New England/ Canada Ideas Please :)

[summersigh]

Yes, I'm guilty ... I didn't read the whole thread so if I repeat someone - sorry :D

 

One of the coolest things we did on that cruise was to have a Lobster Roll, a local specialty desert, and local beer in each town we stopped in. It was a delicious "activity" :):)

 

Bar Harbor (Getty's) won for us !!!!!

[atb]

We do a Canada / New England tour every year so I can get my lobster fix. Since you're staying in Boston - we love the lobster rolls at the Parker House. They are served on a lobster roll that is a parker house roll. Awesome.

In Halifax they have a Maritime museum, right off the harbor walk. May not be exciting for the little one.

[Dajbman22]

Thanks, I wanted to preface my post with that because a lot of people like to tell others to leave their kids at home. My parents always took me with them on trips when I was a child and that's why I appreciate travel so much as an adult.

 

We're flying in to Boston two days before to explore the area before boarding the ship. I was last in Boston 20 years ago... We're staying at the Hyatt Regency, other than that I don't have a game plan yet. Any tips would be much appreciated!

 

The Hyatt Regency Boston, or the Hyatt Regency Cambridge? If it's the Boston location, it's right in the middle of everything. If it is Cambridge, it has IMHO some of the best views of the Boston Skyline, and is pretty close to the action, but with a 19 month old, you'll want to take either their shuttle or a cab to the T... since it is a good mile+ from the nearest public transit.

 

I am not sure if 19 months is too young to truly appreciate the Boston Children's Museum (check their website to see age-appropriateness), but the recent renovations there have garnered some amazing reviews. As others have mentioned, the "make way for ducklings" statues in the public garden are a must. As for food, if you let me know what kind of cuisines and price ranges you guys like I can think of some good (and toddler/baby friendly) places to fit your pallet and budget.

 

As for Bar Harbor, after doing a tour, there is also a great short (3/4 mile) walking trail along the harbor itself leading from the main dock around the back of the Bar Harbor Inn and up past a large boulder on the shore. It's a really fun, short walk with beautiful views. You can also cut up Wayman Lane back to the downtown shopping district when you are done. Here is a map of it: https://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&channel=sb&q=bar+harbor+maine&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x4caebe4815802593:0x88e91a6528cad91b,Bar+Harbor,+ME&gl=us&ei=0REOU76CJMvRsQS-p4HwAg&ved=0CLQBELYD

Edited February 26, 2014 by Dajbman22

[DonnaK]

For Bar Harbor you can all so look at:

http://www.acadiatours.com/

 

 

We did this tour, and HIGHLY recommend it! It's similar to Oli's Trolley, meaning that it visits all the same sites. But, it is on a bus with cushioned seats and more climate controlled than the trolley. Our guide was a former school teacher and lobsterman, and was knowledgable and fun. It was an awesome tour!

 

In Halifax, the ship docked at the beginning of the "harbor walk" boardwalk. We walked all the way down to the casino and back, stopping at all the interesting kiosks and shops and exhibits along the way, especially the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic for its Titanic and Great Fire exhibits. It was a wonderful and inexpensive way to get a good feeling for the local culture.

Edited February 26, 2014 by DonnaK

[jbrezen]

I also live I NE. I was going to say The Aquarium and Children's Museum would be fun for your little one. Quincy Market is touristy, but a great place for him to run around and blow off some steam. Make sure you pack so you can dress in layers. Fall in NE can have some crazy weather, warm one day, snowing the next. I personally prefer the Connecticut style lobster rolls! Warm lobster meat with drawn butter on a toasted hotdog bun.....yum!

[vistapat]

I am loving this thread. We too are going on our first New England cruise, on Brilliance in October leaving from Boston. I already made reservations last night for Oly's Trolley. I emailed them with a question yesterday afternoon and had a reply within two hours. Works for me! We are flying in the day (night, actually - it's the left coast penalty!) before, and then after the cruise renting a car to drive to western Massachusetts for one night to see where my DH grew up, then returning to Boston for two nights at the Ames Hotel. We plan to walk all over downtown. We're still trying to decide about other ports, but will probably opt for walking around except in St. John. Keep those wonderful suggestions coming, and yes, I did bookmark Cindy's wonderful review. Thanks again.

 

Pat

[mjldvlks]

Here's something a 19 month old might enjoy in Halifax [harbor-side near Titanic museum]:

 

[28 Frediebeach]

If you are visiting Saint John New Brunswick not St.Johns Newfoundland,it has a lot of history & nice Farmers Market within walking distance of ship or a trip out to St Martins to see caves is nice.

Edited February 26, 2014 by 28 Frediebeach

[reallyitsmema]

Here's something a 19 month old might enjoy in Halifax [harbor-side near Titanic museum]:

 

That's the tugboat I was talking about, I didn't take a picture of it on that trip. Knew someone would have one, thanks.

