Glory for the 4th of July—Boston-Canada 5-day Review

[Crusin Karen]

We've done this cruise 3x during the summer from Manhattan. Once we had gorgeous sunny, warm weather the whole time. Twice it was rainy, cold, nasty and foggy the whole time. I remember sitting on our balcony and if you extended your arm, you could not see the hand in front of your face. :(:eek: As OP suggested, pack layers and certainly bring a rain jacket and an umbrella! :rolleyes:

[bedfordmom]

The Reader’s Digest version:

 

Family of 4 (boys are 21 and 16) drove from Ohio to Boston on the 2nd. Checked out Lexington, Concord, Boston, RedSox Game, USS Constitution, prior to our cruise. Stayed at the Best western TLC in Waltham the first two nights, and Holiday Inn Express Boston (stay, park, and cruise package) the night before the cruise. Used the “T” on two occasions—easy and much more efficient than trying to drive in Boston. One thing we found lacking was family fast food options anywhere in the Boston area.

 

Cruise shuttle to port at 10:30; on board by 11:30—no real lines or waiting. We had two rooms on the Lido deck forward, a balcony across from an inside. Liked the 2.0 changes overall. Guy’s burgers way better than the old Lido grill burgers. Ship was clean and seemed to be in good repair overall.

 

We found many activities to keep us busy throughout the days. 16-year-old son enjoyed meeting new friends at Club O2. Our 21-year-old son didn’t find many his own age. DH and I found lots of folks to chat with on deck. Most pax were from the north east. Passengers were a mix of families from little kids through grandparents. However, not as many young 20-30’s singles as you normally see on a holiday or spring cruise in the Caribbean/Bahamas.

 

Ports:

St. John-Walked to reversing rapids (cool to see, but sorry we chose to walk). It was hot and humid both port days in Canada. Also walked to Fort Howe, and back along the “boardwalk” area and through the market. Did not see downtown. People were nice, but I thought this port could use some work along the lines of tourist activities.

 

Halifax, we liked much better. Walked to the Halifax Citadel—well worth the walk and the admission for a family of four for $29. By the way, they do take USD$ most places, but give change in Canadian $ (or just use your credit card). Walked back to the ship for lunch, then went back out to the Maritime museum (they have a Titanic exhibit). The boardwalk in Halifax is beautiful and offers various diversions for tourists. I will provide more details in the long version of the review.

 

DS-21 loved the comedy shows aboard. We didn’t make it to any production shows. Lots of karaoke and live music in the evenings. The casino was fun, but non-profitable. Food was better than in the last couple of years overall. Service was a bit slow in the dining room, but not overly so. Did not go to the steakhouse.

 

Weather was beautiful (almost too hot) until the last evening after Halifax (fog/cold) and the next day (last sea day—fog most of the day/night and rain in the morning). The fog horn is LOUD.

 

Debarkation was efficient. Left our room at 8:30, left the Lido around 9:15. Customs was non-existent—walked right through and they didn’t even look at passports. Getting the shuttle back to the HIE hotel where our car was, took a bit longer than we would have liked.

 

Day of debarkation we drove down to Plymouth and walked around. The Mayflower is NOT there (it is in drydock). The Pilgrim Hall Museum was nice. Saw Plymouth Rock, and the Monument to the Forefathers. Ate at Wood’s Seafood. Stayed at the Best Western Plus Cool Springs just down the street from the main part of town.

 

I will go into much more detail in the remainder of my review, and hope to add pictures. Feel free to ask questions and I will answer if possible. I won’t be scanning Funtimes, but have them; if anyone wants specifics, just ask. We did not use the spa, and I did not photograph the cabins or any inside areas of the ship, so sorry I can’t be of help there.

 

Overall, we had a great cruise.

 

Loved your review. In terms of family friendly eateries in the area; there are several. In Waltham, Moody Street a trendy revitalized area is not too far from the hotel. There is a Costco with fast food across the highway as well as a strip mall nearby. But you are right there is nothing in walking distance except maybe the strip mall near the Westin. Lexingon and Concord don't have alot of fast food but Bedford the town in between is a fast food haven. Boston proper is a little trickier to find family friendly eateries but Charleston has alot of pubs off the beaten path. Generally I use the apps on my phone to find those type of places. Sounds like you had a great time.

[davy jones]

Great review so far. I would like to hear what you thought of the Minute Man National Park.

[Aldeya]

Tons of quiet places. Deck 10 aft on either side (one smoking side, one non) was good, and had both shaded and unshaded areas. Deck 3 is the outside Promenade deck (all shaded). There were a few deck chairs out there. The Serenety deck, of course. The middle pool area was really loud at all times from after breakfast until late.

 

Thanks a lot! This is exactly what I was looking for!:)

[scm200]

nice review, we were on the 30 jun - 4 jul cruise and there was no past guest party, but the ship was nice and the crew are wonderful - - very friendly - - we head back on sunday for a 7 night - can't wait! thanks again

[serene56]

Past guest party is supposed to be for 5 nights or longer. its not advertised. Even on out last cruise we had to ask for our invitation.

 

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we have a cabin on the front of the ship

how was your waters? was it easy or was it rough.

 

worried about that cabin