If you thought cruises were only for soaking up rays by the pool and visiting tropical destinations, think again. Summer may be drawing to a close, but the cruise season is just getting warmed up.
As we head into fall, major cruise lines are preparing their ships and staff for their fall foliage tours. Beginning in September, cruise ships sail down the east coasts and along interior rivers of the U.S. and Canada so passengers can marvel the dazzling sites, sounds, and smells of fall.
Cruise-goers take in warm red and golden leaves beneath the crisp autumn air before exploring historical cities, seaside villages, lush national parks, and remote islands.
If you are wondering if you should take a fall foliage cruise this autumn, read on to learn more about 2019’s finest fall foliage cruises from top cruise lines. Plus, we’ll provide you a few must-know tips before booking yours.
The Best Fall Foliage Cruises of 2019
As fall foliage cruises become more popular, major cruise lines are competing with autumn vacationers with thoughtful itineraries, world-class dining, and unparalleled entertainment.
Let’s take a look at some of the best fall foliage cruises for 2019:
Viking Ocean Cruises: Eastern Seaboard Explorer
Viking Ocean Cruises runs the Eastern Seaboard Explorer cruise, a 13-day exploration of eastern Canada and New England on the award-winning Viking Star cruise ship.
This intimate ship journeys from Montreal to New York along the St. Lawerence River and Eastern seaboard.
Guests enjoy guided tours of vibrant cities, onboard performances and lectures, and beautiful vistas of the autumnal colors over the sprawling countryside and rustic farms.
National Geographic Expeditions: Columbia and Snake Rivers Voyage
Set on the National Geographic Quest, this seven-day cruise follows the path of Lewis and Clark’s 19th-century journey through the Pacific Northwest.
The cruise travels from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, amid rich wildlife, towering mountains, and colorful landscapes.
Passengers are treated to kayak rides, hiking, and other exciting excursions, in addition to fresh, gourmet eats sourced from local purveyors.
Princess Cruises: Canada & New England Cruises
Princess Cruises operates 5- to 24-day cruises through Canada & New England. Roundtrip cruises travel from either New York and Quebec City or Quebec City and Fort Lauderdale.
Passengers admire the world-famous fall foliage of Canada and New England, and have a chance to check out historic excursion sights in East Coast ports like Boston, Newport, and Charleston.
Winston’s Tips for Booking a Fall Foliage Cruise
Before booking, review these tips for fall foliage cruising:
- Plan to go in early autumn to beat the winter blues and enjoy the North Atlantic when it is most colorful.
- Cruise before October to see humpback whales, which tend to visit the North Atlantic from early summer on.
- Consult the Farmer’s Almanac and foliage maps to see when peak leaf-viewing season happens in the areas your cruise line visits.
- Avoid cruising during the holidays like Columbus Day or Canadian Thanksgiving, when sites may become crowded.
- Make sure you pack a warm jacket, sweaters, and hat to stay cozy amid dropping temperatures in the North.
Do something different this season, and don’t let the mild temperatures keep you from cruising. Fall foliage cruises are an excellent way to adventure through our very own continent and appreciate its bright autumn colors, fascinating history, and breathtaking natural beauty.
With the right cruise and proper planning, your cruise vacation is certain to be rich with color, fun, and relaxation.
About the Author:
Andrew Winston is a partner at the personal injury law firm of Winston Law. For over 20 years, he has successfully represented countless people in all kinds of personal injury cases, with a particular focus on child injury, legal malpractice, and premises liability. He has been recognized for excellence in the representation of injured clients by admission to the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, is AV Preeminent Rated by the Martindale-Hubbell Law Directory, enjoys a 10.0 rating by AVVO as a Top Personal Injury Attorney, has been selected as a Florida “SuperLawyer” from 2011-2017 – an honor reserved for the top 5% of lawyers in the state – and was voted to Florida Trend’s ”Legal Elite” and as one of the Top 100 Lawyers in Florida and one of the Top 100 Lawyers in the Miami area for 2015, 2016, and 2017.
