5 Minute Tourist

A fall cruise from Quebec to New York City sounds like the perfect combination of scenic beauty, charming towns, and cultural landmarks. While we had a lot of fun, the overall experience left us underwhelmed—particularly with the Canadian destinations and our time aboard the Norwegian Sky. Here’s a look at the highlights, some misses, and why we wouldn’t choose this cruise again.

Departure: Quebec City

We started our adventure in Quebec City, a magical destination that could easily be a trip on its own. Old Quebec’s cobblestone streets, the iconic Château Frontenac, and the charming Quartier Petit Champlain were absolutely picture-perfect. Arriving two days early gave us time to soak in the history, enjoy some poutine, and take in the charm of one of Canada’s most beautiful cities.

For more on this enchanting city, check out my previous Quebec City post.

Saguenay, Quebec, Canada

Our day in Saguenay began with the Best of Saguenay Tour, which included visits to two museums and a quaint mohair sheep farm. The farm was the clear highlight—we got to feed and interact with the friendly sheep. After the tour, we explored the small town, popping into local shops and picking up some amazing Boivin cheese curds. While charming, we left wishing we had chosen a different excursion.

Leaving Saguenay, we sailed through the spectacular Saguenay Fjord, one of the most breathtaking moments of the trip. The fjord stretches over 65 miles, flanked by towering cliffs. The crisp air and glassy waters created a serene and magical ambiance.

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canadian confederation, was full of maritime charm. Our city bus tour through Viator gave us a good overview of landmarks like Province House and Victoria Park. Afterward, we wandered the historic streets, indulging in Cows Ice Cream, and browsing the local shops. Just steps from the port, Founders Food Hall filled the air with the mouthwatering scent of local specialties, but we didn’t have time to try anything.

Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sydney was easily the most underwhelming stop. With three other ships in port on a Sunday, many shops were closed, and excursion options were limited. The Membertou Heritage Park Museum wasn’t worth the entrance fee. We opted for a DIY bar crawl, which turned out to be the most fun part of the day. Near the port with the giant Violin, we stumbled upon Seaside Sugars selling incredible mini donuts and hot dogs (including meatless options)—perhaps the real highlight of Sydney.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Halifax was a standout for me, especially as someone fascinated by the Titanic. Having recently visited Belfast, where the Titanic was built, standing in the cemetery where 150 of the victims were laid to rest felt like a poignant full-circle moment. The gravestones, arranged in the shape of a ship’s bow, and stories of the recovery efforts were both haunting and humbling.

We booked a private Viator tour, which was well worth it. After the cemetery, we visited Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village famous for its iconic lighthouse perched atop rugged granite cliffs. While the beauty of the area was undeniable, it was extremely busy, with crowds vying for photo ops. Thankfully, our guide allowed us plenty of time to explore. Despite the hustle and bustle, the crashing waves and coastal views made this stop unforgettable.

Portland, Maine

Portland turned out to be a bit of a mixed bag. A painfully slow customs process cut into our time for exploring Kennebunkport, a picturesque New England town famously known as the summer retreat of the Bush family. We joined a ship-organized excursion. Despite the logistical challenges, Kennebunkport itself was lovely, with charming streets, boutique shops, and beautiful coastal views.

A highlight of the town is the Bush family estate, Walker’s Point, which has served as the family’s summer home for generations. The estate sits on a rocky point overlooking the ocean and, though not open to the public, remains an iconic sight for visitors. You can catch a glimpse of the estate from a distance, framed by the stunning coastal scenery, and it’s particularly breathtaking during sunset.

Just a short distance away is St. Ann’s Episcopal Church, where both President George H.W. Bush and his son, President George W. Bush, have attended services over the years. The church, built in 1887, sits beautifully by the water, offering peaceful views of the coastline. The simple yet elegant architecture and serene atmosphere create a perfect spot for reflection and appreciation of the surrounding landscape.

