maryann ns

If you do decide to see the Chilean fjords do it before going to Antarctica. We did that in reverse and Chile just cannot compare.

kccrzr, it would be great if you could report back on your experience with Budget as I have read no reviews. Have a wonderful day.

We toured Cambodia, Myanmar and Vietmam on our own and spent far less money and far more time that a cruise. Prices are low, people are very friendly and there are lots of agencies to help if you wish. We used an agency in Myanmar but made all our arrangements for Cambodia and Vietnam on our own.

We had our own tuk tuk driver for four days in Siem Reap which included a day on Tonle Lake. It was not quite enough time to see all we wanted but way more than you get on a cruise. We had a one day private tour in Phnom Penh with a guide who had lived through and lots family in the Khmer Rouge era.

We had a boat cruise on the Perfume River in Hue and toured the Citadel. We had several days on our own in Hanoi and took a walking tour with Hanoi Kids. We took a two night boat cruise in Halong Bay and got away from the crowds. We spent six days in Hoi An, which included a cooking course. I had silk and cotton shirts made to order.

In Myanmar we went to places river cruises cannot go such as Hsipaw and driving (hired private driver) into back roads and a winery visit. We spent time in Yangon, Bagan, Mandalay and Inle Lake.

The second week of October is generally best for Halifax or Sydney.

There will be taxis at the dock. Here is a document with more information for Halifax: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BjAtDscML-9Ce3VWUUsOrsVhPL7KIxb7Go_9SRi82dE/edit

Here is a map showing how to get to the Fortress. It is very simple. You have to park in the designated lot, pay at a reception centre and then you are bussed to the Fortress.

https://goo.gl/maps/e1z894hHT742

Yes I believe you do have to retrieve your luggage and then put it back on a conveyer belt. You will have to go through customs and security. To get a more definitive answer check out the Air Travel forum of Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g1-i10702-Air_Travel.html

There are lots of places to eat at the airport. Look for places featuring Montreal smoked meat although I don't see any on this list: https://montreal.eater.com/2016/11/18/13663166/best-restaurants-montreal-trudeau-airport-yul

I agree. For much of our trip (an expedition trip so we ventured south of the Antarctic Circle) we were in narrow passages some of which were created by amazing tabular icebergs, so you want to be out on deck.

Try posting on Trip Advisor where I believe I have read about boat tours.

I believe you can find some local wines in Halifax at the Seaport Farmers' Market next door to the cruise pier. http://www.halifaxfarmersmarket.com/

Here is a map showing liquor stores in Halifax: https://goo.gl/maps/Nf4sr3NLm2m

Thanks, sprockie. That is a great way to eat lobster.

Here is one example. Azamara has three ships which carry fewer than 700 passengers. You can eat anytime in the main dining room, the windows buffet and the barbecue on the pool deck. There are also two specialty restaurants requiring reservations. That is a lot of choice for a small ship.

You will have no trouble driving around Sydney. Likely a map will do but you can always pre-download google maps and use them with your phone even without your data turned on.

Thanks for the great information Martincath. I have not been to Louisbourg in shoulder season so it is good to know it is worthwhile.

Sprockie, you made great use of your time and money. Going in May/June/early July does mean you are there during lobster season. Where on the wharf did you get the lobster?

You need to go to the Roll Call for your cruise: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2457984

It is a bit of a drive so the cost of a taxi would be prohibitive. There is no bus service. Why not post on your roll call and see if someone renting a car would have room for you?

Previous post. Do take note of the dates: https://boards.cruisecritic.com.au/showthread.php?t=1864720

Check out this document for information about where to drive in Sydney: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SHnC1bdaKtBLTr9bcJShb3a0escYZQKLWkZF4seT14I/edit

For Charlottetown start by going west to Victoria by the Sea. Continue on to Borden Carleton to have a peek at the Confederation Bridge. Then head to New London Bay, Stanley Bridge, and Cavendish. Enter the National Park and drive along the north shore. See the picturesque fishing village at North Rustico. Visit the beach at Brackley and the interesting shop near there called the Dunes. Then drive back to Charlottetown. This map will give a general idea. https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Charlottetown+Dock,+1+Weymouth+Street+Charlottetown+PE+C1A+8W1+Weymouth+St,+Charlottetown,+PE+C1A+8W1/Victoria,+Prince+Edward+Island/Borden-Carleton,+Prince+Edward+Island/New+London+Bay,+Prince+Edward+Island/Cavendish,+Prince+Edward+Island/North+Rustico,+Prince+Edward+Island/Brackley+Beach,+Prince+Edward+Island/Charlottetown+Dock,+Weymouth+Street,+Charlottetown,+Prince+Edward+Island/@46.3422743,-63.6759574,10z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m50!4m49!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5e52e34054e955:0xcd8c175c8301d6df!2m2!1d-63.1185562!2d46.2334437!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5f07eacb75732d:0xb16232fef7521f94!2m2!1d-63.4903371!2d46.2150402!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5f0aca0554592d:0x926491e27a4ae2db!2m2!1d-63.6921622!2d46.2537626!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5f959f782a88cf:0xd633f847d649c162!2m2!1d-63.4656507!2d46.4867451!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5fbf9f119031fd:0xa6378ec95c4735db!2m2!1d-63.378674!2d46.491261!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5fb8c3e64e9b43:0xcb056f134dc5f4dc!2m2!1d-63.3131925!2d46.4582755!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5fb703027b18f7:0xf1619492d6cef8ba!2m2!1d-63.195174!2d46.405541!1m5!1m1!1s0x4b5e52e34054e955:0xcd8c175c8301d6df!2m2!1d-63.1185562!2d46.2334437!3e0

It will be shoulder season so there will be few if any costumed interpreters. It is sad but this is federal government cost cutting. However I don't think you will need a tour. https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/visit/heures-hours

Here is more information for cruise visitors to Sydney: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SHnC1bdaKtBLTr9bcJShb3a0escYZQKLWkZF4seT14I/edit

Halifax Public Gardens:

This is a pleasant walk and the Spring Garden Road area has the wonderful new Central Library, shopping and restaurants https://goo.gl/maps/ahyf4YWg6WE2

http://www.halifaxpublicgardens.ca/about/

https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g154976-d185440-Reviews-Halifax_Public_Gardens-Halifax_Halifax_Region_Nova_Scotia.html

The link in post #4 above has links to the Bell and Miner's Musuems.

The website for Acadia National Park: https://www.nps.gov/acad/index.htm and for tours: https://www.acadiatours.com/

You can solve all this easily by going DIY or private tour.

Google for companies out of St. Andrews, New Brunswick.

This is what it says in the link I posted above:

Tours are only available on cruise ship days. Anyone (not just cruise passengers) can purchase tickets on cruise shop days (pending availability) at the Saint John Tour Desk.

For Messina, besides the Ports of Call section here, post on the Sicily forum on Trip Advisor: https://www.tripadvisor.ca/ShowForum-g187886-i343-Sicily.html

However, most people want to go to Taormina which is a good distance away so a ship's tour may be best.

Here is the website: http://www.discoversaintjohn.com/places/ambassatours/

It does not give prices but does say it operates when cruise ships are in port but that anyone can take it.

The similar tour in Halifax is $62CAD or $48US.

Here is some information for cruisers to Halifax. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BjAtDscML-9Ce3VWUUsOrsVhPL7KIxb7Go_9SRi82dE/edit

This includes a map which you can zoom in to see detail. The Titanic display is part of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.