85 Netflix is currently filming a 10-episode adaptation of Carley Fortune’s novel This Summer Will Be Different at locations across the island Different has cast a fresh spotlight on the island’s red cliffs, sweeping beaches and close-knit coastal communities. Netflix has adapted the book into a ten-episode series filmed on Prince Edward Island and in Toronto in 2026. When the series premieres in summer 2027, it will place Prince Edward Island in front of a global streaming audience. For cruise lines, that exposure translates into something practical: guests who already want to visit. The timing is particularly relevant for itinerary planners. While many destinations spend years building awareness, Prince Edward Island benefits from more than a century of storytelling that continues to evolve. The combination of literary heritage and contemporary screen exposure creates an unusual advantage: visitor demand that is already established before the ship docks. A screen can capture a view, but it cannot capture the experience. It cannot convey the feel of warm red sand beneath your feet, the wind coming off the Gulf of St. Lawrence, or an evening sky turning gold, crimson and lavender over the coastline. Nor can it offer a glass of raspberry cordial inspired by Anne’s favourite drink or a freshly shucked Malpeque oyster harvested that morning. In Charlottetown, guests disembark into one of Canada’s most walkable capitals. The historic waterfront, boutique shops, galleries, restaurants and Founders’ Food Hall sit just steps from the cruise berth. A signature shore excursion might begin at Green Gables Heritage Place before following the coast past red sandstone cliffs and beaches, with opportunities to meet local artisans, musicians and producers along the way. Food remains central to the island experience. Prince Edward Island’s waters produce some of North America’s most sought-after oysters, alongside lobster landed in nearby harbours. Farm-to-table dining, chef-led tastings and culinary experiences connect visitors directly with the people behind what they eat. Unlike larger destinations where crowds can dilute the authenticity and sense of place, Prince Edward Island offers a more intimate experience. Cruise passengers frequently find themselves chatting with fishers on the wharf, taking a local’s recommendation for a favourite beach or joining a community festival, ceilidh or live music performance. These are often the moments people remember most once their holiday is over. For cruise passengers seeking authentic culture, breathtaking scenery, unforgettable cuisine and stories that come alive around every corner, Prince Edward Island offers something rare: a destination that feels both excitingly new and wonderfully familiar. Photo: Tourism PEI/Alex Bruce
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