Southeast Canadian Explorations

Detailed Itinerary

Day-by-day description of your cruise and cruise activities.

Day 1

Montreal

Montreal is full of interesting architecture and is considered by many to be the creative capital of Canada. Named a UNESCO City of Design, Montreal attractions include Basilique Notre-Dame, Stade Olympique, Canal de Lachine, Old Montreal, and Habitat 67. Enjoy a meal at one of the terraced cafes of Plateau Mont-Royal and make sure you try Kamouraska lamb, Arctic char and poutine.

Day 2

Quebec City

A focal point of French culture and one of North America’s oldest and most beautiful cities, Quebec City sits above the St. Lawrence River on a rocky spur with 328-foot cliffs. This French-speaking city was established in 1608 with the only fortified city walls remaining in America north of Mexico, and declared a UNESCO World Heritage City. The Old Town is packed with museums, cobblestone streets and mansard-roofed houses begging to be explored. Other historic attractions include the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac, Notre Dame Basilica, Battlefields Park and Terrasse Dufferin.

Day 3

Quebec City

Day 4

Day 5

Gaspe

Four hundred miles northeast of Quebec City lies Gaspe, one of National Geographic’s Canada’s 50 Places of a Lifetime. This wonderful wilderness area is home to four national parks; Perce Rock; North America’s largest gannet colony; lighthouses and remarkable historic sites. Visit the modern cathedral built almost entirely of wood and make sure to try some of the local specialties such as French-styled lobsters and game.

Day 6

Cap aux Meules

With its village main street and many restaurants and bars, charming Cap aux Meules is the gateway to the Magdalen Islands Archipelago located in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The port bustles with fishing boats, ferries, and a well-equipped marina offering a huge travel lift crane for dry dock. Sites to see include the church of St. Pierre, constructed from the wreckage of ships and the lighthouse which now warns of the offshore shoals.

Day 7

Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada

Sydney is the largest city on Cape Breton Island where the hub of activity can be found at the waterfront where you’ll find the world’s largest fiddle. A popular tourist destination, grab a Cape Breton Artisan Trail Map and immerse yourself in the lives of local artisans. Hit Casino Nova Scotia or take a mining tour with the help of a local miner. Check out the year-round indoor Cape Breton Farmers’ Market or discover the history of the Membertou people at their Heritage Park.

Day 8

Halifax

The capital of Nova Scotia was ranked the 4th best place to live in Canada back in 2012. It is a city with more pubs and clubs per capita than any other Canadian city and even one of the mayors was a brewmaster. The boardwalk on the waterfront follows the water’s edge and is lined with unique shops. Halifax is home to the longest running saltwater ferry and a 200-year-old restored fishing village. Be sure to find time to try fabled donair (pita, meat and sauce), the official food of Halifax.

Day 9

Day 10

Portland

The New England charm of Portland is a delightful mix of stylish and sophisticated, modest and folksy, with a reputation for great dining. There is a plethora of local art and music, lovely parks and a pleasing array of 19^th century architecture including beautiful Victorian-era homes. The cobblestone lanes of the Old Port district waterfront are alive with working fishing piers and warehouses converted into shops and restaurants.

Day 11

Rockland

Rockland is a classic Maine coastal town and the lobster capital of the world. It has been recognized by National Geographic Travel as the “Top Adventure Town in Maine,” and “Coolest Small Town in US” by Budget Travel. Downtown Rockland is full of historic homes, shops and restaurants serving fresh local seafood. An impressive collection of Maine art can be found at the Farnsworth Art Museum and Wyeth Center. Bordering Penobscot Bay, Rockland is also known internationally as one of the best recreational sailing areas of the world.

Day 12

Boston

Founded in 1630 by Puritan settlers, Boston is one of the oldest cities in the U.S. It was a pivotal place during the American Revolution for the Boston Massacre, the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Siege of Boston. Tourists to Boston see the Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the JFK Library and Museum, the Museum of Fine Arts, the New England Aquarium, and the USS Constitution.

Ship

Your cruise ship

About this ship

Star Pride

Star Pride is an elegant, all-suite yacht that delivers Windstar Cruises’ signature small-ship experience with sophistication and style. Designed for just 312 guests, the ship offers a refined alternative to larger cruise vessels—combining personalized service, expansive accommodations, and a relaxed onboard ambiance with the ability to explore some of the world’s most captivating and hard-to-reach destinations.

As part of Windstar’s $250 million Star Plus Initiative, Star Pride underwent a transformative renovation in 2021. The ship was lengthened by 84 feet, resulting in expanded public areas, new culinary venues, and additional suites. Upgrades also included new eco-friendly engines and enhanced environmental systems, positioning the vessel at the forefront of sustainable luxury travel. Though refreshed and modernized, Star Pride retains the intimate, yachting spirit that defines the Windstar experience.

All 156 suites on board are ocean-facing, offering spacious layouts ranging from 277 to over 800 square feet. Designed with a blend of contemporary elegance and classic comfort, each suite features plush bedding, walk-in closets, marble-accented bathrooms with dual vanities, and thoughtful amenities such as Illy espresso machines and L’Occitane bath products. Many suites include private verandas or French balconies, creating a seamless connection to the sea and surrounding landscapes.

Dining on Star Pride is elevated, globally inspired, and entirely complimentary. Amphora, the ship’s main dining room, offers ever-changing menus rooted in fresh, seasonal ingredients. Candles transforms the deck into a romantic open-air steakhouse by night, while Cuadro 44 by chef Anthony Sasso offers bold, modern Spanish cuisine in an intimate, tapas-style setting. Star Grill by Steven Raichlen serves barbecue with international flair in a casual al fresco setting, and the Yacht Club Café is a favorite for fresh pastries, coffee, and light bites throughout the day. In-suite dining is available 24 hours a day for added flexibility.

The ship’s amenities cater to both active travelers and those seeking rest and rejuvenation. A full-service spa and wellness complex offers a variety of treatments, a thermal suite, and a well-equipped fitness center. Open decks and lounges provide ample space for relaxation, while the watersports platform at the stern gives guests direct access to complimentary activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkeling when conditions allow.

Thanks to its size and shallow draft, Star Pride is able to navigate narrow waterways and dock in smaller ports that are inaccessible to larger ships. Whether cruising the Norwegian fjords, the coastal towns of the Mediterranean, or the islands of Southeast Asia, the ship brings guests closer to the cultural and natural heart of each destination.

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