Holidays: Arrive in style ... on the heavenly Pride

IT was still dark as our ship entered New York's East River. We had risen at 5am to avoid sleeping through one of the world's most stunning sights. And we were not disappointed.

The breathtaking view of the New York skyline as our liner swept past the Statue of Liberty was a fitting end to a memorable journey which began 11 days earlier in autumnal Toronto.

A combination of the stunning Canadian scenery - the trees turn more shades of red, orange and brown than you can imagine - and first- class pampering on the Cunard liner Seabourn Pride left me so relaxed that by the time we reached Montreal I nearly stayed on board.

But then I would have missed the panoramic view of the city from Mont Royal - and the embarrassment of struggling up the hill as men, women, children and a woman of at least 70 sailed effortlessly past. Quebec City is another delight, with the grand Chateau Frontenac hotel literally towering over the city.

Then on to Halifax, Nova Scotia, the town which sent rescue ships to the Titanic and is the burial place of Anna Leonowens - the real- life governess played by Deborah Kerr in The King And I.

The Seabourn Pride is one of Cunard's finest ships. Though it carries only 204 passengers (against the QE2's 1,774), it's the very height of luxury.

Wealthy US TV host Oprah Winfrey chartered the whole ship last summer as a holiday treat for her friends

Every cabin is classed as a state room. Each has its own sitting room, spacious sleeping area, marble bathroom and walk-in wardrobe the size of a small bedroom.

You may need it too - there are no less than FOUR dress codes for dinner, ranging from Formal (black tie or dark suit for men, evening or cocktail dress for ladies) to Casual (what you like, but no shorts or jeans).

Eating can be a full-time occupation. No sooner is breakfast over than it's time for lunch, which can range from sandwiches or barbecue and burgers to a full sit-down.

Then there's afternoon tea, with cucumber sandwiches, simnel cake, scones with cream and jam. It's like being in heaven - or at least an Agatha Christie novel.

Dinners, no matter what the dress code, are wonderful. The small, restaurant-sized dining room is part of the joy of the Seabourn Pride - you are not surrounded by thousands of people.

It was too chilly on this cruise to use the small pool or three outside jacuzzis, but there's a small gym, sauna and a fair-sized beauty salon (book well in advance on formal nights).

Add to that a tiny casino, a comfortable cabaret room and an elegant club and there's everything you need to keep you occupied on one of the great relaxing experiences.

VERDICT: Fascinating ports of call and the sheer luxury of the liner make the whole trip the adventure of a lifetime.

FACT FILE-NEXT year Seabourn has a 7-night Med cruise from Barcelona from pounds 1,408 per person, including flights. 12-night Montreal- New York trip, October 3-15 (calling at Quebec, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia and Boston) from pounds 5,306 including flights. Details: 0800 052 3841.

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