Homeland Cruising

• ‘Homeland Cruising' - or starting your cruise from one of the many ports along the United States coastline - is a hot trend among Americans at the moment and when you consider what fabulous places they can visit within cruising range of their own backyard, it's not difficult to see why.
  
  The joys of cruising the sunshine islands of the Caribbean or viewing the stunning scenery and wildlife of Alaska are well-known; indeed, you'll find other Passenger Shipping Association factsheets dedicated to these regions.
  
  But if you think that's all US-based cruising has to offer, it's definitely time to think again.
  
  
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  US EAST COAST
  
• A cruise north along America's East Coast to Canada's Maritime Provinces, or south to explore the country's colonial heritage will show you glorious scenery, take you to vibrant cities and unveil a rich historical legacy.
  
  Many of these cruises start from New York, America's most charismatic city and one you should definitely take time to explore with a pre-cruise stopover.
  
  Whatever you like, you'll find it here. Nature lovers can enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens of Central Park, right at the heart of Manhattan, or stroll through the Bronx Zoo.
  
  For a taste of local life, head for the quaint cafés of bohemian Greenwich Village - or star spot in the sophisticated boutique and restaurant-lined streets of SoHo and TriBeCa.
  
  Culture lovers can feast their eyes at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or stretch their minds in The American Museum of Natural History and the Intrepid Sea Air Space Museum.
  
  And those who consider shopping an art form can hone their skills in Saks, Macys, Bloomingdales or Century 21 on Cortlandt Street (near that other must-see, Broadway), which is the world's largest discount warehouse and stocks everything from face flannels to designer suits at affordable prices.
  
  Save some cash, though, for the rest of your trip, for you'll find more irresistible restaurants, galleries, museums and shops as you embark on your East Coast cruise.
  
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  NEW ENGLAND AND THE CANADIAN MARITIMES
  
• Boston, another main base port for these cruises, also merits a longer stay if you can manage it.
  
  One of America's oldest cities, and dubbed `the Cradle of Liberty' for its part in the American War of Independence, Boston's Freedom Trail invites you to uncover the story of the country's struggle for liberty.
  
  On the other hand, you could simply settle for some world class shopping and lunch with a view of street entertainers at Quincy Market.
  
  Or spend your day exploring the city's neighbourhoods; Back Bay - filled with elegant boulevards and imposing brownstone mansions - is the trendiest district, while North End displays Boston's colonial charm at its best.
  
  Or hop aboard a subway train, cross the Charles River and browse the bookshops of Cambridge, home to 400 year old Harvard University.
  
  From New York or Boston, an Eastern Seaboard cruise will take you towards Canada via the ports of New England.
  
  Not surprisingly, the majority of East Coast cruises take place between late September and early November, when the Fall (autumn) scenery for which this region is famous is at its most magnificent.
  
  As the summer fades and crisper weather arrives, the trees blaze crimson, yellow and gold, creating one of the most dazzling spectacles on earth.
  
  New England is the place for long walks, lazy lunches in elegant restaurants, viewing magnificent houses and enjoying the exclusive atmosphere created for America's ‘old money'.
  
  Canada's Quebec City, on the other hand, captures the spirit of Old Europe. This magical port of call is a World Heritage Site and it's easy to see why.
  
  Steep cobbled streets are flanked by 17th and 18th Century houses, artists display their wares in tree-lined squares and Europhiles can shop for fine antiques and enjoy fine coffee, croissants and La Vie Francais in Parisian-style pavement cafés.
  
  Montreal - a three dimensional city with as much to offer underground as above it - also has a French atmosphere as well as some fabulous shops, the well-stocked Botanical Gardens and a walk-with-a-view up Mont Royal for cruisers who want to stretch their legs.
  
  In Toronto, you can take a short stroll along Queen's Quay, discover a vast antiques market stuffed with Lalique glass, Tiffany lamps and other treasures. Or head up the CN Tower for a breathtaking view of the entire city.
  
