In addition to the raw scenery, the Garcias were thrilled with the cruise experience aboard Sapphire Princess, a sparkling 113,000-ton, 2,600-passenger ship first launched in 2004.

Next summer's Post-Bulletin cruise-tour will feature some of the most spectacular scenery in North America: The largely wilderness interior of Alaska along with its glacier-filled Inside Passage.

Planning a Canada New England cruise as your next adventure after Alaska? Here are the key booking considerations that will help you choose the perfect Maritime experience.