My 9-year-old daughter and I just returned from a 7-day Holland America Canada and New England Discovery Cruise on the ms Veendam. The itinerary was unique because it started with an overnight in Quebec City (that's when you stay on the ship overnight without leaving port) and then sailed down the Saint Lawrence River to the ports of Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, and Bar Harbor, with debarkation in Boston. And as a bonus, our sailing was one of six Dancing with the Stars: At Sea theme cruises, which turned out to be very cool.
This was our first time sailing with Holland America and it definitely made a impression— we had a fantastic time, both on the Veendam and in each port of call. I would absolutely do the Canada/New England itinerary again in the future, and not just for the seafood ... which, by the way, was AMAZING!
I will be sharing a day by day account of our trip as well as some extended features, including our excursions, a review of the Veendam and my thoughts on why Holland America is great for families.
Until then, here's a quick rundown of what we did in each port.
Quebec City, Quebec (overnight) – Day on our own: Poutine at Chez Ashton, Musée de la civilisation, dressed up in 17th century period costumes at Musée de la place Royale, rode the Funicular up to the Chateau Frontenac.
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island – Day on our own: Raspberry Cordials at Anne of Green Gables Chocolates, walked to Brighton Beach Range Front Lighthouse, Ice Cream at Cows (the best in the world!), lunch at Water Prince Corner Shop (PEI mussels!)
Sydney, Nova Scotia – Checked out the World's Largest Violin, Relive History at the Fortress of Louisbourg (HAL excursion).
Halifax, Nova Scotia – Peggy's Cove & Titanic Combination (HAL excursion), Lunch at Waterfront Warehouse (Lobster Roll!).
Bar Harbor, Maine – Day on our own: Island Explorer to Acadia National Park, Lunch at West Street Cafe (Whole Maine Lobster!).
Boston, Massachusetts – Scenic Boston with Airport Transfer (HAL excursion).
Anne - Mommy Has to Work
This cruise is for me! I've been wanting to see New England for years.
LyndaS
I have heard so many good things about cruising. I like the idea that you only have to unpack once and can visit different places.
Elaina- A Time Out for Mommy
What an awesome experience!
Rachel @ Following In My Shoes
What an AMAZING trip -- I'd soooo love that. I am obsessed with the Anne of Green Gables Series!
Mellisa
Wow! What an amazing trip.
Kathleen
Would absolutely love to go on a trip like this!
Jenn- The Rebel Chick
Sounds like an amazing trip. Can't wait to read your day by day breakdown. And of course see pictures!
Sheri
This sounds amazing. I would love to take a cruise someday.
Colleen
I always think of tropical when I think of a cruise, never thought of the north.
Robin Gagnon {Mom Foodie}
This time of year is perfect for a cruise such as this.
miaa
really amazing
Shell Feis
That looks like SO much fun!
Tiff @ Babes and Kids
I've honestly never heard of this cruise line before but now I'm curious as it sounds like you had a great time. The stops sound wonderful too, I bet you saw a lot of beautiful scenery!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag
What an amazing trip! I would love to visit one day.
Emily @FamilyNLifeLV
What an amazing trip!! I'd love to do that trip one day!
[email protected]
This looks like such an amazing experience and I am so glad you could share it with your daughter!
Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com
What a fun experience for you and your daughter.
Elaina @atimeoutformommy
I love the idea of this cruise!!
Lolo
I have never been to New England and would love to go someday. In the summer of course.
Tricia Nightowlmama
what a great opportunity for you and your daughter to travel together. Its always been my dream to get out and see the world hopefully one day when my children are all grown up I can afford to do that
Jenn
What a cruise! Can't wait to read all about it.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell
She's now the most well-traveled 9 year old out there! What a terrific experience for both of you!
Jai
What a wonderful collection of experiences in one short week!
Vanessa: thequeenofswag
Wow that is such a great experience for you both. I only dream of taking a cruise one day.
Tammy
We love cruising, we haven't done an East Coast cruise yet, but it looks like it would be a fun thing to do!
Donna
What an amazing opportunity for you and your daughter! I love to do this, too!
Marcie W.
Looks like a wonderful experience! I would especially love to try lobster fresh from Maine.
HilLesha
What a wonderful experience!
Jennifer
Sounds like a truly amazing trip. And that lobster is bigger then your daughter lol
Angela S
This looks like such an amazing vacation!
Lisa
This sounds awesome!
Toni
In all my 33 years I have yet to go on a cruise. Looks like y'all had a blast!
Theresa
Oh wow, this looks amazing.
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Sounds like you had a great trip! So many parents are afraid to try something new when they travel with their families and we're glad to see it paid off for you.