It finally happened… After years of sailing with Royal Caribbean and being pretty loyal to that line, Amy and I decided it was time to step out of our comfort zone and try something new. That’s right—we officially booked our very first cruise with Norwegian Cruise Line!
We’ve had so many of you ask what we think about different cruise lines, and up until now, it’s mostly been Royal Caribbean in our sailing log. But as The Cruising Compass continues to grow, and as our love for exploring new horizons deepens, we figured now’s the perfect time to branch out and share even more experiences with you.
So, Where Are We Going?
In classic Paul-and-Amy fashion, we didn’t just pick any cruise—we went for something brand-new and a little nostalgic.
One of the things we’ve missed the most since moving to Florida is Fall. You know what I mean—the crisp air, changing leaves, sweater weather, and that whole pumpkin spice vibe. It’s something that just doesn’t hit the same down here. So we thought, why not chase that feeling… at sea?
We’ll be setting sail on the Norwegian Breakaway in Fall 2026 for a Canada and New England itinerary—a first for both of us! This sailing gives us the best of both worlds: new ports to explore and the cozy, comforting feeling of fall in the Northeast. Here’s a snapshot of our itinerary:
Cruise Itinerary Overview:
- Sunday – Boston, Massachusetts
- Monday – At Sea
- Tuesday – Portland, Maine
- Wednesday – Bar Harbor, Maine
- Thursday – Saint John, Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick
- Friday – Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Saturday – At Sea
- Sunday – Boston, Massachusetts
I don’t know about Amy, but I am super excited for Boston and the Northeast coast. You know I’m already dreaming about the food—lobster rolls, chowder, and all the fresh seafood I can get my hands on!
Our Room: Aft Facing Balcony
For this cruise, we booked an Aft Facing Balcony, and I couldn’t be more pumped about it. These cabins sit right at the back of the ship, giving you those panoramic ocean views that just hit differently. I can already picture us sipping coffee on our balcony, wrapped in a blanket, watching the vibrant fall colors roll by as we sail down the coast.
We’ll be documenting our entire planning process—everything from excursions and dining plans to what we’re packing for this cooler-weather cruise—so make sure you stay tuned. We’ll also be sharing first impressions, onboard experiences, and honest reviews of sailing Norwegian for the first time.
Help Us Out!
Have you cruised with Norwegian before? Let us know what we should expect or look into! Tips, tricks, dining recs—send it all our way.
And don’t forget to join our Cruising Compass Facebook Group where we’ll be sharing updates, chatting with fellow cruisers, and getting even more excited as we count down to Fall 2026.
