Each autumn, New England and nearby Canada become the epicenter of the world for "leaf peepers". There is simply no better place to witness the drama of the leaves changing colors in a palette of fiery reds, sunny yellows and bold oranges. Cruising only enhances the performance, as the views change daily and the promise of another, equally stunning spectacle always lies on the horizon. What better way to complement the scenery than with an array of classic ports — the definitive seaside villages of New England, Canada's exquisite French-speaking metropolises and, as the perfect coda, America's genteel South.