From the crystal-clear waters of Mexico to the majestic fjords of Alaska, it’s hard to think of a more dynamic and varied destination than North America! Do you fancy visiting cultural centres like New York and Los Angeles, history hotspots like Boston, or untouched wilderness like Canada’s British Columbia region? You can expect dramatic landscapes whether it’s the spectacular beauty of New York’s Niagara Falls, cloud forests in Costa Rica or volcanic peaks in Hawaii. From sun and sand to urban adventures, the choice is yours...
You can’t help but fall in love with the fast-paced glamour as soon as you set foot in the Big Apple. New York is a world-class destination with the Statue of Liberty standing watch over its iconic skyline. Enjoy a Broadway show, dine on deli sandwiches, and shop ‘til you drop on Fifth Avenue. View classic art at the Met or modern art at the MOMA, and take the ferry to Brooklyn to soak in the latest urban buzz.
From boutique shopping on Rodeo Drive to watching the surfers at Venice Beach, Los Angeles’s star-studded streets offer plenty of excitement. Dine with celebs in A-list venues, relax on the Santa Monica pier or explore the city’s musical side at the Grammy Museum. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to Griffith Observatory, you’ll see many varieties of stars! And for kids of all ages, a day trip to Disneyland is a must.
The Sunshine State has something for everyone, from stylish shopping on Miami’s Ocean Drive to the famous racetrack at Daytona Beach or fun-filled Disney attractions in Orlando, the ‘theme park capital of the world’. Florida’s beaches are well worth the visit on their own, with white sands and warm, crystal-clear waters. Discover the idyllic pace of life in the Florida Keys, with over 1,700 islands to choose from!
Tucked between ocean and mountains, Vancouver is best known for its gorgeous natural setting, and mild climate. Queen Elizabeth Park is a highlight with its 130-acre arboretum and modern sculptures, while Gastown offers a blend of independent art galleries and hip cocktail lounges housed in historic Victorian buildings. Admire the sea views from historic Stanley Park or shop until you drop on Granville Island.
Colourful Victorian architecture meets modern technology in San Francisco, long a centre for bohemian culture and now known for Silicon Valley innovation. It’s famous for its year-round fog, cable cars and Golden Gate Bridge. The mix of vibrant cultures makes this a foodie’s paradise, whether you’re eating dim sum in Chinatown or burritos in the Mission District. Don’t miss a trip to infamous prison Alcatraz Island!
The history of the American Revolution lives on in Boston, a New England city rich with art galleries and stirring monuments. Follow in the footsteps of Paul Revere as you wander the Freedom Trail, see where all the Boston Tea Party action took place, or visit the indoor/outdoor market at brick-clad Fanueil Hall. Pick up cannoli in Little Italy or relax in the city’s Public Gardens with their swan boats and scenery.
From the gothic architecture and cobbled streets of Montreal’s Old Town to the adorable village of Saguenay, there’s plenty of attractions to put on your to-do list in this charming province! Quebec City offers a taste of France in the heart of North America, with its European-styled Place Royale and La Citadelle fortress. Don’t miss the chance to visit Montmorency Falls, which trump Niagara at a height of 275 feet.
The world’s salmon capital, Ketchikan offers a gateway to stirring Alaskan wilderness. It sits at the state’s southern tip, providing a base for excursions ranging from rainforest walks to harbour cruises and salmon fishing. Visit the Totem Heritage Centre to learn more about indigenous traditions, or head to the Misty Fiords National Monument to enjoy ziplining, kayaking, and hiking in majestic surroundings.
Find British culture in the heart of Canada when you visit Victoria! This charming city is famous for its colonial elegance and natural beauty. It’s the capital of British Columbia, situated at the southern tip of Vancouver Island. Don’t miss the floral beauty of Butchart Gardens, or the Victorian style of Craigdarroch Castle. It’s also a top spot for sea kayaking, allowing you to come face to face with sea life.
The capital of Nova Scotia, Halifax is famous for its maritime history. The city’s dominated by its star-shaped Citadel fortress situated at the top of a hill. Titanic fans won’t want to miss a visit to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which features the ship’s only surviving deck chair! Explore Peggy’s Cove for a trip up its scenic lighthouse and seafood restaurants, or venture to UNESCO-rated Lunenberg.
The climate is as varied as the landscapes in this vast continent, so the best time to visit North America will depend on your itinerary. If you’re headed to the east coast of Canada and New England, the peak travel time is between August and October to admire the famous autumn foliage. Summer is an ideal time for an Alaskan cruise, with mild weather allowing for shore excursions that you wouldn’t be able to experience during harsh winters. And if you’re in search of winter sun, December and January are a prime time to take a cruise around Mexico or Hawaii.
There’s a staggering range of highlights to experience on any North American cruise! Soak up the big city glamour of New York City with its iconic sights like the Statue of Liberty and Broadway theatres, or head to the brink of the Arctic Circle in Canada to see polar bears and seals in their natural habitat. Dance the night away to the sounds of live jazz in New Orleans, view charming old-world architecture in Montreal, or explore Mayan ruins in Mexico. Go wine tasting in California’s Napa Valley, visit the home of Elvis in Memphis or shop until you drop at the Mall of America.
UK passport holders can hop across the pond to the USA with relative ease thanks to the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, or ESTA. This Visa Waiver Programme allows you to apply online for visa-free entry of up to 90 days. Canada works with a similar system, giving you the option to enter with a pre-approved Electronic Travel Authorisation. Thinking of stopping off in Mexico? All you’ll need is a valid passport and you’ll be able to enter the country for stays up to 180 days, so there’s plenty of time to enjoy those sunny beaches.
North America’s culinary diversity is unrivalled, with each region offering its own delights! Chow down on all-American favourites like fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies and juicy hamburgers, or opt for regional favourites like biscuits and gravy in the south, buffalo chicken wings in upstate New York, or clam chowder in New England. Heading to Mexico? Don’t miss cheese-stuffed tamales, tender carnitas and street tacos straight from the source. You can get adventurous on an Alaskan cruise with reindeer hot dogs, smoked salmon and the freshest king and Dungeness crab you’ll find anywhere, and don’t miss the chance to try poutine in Canada.
NORTH AMERICA
Bamford, Hornchurch, 14 Oct 2018
We really enjoyed ourselves, our balcony cabin was comfortable and well appointed. We enjoyed all of the food venues and a special mention needs to go to the Terrace Buffet.
NORTH AMERICA
Allen-Deacon, Newbury, 11 Apr 2018
We sailed from Southampton to Boston New York Cape Kennedy and Miami absolutely fantastic we were well looked after by staff and one of our best holidays ever.