I recently returned from a 7-night sailing aboard the Norwegian Jade, one of the oldest ships in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet on a unique itinerary that took us roundtrip from Boston, Massachusetts, to several breathtaking stops throughout Atlantic Canada.
It was a voyage filled with unexpected delights and experiences, and after sailing through this picturesque region, I’m already dreaming of cruising it again. What surprised me most was how different and exciting this itinerary was compared to my other cruise experiences. Atlantic Canada holds its own kind of magic, one that I think other prospective cruise passengers will fall in love with too.
Here are 10 things that surprised me about this Atlantic Canadian cruise, why I loved it so much, and why I think it’s a hidden gem for future cruise-goers.
1. A Beautiful Autumn Escape
As summer was winding down, I was particularly excited to enjoy the cool, crisp air of an autumn-like cruise at the end of August and into early September. There’s something about that transitional time between seasons that feels peaceful, and the thought of sailing into fall put me in a cozy, excited mood.
But what I didn’t expect was just how gorgeous the Atlantic Canada region would be. Before this voyage, my only experience with Canada had been visiting Vancouver on the west coast. This cruise aboard Norwegian Jade was my first true exploration of Canada’s eastern beauty, and it did not disappoint.
While we were a bit early for the famed fall foliage (those iconic autumn colors hadn’t fully started turning), I could only imagine how spectacular it must look in October when the trees burst into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and green. This region, with its rolling hills and forested landscapes, is undoubtedly a dream destination for autumn lovers.
The weather during our cruise was picture-perfect and sunny, with temperatures sitting comfortably between the mid-60s and 70s.
It was cool enough to wear long sleeves and light layers like sweaters or jackets, but never too cold that we needed heavy coats. I loved that balance, and it gave the cruise that early autumn feel, a perfect way to transition from summer into fall without diving straight into chilly weather.
2. Intriguing Small Towns and Fascinating Port Cities
Before sailing, I had no idea what to expect from the Atlantic Canada ports, but I was in for a pleasant surprise. The itinerary included stops in Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, and Corner Brook in Newfoundland. Each port had a unique character, offering its own flavor of history, culture, and charm.
One thing I particularly loved was how authentic these places felt. Even though they see cruise ships regularly during the summer months, none of the ports felt overly commercialized. This was especially true in the smaller towns like Sydney and Corner Brook, where the local community and culture seemed unspoiled by mass tourism.
In contrast to some ports in the Caribbean or even Europe, where it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a giant shopping mall for tourists, the Atlantic Canada stops maintained their sense of local pride. You could walk through the streets, visit small shops, and truly get a feel for the region’s heritage without feeling like it had been dressed up solely for visitors. That sense of authenticity can be rare in the cruising world, where port towns might lose their local flavor as tourism takes over.
3. Fewer Ships and Uncrowded Ports
Another refreshing surprise was the relative lack of other cruise ships in port. During my past summer cruises, especially in regions like Alaska or the Caribbean, I’ve always seen multiple ships docked at the same time. In fact, while cruising Alaska aboard the Norwegian Jewel, I remember seeing up to five ships at the same port!
On this Atlantic Canada itinerary, however, we were the only ship at each port for the entire week. This gave the ports a much more relaxed, unhurried feel. The absence of large crowds made it easier to explore the towns at our own pace, enjoy local attractions, and soak in the atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of thousands of other passengers.
While it’s true that even one cruise ship has an impact on these smaller port towns, it never felt overwhelming. The lack of other ships docking alongside ours created a more intimate experience, and it was a welcome change from the more crowded cruise itineraries I’ve been on.
4. Authentic Shopping Experiences
Shopping is one of those things I enjoy most when it feels personal and authentic, and Atlantic Canada offered plenty of opportunities for shopping and treasure hunting. I’m not talking about your standard cruise port souvenir shops that sell mass-produced items. Here, the focus was on local craftsmanship and handmade goods, perfect for travelers who, like me, enjoy bringing home meaningful mementos from their journeys.
Each port offered its own little treasures. In Charlottetown, I found a beautiful handmade pottery candlestick holder, a perfect addition to my collection of unique decor pieces from around the world. In Corner Brook, I stumbled upon a tartan table runner that I couldn’t resist; it’s now a cherished part of my Christmas table setting. And in Sydney, I was captivated by a stunning pair of silver earrings, crafted by a local artist, which became a favorite keepsake from the trip.
Exploring the local shops and vendor tents was such a delight. Each port had its own distinct style, and I felt like I was truly treasure hunting as I sought out items that captured the spirit of the places we visited. If you’re the kind of traveler who loves to discover one-of-a-kind items, Atlantic Canada is a shopper’s paradise.
5. Scottish History and Titanic Discoveries
One of the most fascinating aspects of this itinerary was the deep connection to Scottish history. Before setting sail, I had done a bit of research and learned that Nova Scotia literally translates to "New Scotland" in Latin. While that might seem like common knowledge to some, it was a delightful discovery for me, especially as someone with a keen interest in history.