[Teacherloves2Cruise]

I have to respectfully disagree about the New England Aquarium. I have been to others around the country that are much bigger and nicer and since you have limited time in Boston, I wouldn't suggest it. The Children's Museum is amazing, but I think I would wait a year or so with your son.

[villauk]

Thanks, I wanted to preface my post with that because a lot of people like to tell others to leave their kids at home. My parents always took me with them on trips when I was a child and that's why I appreciate travel so much as an adult.

 

We're flying in to Boston two days before to explore the area before boarding the ship. I was last in Boston 20 years ago... We're staying at the Hyatt Regency, other than that I don't have a game plan yet. Any tips would be much appreciated!

 

You'll love a NE cruise, we did :D. Ollie's Trolleys was one of our best tours.

 

Btw, our kids come on all of our cruises - think they'd have their suitcases packed by the door and wouldn't let us out unless they were coming too :D. We love to reminisce over past family cruises - we've even made it into a game: one person thinks of a port we've visited and the others have to guess by asking 1 closed question each (great for playing whilst waiting for dinner in the MDR ;)). As he gets older and you continue to travel, he'll be able to use some of his knowledge to enhance his studies ;). Have a fantastic time :).

[CRUISEBOY305]

HI All,

 

We'll be sailing on the Brilliance in October for our very first New England/Canada cruise. We're not new to cruising, but we've never sailed that region before. I tried searching the forums but it was useless with the normal search function being down.

 

So... If anyone has written a review in the last year or two and they happen to have the link, I'd love to read through it. Pictures are a plus!

 

OR.. If anyone has suggestions for us in the ports (Halifax, Saint John, Bar Harbor, Portland) we'd appreciate it. We're early 30s and traveling with our (then) 19 month old. We're willing to leave him in the care of the nursery once to do a tour with just the two of us. Please don't suggest we leave him home. We've already cruised with him once, he's about to go on his second cruise in May. He's a well traveled kid already. We know he won't remember but we will and we enjoy having him with us.

 

Also interested in knowing which port is best to do on our own vs a excursion/tour.

 

Thanks in advance :)

 

That's wonderful that you're taking your son. My parents use to take me on trips as well, and though I don't remember, I have the photos.

 

Halifax - I strongly recommend a trip to Peggy's cove.

 

St. Johns - you can do the Hop on Hop off bus. Takes you to all the main points of interest.

 

Bar Harbor - Acadia National park is a must. Whatever you do, don't take a ships tour they don't stop in Jordons pond or thunderhole. There's a few local company's that do half day trips.

 

Portland - Kennebunkport is charming. Renting a car would be the best and most flexible. If you decide to stay in portland, very walkable city.

 

I'm actually on the Oct 19th sailing on the Brilliance, which one are you on?

Edited February 26, 2014 by CRUISEBOY305

[ValerieJo]

Although, my review is much older than you were looking for it will still give you a good idea of what we did in each port.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=47701

[browneyedgirlnb]

I also live I NE. I personally prefer the Connecticut style lobster rolls! Warm lobster meat with drawn butter on a toasted hotdog bun.....yum!

 

I totally second that opinion! Cold lobster with mayo :thumbdown: hot lobster with drawn butter :thumbup: ;) I love Maine, but when we're there, I just get the whole lobster dinner.... they don't like when I ask for a hot lobster roll without mayo.

 

Loving all the posts so far. As a native New Englander, I've visited most of these cities by land multiple times over the years, but never really as a tourist, just visiting family. I think I'll have to put Halifax on my list.

 

I'm adding this thread to my starred list for future reference. Thanks for starting it OP!

 

Rosie

 

 

 

 

Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk

[Dajbman22]

I have to respectfully disagree about the New England Aquarium. I have been to others around the country that are much bigger and nicer and since you have limited time in Boston, I wouldn't suggest it. The Children's Museum is amazing, but I think I would wait a year or so with your son.

 

Have you been since the refurbishment? It's still smaller than, let's say Baltimore, but the facelift really improved the experience. That being said, it's still really expensive for its size.

[mjldvlks]

I have to respectfully disagree about the New England Aquarium. I have been to others around the country that are much bigger and nicer and since you have limited time in Boston, I wouldn't suggest it. The Children's Museum is amazing, but I think I would wait a year or so with your son.

While it is relatively small, our grandson, who was 3 at the time, really enjoyed the aqarium in Boston, particularly the Penguins. He also enjoyed the Children's museum and the Museum of Science [which has a lot of exhibits you can actually play with]. He also had a great time playing with his uncle [the PhD student from BU] on the playground equipment out in one of the parks not too far from the ducks.

