Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning 2026

28 Atlantic Canada offers a range of guest experiences, from tranquil coastal escapes to thrilling sea adventures. The region is also home to remarkable Parks Canada sites and Unesco World Heritage landmarks, including Signal Hill in Newfoundland and Labrador, Cape Breton Highlands National Park in Nova Scotia, and Fundy National Park in New Brunswick – each showcasing the area’s natural beauty and cultural significance. “Guests can enjoy coastal adventures like whale watching, kayaking and hiking, or they can relax on award-winning beaches like Prince Edward Island’s Basin Head, known for the unique sound of its famous ‘Singing Sands,’ and some of the warmest waters north of Florida,” says Rumley. The summer months are filled with festivals and community celebrations in Atlantic Canada. Guests can celebrate the region’s Celtic and Acadian roots and engage with Mi’kmaq cultural experiences. Music, food and heritage events reflect the diversity of the region’s cultures. “This blend of outdoor adventure and cultural enrichment allows cruise lines to promote Atlantic Canada as a summer destination that offers both memorable activities and meaningful community connections,” says Rumley. Cruise Atlantic Canada can help cruise lines develop summer itineraries in the region with streamlined access to a wide network of ports, tourism partners and government agencies. The association also provides insights into seasonal opportunities and information on port infrastructure, berth availability and shore excursion options. The association takes a coordinated industry approach by collaborating closely with the Cruise Canada New England Alliance and some of the most popular US homeports. Customised familiarisation tours for cruise executives provide first-hand insight into the region’s capabilities and guest experiences. “Cruise Atlantic Canada acts as the connector,” says Rumley. “By managing these relationships, the association helps cruise lines navigate the planning process efficiently and ensures stakeholders remain aligned in supporting deployment. The resources we provide position Cruise Atlantic Canada as both a practical and strategic partner for cruise lines considering new or expanded deployment.” Atlantic Canada isn’t a one-season destination; its infrastructure and port capacity give it significant potential beyond the autumn peak. The region’s ports offer berth availability and straightforward operations, supported by a temperate summer climate that avoids the congestion of hotter destinations. For cruise operators, this presents a valuable opportunity to diversify itineraries and reduce reliance on congested markets. “Canada New England offers the perfect balance between smooth, reliable operations for cruise lines and a refreshing, world-class coastal escape for guests,” says Rumley. Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, located on the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick COVER STORY

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