  Halifax in Nova Scotia may not sound as exciting, but it is home to one of the world's most fascinating maritime museums.
  
  Halifax was the graveyard for many of the victims of the Titanic disaster and the Museum holds remnants of the doomed ship, including a steamer chair. You can also see an eerie 3D film of Titanic as she is now, after 90 years on the ocean bed, filmed by marine scientists who descended to the wreck in a submersible.
  
  WHAT TO PACK:
  
• Expect bright, crisp-to-chilly weather on a cruise of New England and Canada. Warm layered clothing and sensible walking shoes are the order of the day for trips ashore, and it's also worth packing an umbrella just in case.
  
  
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  THE COLONIAL EAST COAST
  
• For warmer weather, choose an East Coast cruise that heads south rather than north from New York and visits the elegant southern cities of Philadelphia, Charleston in North Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia.
  
  Philadelphia is another of America's great historic cities and home to the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Liberty Bell.
  
  This buzzing city is an ethnic melting pot where you can eat Italian, Asian or Eastern European-style (though most people settle for a delicious Philly cheese and steak sandwich).
  
  To walk it off, take a stroll through Longwood Gardens, a 1,050-acre latter-day Eden where you'll find vast conservatories, ancient trees, rose gardens, rare orchids, spectacular fountains and even a desert house.
  
  Art lovers should head for the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Rodin Museum, and some ships organise exclusive tours to visit The Barnes Foundation, which holds one of the world's finest collections of modern art, including works by Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Monet and Cezanne.
  
  Charleston is another treasure trove, an elegant city of tree-lined boulevards, lush gardens and carefully preserved mansions which epitomises the graciousness of America's Old South.
  
  You can hunt for antiques in myriad stylish little shops, enjoy an alfresco lunch in a courtyard garden and wander lazily back to your ship; the rule in Charleston is, nothing needs to be rushed.
  
  Savannah, Georgia's capital, has an equally impressive historic district and here you'll find its main attractions - including the imposing Davenport House and Old Fort Jackson, Fort Pulaski and Fort Screven, monuments to the city's involvement in the American Civil War.
  
  WHAT TO PACK:
  
• Take lightweight cottons to cope with that enervating Southern heat; an umbrella could also come in useful - the downside of that lavish greenery is that it needs substantial amounts of rain!
  
  OTHER OPTIONS:
  
• Falling in love with America's Deep South? You can combine a visit to New Orleans with a chance to explore the Mighty Mississippi as the old timers did - aboard a traditional steam boat - complete with calliope organ and an onboard ‘Riverlorian' to tell you tales of the river in Mark Twain's day.
  
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  HAWAII
  
• Head for America's West Coast and you can combine a tour of California with a cruise to the glorious islands of Hawaii.
  
  These are the islands for lovers of sugar-white beaches and dramatic volcanic scenery, mystical places where you can freewheel down the side of a volcano on a bike, discover crystal-clear waterfalls in lush rainforests, try your hand at surfing or drive through vast plantations of sugar cane and macadamia nuts.
  
  WHAT TO PACK:
  
  Lots of swimwear, light cotton clothing, suncream and an umbrella.
  
  
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  CRUISE LINES
  CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE
  
  Carnival offers a choice of 4, 5 & 7 night cruises from New York visiting the highlights of New England, while experiencing Carnival’s famous hospitality and informal atmosphere onboard the 2,758 passenger Carnival Victory. Between May & September, the Carnival Spirit cruises from Vancouver on scenic 7 nigh Inside Passage and Glacier Discovery cruises to Alaska.
  
  CRYSTAL CRUISES
  
  Luxury six star cruise line Crystal Cruises operates a selection of longer North American cruises each year to include 14 night Alaska summer sailings round trip from San Francisco, a selection of Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera and Caribbean cruises in the early and late part of the year based on Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale and New Orleans, a series of Fall Colours sailings between Montreal and New York each September/ October, and South America cruises from Fort Lauderdale in the autumn.
  