Although our time was cut short by the ship’s schedule, we thoroughly enjoyed wandering the town and exploring its quaint shops and eateries. Our favorite find was Rococo’s Ice Cream, where we indulged in their Molasses Gingersnap flavor—a must-try!

Afterwards, we headed back to Portland, where we enjoyed some shopping and came away with a unique Sea Bag from their flagship store. While Portland has a lot to offer, the logistical hiccups—especially the customs delay—did put a bit of a damper on the day. Next time, we’d skip the ship-organized excursion and explore Kennebunkport at our own pace, allowing us to truly savor its charm and scenic beauty.

Bar Harbor, Maine

Bar Harbor was a gem. We booked a 2-hour Acadia National Park tour with Oli’s Trolley, which gave us a great balance of park highlights and time to explore the charming town. Stops included Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and Thunder Hole, all showcasing the natural beauty of the area. Each stop was 15 minutes so it’s just enough time for photos but Oli’s Trolly does offer a 4-hour option if you’d like more time to explore the stops. 

Back in town, we indulged in lobster rolls at Stewman’s and warm popovers at The Stadium. The combination of stunning scenery and delicious food made Bar Harbor one of our favorite stops.

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston was another highlight of our trip, and instead of booking the ship’s excursions, we decided to explore on our own. We used ride share and the train to visit Salem, a town buzzing with Halloween energy. While most people associate Salem with the infamous Witch Trials, the town has a rich maritime history that is often overlooked. One of our favorite spots was Caramel French Patisserie, a charming French bakery in Salem offering delicious pastries that I highly recommend.

As for the Salem Witch Museum, I’d suggest skipping it, it’s in desperate need of updates. If you’re looking for a deeper dive into the witch trials, head to the Peabody Essex Museum, which often features a witch trials exhibit that provides a much richer and more insightful experience. Despite the trials lasting only a year, 19 innocent people were killed, leaving a haunting legacy. A visit to the memorial honoring those victims is a must when in Salem—it’s a powerful and sobering experience that gives a more personal and reflective perspective on this dark chapter in history.

Newport, Rhode Island

Once we finally made it to land, we headed to Newport’s famous mansions, which provide a fascinating glimpse into America’s Gilded Age. We toured two of the most iconic estates—The Breakers and Marble House. The Breakers, once the summer home of the Vanderbilt family, is a sprawling mansion that exudes both grandeur and opulence, with stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. The interiors are a stunning display of intricate woodwork, gold leaf detailing, and impressive art collections that truly showcase the wealth and excess of the era. Marble House, designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, is another masterpiece, particularly known for its lavish use of marble. Built as a gift from railroad magnate William K. Vanderbilt to his wife, the mansion’s breathtaking beauty and grandeur are awe-inspiring.

Next time, we’d opt to explore on our own, as the mansions are relatively close together and easy to navigate without a guided tour. Newport itself is charming, with great shopping near the port, so we’d make sure to carve out more time to explore both the mansions and the town.

New York City, New York

Disembarking in Manhattan was chaotic. The cruise terminal was swarmed with people, and taxis were cash-only at double the normal price (very shady). Walking a block or two to away from the port to grab a ride share saved us a lot of money. We stayed in NYC for a few extra days, as one of my favorite places I’ll never pass an opportunity to eat my way across the city! I’ll be sharing more about NYC in an upcoming post.

Final Thoughts

While some ports were amazing (Halifax, Bar Harbor, Boston, Rhode Island) others were underwhelming, and the Norwegian Sky didn’t enhance the experience. The ship showed its age with watermarks on the walls in the rooms, musty hallways, and unreliable hot water. Entertainment felt repetitive, and the overall vibe lacked the excitement we’ve experienced on other cruises.

Next time, we’d explore this route with a different cruise line—or perhaps a land-based trip. If you’re considering this itinerary, focus on planning your excursions carefully and keep your expectations for the ship in check.