinations in other parts of the U.S., too.

You'll want to book your Canada and New England cruise at least six months (if not a year or more) in advance for the best pricing and availability. Here, we present the five best fall foliage cruises you should consider in New England, Canada and beyond.

7-night Canada and New England Discovery cruise on Holland America

Holland America 's 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam is a delightfully midsize ship, so you don't have to worry about crowds as you sail between Boston and Quebec City. The ship starts sailing this route in late August, but for the best leaf peeping, you'll want to book one of the two October departures. (In 2025, the itinerary is identical but has a different name.)

Ports of call include Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; Sydney and Halifax, Nova Scotia; and Rockland, Portland or Bar Harbor, Maine. Take your pick of scenic drives or strolls through gardens or along hiking paths, camera at the ready. On board, spend your evenings rocking out to live music or enjoying a leisurely meal of steak or seafood at the Pinnacle Grill.

Best for : Holland America attracts mainly retirees and couples who appreciate the line's focus on fine dining and live performances. Zuiderdam's itinerary is ideal for anyone who doesn't mind flying in and out of different cities in order to travel farther north into Canada than the one-way sailings.

Related: 11 best cruises to Canada and New England

7-night Canada and New England cruise on Princess Cruises

For an easy round-trip New York cruise that leans more into New England than Canada, consider Princess Cruises ' weeklong October sailings in 2024 and 2025 on the 3,660-passenger Enchanted Princess. Choose from itineraries with four or five ports, including Newport, Rhode Island; Boston; Bar Harbor or Portland; Halifax; and (only on certain sailings) Saint John, New Brunswick.

If seascapes are your thing, don't miss the beautiful coastal landscape by the Bay of Fundy (from Saint John) or Peggy's Cove in Nova Scotia. Head to the hills in Bar Harbor for elevated views, or escape to sea with a harbor cruise from Newport.

Best for : Princess Cruises also attracts mature couples and lovers of classic cruising, but the 2019-debuted Enchanted Princess is much larger than Holland America's Zuiderdam. Kick back with the line's signature Movies Under the Stars (complete with blankets for fall nights in New England), or enjoy multiple specialty restaurants devoted to Italian specialties, steakhouse fare and seafood. Bundle up for a romantic breakfast on your balcony while the colorful coastline passes by.

Related: The best time for a Canada and New England cruise

7-night Canada cruise on Royal Caribbean

Combine an easy Boston round-trip sailing with a fall foliage cruise focused more on Canadian than New England ports with Royal Caribbean 's seven-night voyages on the 2,191-passenger Jewel of the Seas, setting sail in September and October 2024, and 2,142-passenger Brilliance of the Seas, departing in September and October 2025. Most itineraries call in Portland, Saint John, Sydney and Halifax.

The ships are among Royal Caribbean's older and smaller ships, so don't go in expecting a humongous megaship with wild top-deck amenities (a good thing or not, depending on your style). You'll still find plenty of dining options (including Izumi for Japanese cuisine and Giovanni's Table for Italian), the line's signature circular Viking Crown Lounge and — perfect for fall weather — an indoor, adults-only solarium.

Best for : Royal Caribbean fans seeking a midsize ship experience with fewer children on board should book this cruise. Anyone looking for a round-trip cruise to Canada that doesn't require a passport will appreciate the convenient Boston departure port (with plenty of beautiful fall foliage of its own) and three port calls in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick.

Related: Canada and New England cruise packing list: What to pack for every season

7-night Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise on American Cruise Lines

Eastern Canada and New England aren't the only North American regions known for their fall foliage. American Cruise Lines offers several small-ship sailings in October to other leaf-peeping regions, including the Hudson River Valley.

But for something completely different, why not try the line's seven-night, round-trip Puget Sound and San Juan Islands cruise from Seattle on the 90-passenger American Spirit or the 170-passenger American Constellation?

Your itinerary will take you to Anacortes, Friday Harbor, Port Angeles (gateway to Victoria, British Columbia, and Olympic National Park), Port Townsend and Poulsbo, Washington, with a day spent cruising around the San Juan Islands. Take advantage of the Fidalgo Island walking trails near Anacortes, and don't miss the photogenic Deception Pass nearby. Gaze at the Olympic and Cascade mountains in their fall glory, and enjoy the fall weather in historic waterfront towns.

Best for : Travelers looking for a different destination for their fall foliage cruise, but also cruisers who prioritize time on shore over time on the ship. American Cruise Lines' ships are tiny, just four to six decks, with amenities limited to a restaurant, a couple of lounges, small fitness areas and a sun deck, perhaps with a putting green. Be prepared to entertain yourself in the evenings — or go to bed early so you're energized for a full day in port nearly every day. Also, know that these ships generally draw an older retiree crowd.

12-night Canada and New England Fall Foliage cruise on Seabourn

Smaller ships can visit more off-the-beaten-path ports than their big-ship counterparts. Seabourn 's 458-passenger Seabourn Quest (2024) and Seabourn Sojourn (2025) sail 12-night cruises between New York and Montreal.

