What to Expect:   Big cities, small coastal villages, French and English-tinged accents, and plenty of historical sights.

When to Go:   Fall for autumn colors, summer for whale sightings.

What to Do:   Shop for snacks and souvenirs at Boston's Quincy Market, explore the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal, visit the Green Gables house on Prince Edward Island, spy glorious fall foliage right from the deck of your ship, and keep an eye out for whales, especially in the summer.

Local Color:   There's nothing more colorful than an Atlantic-coast fall.

Don't Miss:   Lobster--it's a New England specialty, so you'll never find it fresher.

Don't Forget:   French is the official language of Quebec, but English is widely spoken in Quebec City and Montreal.