Seven Seas Prestige from Montréal to New York: Golden Foliage, Maritime Canada and New England in Autumn

By late October, autumn is at its most beautiful across eastern Canada. The forests of Québec glow with shades of amber, crimson and gold, fishing boats return to harbour beneath clear blue skies and the crisp air seems to sharpen every landscape. It is a season that rewards unhurried travel, when coastlines, villages and great rivers appear at their most captivating.

For Seven Seas Prestige, it provides the setting for one of the most evocative voyages of her inaugural North American season.

Departing Montréal and arriving beneath the skyline of New York 11 nights later, Golden Foliage follows the great waterways and coastlines of eastern Canada and New England during one of the most rewarding times of year to explore the region. Along the way come the dramatic landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord, the remote shores of Sept-Îles, the literary charm of Prince Edward Island, the Celtic traditions of Cape Breton, the maritime heritage of Nova Scotia and the historic cities of Boston and New York. Yet what makes this voyage so appealing is not simply the destinations themselves. It is the way they unfold, one after another, linked by the quiet comfort of life aboard Regent’s remarkable new ship.

Before any of those places appear, however, there is Montréal.

The great St Lawrence River has always been a route into another world. French explorers followed its waters deep into the continent, traders carried furs and timber along its length, and generations of travellers have found themselves drawn towards the vast landscapes beyond. Today, Montréal remains one of North America’s most distinctive cities, where church spires rise above historic streets, cafés spill onto pavements and French heritage remains woven into everyday life. Prestige remains here overnight, allowing time to enjoy the city before the voyage begins.

Eventually evening arrives, the last lights begin to shimmer across the river and lines are quietly cast off. As Montréal recedes into the darkness, Prestige turns eastward towards the heart of Québec. The following morning reveals one of the great natural spectacles of North America.

The Saguenay Fjord cuts dramatically into the Canadian Shield, its immense cliffs rising from waters carved by glaciers thousands of years ago. Forests blanket the surrounding hillsides and, at this time of year, autumn colours transform the landscape into a tapestry of gold, amber and crimson. We may choose to explore Saguenay National Park, where forest trails reveal magnificent views across the fjord, or venture out on the water itself beneath cliffs that rise dramatically above one of the continent’s most remarkable landscapes. However we choose to experience it, the scale of the scenery is difficult to comprehend.

Canada has long inspired writers to reflect upon the relationship between people and wilderness. The historian Pierre Berton observed that the country’s landscapes possess a scale capable of humbling the imagination. Few places illustrate that more vividly than Saguenay.

Returning to Prestige that evening, there is time to reflect upon the day’s discoveries over dinner as the ship continues her journey towards the Gulf of St Lawrence. One of the pleasures of Regent is the effortless rhythm that quickly develops aboard. A leisurely dinner may stretch into conversation over fine wine whilst, beyond the windows, the lights of distant settlements gradually fade into darkness and the ship glides quietly onwards through the night.

By morning, Sept-Îles awaits.

Situated on Québec’s vast north shore, this remote and fascinating region offers a very different perspective on Canada. Here the traditions of the Innu people remain deeply connected to the landscape, whilst stories of explorers, traders and fishermen continue to shape local life. Offshore islands shelter seabird colonies and wildlife, whilst inland forests stretch towards horizons that seem almost limitless. We may choose to venture offshore among the islands by Zodiac, exploring coastlines that feel wonderfully untouched and watching seabirds wheel overhead, or we may prefer to discover the history and culture of a region rarely encountered by European travellers. It is a destination that rewards curiosity.

As Prestige enters the Gulf of St Lawrence, a day at sea follows. There is no urgency here. Breakfast may linger into mid-morning as the coastline drifts past beyond the balcony. A book remains open for longer than intended. Lunch extends gently into the afternoon. Somewhere ahead lies Prince Edward Island, but for now there is only the pleasure of watching the changing colours of eastern Canada unfold from the comfort of Regent’s newest ship.

Seven Seas Prestige seems perfectly suited to such voyages. Designed around space, elegance and an unhurried sense of luxury, she allows the destinations to remain centre stage whilst quietly providing every comfort one might wish for along the way. The result is a style of travel that feels increasingly rare: sophisticated, civilised and wonderfully relaxing.

The following morning reveals Prince Edward Island.

Gentle farmland rolls towards red sandstone cliffs. White churches overlook quiet communities. Fishing boats rest in sheltered harbours. The landscape possesses a calm, pastoral beauty that has inspired generations of visitors, though for many it will forever be associated with Lucy Maud Montgomery and Anne of Green Gables.

Montgomery’s novels captured something enduring about this corner of Canada, and even today the island retains much of the character that inspired her writing. Wandering through these landscapes, it is easy to understand why readers around the world continue to fall in love with Anne’s world more than a century after it first appeared in print.

By late afternoon we find ourselves back aboard Prestige as the island gradually disappears astern. Cocktails are served. Conversation turns naturally to the day’s discoveries. Somewhere beyond the horizon lies Nova Scotia. Cape Breton awaits.

There is something unexpectedly familiar about this part of Atlantic Canada. Scottish traditions remain deeply woven into local life. Gaelic heritage survives. Music fills community halls. Stories are passed from one generation to the next. We may choose to explore the remarkable Fortress of Louisbourg, discover Highland communities where Celtic traditions continue to flourish, or experience a culture where music, storytelling and heritage remain as important today as they were generations ago.

