Diana Johnson-Santos

There’s something special about starting a cruise right here in Canada. And, an evening sailaway from Montreal makes it even more memorable.

From the deck of the MS Volendam, we watched the city slowly fade into the distance as we departed the Port of Montreal and began cruising down the Saint Lawrence River.

There’s something pretty incredible about seeing Montreal from the water - the skyline, the riverbanks, and the glow of the city lights as evening settles in.

This peaceful sailaway marked the start of our 11-day Canadian coastal cruise with Holland America Line, exploring some of the most beautiful ports in Eastern Canada.

Sometimes the journey really does begin the moment the ship leaves the dock.