Sailing into or out of New York past the Statue of Liberty is an exciting experience, usually leaving New York late afternoon or returning at daybreak depending on direction. A stay in New York gives time to see the major sights such as the Empire State Building, Liberty Island, Ground Zero, Central Park, and Times Square, plus shopping on Fifth Avenue and maybe a theatre on Broadway.
Newport in Rhode Island is a famous yachting centre, and home to fabulous mansions as the 1920's millionaires vied to build the biggest and best along the coast. The Breakers, built for the Vanderbilts, is one of those visited on shore excursions.
Along the coast is Boston, renowned for the infamous 'Tea Party' revolution and home to the Massachusetts state assembly. See the interesting port, historic buildings on the Freedom Trail, and Quincy Market shops - perhaps even the 'Cheers' TV pub.
Bar Harbor in Maine is a lobster fishing centre, with thousands of brightly coloured lobster pot buoys marking the entrance to the harbour. Enjoy a fresh lobster here, tour the interesting shops, and take a trip to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain for scenic views and autumn foliage.
In Canada, Saint John in New Brunswick is noted for excursions to the Bay of Fundy, site of the world's highest tides.
Most call at Halifax and Sydney in Nova Scotia. Halifax is noted for its Citadel fortress, and has a superb museum about the Titanic and its disaster. Peggy's Cove lighthouse is a popular attraction. Sydney offers excursions to the Cape Breton highlands, and its folk museums reveal the Scottish heritage of the area.
After Nova Scotia the ship may turn west to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. Take an excursion to Anne of Green Gables house, or stroll the wood boarded buildings in town. Enjoy superb seafood at the amazing Water Prince Corner Store.
Along the St Lawrence river your ship reaches Quebec, with its fascinating blend of France and North America. Walk on the promenade overlooking the St Lawrence and marvel at the immense Chateau Frontenac hotel. Visit the Citadel and enjoy the bustling streets and cafes. Some continue to Montreal with its French-Canadian atmosphere.