Montréal, a captivating French fancy, is Québec’s largest city. A UNESCO City of Design, it successfully fuses the endearing allure of its European history with modern style and fresh-thinking. Old Montréal is within walking distance of the city’s new port, here you’ll find a historic hub of cobblestone pathways, quaint boutiques of Place Jacques-Cartier, the Bonsecours Market and many tantalising restaurants.
The west, meanwhile, is an untamed wonderland where sweeping forest, luscious lakes, gargantuan glaciers and fantastic wild beasts, not to mention the Rockies, vie for attention. Vancouver, for example, is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful spots on earth. Come face to face with spectacular sea life, test your nerve on Capilano Suspension Bridge, get a bird’s eye view from Grouse Mountain, be spellbound by Vancouver’s sights, take a bus tour or explore the Britannia Mine Museum.
Further north, it’s easy to forget about the USA’s ‘last frontier’, Alaska, which takes up residence at the edge of the western world. However, many cruise ships of today make the voyage there a reality. Here, everyday life grinds to a blissful halt, with the locals consisting mainly of whales, bears and eagles.
Migrating whales, rivers of ice and super fresh seafood capture the hearts of Juneau’s visitors. The capital of Alaska is a capital of conflicts; it borders a waterway that never freezes and lies beneath an ice field that never melts. It’s a fantastic spot for wildlife watching too – hundreds of humpback whales inhabit the northern waters of the Inside Passage, eagles soar through the sky as they search for spawning salmon and black bears lie in wait at Admiralty Island National Monument and the Kootznoowoo Wilderness area.
Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world, is Alaska’s first city. An area of outstanding natural scenery, Ketchikan is home to Misty Fjords National Park a spectacularly scenic wilderness area. Salmon fishing is an integral part of the cities history and you can experience the thrill of reeling in a prize catch aboard one of the many fishing charters on offer. Local guides will lead you to popular biting spots where you’ll hopefully have your pick of fish.
It is all a far cry from the illuminated showstopper, Times Square in New York and the glitzy wild child, Las Vegas. Cool California and art deco inspired Miami also know how to let their hair down. Their alluring shores are tickled by both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans; idyllic for surfing or just catching some well-earned rays. What more could you want from a USA cruise?
Most say the Deep South is where America’s beating heart truly dwells, exemplified by the likes of New Orleans, whose sumptuous soul food, jazzy rhythm and eclectic panache hit a home run every time. The birthplace of jazz, it’s impossible to travel to New Orleans without hearing jazz music – whether it’s from street performers or a show in a music club. Learn about some of the most spectacular musicians from the area at the New Orleans Jazz Museum.
