New England and Canada sailings on sale

updated 9:45 a.m. ET July 15, 2008

Book by: ASAP
Travel by: October 2008

The deal
While we’re happily enjoying the fruits of summer, it’s not too soon to think ahead to the legendary autumnal foliage of eastern Canada and New England. We pinned down a set of cruises that coincide with the traditional peaks of fall color in the region — from the end of September through mid-October — with prices sure to make you ooh and ahh. Trips along the scenic route start at a spectacular $649!

Half-priced September sailing
Choose this round trip 10-day Norwegian Cruise Line sojourn departing September 28 and you’ll get a jump on the scenery, as well as half off rack rates! The freestyle Norwegian Jewel sails from New York with five ports of call. On the itinerary are Boston, Halifax, Quebec City, Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia’s Sydney. A hefty discount drops normal rates by 52 percent! Cabins normally priced at $1,759 now start at just $849.

Seven nights from $649
Prefer an early October sailing? Royal Caribbean offers two departure dates — October 4 or October 11 — on its a seven-night cruise up the Atlantic seaboard. You’ll journey from Boston on the Jewel of the Seas to Maine’s Portland and Bar Harbor, followed by St. John, New Brunswick, and Halifax in Nova Scotia. The cruise includes two days at sea before returning to Massachusetts. Inside rooms are priced at a low $649!

Two weeks from Canada to Florida
For all the snowbirds out there, Holland America’s Eurodam voyage may be just the ticket. Leaving Quebec City on October 1, the ship’s Canadian ports of call include Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick. Next it’s on to Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New York. After celebrating the changing season, the cruise continues down the Atlantic Coast headed for warmer temps — you’ll disembark in sunny Fort Lauderdale. Interior rooms go for a reduced $1,899 — a 17 percent savings off rack rates!

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The dollars
All prices are per person, based on double occupancy and cover onboard meals, drinks, and port charges. You will have to pick up the tab on additional taxes, fees, and off-board expenses.

The catch
Mother Nature doesn’t follow cruise schedules. There’s no way to guarantee fall colors will be at their peak when you travel.