westwindwins

12 hours ago, BestCruiseFox said:

I am looking at Canada & New England cruises and I see that many of them go to Quebec OR Corner Brook. (There are also that go to both, and go to neither)

 

Question - for a late September/early October cruise, for people who can walk short-distances, but not including strenuous or complicated terrains, which destination is going to offer a better overall experience, including excursions and "on your own" sight-seeing? Specifically I am looking to get an understanding that if we can only visit one destination (Quebec or Corner Brook), which will be a better overall pick? 

I have a similar problem with walking. But we did Quebec overnight on out early October cruise last year. Just got the cruise shuttle that drops you in the old town. Had a wander round there before getting the funicular up to Chateau Frontanac and the Fort. Up there the walking is easier than in the old town. If your ship is docked in the city itself you can see the old town across the street. Our ship was dock in the industrial port at Queen Mary had prime position. 

Enjoy whatever you decide to do. 

Linda and Gary

14 hours ago, latebuyer said:

Bar harbour is still listed as a port for norwegian cruises in 2025. I thought cruise ships were no longer allowed to go to this pirt?

Hi, we were in Bar Harbor on a cruuse in October on Sky ship which is quite large. 

We berthed behind one of the islands just off the coast and were tendered in which took about 25 minutes. Only ship in port that day. Don't know if that makes a difference. 

57 minutes ago, Sandifer said:

I’m on the sept 30 cruise from quebec and will be in Sidney on oct 3. Any information about tours wold be much appreciated

Try Cabot Discovery t..rs. or Viat..can't mention Company names. But hopefully you can work it out.

21 minutes ago, Happytime22 said:

Thinking about a cruise to these areas for my wife and I.  Not like normal cruises we go on (with two boys in their late teens and 20's) this one is more about ^0-somethings?

I would tell you which cruise line would be best. As everyone likes different things about cruise ships. 

He have done a 23 night transatlantic with Princess cruises with stop over in NY. Other ports being Boston Bar Harbor,Sydney, Quebec City Chartlottetown and Halifax. We really enjoyed this cruise the longest we have done. So are going again this year. No stop over in NY but one in Quebec city overnight. 

Next year they are doing a 31 night one which does overnight in NY. If it is something you are interested in. 

Hope more people get back to you about other cruise lines so you get more of an idea.

Linda

1 hour ago, Kitty Ellas Mom said:

My first cruise, Caribbean Princess Canada / New England, is in one month.  I booked, early on, excursions from the cruise ship for the things I wanted most to do:  Anne of Green Gables things in Charlottetown, Hopewell Rocks, and a gravestone tour in Boston.  But there are so many other ports (10 day cruise) and I am uncertain if I want to do any of them without an excursion. 

 

I don't know the cities well enough to know if I'll be able to find things to do.  I'm researching now, but it's a bit late, as I'm finding now that a lot of the excursions are sold out.   This is a solo cruise, btw, so I am feeling like I'm not sure I want to go out completely alone (well actually a large group cruise but I don't know anyone yet, just sort of know online, and not well--I did sign up for the CC roll call and have been following that).  I've traveled a lot but am not used to the pressure of having to get back to the ship by a certain time.  I don't know things like will I be able to easily find a taxi.

 

Example:  Portand Maine, all excursions sold out except 2.  I did book one, but am uncertain I really want to do it (Victoria Mansion).  That doesn't sound like a place I'd reliably get a taxi, and I'm not good with rideshares.   I noticed that in Sydney and Halifax there is a lot of availability still;  I am guessing these are much larger cities than Portland.  I've looked some at tours not from the cruise ship but so far haven't found anything that really intrigues me.  I did book some excursions with the intention of canceling if I decide not to do a sponsored excursion at that port.  Thanks for any advice.  I would definitely e njoy just hanging out in a city by myself but am worried about things like transportation away from the cruise port--and back to it.

Hi there, we are also cruising to Canada and New England for 24 nights from uk.

I found that the well known site Viat.. can mention site name co.pletely as not allowed  was very helpful for Halifax and Sydney

Halifax we and doing a small group Peggy Cove Express Tour. They pick you up at the port and return you there which takes some of the worry out of doing independent tours.