Itineraries vary slightly by sail date, but visit several destinations in Quebec, including Trois-Rivieres, Quebec City, Baie-Comeau and Saguenay, with scenic cruising along the Saguenay Fjord. The ship also visits Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island; and Halifax, Nova Scotia; it stops at a couple of American ports, too, such as Newport, Rhode Island; and Boston, Martha's Vineyard or Provincetown, Massachusetts.

This is also one of the best fall foliage cruises if you're looking for an all-inclusive voyage in luxurious surroundings. On Seabourn Quest and Sojourn, every cabin is a suite with a view (not to mention a walk-in closet and spacious bathroom with tub). You can enjoy gourmet cuisine, complimentary wine and cocktails and a friendly crew that will go above and beyond for you.

Best for : Luxury lovers who wish to be pampered on their leaf-peeping vacation will enjoy this nearly two-week cruise around Canada and New England. The extended itinerary features several days at sea to enjoy the ship's spa or delicious afternoon tea service, as well as some lesser-visited ports and, on select departures, an overnight in Quebec City. It's ideal for travelers who want to make the most of their fall Northeast trip.

Bottom line

You might be surprised by how many choices you have for late-September and October fall foliage cruises. In addition to Seabourn, all the major luxury cruise lines dedicate a few cruises to this region, including such lines as Silversea Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Windstar Cruises , Oceania Cruises and Crystal . Big ships like NCL's Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway also get into the leaf-peeping action.

Here, we've picked the best fall foliage cruises for different itinerary configurations and ship styles. They might be our favorites, but only you know which combination of ports and onboard experience is the perfect match for your travel style.

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Best Fall Foliage Cruise Destinations

By Sue Bryant

Last updated: July 16th, 2024

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One of the best ways to enjoy the breathtaking hues of the changing of the seasons is on a fall foliage cruise across New England and Canada. Aside from the crisp air and the cozy sweater weather, the colorful transformation of the trees is one of the top reasons why fall is so magical.

Board either Celebrity Silhouette or Celebrity Eclipse in August or September when both cruise along the Northeast coast. You’ll be able to spot the vivid greens and, later in September, the stunning reds, brilliant oranges, and mustard yellows that decorate the landscape.

Aside from giving you a prime seat to enjoy the beautiful scenery (which is especially gorgeous when it’s reflected in the water below), our fall foliage cruises visit a number of fascinating destinations along the way.

Boston, Massachusetts

Your fall foliage cruise kicks off in Boston , an exciting city packed with culture, famed for its world-class universities, colorful history, and diverse neighborhoods.

Spending one day in Boston is enough to explore America’s past by visiting Revolutionary War battlefields and learning about Paul Revere’s daring midnight ride.

Immerse yourself in American history by following the two-and-a-half-mile Freedom Trail, marked by a red line on the sidewalk. You’ll pass Boston Common, Bunker Hill Monument, and Paul Revere’s house. Head to the waterfront to see the old Boston Tea Party ships.

Quincy Market in Boston, Massachusetts

Shop for gifts at the legendary Quincy Market in downtown Boston and make time to explore the different neighborhoods, from swanky Beacon Hill to North End, famed for its Italian food scene.

Cross the Charles River and arrive in Cambridge, where the fall weather and the Ivy League students mingling in Harvard Square will make you nostalgic for your college days.

Read: What Is Boston Known For?  

Rockland, Maine

Pretty Rockland calls itself the “lobster capital of the world,” and justifiably so. You’ll find fresh lobster everywhere from fine dining restaurants to food trucks, and you can even join a local fishing boat to see how the tasty crustaceans are caught.

Or perhaps embark on a guided foodie walking tour on which you’ll sample artisanal cheeses and pastries, as well as seafood and locally brewed craft beer.

Rockland itself is a quintessential New England town set around a protected harbor that’s framed by rocky headlands and old-growth forest.

This is an especially artistic community, and there are some excellent galleries to check out. The Farnsworth Art Museum is one, showcasing the work of Maine-based artists.

Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse

There are plenty of things to do in Rockland to enjoy the great outdoors, too. The Rockland Harbor Trail traces the shoreline, with sweeping views of the coast and those vast Maine skies. Stroll along the almost mile-long granite breakwater to the old Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse, which has stood here since 1902, looking out for seals.

Rockland is a great base from which to explore the wooded countryside and coastline. Take a trip to the exquisite little coastal town of Camden, packed with quaint shops and galleries, and head up to the summit of Mount Battie for spectacular views down over Penobscot Bay. When the trees are sporting their fall colors, this vista is even more magnificent.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Peggy’s Cove in Halifax, Nova Scotia

In Halifax , the capital of Nova Scotia, you’ll be surrounded by spectacular views of the changing leaves as fall sets in. But at any time of year, this is a fascinating port to visit, with a rich cultural scene.

There’s a strong Scottish influence here, as thousands of Scots emigrated to the New World, bringing their culture with them, including their brewing skills.

