Cruises The Best Fall Foliage Cruises Across the U.S. and Canada Plot a course for the best autumn destinations on the water. By Alison Fox Alison Fox Alison Fox is a Travel + Leisure contributor. She has also written for Parents.com, The Wall Street Journal, and amNewYork. When she’s not in New York City, she can be found at the beach or on the slopes. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines Updated on July 27, 2023 Fact checked by Jillian Dara Fact checked by Jillian Dara Jillian Dara is a freelance writer, editor, and fact checker for more than a dozen publications in the lifestyle genre. Travel + Leisure Fact Checking Process Close Photo: Dougall_Photography/Getty Images Fall foliage may only be around for a few weeks, but the brilliant colors that illuminate both city and countryside invite travelers to make the most of the season. You can see fall foliage on a road trip or from a train window, but one of the best ways to experience autumn is by cruise. Highlighting the rolling hills and mountains of New England, the craggy coastlines of Alaska, or picturesque Quebec cities, these are some of the best cruise routes you can take to soak up the beautiful, quickly changing fall foliage. Royal Caribbean's fall foliage northbound cruise; 11 nights Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise ship: Jewel of the Seas Cost: Starting at $949/person Capacity: 2,702 guests Why you should go: This late September cruise leaves from Cape Liberty port in New Jersey and heads north, allowing you to take advantage of the seasonal foliage as you make your way toward Quebec City, a perfect historic setting in which to watch the leaves change. On board, get an elevated view of the multicolored leaves by climbing to the top of the rock wall or embrace the cooler weather with a poolside movie. Princess Cruises' Canada and New England sailing; 7 days Daniel Hanscom/Getty Images Cruise ship: Enchanted Princess Cost: Starting at $468/person Capacity: 3,080 guests Why you should go: Starting from your port of call in New York City, this fall foliage cruise leaves in late October. It will take you up the coast past Newport, Rhode Island where you’ll be treated to panoramic views and golden leaves all around. During a stop in Halifax, Canada, you can check out the coast and, of course, dine on butter-soaked lobster. While on board, watch the world go by from the outdoor deck with a hot chocolate in hand. Carnival Cruise Line's Canada and New England journey from New York; 7 days Dougall_Photography/Getty Images Cruise ship: Carnival Venezia Cost: Starting at $519/person Capacity: 4,090 guests Why you should go: In September, enjoy the changing colors as you sail from the Big Apple toward Portland, Maine, and Canada’s Saint John. Watch the leaves turn yellow, orange, and red as you meander around these quaint towns. On the Venezia, you also get to sail in the ship's signature "Fun Italian Style," with Venice-inspired decor, plus lots of Italian restaurants and menu items. Cunard's New England and Canada cruise; 7 Nights Courtesy of Cunard Line Cruise ship: Queen Mary 2 Cost: Starting at $1,199/person Capacity: 2,691 guests Why you should go: This late-September cruise will take you from New York City to the fall foliage and crisp air of Halifax, where your autumn adventure starts. You'll follow the colorful coastline through Sept-Iles and Saguenay, before finishing out the peaceful week in Quebec City. On the ship, watch performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company and indulge in dishes like croquettes of suckling pig and Dover sole meunière. Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Autumn on the Frontier; 7 nights Tan Yilmaz/Getty Images Cruise ship: Seven Seas Explorer Cost: Starting at $6,699/person Capacity: 746 guests Why you should go: Not just the land of ice and snow, Alaska is an underrated destination for fall foliage. This cruise sets off in the northern city of Seward and makes a detour to the waters around the Hubbard Glacier, before turning inward toward Juneau and finishing up in Vancouver, British Columbia. You can watch the changing scenery from your room’s private balcony and indulge in excursions like a wilderness sea kayaking adventure in Sitka, Alaska, and rain forest bicycle tours in Skagway.