We sailed as a couple on the Veendam’s first cruise of 2014 to this area from May 10-17, 2014. The ship had just sailed from Ft. Lauderdale on May 1 to Quebec City and our south bound cruise ended in Boston.

This was our 30th cruise and the tenth with Holland America, also previously sailing with Cunard (6), Princess (5), Disney (5), Royal Caribbean (2) and Celebrity (2). We sailed this same itinerary, also on the Veendam, a few years ago in October but there was little fall foliage to see and the weather was unpleasant, lots of rain. The weather for this cruise was supposed to be cool and wet, with forecasted temperatures not expected to exceed 10C/50F. The reality was sunshine all week, with temperatures mostly in the 16-18C/60-65F range.

We took the VIA Rail train (Canada’s version of Amtrak) to Quebec City, and then flew back to Toronto from Boston. The good thing about this southbound itinerary is that the first night is an overnight in Quebec City so that you can arrive anytime that day, or even the next day prior to sailing at 4 pm, and not have to worry about the ship leaving without you. Read more