Sydney we picked a Shared Cruise Excursion to Mini Cabot Trail. Again pick up and drop off at port. 

Dont know what other ports you have but look at the site and also join cruise critics for your roll call. We have loads of people in contact with each other  if the tours you ar interested  in are booked on that site, I contacted one tour we wanted to do that was full and they had plenty of room. Just meant you had to pay tour operator directly.

Enjoy your cruise.

Linda.

2 hours ago, tring said:

 

I did not even think of the town of Tring when I chose my online name, though I am aware it exists down there in the south.  So many of my ideas were rejected as already taken that I was largely putting all sort of gobbledygook in and that one was accepted.  I have done a lot of searching around and What's in Port is one of the places I look, being very good at locating the docking location(s) for the ports and other things.  It is travel agents that cannot be named on here as CC act as an agent, so do not want anywhere else to be advertised, which is understandable.  The ban on mention of social media groups is also something that could be a competition to the existence of these boards, though must admit I fond CC far better than social media as a tool to get reliable information.

 

 

Thanks a lot for your reply, yes, just what I wanted to know.  DH has downloaded the maps for each of the ports, which are good and very useful, especially if you are not entirely sure of where you are 🙂

 

I do like a hard copy of a map though to get an overview and saves wandering around with a phone in hand.  So if they are usually available we will not bother with print outs, which we have often done previously, though I have taken directions and rough notes/sketches to get to places we have a particular interest to see.

 

 

Thanks a lot for the help everyone,

 

Barbara

 

I know what you mean about finding a name. Took a while for me to find one. 

Hope you enjoy your cruise. 

1 hour ago, tring said:

Wondering if you can pick up map at the terminal like usually happens in The Med, or if we will need to print some out?

 

We are thinking perhaps not for Isle de la Madeleine, but are hopeful for the others.  They are Sydney, Charlottetown, Boston, Newport, Manhattan, Portland, Bar Harbor, Halifax, St John's, though we are unlikely to need one in St. John's as will be meeting relatives who live there.  Any help on this appreciated.

 

 

 

Hi Tring,

Not sure whether this will help but there is a site called whatsinpor... can't name it co.pletely as nice advertising allowed. But you only need the last letter. They have a lot of info in their site. Which we have found very useful for our upcoming Canada,New England cruise.

By any chance do you live in Tring? We live near Redbourn.

Linda and Gary

1 hour ago, TLCOhio said:

Canada?  Quebec City?  After being in the area west of Toronto in Waterloo last month, we are flying from Ohio into Quebec City Sunday early afternoon.  First time there to do this historic city.  After exploring the Canada Maritimes late last summer and in the summer of 2019 doing Calgary, Jasper/Banff National Parks, Western Canada Rocky Mountaineer rail adventure and Vancouver, we are ready to discover more charm, food and culture in our northern neighbor.  

 

Will be in Quebec City till Thursday afternoon.  From all of the great experience here on the CC Boards, what are your best tips, insights, loves and suggestions for this town with North America's oldest streets and excellent French/British history.  Favorite dining locations?  Can't miss hidden secrets?   Understand many movies and TV shows have been done in Quebec City as it has the wonderful "looks" of Europe, but being closer for the stars and crew to reach and use than flying across the Atlantic.   

 

THANKS!  Enjoy!  Terry in Ohio

 

Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour.  Visual Summary:

www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums

Hi Terry,

My husband and I have been to Quebec City twice and will be making our way back there for an overnight on our cruise late September into mid October. 

The old town is a must for all things historic and food. The Citadel  Chateau Frontanac has been used for some filming and is a great historical building. Outside of Quebec City we would recommend a trip to Montmorency Falls as you walk around you look out on St. Lawrence River. Beautiful spot and lots of walks as well.

Enjoy your trip.

