What would our Fiftysomething iteration tell our 21-year-old self… well, maybe that New England and Canada is a cruise.
The only bells and whistles though back in 1988 when I took the high road from Boston to Canada were on the bus.
How times and my fortunes have changed in the intervening years.
Embarking then on a scribbling career which 35 years later has afforded me the privilege of swapping buses for cruises.
Where you can take your time to get to your destination and relax when you get there.
Fall on good times
Our old friends at MSC Cruises have released their autumn programme.
And they want to take North Americanophiles up the eastern seaboard on MSC Meraviglia.
You’ll get to disembark from New York and there’s the added bonus of Bermuda on your horizon.
MSC are offering 10 or 11-night cruisings this September and October from £629pp, which, of course, is their famed Fall.
The Fall in Central Bark
New York: And when in NY do like the New Yorkers and kick through the leaves in Central Park.
Imagine… well, you don’t have to. And pay homage too to John Lennon at his shrine within view of his Dakota Building home.
On the right Rhode
Newport, Rhode Island: And a chance here to reverse my first views of Newport from the train looking out to the big yachts.
From the sea this time where you can channel your Gilded Age in the US’s smallest state.
Now one of the joys of cruising is a shore excursion or free time.
And memories of being tripped by trolls disguised as stones on our MSC Bergen stop-off come flooding back.
As we’re directed towards the historic Cliff Walk with a walking trail along the beautiful rocky shoreline.
Love of Common people
Boston: And whatever New York does, their historic rival Boston claims to have done it first.
With Bostonians only too happy to tell you that for all Central Park’s appeal, Boston Common is the oldest public park in the US.
While for all that Yankee Stadium may be the House that Ruth built.
The Boston Red Sox had Babe Ruth first making home runs at Fenway Park, the oldest, at 111 years, in the States.
New Scotland
Nova Scotia: And when you’re done with New England then the natural progression is New Scotland.
The new Scotland of olde worlde fishing villages, beautiful beaches and captivating shorelines.
Guests can enjoy a stroll on one of world’s longest continuous waterfront boardwalks in Nova Scotia capital Halifax.
Neuw Brunswick
New Brunswick: And if you were wondering then NB which is billed a maritime province is named after British royalty.
And George III, who was also the Duke of Brunswick.
For all New Brunswick‘s fish, and its inhabitants are mocked as Herring Chokers and there are whales and seals aplenty, look out too for its moose.
Maine event
Portland, Maine: And what goes up must come down so cruisers will sail back via Maine, and New England again.
Make sure too to sample the local beer and try out the world-famous Maine lobster.
Specs appeal
At 315 metres long and 65 metres tall, Meraviglia boasts an impressive 19 decks and up to 5,700 guests.
There are ten different types of cabins to choose from, including solo cabins, popular balcony cabins, and stylish accommodations in the MSC Yacht Club.
A 90-metre promenade lined with shops, restaurants and bars with an LED sky screen… all for the big party.
Indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, together with a water park and ropes course.
And different theatrical extravaganzas in Meraviglia’s 985-seat theatre.
So much better than bussing it up the eastern seaboard then when we know New England and Canada is a cruise.