The Scottish influence is strong throughout the region, from the bagpipes we heard upon arriving in Nova Scotia to the tartan patterns adorning shops in Sydney. We even visited the Highland Village Museum, which gave me a greater appreciation for the deep roots of Scottish culture in Atlantic Canada.
For anyone with Scottish ancestry, there’s a good chance your ancestors may have settled in this area after immigrating across the Atlantic.
History buffs will also appreciate the Titanic connection in Halifax, which offers two key sites related to the infamous ship. Over 100 victims of the Titanic disaster were laid to rest in Halifax, including the legendary violinist who played as the ship went down.
During our stop, we visited both the Titanic gravesites and the Atlantic Maritime Museum, which houses the largest collection of wooden artifacts recovered from the Titanic. It was an eerie but fascinating experience, one I’d highly recommend to anyone with even a passing interest in Titanic history.
6. Boston is a Convenient Embarkation and Disembarkation Port
Our roundtrip cruise started and ended in Boston, Massachusetts, and it turned out to be a very convenient port for both embarking and disembarking. Boston is a bustling city, but the port itself was surprisingly easy to navigate.
We boarded around noon and were pleased to find no lines at all. The check-in and security processes were smooth, and to our surprise, our stateroom was ready as soon as we stepped aboard the Norwegian Jade. There’s something so satisfying about a stress-free embarkation process, it sets the tone for the entire cruise journey.
Disembarkation in Boston was a little more time-consuming due to immigration checks being done onboard. While the wait was slightly longer, we made the decision to disembark early, and the process ended up being fairly smooth overall. The key is to be up early and in line; it’s worth it to avoid a longer wait later in the morning.
7. Fjord-like Scenery
As we sailed through Atlantic Canada, I was struck by the breathtaking scenery. The landscape was more beautiful than I had imagined, and at times, it felt like we were cruising through fjords straight out of Norway. This was particularly true in Corner Brook, Newfoundland, where the cliffs and hills created dramatic, fjord-like views that left me awestruck during our afternoon sailing away.
One of the highlights of the trip was our sailaway from Corner Brook. We spent the afternoon on the top deck, sipping coffee as we watched the fjord-like cliffs slip by. The combination of crisp air and stunning scenery made it a perfect moment that I’ll remember for a long time.
If you ever find yourself on this itinerary, make sure to watch both the sail-in and sailaway. These views are some of the most picturesque I’ve seen in my cruising adventures.
8. Walkable Ports with No Need for Tenders
One of the best things about this itinerary was how accessible the ports were. I’ve been on cruises where the main attractions are a long distance from the port, making it difficult to see the sights without taking transportation. But on this Atlantic Canada cruise, every port was walkable.
In all four ports—Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, and Corner Brook—we docked right in the heart of the towns. This allowed us to step off the ship and immediately begin exploring on foot. There was no need for tender boats, and the convenience made the experience feel more relaxed and leisurely.
For those who enjoy a more immersive, laid-back style of travel, this kind of walkable itinerary is a dream. We could stroll through the town at our own pace, stopping for a cup of coffee, visiting local landmarks, and soaking in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
9. Unexpected Wildlife Sightings
Another delightful surprise on this cruise was the wildlife we spotted while sailing.
One evening, just as we were enjoying a post-dinner walk on deck, we saw an entire pod of whales swimming past the ship. It was a magical moment, and I’m so glad we were out on deck to witness it. In addition to the whales, we also spotted several types of seabirds and other marine life during our trip.
For those who enjoy birdwatching, this region offers plenty of opportunities to catch glimpses of birds you might not see elsewhere. I recommend taking a stroll on deck after dinner to see what you can spot—you never know when nature might surprise you.
10. A Surprisingly Affordable Cruise Experience
Last but certainly not least, one of the best surprises of the entire trip was how affordable it was.
Our week-long cruise for two people, including roundtrip airfare from Florida to Boston, came out to just $2,000. That’s a fantastic deal for a 7-night cruise, especially one with such a unique and enriching itinerary.
If you’re used to cruising in the Caribbean and are looking for something different without breaking the bank, an Atlantic Canada cruise should be high on your list. The combination of scenic landscapes, rich history, and charming towns offers a completely different experience from the typical sun-and-sand cruises, and it's one you won’t soon forget.
Read: 10 reasons I think Norwegian Cruise Line is worth it
My 7-night Atlantic Canada cruise aboard the Norwegian Jade was a remarkable journey that exceeded my expectations at every turn
The region is a hidden gem, full of beauty, culture, and history, and it offers a peaceful, scenic alternative to more crowded cruise destinations.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser looking for something new or a first-time traveler seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure, Atlantic Canada is well worth the visit.
If you’re considering an autumn cruise, this itinerary offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and relaxing comfort. I wouldn’t hesitate to cruise this region again.
Hayley Phillips
Hayley Phillips is a military spouse currently living in Florida and loves all things travel and travel planning.
