NellB

It is not the cruise line that has the 6 months policy. Whether you fly or cruise;  if a passport is required, than it has to have more than 6 months before expiry. It has been this way for many years. People should be advised of this during booking but, unfortunately, it rarely is. Plead with your closest passport centre and they may be able to help you under the circumstances. 

We have two options that work for our group. One is a 5 night cruise that begins Sept 11 and goes to Halifax and Saint Johns. The other option is a 4 day cruise that goes to only Saint Johns. This one begins October 9.

 

Thoughts?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

There will be very little fall foliage on September 11th. The cruise terminal in Saint John is uptown so you can walk up to the top of King Street where the trees in King Square will likely be turning in October. There may be tour buses, as well. If the sole reason for your cruise is to see the colourful foliage, then you are best to take the October cruise.

However; by just going to Saint John, you will miss out on a great visit to Halifax. There is a lot to see and it is a beautiful, vibrant city.

Just a note: St. John's is in Newfoundland and Saint John is in New Brunswick. Very common mistake. ;)

eh. to each his own.

 

 

Some people care about food more. others care more about drinks. others care more about the space they live in. it's all personal preference tbh.

Indeed. :D

My concerns. Did I make the right call choosing dining package over beverage package. Will they change the stops because of storms between now and then. Will they send me an email for an upgrade .

I will be going on my first cruise ever on the Epic in October. I received an email offering a bid on an upgrade from my inside to balcony or mini suite. I didn't respond and received a second email a couple of weeks later. We have decided to stay with our inside because we like the location of our assigned cabin. You are probably wise to stay with the dining package unless you and your room mate drink more than 8 alcoholic drinks per day. Canned soft drinks and bottled water are no included in the beverage package.

This my take on NCL. I can let you know more after our cruise in October. ;)

We will be in Charlottetown on Monday Oct. 9th (Canadian Thanksgiving Day). Does anyone know of a car rental company that will pick up/drop off at the pier?

Check with your cruise line to make sure your ship does go to Charlottetown. A lot of cruises have had to change their itineraries because of the new speed restrictions on St Laurence River.

I agree that your best option for a rental car is the airport.

Yes, low tide is 10 AM and we arrive at 7 AM. Rental car agency opens at 8 AM, so should hit it right at low tide!

 

But you're right, very little time. Have to be back before 3 PM and have to account for returning the car.

Then your best option is St. Martin's. You will be hard pressed to get to Hopewell, enjoy the rocks, get back to Saint John, return the car and get to the ship by 3pm. If you just do St. Martin's, you will have time to take a gander at Reversing Falls (Rapids). Walk along the Harbour Passage (Cranberry Trail) to get there,

Thanks, I've read through a lot of that in my searching. Still haven't found anything for New Brunswick aside from renting a car. The only tours I've been able to find have been really expensive, one was $465! A rental car is only $40.

Renting a car is your best option. Be sure to check the tide table before planning your trip to Hopewell. If the tide is high, you won't be able to walk around the rocks. St. Martin's is also better if the tide is out so you can visit the caves, although it is still beautiful during high tide, as well. The restaurant at the beach in St. Martin's has the best seafood chowder, fish and chips and lobster rolls.

I am not sure that you would really have time to do both Hopewell and St. Martin's. Hopewell is a long drive on back roads. Once you reach the park, you have to wait for a shuttle to take you to the rocks. there is a very long set of stairs down to the rocks (ocean floor). I don't recommend eating there. Very expensive for poor quality take-out food.

I booked the same tour for my return. I didn't get to see Peggy's cove the last time and I loved the freedom plus information option of the hop on bus.

We wandered st John's on foot last time the only think I remember is trinity church was pretty. This time I'm taking a trip into St Martins to see something different.

St Martin's is beautiful. I hope the tide is low so you can walk out to the caves. The restaurant at the beach is excellent. I was very impressed by their efficiency a few weeks ago. If you like seafood, there is no better nor more reasonably priced. The seafood chowder and lobster rolls are soooo good!

I love Halifax historic properties. The Maritime Museum is a must if you haven't been there. Peggy's Cove is beautiful and very different from St. Martin's. Be sure to stay off the black rocks. You never know when a rogue wave can come up.

I hope that you have a wonderful trip and that the weather cooperates. :)

If you have been to these ports, can you tell me if there are any sightseeing locations that are walking distance from the cruise pier?

 

Thank you

 

 

Sent from my Timex Sinclair

The cruise terminal in Saint John is downtown so you can walk to several sites or catch one of the pink buses for a city tour. The New Brunswick Museum, public library (free wifi and computer access), shopping mall and Old City Market are all within a 5 to 10 minute walk. There are many restaurants and pubs in the area.

I think you need to get a shuttle or taxi at Halifax pier as it is quite a ways from the downtown area and Historic Properties. restaurants. I suspect that a shuttle is provided for cruise passengers since the downtown area will benefit. Not sure, though.

I hope this helps

No, I meant no one needs to bring first aid kits, cold medicines, bandages for a sprain, batteries, and etc. That is an ex of overpacking imo b/c a lot of that stuff can be bought or are unnecessary.

I travel extensively and always take various OTC medications because you can't always get them in different countries and an excursion/cruise can be ruined by cold symptoms or bowel/stomach disorders. I spent a very miserable 2 weeks in Beijing a couple of years ago. This year, I was prepared and had a much better experience. Even having a cold at Disney World Resort cost me a lot more than if I had just packed a wee little blister packet of decongestants. I am not about to see the doctor on board for a cut finger. I am sure my bandaids are much cheaper. First aid kits take very little room and can come in very handy......just in case. ;)