Diana Johnson-Santos

There’s something magical about seeing the Confederation Bridge from the water. A Canadian icon rising gracefully across the Northumberland Strait, connecting Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick. In August, while sailing on Holland America’s Volendam, I had the chance to experience this landmark in a way many never do: passing right beneath it, feeling its sheer scale overhead and the peaceful Maritime scenery stretching out in every direction.

I was lucky enough to drive across the Confederation Bridge many years ago, but viewing it from the deck of a cruise ship was an entirely different perspective. From the open sea, the bridge seems endless - an elegant ribbon across the horizon. As the Volendam approached, passengers gathered along the rails, cameras ready, waiting for that moment when we would slip quietly underneath one of Canada’s greatest engineering achievements.

The air was warm, the skies soft with summer haze, and the ship felt small compared to the towering concrete arches above. It was a moment that captures exactly why I love exploring Canada: our landscapes and landmarks always have a new story to tell when viewed from a different angle.

If you’re cruising the East Coast or planning a Maritime adventure, keep an eye out for routes that take you past Prince Edward Island. Sailing under the Confederation Bridge is a simple but unforgettable highlight - one that reminds you just how impressive our country really is.