Linda and Gary. Uk

9 hours ago, Ramjet1997 said:

Arriving in Quebec City on September 15 at 11AM - have a Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupre tour and Copper Embossing Experience booked at 11:30 am.  Nothing after that and are in Quebec City until 3 PM the next day (Sept 16). So many questions - so little time.....what is walkable - what is not?

 

Where does the Celebrity Summit dock?  How close is it to the old city - can you do a self guided walking tour ?

 

Any places to eat that have authentic French food?  Are there restaurants walkable from the ship?

 

Any other suggestions/thoughts are very much appreciated!  Thanks in advance! PS - We have never been to Quebec.

Hi there, you can find where the ship docks on the Cruise mapper site. Also try Whats in Port for excursion ideas they recommend. Old Town is easy from the port and plenty of eateries there. 

15 hours ago, 1island2go said:

Hi there! Wondering if I could get some help on this cruise. I am just starting my research. We will be on the Pearl out of Quebec City to Boston. We will be visiting Sydney PEI, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Charlottetown, and Portland,(not in this order). Are there any ports that you suggest are better to do on our own or can just walk off the ship and wander around as we are not big into ship excursions especially just bus trips. Also love good shopping for unique or locally made items to bring home that are special to the area. Any suggestions there?  We are currently flying into Montreal and on their air/land package but thinking we can do the hotel part cheaper. Hotel Recommendations for Montreal or Quebec city? Thoughts about one city over the other if we go in 3 nights early? Transportation looks like either the bus or train are the best options to get to Quebec city. I know they won't do transfer without our doing hotel through them.  Thanks in advance for any and all help!!

 

Hi there,

We are also cruising Canada and New England late Sept. Boston is an easy walk if fit. Or hop on hop off bus takes you round moat sites. Bar Harbour, if you want to see the colour changes. Acadia National Park looks good. There are plenty of private tours that so the loop. 

Halifax probably get bus/coach to Peggy Cove and Titanic.

Not dobe much research yet on the other ports. Life gets in the eay as they say. 

15 hours ago, john watson said:

 

On the day it is all down to how the ladies who give out the letters handle your party.  When you all arrive they may be checking in "G" card holders and generally giving out "M" cards to everyone They may send the lot of you to the priority check-in desk.  On the other hand they may explain that you may not all go to priority check in.  You politely say "oh dear that's a shame" and they then give you all "J" cards which they have been holding back for people they think should be put through a little sooner than general people sat waiting in the terminal.  This would place you a few hundred people up the queue. This is standard practice. I have been handed the letter following the one being called many times prior to becoming Elite. In the past I put it down to having no hand luggage whatsoever or being on my own.

 

In the USA there could be more Platinum and Elite passengers that people of lower captain's circle levels and they will really try and be strict.

 

Regards John

Thanks John appreciate your input.

Regards

L and G

2 hours ago, 2 cruises a year said:

Only if they are in the same stateroom with you. 

I'm sure that you would also like to get them into the Platinum disembarkation lounge so you can disembark together. And of course the Platinum Vacation Upgrade. 

Do you see where I am going with this? Being friends and travel companions does not get you Platinum benefits. Cabin mates get some benefits, but not many. 

Priority Check-In at Embarkation
When you arrive at the port, don’t wait in line. You, along with your family or guests that are traveling with you in the same stateroom will be invited to use the Priority Check-In desk to help expedite your embarkation

Hi there yes I do get what you mean. We only really wanted to go onboard with them. As they are first time cruisers. Would not expect them to also get the benefits that we do. I think we will see what happens on the day. But thanks for your reply.

45 minutes ago, john watson said:

The thing to remember at Southampton is  the number of Platinum and Elite cruisers is very low.  Depending which terminal you are sailing from, the ladies that give out the plastic letters will inspect your documentation.   They may well usher your group direct to the preferential check in counter or they may give you a "G" instead of a "J" advancing you an enormous amount of time but putting you in with the majority of passengers.  Quite often the preferential counter which deals with Platinum, Elite and disabled passengers has nobody waiting there.  In this situation the ladies often direct a small number of random passengers to the desk as it helps with the overall swift boarding of everyone. The ladies will decide whether you all advance to priority or split the group up.