The colours of autumn seem richer here. Forested hills descend towards rocky coastlines, small harbours shelter fishing boats and the Atlantic stretches endlessly towards distant horizons. It is a landscape that rewards lingering a little longer.

The following morning brings Halifax. For centuries this great harbour has served as one of the principal gateways to Atlantic Canada. Merchants, sailors, explorers and immigrants all passed through here, helping to shape the history of the region. Nearby lies Peggy’s Cove, whose lighthouse standing amongst immense granite rocks has become one of the most recognisable images in Canada. Yet photographs rarely capture the atmosphere entirely. The sound of the Atlantic, the cry of seabirds and the vastness of the horizon combine to create a sense of place that remains long after the visit itself has ended.

That evening Prestige slips quietly away from Nova Scotia. Dinner is served. Glasses are raised. Another memorable day draws to a close as the ship turns south towards New England, and Boston, bringing with it another chapter in the story of the Atlantic world.

One of America’s most historic cities, Boston offers an opportunity to walk through the events that helped shape a nation. Along the Freedom Trail, centuries of history unfold between churches, meeting houses and historic streets. Yet Boston is also a city of elegant neighbourhoods, waterfront promenades and intellectual tradition, home to institutions whose influence extends far beyond New England itself.

As Prestige departs for the final time, the skyline slowly recedes into the distance and the ship turns south. A final day at sea follows, and with it comes the quiet satisfaction that accompanies every memorable voyage. Days ashore have flowed naturally into elegant evenings at sea. Historic cities have given way to wilderness, wilderness to maritime communities and maritime communities to the great cities of North America.

Then, on the final morning, New York appears.

Few arrivals possess quite the same sense of anticipation. Ferries criss-cross the harbour. The city gradually emerges from the morning light and slowly grows larger until Manhattan stands before us in all its familiar grandeur.

For some, the voyage ends here.

For others, New York provides the perfect final chapter. A few additional days allow time to stroll through Central Park dressed in autumn colours, visit world-class galleries and museums, enjoy an evening at Lincoln Center or simply absorb the energy of one of the world’s most compelling cities before the journey home.

It is a fitting conclusion to a voyage that has combined extraordinary scenery, maritime history, literary heritage and cultural discovery with the comfort and elegance of Seven Seas Prestige.

What makes Golden Foliage so memorable is not simply the quality of the destinations, impressive though they undoubtedly are. It is the way they unfold. French Canada gives way to wilderness. Wilderness leads naturally to Maritime Canada. Maritime Canada flows into New England before culminating beneath one of the world’s most recognisable skylines. Throughout it all, the changing colours of autumn provide a backdrop that ties the entire journey together.

For travellers who appreciate history, literature, extraordinary landscapes and the pleasures of travelling well, Golden Foliage aboard Seven Seas Prestige may prove to be one of the most compelling Canada and New England voyages of Prestige’s inaugural North American season.

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CountryClubuk Member Rates

CountryClubuk Members enjoy exclusive Members-only fares across the entire Seven Seas Prestige programme, including Golden Foliage and every Canada & New England sailing operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Current Member savings on Golden Foliage range from £1,540 per person in Deluxe Veranda accommodation to £2,780 per person in the magnificent Prestige Suite, making this one of the most attractive ways to experience Seven Seas Prestige’s inaugural Canada and New England season.

Serenity Suite F2
Offering the same generous 41m² footprint together with an enhanced location aboard the ship, the Serenity Suite is likely to appeal to guests seeking additional convenience whilst enjoying all of Regent’s renowned inclusions.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare: £10,449 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £8,879 pp
Member Saving: £1,570 pp

Concierge Suite E
At 45m², the Concierge Suite E represents one of the most attractive ways to experience Seven Seas Prestige, combining additional space with Regent’s complimentary pre-cruise luxury hotel programme and a range of enhanced benefits.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare: £11,039 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £9,457 pp
Member Saving: £1,582 pp

Penthouse Suite C
Offering 57m² of beautifully designed accommodation together with personal butler service, the Penthouse Suite is likely to appeal to guests seeking an even more elevated Prestige experience, with enhanced suite privileges and attentive personalised service throughout the voyage.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare : £14,019 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £11,993 pp
Member Saving: £2,026 pp

Horizon Penthouse Suite
One of the exciting new suite categories introduced aboard Seven Seas Prestige, the Horizon Penthouse Suite offers between 56m² and 67m² of luxurious accommodation together with personal butler service, generous indoor and outdoor living space and an exceptional vantage point from which to enjoy the ever-changing theatre of the sea.
Regent Best Available (BAR) Fare: £16,259 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £13,987 pp
Member Saving: £2,272 pp

Prestige Suite
Among the most impressive accommodations aboard Seven Seas Prestige, the Prestige Suite offers between 75m² and 133m² of beautifully designed living space, together with personal butler service, elegant entertaining areas and an exceptional luxury experience from one of the finest addresses at sea.
Regent Fare: £19,539 pp
CountryClubuk Member Fare: £16,759 pp
Member Difference: £2,780 pp

Further Reading

View the full Golden Foliage itinerary on the Regent Seven Seas Cruises website, then contact CountryClubuk Member Services on 020 7399 2960 for your exclusive Member fare.

Considering a different Seven Seas Prestige voyage? You may also enjoy:

Seven Seas Prestige from Southampton: Bordeaux, Bilbao, Paris and Atlantic France
Seven Seas Prestige from Rome to Trieste: Capri, Malta, Dubrovnik, Vesuvius and Mount Etna
Seven Seas Prestige: Regent’s Remarkable New Ship

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