Alaska and Canada

Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Alaska Cruise Port Guides 2026: Master the Last Frontier on Your Own Terms
ByMarc June 24, 2026June 25, 2026

Alaska is experiencing more and more cruise traffic for the 2026 season, bringing a record number of mega-ships to the fragile waters of the Inside Passage and the Gulf of Alaska. While cruise lines typically use to push highly priced ( and over priced) ship to shore excursions – frequently charging upwards of $150 to…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

US West Coast & Western Canada Cruise Port Guides 2026: The Pacific Hub
ByMarc April 7, 2026April 7, 2026

To navigate the West Coast by cruise ship in 2026, you must understand the logistical divide between the major embarkation hubs and the scenic coastal stops. While the California coast is defined by “The Downtown Walk,” the Pacific Northwest requires a strict eye on terminal locations – specifically in Seattle and Los Angeles where a…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Baie-Comeau Cruise Port Guide 2026: The Gateway to the Manicouagan
ByMarc April 1, 2026April 1, 2026

Baie-Comeau is a fascinating “company town” that defies the industrial label with its deep-seated history and proximity to the UNESCO Manicouagan-Uapishka Biosphere Reserve. Founded by Colonel Robert R. McCormick (owner of the Chicago Tribune) in 1937, the city is split into two distinct sectors: the Marquette (historical) sector and the Mingans (commercial) sector. In 2026,…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Havre-Saint-Pierre Cruise Port Guide 2026: Gateway to the Monoliths
ByMarc March 31, 2026April 1, 2026

Havre-Saint-Pierre (HSP) is the crown jewel of the North Shore, serving as the main entry point to the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. This isn’t a city port like Quebec; it is a small, rugged Acadian village of 3,300 people where the “star of the show” is offshore. In 2026, it remains a high-value stop…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Sept-Îles, QC Cruise Port Guide 2026: The Gateway to the Innu Soul
ByMarc March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Sept-Îles is a striking natural wonder where the massive iron-ore industry of Northern Quebec meets a pristine, seven-island archipelago. In 2026, it remains a standout “off-the-beaten-path” port on the St. Lawrence, offering a rare opportunity to witness the intermingling of two nations: the Innu (First Nations) and the European-descended Québécois. Whether you are watching the…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Iles de la Madeleine Cruise Port Guide 2026: The Emerald in the Gulf
ByMarc March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Floating in the heart of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) are a world apart from mainland Quebec. This crescent-shaped Îles de la Madeleine archipelago is famous for its stark contrasts: vibrant green hills, blazing red sandstone cliffs, and brightly painted houses that pop against the deep blue sea….

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Corner Brook Cruise Port Guide 2026: The Gateway to Newfoundland’s Wild West
ByMarc March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Corner Brook is Newfoundland’s “best-kept secret,” offering a more rugged and mountainous landscape than the colorful streets of St. John’s. Situated at the end of the Humber Arm – a 35km fjord – the arrival into port is one of the most scenic in Atlantic Canada. In 2026, the city remains a premier “basecamp” for…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Gaspé, QC Cruise Port Guide 2026: Land’s End in the St. Lawrence
ByMarc March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

Gaspé is where the Appalachian Mountains finally meet the sea. In 2026, it remains one of the most scenic calls on a Canada/New England itinerary, offering a blend of rugged wilderness and deep history. This is the “Birthplace of Canada,” where Jacques Cartier planted a cross in 1534, but for modern cruisers, it’s the gateway…

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Destinations | Alaska and Canada | Cruise Tips | Cruising | No Excursion Ports | North America | Ports of Call

Saguenay, QC Cruise Port Guide 2026: The Gateway to the Fjord
ByMarc March 31, 2026September 23, 2026

Saguenay, Quebec, offers one of the most immersive cultural arrivals in North America. In 2026, it remains a standout port of call, famous for its “legendary” welcome where hundreds of local volunteers in period costumes greet every ship with music, flowers, and genuine Québécois hospitality. Located at the end of the breathtaking Saguenay Fjord, the…

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