  CUNARD
  
  Be one of the first to set sail on the magnificent Queen Mary 2, Cunard’s much awaited new Flag Ship, as she sails to and from the dazzling New York skyline. Indulge in the ‘White Star Service TM’ that is inherent of a Cunard Cruise Holiday and as you sail northward, marvel at the shear beauty of destinations such as Portland, Halifax, Corner Brook and Québec City in their rich autumn colours.
  
  HOLLAND AMERICA
  
  One of the oldest established cruise companies in the world, Holland America Line prides itself on a “Tradition of Excellence” that stretches back 130 years. Holland America Line offers 15 diverse itineraries in North America and Canada on a choice of 8 ships. Guests can experience the captivating beauty and fascinating history of the Canada and New England coastlines, calling at locations such as New York, Boston, Quebec City and Montreal. Victoria, Vancouver and Seattle are among the ports of call on a range of Pacific Northwest itineraries. Holland America has been the leader in Alaskan travel for more than 50 years and the 2004 brochure will offer seven different seven-night Alaska itineraries.
  
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  NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
  
  NCL operates a strong North American “Freestyle Cruising” product. There are diverse itineraries, including Hawaii, Alaska and New York, New Orleans, Houston and Charleston to the Caribbean. NCL’s most luxurious ships sail selected routes with Norwegian Dawn dedicated to New York, and the Pride of America, arriving in 2004, operating in Hawaii.
  
  P&O CRUISES
  
  P&O Cruises’ port of call to the USA include New York, Newport (Rhode Island), Boston and Bar Harbour (Maine), taking in the famous sights and sounds of the ‘Big Apple’. In Canada, P&O Cruises calls at Halifax, Quebec and Corner Brook and cruises down the St Lawrence and Saguenay Rivers. 
  PETER DEILMANN CRUISES
  
  The 5 Star, 500 passengers, 22,500 tonnes Deutschland, was five years ago, deliberately designed in the 1920’s – 1930’s style of ocean liner travel. In September/ October 2004 Deutchland will operate three voyages in Canadian waters, including St Lawrence River and the Maritime Provinces, followed by 2 voyages along the East coast.
  
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  PRINCESS CRUISES
  PRINCESS CRUISES
  
  Journey with Princess Cruises from the east to west in North America and Canada. Princess' Canada and New England itineraries take you north from the bright lights of New York City along the eastern seaboard to the continental flavours of Montreal enjoying Boston, Bar Harbor and Halifax along the way. Alternatively, if it's vast wildernesses you want to
  explore, then join the UK's number one cruise operator in 'The Great Land' Alaska. Or for a more tropical experience, sail from Los Angeles to the sumptuous Hawaiian islands and soak up the sun.
  
  RADISSON SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
  
  Radisson seven seas navigator visits New England and Canada in a series of cruises throughout the year. Designed to set new standards in deluxe cruising, navigator carries just 490 guests and as part of her itineraries will visit ports such as New York, Montreal, Newport, Cape Cod canal, Boston, Bar Harbour, Halifax, Charlottetown, and Quebec city.
  
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  VOYAGES OF DISCOVERY
  
  Transatlantic temptations – Voyage to Canada and Newfoundland and Greenland Discovery. Sailing between the UK and Canada, these two Voyages of Discovery cruises include ports of call in the Faroe Islands, the rugged wilds of Iceland and Greenland and venture high into the Arctic Circle and along the dramatic coast of Labrador and Newfoundland. On both 17 night cruises you can expect to see some of the world’s most unspoilt and stunning scenery while indulging in the spacious facilities on board. The elegance of the M/V Discovery will delight while your destinations will enthrall. And if you wish to stay in Canada that little bit longer to explore Toronto, Montreal or Quebec, you can opt to book a Canada extension subject to availability.
  
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