East Coast Exploration
May 23-30, 2026
Boston to Quebec City
Join us on a spectacular springtime adventure filled with historic ports, whale watching, European style cities, and all the fresh seafood we can get our hands on! We’ll start our journey in Boston where we can walk in the footsteps of our forefathers or just settle in for a pint at the famous Bull & Finch Pub, the inspiration for the TV show Cheers. Then it’s off to explore charming northeastern port towns before sailing the St Lawrence River to Quebec City where French elegance and culture mix with the natural beauty of Canada’s terrain. And with Holland America’s Port to Plate program we’ll be eating incredible seafood on the ship as well as in every port we visit.
This group voyage is appropriate for:
Solo travelers
Multigenerational families
Travelers celebrating special events
Seniors who enjoy a concierge travel experience
Wheelchair users or travelers with accessibility requirements
Travelers with Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Caregivers and their loved ones who require a heavily supported travel experience.
Where We’re Taking You.
Pre-cruise: The fun starts when Elite Cruises staff member greets you at Boston Logan Airport baggage claim and escorts you to our pre-cruise group hotel. Fly in a day or two before the cruise to give yourself time to walk the Freedom Trail, have a drink at Cheers, shop the boutiques on Newbury St, or maybe even catch a Red Sox game at the historic Fenway Park. Our staff tour guides are happy to show you around!
May 23: Welcome aboard Holland America Line’s Zuiderdam! This morning we’ll transfer to the port and our staff will escort you through check in and to your onboard accommodations. While unpacking and getting settled make sure to keep an eye out for humpback whales because this is one of the best times of the year to see them! In the evening we’ll gather together for a group meal before checking out the evening entertainment on our ship.
May 24: Portland, Maine has something incredible for every traveler. Lovers of history can check out a lighthouse commissioned by George Washington or take a ride on a 1950s Streamliner train, foodies can ferry to Peak’s Island for a lobster bake or take a stroll around the city sampling all the lobster rolls they can find, and anyone with a passion for architecture should not miss out on the Victorian Mansion and Wadsworth-Longfellow House. If you can’t get enough of being out on the water hitch a ride on a schooner to view breathtaking coastline, picturesque lighthouses, and seals sunning themselves on the islands that dot Casco Bay.
May 25: Halifax, Nova Scotia is a bustling city with so much to see! We love doing Hop on Hop off busses here to make sure we get to see it all, but if you’re looking to escape the city take a tour to Peggy’s Cove to see the famous lighthouse and quintessential historic fishing town. Or really head out to the countryside to the Annapolis Valley to spend some time in Canada’s wine county, sampling some gorgeous varieties of wine at multiple vineyards (and maybe bring some home as souvenirs).
May 26: Sydney, on Cape Breton Island, is known for housing British Loyalists fleeing the US after the revolution but it is also known for its rich musical heritage! If you’re not exploring the historic Old Town or Fortress join in the fun at one of the many lively events around the area including Celtic music at Spirit of the Fiddle, Songs & Stories with Buddy MacDonald at the Royal Canadian Yacht Club, or live music at a waterfront lobster boil in a local beer garden.
May 27: Prince Edward Island is a favorite stop of foodies who can enjoy seafood cooking demonstrations, craft beer tastings, and lighthouse tours that stop at local vineyards. For any literature lovers do not miss a trip to Green Gables, the farmstead that inspired the Anne of Green Gables books. No matter how you spend your day, don’t miss a stop at the famous Cows ice cream shop for a taste of their fun flavors, including Cownadian Maple.
May 28-29: While we’re cruising the Gulf of St Lawrence and the St Lawrence River our travelers can enjoy ship amenities like special brunches, spa visits, wine tastings, theater showings, high tea, etc. as well as activities just for our travelers; caregivers can participate in workshops and support circles while their loved ones join the Elite Cruises staff for adult day/social club for activities with a neuroplasticity focus.
May 30: We end our journey in Quebec City but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! If you’re not ready to go home quite yet you’re invited to join the Elite Cruises staff for a 1-2 night stay here to explore this beautiful city and the surrounding areas.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date.
Group Amenities
Each traveler on this group voyage will enjoy amenities including:
- All-inclusive onboard package featuring dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and more.
- Option for shore excursion recommendations and booking assistance.
- Option for car service from your home to local airport or cruise port.
- Airport meet and greet by Elite Cruises staff and escort to group hotel.
- Pre/post cruise group hotel stay for dates of your choosing.
- Transfers from hotel to port and back.
- Luggage handling by Elite Cruises staff and Holland America porters.
- Group dinner reservations plus 2 specialty dining experiences. Option for group breakfast and lunch is also available.
- Elite Cruises staff accompaniment throughout travel. Staff is comprised of travel agents, nurses, lifeguards, concierges, activity therapists, and tour guides to ensure every need is met throughout journey.
Elite Support Services
For travelers who require a robust supported experience as well as their families we provide amenities unique to our travel agency including:
- Staff to family ratio of 1:1.
- Accessible accommodations and excursions and mobility device reservations can be made through our agency. Private accessible transport is also available to/from port. Elite Cruises is a certified accessible travel advocate.
- Daily caregiver respite/break time
- Neuroplasticity focused activities curated by our programming director. These activities are tailored to the lifestyle and preferences of any attendees.
- Group accompanied by medical professionals, including RN support 24/7.
- Option for flights accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
- Option for shore excursions to be accompanied by Elite Cruises staff.
- Private duty care and daily personal care can be arranged.
- Caregiver workshops and support circles on sea days.
Wheelchair accessible and mobility accessible staterooms are available on a first come first serve basis. All cabins on the ship can be retrofitted to be accessible with elevated toilet seats, shower chairs, and detachable shower heads at no additional cost. Arrangements can be made to rent assistive devices such as manual wheelchairs, scooters, power wheelchairs, etc. unless travelers prefer to bring their own from home.
Zuiderdam offers vacation experiences for all ages!
Create lifelong memories with all generations of your family on this impressive vessel. Younger family members will enjoy dedicated activities and entertainment at the Kids Club while adults unwind at Greenhouse Spa, enjoy a wine tasting, or relax at a traditional European high tea. All generations can come together for some fun at the spacious Sea View Pool or at one of the many music venues on board.
VIEW PRICING AND ITINERARY
*Holland America cruise refund available with purchase of Platinum Insurance. Elite Cruises fees are refundable if Allianz Travel Insurance has been purchased up to 10 days after cruise deposit date.
