Montreal to Boston

Fly from the UK to Montreal, where you'll step aboard Windstar Cruises' Star Pride as she sets sail on a ten-night cruise from Montreal to Boston; taking in Quebec City, Gaspé, Cap-aux-Meules, Louisbourg, Halifax, and Portland en-route. Star Pride is large enough to pamper and entertain you, yet small enough to tuck into delightful tiny harbours and hidden coves that others can’t reach. This all-suite yacht completed a renovation as part of Windstar Cruises' $250 Million Star Plus Initiative to provide new public areas - including two new dining venues, a new spa, infinity pool, and fitness area; all new bathrooms in every suite, and a new category of Star suites. Perhaps begin your day with a relaxing massage in World Spa by Windstar or an invigorating workout in the Fitness Center. After a sumptuous lunch in Veranda, make a splash from the Watersports Platform off the ship’s stern with swimming, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding. Sun yourself on deck, take a dip in the whirlpool, and then catch up on email or order a cheese plate for your stateroom or suite. After dinner, dance to live music in the Lounge and bring the day to a close with a nightcap on deck or in your suite or stateroom. And, of course, you’re welcome on the Bridge, where the Captain and officers are delighted to share charts, routes, and vistas with you.

A focal point of French culture and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities; Quebec City sits above the St Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets, and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park, and Terrasse Dufferin.

Four hundred miles northeast of Quebec City lies Gaspé, one of National Geographic’s Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. This wonderful wilderness area is home to four national parks, Perce Rock, North America’s largest gannet colony, lighthouses, and remarkable historic sites. Visit the modern cathedral built almost entirely of wood and make sure to try some of the local specialties such as French-styled lobsters and game.

With its village main street and many restaurants and bars; charming Cap aux Meules is the gateway to the Magdalen Islands Archipelago located in the middle of the Gulf of St Lawrence. The port bustles with fishing boats, ferries, and a well-equipped marina offering a huge travel lift crane for dry dock. Sites to see include the church of St Pierre, constructed from the wreckage of ships, and the lighthouse which now warns of the offshore shoals.

First occupied by the Mi’kmaw people, Louisbourg sits on the rocky shoreline of Cape Breton. This modern town has an impressive fortress, interesting walking trails, and fishing wharves bringing in amazing fresh seafood. In this beautiful setting, sites to see include the winding Havenside Road, Lighthouse Point, the beaches of Kennington Cove, and the Sydney & Louisburg Railway Museum.

The capital of Nova Scotia was ranked the 4th best place to live in Canada back in 2012. It is a city with more pubs and clubs per capita than any other Canadian city and even one of the mayors was a brewmaster. The boardwalk on the waterfront follows the water’s edge and is lined with unique shops. Halifax is home to the longest running saltwater ferry and a 200-year-old restored fishing village. Be sure to find time to try fabled donair (pita, meat, and sauce), the official food of Halifax.

The New England charm of Portland is a delightful mix of stylish and sophisticated, modest and folksy, with a reputation for great dining. You'll find a plethora of local art and music, lovely parks, and a pleasing array of 19th century architecture including beautiful Victorian-era homes. The cobblestone lanes of the Old Port district waterfront are alive with working fishing piers and warehouses converted into shops and restaurants.

Bid farewell to your crew and fellow passengers as you disembark Star Pride and transfer to your pre-allocated premium hotel in Boston for an overnight stay. Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers, Boston is one of the oldest cities in America. It was a pivotal place during the American Revolution for the Boston Massacre, Boston Tea Party, Battle of Bunker Hill, and Siege of Boston. No visit to Boston is complete without seeing the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, JFK Library and Museum, Museum of Fine Arts, New England Aquarium, and the USS Constitution.

Today your Canada and USA adventure comes to an end as you're transferred to the airport in time to catch your flight back to the UK with many memories to treasure!