85 offers a unique blend of coastal scenery, seafaring legacy and rich culture. Shore experiences across the region feature tours to lighthouses and fishing villages, guided visits to heritage towns, wildlife excursions and local culinary experiences, such as seafood tastings and maple farm visits. Robert de Bruin, director of deployment and itinerary planning at Holland America Line, says the region’s appeal is “the blend of natural beauty and cultural richness. You can spend the day viewing the stunning scenery from the ship’s deck, wandering cobblestone streets in Quebec City, exploring maritime history in Halifax or eating fresh Prince Edward Island oysters.” Holland America Line is one of several major operators offering cruises through Canada and New England, with itineraries that highlight the area’s natural and cultural diversity. However, it is one of the few to explore the region year-round. “The autumn foliage is legendary, but each season offers its own charm – from whale watching in the summer to experiencing French-Canadian heritage in autumn,” says De Bruin. “For many travellers, it feels both close to home and transportive.” Further inland, the rivers and lakes of the continent offer an insight into America’s heartland. American Cruise Lines sails over 50 itineraries along domestic waterways around the USA, including the Mississippi, Columbia and Snake Rivers. It has also launched the first domestic cruises in decades across the Great Lakes onboard an American ship. On the West Coast, Alaska offers the opportunity to take in an entirely different kind of grandeur with a journey into one of the world’s last great wildernesses. Towering glaciers, snow-capped peaks and ancient forests form a backdrop to excursions in the state. Cruise ships chart their way through the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska, connecting ports such as Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan with breathtaking views of glaciers and wilderness adventures. Savino points to the kinds of excursions that draw guests to the region. “Guests consistently highlight experiences that blend relaxation with adventure,” he says. “Alaska itineraries offer bucketlist excursions like glacier viewing, dog sledding and wildlife encounters.” That sense of enduring discovery is echoed by Holland America Line, a brand with deep roots in Alaskan cruising. “As we approach our 80th year exploring the Great Land, we’re proud to offer cruises and Cruisetours that deepen our legacy of expertise and enrich every guest’s experience,” says Dan Rough, vice president of revenue management for Holland America Line. “From tasting locally sourced seafood and engaging with park rangers at Glacier Bay, to watching bears roam under the guidance of wildlife experts – our Alaska cruises and Cruisetours are crafted to be unforgettable.” Together, these perspectives highlight Alaska’s continued appeal as a leading cruise destination, where itineraries emphasise scenic landscapes and opportunities for nature-focused exploration from Glacier Bay to the Inside Passage. Extended itineraries – including those developed through Carnival Journeys, which offers longer and more immersive sailings, and Holland America Line’s Cruisetours, which combine a cruise with guided overland exploration – give travellers the opportunity to go deeper into the landscape. From the coral reefs of the Caribbean to the historic harbours of Halifax and the icy stillness of Glacier Bay, North America’s coasts offer a journey through contrasts. For cruise lines and travellers alike, North America remains a key market – a region that continues to evolve and inspire new itineraries. Photo: Holland America Line The Caribbean remains the most popular cruise destination in the world
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