My Fall Voyage: Cruising Canada & New England with Regent Seven Seas.

C D Ticknor
3 days ago
4 min read

There are certain moments in travel that stay with you forever like watching the first golden leaves drift across a quiet harbor or sipping a perfect cappuccino while a crisp autumn breeze brushes your cheek.

My Canada and New England Regent Seven Seas Cruise was one of those moments that reminded me just how beautiful “close to home” can be.

This journey had everything I love most elegance, warmth, and a touch of adventure all wrapped in Regent’s signature luxury.

A Perfect Prelude: Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston

Before boarding my Regent cruise, I began my journey at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in the heart of Boston. There’s something timeless about that hotel the gilded ceilings, the rich scent of polished wood, the friendly doormen who make you feel like you’re stepping into a storybook.

Each morning, I’d wander through Copley Square, watching locals rush by with coffee in hand but not before I would stop to say good morning to the Fairmont's furry resident Cory.

We walked the historic Freedom trail and One afternoon, joined a whale-watching excursion from Boston Harbor I’ll never forget the moment a humpback came up right beside the boat, right in front of me the entire crowd gasping in awe. It was humbling, beautiful, and the perfect way to begin my voyage north but not before we stopped by cheer's to say "Norm"

(if you know you know).

Onboard with Regent

Stepping aboard Regent feels like coming home. The gracious crew welcomes you by name, and within hours, the world slows down to the rhythm of the sea. My suite became my sanctuary as it always does complete with a private balcony perfect for watching the coastline change colors as we sailed from port to port.

It’s hard not to fall in love with the all-inclusive luxury Regent is known for every detail, every glass of champagne, every shore excursion effortlessly taken care of.

A Taste of Maine – My First Lobster Roll

Our first stop after setting sail was Portland, Maine, a charming coastal city that feels straight out of a postcard. Cobblestone streets, sailboats bobbing in the harbor, and the scent of the ocean in the air it’s everything you imagine New England to be.

And, of course, you can’t visit Maine without trying a lobster roll so I did! Sitting at a little waterfront shack, I took my first bite and instantly understood the hype. Perfectly sweet lobster, a touch of butter, and a soft toasted bun simple, fresh, and absolutely divine. Paired with a crisp glass of white wine and ocean views, it was one of those delicious little travel moments that linger long after the last bite.

Getting “Screeched In” – Corner Brook, Newfoundland

In Corner Brook, I had one of the most delightfully unexpected experiences of the trip I got “Screeched In.”

If you’re not familiar, it’s a quirky Newfoundland tradition that makes you an honorary Newfoundlander. It involves a bit of rum, a fun local saying, and a playful ceremonial kiss that’s impossible to do without laughing. It’s one of those authentic moments that captures the friendly, down-to-earth spirit of Canada’s East Coast something you can’t script, only experience.

Saguenay, Quebec what a Hidden Gem

I’ll be honest Saguenay surprised me. Tucked deep within a fjord, it’s one of those rare places where nature and culture blend seamlessly. I joined a glass blowing demonstration, toured a cheese factory and later visited a Alpaca farm. I also had plenty of time to wander the peaceful waterfront, surrounded by autumn colors that seemed to glow from within. It was a moment of quiet beauty I’ll never forget and I really hope to make a return visit some day.

The European Charm of Quebec City

My voyage stopped in Quebec City, one of my all-time favorite places in North America. There’s such romance in its cobblestone streets, its cozy cafés, and the sound of French mingling with laughter.

I treated myself to an elegant afternoon tea at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac, gazing over the St. Lawrence River as I reflected on the journey. It felt like being in Europe yet I was still in Canada. That’s the magic of Quebec City: it’s historic, refined, and utterly enchanting.

My Top 5 Reasons to Cruise Canada & New England with Regent

Luxury Without Limits – Regent’s all-inclusive experience means you can simply relax and enjoy. Fine wines, world-class dining, and even shore excursions because it’s all included.
Closer to Home, Yet Worlds Away – For Canadians and U.S. travelers, this is an international journey you can start without crossing oceans.
Fall Foliage at Sea – There’s nothing quite like sipping morning coffee on your balcony while the coastline glows with gold and crimson.
Rich Culture & Local Charm – From Boston’s history to Newfoundland’s humor to Quebec’s French flair, each port is a story waiting to be told.
The Regent Touch – The genuine warmth of the crew and the elegant details throughout your voyage transform travel into something truly extraordinary.

Final Reflections

As a Regent Cruise Specialist, I’ve sailed many parts of the world but there’s something uniquely special about this itinerary. It’s a reminder that luxury doesn’t always mean far away. Sometimes it’s right here in our own backyard, just waiting to be rediscovered in the golden glow of autumn.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing the fall colors from the comfort of The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet®, I’d love to help you plan your own EPIC Regent journey. From a pre-cruise stay at the Fairmont Copley Plaza to tea time at the Château Frontenac, it’s a voyage that will warm your heart long after the leaves have fallen. Because life’s too short for ordinary vacations let’s make yours EPIC.