Seeing New England and Canada by cruise ship offers a unique way to experience each region with a vantage point you can’t replicate on land.
But cruising this part of the world also gives you something else. Many of the port stops feel strikingly similar to countries and cities from Europe, meaning you can get a taste of France, Ireland, Finland, and Scotland without the long-haul flight.
I’ve been traveling around Europe for 30 years, but when I embarked on a cruise to this part of North America with Holland America Line, I was shocked to find that many of the stops transported me back to some of my favorite places in Europe.
From the languages spoken to the architecture and local food served, this cruise brought a strong feeling of Europe closer to home.
In this article
The Port Cities Felt Like I’d Been Transported to Europe
Cruising is a great way to see a new destination and, often, to experience multiple countries in one go. In the case of this cruise, though, it felt like I experienced far more places than I did. That’s because many port stops felt like I’d flown across the Atlantic to Europe.
Quebec City reminded me a lot of France, and not just because most people speak French. The city was founded by French settlers in the 17th century and their culture and influence are still present today. There are fortification walls still standing, ancient side streets, and historic buildings, some of which are centuries old. You can walk through ancient gates, dine on meat pies and stews, and feel as if you’ve not only traveled far, but stepped back in time.
For examples of classic French architecture, pop into the cafe La Maison Smith in Place Royal, with its dramatic stone facade from the 17th century, or the incredible Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, which is a luxury hotel that’s over 100 years old that reminded me of buildings I admired while in Paris.
Similarly, Sydney in Nova Scotia brought me back to Ireland with its timber-framed buildings and churches, while Halifax, Nova Scotia, could double for Glasgow, Scotland, with its Georgian and Gothic buildings, such as the Anderson House on Brunswick Street and the beautiful St. Mary’s Basilica.
Prince Edward Island with its thick trees and wooden houses with steep pitched roofs transported me to Finland. And back in the United States, Boston's historic neighborhoods reminded me of Liverpool and London, England, thanks to their cobblestone streets, brick buildings, waterfront location, and 19th-century buildings that sit alongside modern high rises.
The Food and Drink Reminded Me of Dishes I’ve Enjoyed in Europe
A Northeast cruise will also allow you to feel as if you’ve visited Europe by way of your stomach.
I found that port stops offered the chance to taste some of my favorite foods that I previously thought I’d need to fly across the ocean to savor again.
For example, Nova Scotia, which is Latin for ‘New Scotland,’ is rich with Scottish culture. Scottish settlers first arrived in the 1620s and brought donair with them, which is like a Greek gyro or Turkish doner kebab, except it uses beef instead of lamb, and it’s one of the most popular dishes in Nova Scotia.
And in Sydney, another city in Nova Scotia, I had oatcakes, which are a cross between a Scottish oatcake and Scottish shortbread. They’re not as sweet as Scottish shortbread, but have a similar cookie crunch.
You can also visit France by way of Quebec City, which is famous for its poutine, and many restaurants serving fine French cuisine.
The City Centers Are as Walkable as Europe
One of the things I adore about Europe is how walkable most cities are, and that’s also the case in many of these port stops.
On my cruise, the ship docked right near the center of town in each port, making it an easy stroll to nearby restaurants and shops. For example on Prince Edward Island, it’s just a 5-minute walk into the town, while Sydney is a short stroll from the cruise terminal to the downtown waterfront.
In Halifax, you can depart the ship and explore on foot, popping into coffee shops or wandering up the hill to the citadel, a hilltop fort founded by the British in 1749.
Even in larger locales like Quebec City or Boston, it’s easy to get around on foot, especially in areas such as Boston Common.
The Shortcut
Nova Scotia's donair and Quebec City's poutine both trace back to European immigrants who recreated familiar flavors with what was available locally.
Halifax's Georgian and Gothic buildings could double for Glasgow, and Prince Edward Island's steep-roofed wooden houses look straight out of Finland.
Each stop has a walkable town center, where you can find authentic food and drink and historic architecture.
River cruising in Europe is a great way to see the places that influenced these North American cities.