There are museums and galleries to explore; check out the fascinating and often moving Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum of The Atlantic.

This houses an important collection of Titanic artifacts and memorabilia; Halifax is where the survivors of the disaster were brought, and where several of the victims are buried.

Restaurant in Halifax, Nova Scotia

Halifax has a buzzing culinary scene, too. Try crab cakes, fish and chips, and creamy East Coast Chowder, as well as poutine, Canada’s famous comfort food of fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.

Head for the Saturday farmer’s market on Lower Water Street to pick up authentic souvenirs, from sea glass jewelry to maple syrup, local art, and even lobster-shaped gummies.

If you’d like to explore the surrounding countryside, one of the best things to do in Halifax is to go on a drive through the city’s scenic lighthouse route towards Peggy’s Cove, a tiny fishing village that is the site of Canada’s most photographed lighthouse.

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Cabot Trail in Sydney, Nova Scotia

The small port city of Sydney is full of beautiful coastal vistas, historic sites, and vibrant nature walks. Learn all about its famous landmarks and culture during a walking tour of Old Sydney.

Check out the Cape Breton Miners’ Museum to learn how coal mining shaped this community. You can even head down the old mine to gain a sense of what it was like to work there.

For an undeniably picturesque view of the city, drive through the countryside, where you’ll pass by Cabot Trail’s lush hills, the Louisbourg Lighthouse, and St. Ann’s Bay.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, head to the quaint town of Baddeck, the former summer home of Scottish scientist Alexander Graham Bell, who invented the telephone.

From there, admire the serene view of the surrounding Bras d’Or Lake. You can learn more about Bell in the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, which is full of artifacts relating to his great invention.

Quebec City, Quebec

Chateau Frontenac, Old Quebec City

Brush up on your French skills in Quebec City , the captivating capital of Quebec, lying on the St. Lawrence River. Feel as though you’ve stepped back in time as you walk through the cobbled lanes of Old Quebec and enjoy delectable French cuisine, from crepes to crusty baguettes.

One of the best things to do in Quebec City is to head up Cape Diamond to admire the iconic Chateau Frontenac. Built in 1893, it’s said to be the most photographed hotel in the world, thanks to its intricate beauty. Nearby is the massive Citadel, with wonderful views over the city.

Rue du Petit-Champlain, Quebec City

Shop for souvenirs in the 400-year-old Place Royale and explore the Rue du Petit-Champlain for crafts and local fashions. Remember to pick up some maple syrup as a memento of your time in Canada.

To best experience the warm colors of Quebec City in the fall , journey down the St. Lawrence River and marvel at the scenery awash in autumn hues on your way to Canyon Sainte-Anne, a verdant gorge that really comes alive during the fall.

Check out the thundering Montmorency Falls, where you can tackle a via ferrata trail and a zipline.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Wander through the seaside cliffs and expansive green hills of Charlottetown . This small, picturesque town is located on Prince Edward Island amid a landscape of vast beaches, craggy cliffs, and rolling farmland.

On a panoramic drive through Charlottetown, you won’t be able to stop taking pictures of all the wonderful sights, including the town’s signature red and white lighthouses and the unspoiled beauty of Prince Edward Island National Park.

One of the best things to do in Charlottetown is to look out for the adorable Anne of Green Gables House, the place that inspired the story of the red-haired heroine. A great way to do this city tour is by wagon, pulled by two majestic draft horses.

Stop to refuel on some of Prince Edward Island’s specialties, lobster and oysters. Because this is a rural farming community, you’ll find delicious farm-to-table cuisine wherever you go.

Portland, Maine

Portland Head Light, Maine

A fishing port since 1632, Portland, Maine has a rich history. The city perches on a peninsula with views of Casco Bay, dotted with rocky islands.

The famous Portland Head Light guards the shoreline from Fort Williams Park and has protected ships and their crews since 1791. Today, you can tour the old keepers’ quarters and learn about the vital role played by Maine’s lighthouses.

Portland’s downtown area is characterized by 19th-century warehouses and old brick buildings, many of them repurposed as cool restaurants and bars. Join a culinary walking tour to sample fresh lobster as well as cider and Maine wines.

Eastern Promenade Trail in Portland, Maine

Experience the rugged coastline of Portland on a biking shore excursion. Pedal along the Eastern Promenade Trail, a waterfront path with stunning harbor and ocean views.

Pass by Bug Light, a 26-foot-tall lighthouse, and Fort Gorges, a former military fort located on Casco Bay. End your journey at Mackworth Island, where you’ll get to admire Maine’s fall foliage and its beautiful views.

Can’t wait to see the stunning autumn scenery for yourself? Book your cruise to New England and Canada on one of our sleek, contemporary ships. Start planning your fall color cruise today.

Sue has been writing about cruising for 20 years and is lucky enough to have sailed all seven continents. She lives in London, where she is cruise editor of The Times and The Sunday Times newspapers, as well as a freelance contributor to magazines and websites worldwide.

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