15 Night Cruise sailing from Ft Lauderdale to Montreal aboard Maasdam.

The ms Maasdam is the fifth ship in Holland America Line's more than 130-year history to bear the name. Featuring an interior motif that pays homage to the historical Dutch East and West India companies of the 17th through 19th centuries, the centerpiece of this elegant ship features Luciano Vistosi's "Totem," a monumental sculpture using nearly 2,000 glimmering pieces of glass, prominently displayed in a soaring three-story atrium. She exudes a warm, elegant feel throughout by combining rich, polished woods and more than US$2 million antiques and art collection.

Highlights of this cruise:

Ft Lauderdale
There is an abundance of things to see and do in the Ft. Lauderdale area: visit the newly redesigned Ft. Lauderdale Beach and cafes, stroll the historic Riverwalk, shop the luxurious stores on Las Olas Boulevard or venture to the Everglades for an intriguing air boat excursion.

Newport
In this natty yachting town it is not the Joneses one must keep up with, but the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans. They called their summer homes by the sea "cottages," but a stroll along Cliff Walk reveals some of the grandest mansions in America - the Breakers, Rosecliff, Beechwood, Doris Duke's Rough Point Estate. In town, shop lively Bowen's Wharf, taste lobster fresh off the boats.

Bar Harbour
In this natty yachting town it is not the Joneses one must keep up with, but the Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans. They called their summer homes by the sea "cottages," but a stroll along Cliff Walk reveals some of the grandest mansions in America - the Breakers, Rosecliff, Beechwood, Doris Duke's Rough Point Estate. In town, shop lively Bowen's Wharf, taste lobster fresh off the boats.

Sydney
A hundred thousand Gaelic welcomes await you in Nova Scotia, Latin for "New Scotland." There are highland villages to visit, the scenic Cabot Trail to explore, golden inland seas to sail and the Fortress of Louisbourg to inspect - where every barn, barracks and pipe and drum corps appears just as it did when King Louis' troops occupied the site in 1744.

Gaspe
Nestled in a rugged coastline dotted with tiny fishing villages and lighthouses, Gaspe lies in the shadow of the Chic-Choc Mountains. With more than 800 square miles of preserved parks, its natural beauty and abundant wildlife is astounding. Herds of caribou and elk roam freely; eagles and puffins share quiet coves. Visit Perce Rock and watch as this geologic wonder changes color in the transiting sun.

Quebec
A tree-lined "Champs-Elysees," buttery croissants, the lilt of French, a grand château on the river. Is this Canada, or is it France? It is both - a bastion of French culture in North America where impassioned Quebecois hold dear their history, language and culture. Nearby: Montmorency Falls, higher than Niagara.

Montreal
Part French, part English, totally intriguing. Come early or stay a few extra days after your Holland America cruise. Among Montreal's enticements: the cobblestone streets of the lamp-lit Old City, heavenly Notre-Dame Basilica, endless festivals and street fairs in Place Jacques-Cartier.