new England to Canada cruise

[cruisingcats]

We are from Florida and we want to take the Holland America Cruise from New England to Canada or vice versa. Which is best? Boston to Canada or Canada to Boston. I thought I read about some customs problems or checking in at Boston. Also we are torn which ship to take Veedam or Maasdam? Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[agabbymama]

I think I'd choose from itinerary that would determine Northbound or Southbound. We did from NYC Northbound leaving on 23 September to be up in Quebec City around the 1st of October for the best Fall Foliage imaginable!

 

Look at the dates of each cruise and try to determine late September/early October for Quebec City/Montreal.

 

I've heard Maasdam is a good ship, but I've not actually sailed her. I did sail the Old Noordam quite a few years ago and we loved the size of her.

 

Have fun planning, then taking your cruise, it is an awesome itinerary.

[Teeara]

Not sure if it's this way on the New England cruises, but I know the Alaska cruises tend to be less expensive if you do the northbound cruises. Perhaps that is something you can also look into.

[navybankerteacher]

If you have a choice, sail to or from Montreal, not Quebec. Quebec is very difficult and expensive to fly to or from. and ships going to or from Montreal will stop at Quebec in ant case.

[jdvmd]

Did the Maasdam last summer and was a very enjoyable cruise. We sailed from Montreal to Boston. I see that it is doing the Boston to Quebec this summer (think so or maybe that is the Veendam). Both are smaller ships. I think I would do Boston to Quebec City so I could bring aboard my own wine. Since we were flying into Montreal last summer, we didn't bring any wine with us because of customs etc. Trying to find wine we liked in Canada was very challenging and very expensive. Cannot beat the prices for both ships. Also, Carnival's Glory is doing a seven-night trip also leaving from Boston.

[sail7seas]

It is Veendam that is going Boston to Quebec City.

 

Maasdam is doing her usual Boston to Montreal to Boston.

 

[Suitcasefull]

We've done Montreal to NY (so not exactly same)

 

Also did Boston to Quebec and then tacked on three days in Quebec. Had no problems at the airport; just took a taxi from hotel. So much to see in that beautiful city and surrounding area that if you can afford and arrange the time to stay, I'd recommend that.

 

Both trips were in autumn so lovely foliage.

Envy you going up there; it's gorgeous.

[maryann ns]

I would go with the cruise which has the ports you want, and for sure try to time it for the autumn leaves (second week in October is usually good for Sydney).