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In a region where most itineraries drift into Boston or New York, this Holland America sailing stays firmly in Canada. It’s a route that feels considered. A little more niche. No USA ports. Not one.
I recently wrote a blog post which highlights how to cruise the Caribbean without visiting the USA, and well… we’ve got a sequel! This one is offer specific, but if you’re looking to cruise Canada without a US port, then you’re in luck.
Not affiliated in any way, just found it and wanted to share.
This is the 10-Day Canada & New England Circle: New France & Montreal with Holland America Line onboard Volendam, sailing roundtrip from Montreal.
There’s two dates to choose from: May 29th – June 08th 2027 and September 1st – 11th 2027, so a chance to see the flowers bloom or the autumn leaves.
Why skipping the USA is quite unusual
It sounds simple on paper, but avoiding the USA on a cruise is harder than you’d think.
A huge chunk of the industry is built around it. Many major cruise lines are headquartered there, itineraries are often designed with American travellers in mind, and ports like PortMiami are among the busiest in the world.
Then there’s demand. A large share of cruise passengers are American, which naturally shapes where ships go and how itineraries are planned.
Maritimes Cruise without any USA stops
It might sound like a small detail, but it completely shifts the tone of the itinerary. And we both know why you’re wanting to not visit The United States.
Instead of big-name cities and busy cruise terminals, you get a slower, more atmospheric route through French Canada and the Atlantic provinces.
Holland America New England circle itinerary:
You’ll sail roundtrip from Montreal, heading down the St. Lawrence River to Quebec City, before continuing through the Saguenay fjord and out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
From there, it’s a loop through Atlantic Canada with stops in Charlottetown and St. John’s, plus a visit to Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, a small slice of France just off the coast.
You then sail back along the St. Lawrence to Montreal, keeping the whole itinerary nicely contained.
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
- Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
- Cruising Gulf of St. Lawrence
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
- Days At Sea
- St Johns, Newfoundland, Canada
- Saint Pierre and Miquelon
- Cruising Gulf of St. Lawrence
- Saint Lawrence River Cruising
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Who would this cruise be for?
Well, if you’ve been wanting to see the autumn leaves in Canada, and you’ve wanting to stay clear from the USA, then this one is for you.
Equally, if you’re fans of Princess Cruises and Cunard, but want something that feels slightly more elevated, you might love Holland America.
And lastly, if you’re a cruiser who loves to hit the ports and take in the landscapes, then this one will be for you.