Regards John

Hi John, Thanks for your reply. Yes we have seen this happen before. When we took Mum with us for her 80th birthday. We were Platinum but she was gold. They did let her come through with us as there was no way she would have known what to do or where to go.

Regards L and G

38 minutes ago, OzKiwiJJ said:

One thing to consider is that embarkation as it used to be pre-pandemic may not be the same as embarkation post-pandemic. I suspect there will be strict enforcement of embarkation times for a start, and if your friends aren't in the same timeslot as you they will have to board separately.

Yes that could well be the case.We will just have to see nearer the time. We have not booked yet as first the other couple have to see if they can take their child out of school. Thanks for your reply.

L and G

15 hours ago, sherryf said:

My experience is that you cannot have non-platinum guests board with you.  On our first platinum cruise, we had my 3 teen/young adult children with us.  This was only their second cruise on Princess, so only gold level.  They were allowed to check in with us, since they were on my booking, but they were not allowed to go to priority boarding with us.  I had the choice to send my kids to the regular boarding line while my husband and I went to priority, or to join the kids in the regular line.  We chose to join the kids so we could all board together.  

That seems quite harsh to me. You wouldnt want to be seperated from you family would you.

25 minutes ago, caribill said:

 

see above in red

 

 

The special "seacations" that Princess is having this summer from the UK require that all passengers be vaccinated, so children under the age of 16 would not be allowed on those voyages.

 

However your voyage is a "regular" voyage and I do not think any policy has been stated for those voyages. If I had to make a guess, it would be that all those eligible to receive a vaccine would need to be vaccinated but that if children cannot be vaccinated by that time, they would not have to be and could cruise.

 

Thanks for your responses to my questions. All gratefully received and thank you. Our guests have a 7 year old which is why I was asking the question regarding vaccines. As you say Princess will make it clearer nearer the date. Will be nice to get onboard again as we had on cancelled last year in June. Thank you once again. L and G

10 hours ago, Host Kat said:

@westwindwins

 

Howdy L and G! 

 

Welcome back to the Cruise Critic message boards!    I see it has been awhile since you have posted on any of the boards.

 

Thank you for your new thread on the Ask a Cruise Question forum. 👍  It is the forum for general questions regarding cruising. However, your thread was off-topic there since your topic concerns a specific cruise line. To help you out I have moved your thread to the Princess Cruises forum where it belongs.

 

I sincerely hope this will be satisfactory and glad to have you back aboard the Cruise Critic message board! 

 

Happy sails,

 

Host Kat 

Hi Kat, Thanks for moving my post to the right place. Much appreciated. Yes has been a while. Too long really. Have been recovering from spinal surgery since December. But am slowly getting back on my feet.

Regards L and G

3 hours ago, mammajamma2013 said:

Hoping ths link will work to get you to the Princess boards: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/119-princess-cruises/

 

I believe but could be wrong that your entire group can board together. The Princess website should give you more information on that: https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/membershipBenefits.page

 

Check into the Refer a Friend benefit, it allows a small credit on your fares for each new person sailing on Princess. https://book.princess.com/captaincircle/referralRewards.page  Be sure your refer them before they book. Timing can make a difference between getting the referral credit and not. I would book a day after referring. They also allow on- board credit for military members/veterans, and stock holders.

 

I don't frequent the casinos, but I believe they don't open until at sea. No reservations were required for theater the last time I sailed with them.

 

Hi, Thanks for your help with the questions. Reply much appreciated and hekoful.

Regards

L and G

Sorry forgot to ask if a 7 year old needs to have their covid jabs before they are allowed to cruise from UK.

Hi Everyone,

Hope you are all keeping well in these uncertain times.

I would just like to ask the question regarding platinum membership. We are thinking of doing the 14 day Med cruise in October with some friends who have not cruised before. We have priority embarkation and disembarkation. Would they be allowed to board with us? Or do they need to join the normal queue? Thank you for any help you can supply.

Also my husband has asked me to ask you guys if the casinos will be open or do you need to book your seats for theatre and such like.

Thank you once again.

L and G