 

It probably goes without saying, but a lightweight umbrella stroller was indispensable.

[mjldvlks]

That's the tugboat I was talking about, I didn't take a picture of it on that trip. Knew someone would have one, thanks.

We were blessed with good weather most of that week, weren't we?

[reallyitsmema]

We were blessed with good weather most of that week, weren't we?

Yes, we had beautiful weather that week, my DH was in shorts the whole week. I still remember the look he got when he got on the tender in Bar Harbor, the woman in the row behind us was in a full length wool coat with a scarf over her head and DH was in shorts and a polo shirt.:p

 

We are going to jump on this itinerary again if the prices drop as the dates get closer. Since we live just 20 minutes from the port, we don't have last minute airfares to worry about. Not my favorite class of ship, we like the bigger ships, but if the price is right, it would be nice to experience Brilliance and all the updates.

[bjohio]

If you are still using a stroller for your 19mo old( I have long forgotten what ages kids start to walk, etc.!) in Halifax there is a nice promenade along the water by the dock. If it is a nice day it will take you by some shops, historical spots, a concession where you can buy a delicious "beaver tail" (like an elephant ear) and walk all the way to the casino. Then take a walkway from casino into an enclosed mall. If I remember it was all flat walking and this simple day was one of the highlights on our NE/Canada trip.

[smacksgirl11]

This is a great cruise! We just did it last Sept. Here are some excursion ideas:

 

Boston - City Trolly tour with a Harbor Cruise

Halifax - Peggys Cove, Citadel and Waterfront

St. Johns - Ziplining over the reversing rapids with St Johns Adventures

Bar Harbor - Acadia park using the free shuttle or Ollies Trolly. Also Whale Watching

Portland - Lobster Fishing with Lucky Catch Lobster Company, Great excursion! Takes you by all the lighthouses as well.

 

Have a great trip!

[mjldvlks]

Yes, we had beautiful weather that week, my DH was in shorts the whole week. I still remember the look he got when he got on the tender in Bar Harbor, the woman in the row behind us was in a full length wool coat with a scarf over her head and DH was in shorts and a polo shirt.:p

 

We are going to jump on this itinerary again if the prices drop as the dates get closer. Since we live just 20 minutes from the port, we don't have last minute airfares to worry about. Not my favorite class of ship, we like the bigger ships, but if the price is right, it would be nice to experience Brilliance and all the updates.

LOL, I am not sure I would have been comfortable in shorts, especially that first day in Portland -- it was a little nippy on the harbor tour.

 

Our son and DIL live in Boston [well - Waltham] so we hope to get back there from time to time. Wouldn't mind doing this trip again. I am not particularly a beach person.

[mjldvlks]

If you are still using a stroller for your 19mo old( I have long forgotten what ages kids start to walk, etc.!). . .

Hopefully a 19 month old can walk, but the stroller is wonderful when those little legs get a bit fatigued while there is still a way to go. As I said above, our 3 year old grandson was with us for the Boston part of the trip and even for him, the stroller was great. When the alternative is carrying, maybe especially for a slightly older child.

Edited February 26, 2014 by mjldvlks

[Teacherloves2Cruise]

Have you been since the refurbishment? It's still smaller than, let's say Baltimore, but the facelift really improved the experience. That being said, it's still really expensive for its size.

 

 

Yes, I have. You are right, it is better, but considering cost, time constraints and age of the child, I don't think it would be worth it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[Sunkissed Mommy]

and here comes my massive reply :)

 

The Hyatt Regency Boston, or the Hyatt Regency Cambridge?

 

Yes, we're staying at the Hyatt Regency by Boston Common. I figured it would be easier to explore the city from there.

 

As others have mentioned, the "make way for ducklings" statues in the public garden are a must.

 

I recently saw a picture of those, they look cute! We'll find them.

 

As for food, if you let me know what kind of cuisines and price ranges you guys like I can think of some good (and toddler/baby friendly) places to fit your pallet and budget.

 

We're no frills for food. We prefer not to spend a lot on dining, but we don't want fast food! We'd love to try something special to Boston, but it's hard because I don't eat fish or most other seafood. I will eat crab IF I'm in the mood... So if there is something in town that is kid friendly, not expensive, but special, I'd love to hear about it.

 

I also live I NE. I was going to say The Aquarium and Children's Museum would be fun for your little one. Quincy Market is touristy, but a great place for him to run around and blow off some steam. Make sure you pack so you can dress in layers. Fall in NE can have some crazy weather, warm one day, snowing the next. I personally prefer the Connecticut style lobster rolls! Warm lobster meat with drawn butter on a toasted hotdog bun.....yum!

 

I will look in to the aquarium. My son has already been to the Georgia Aquarium, Dallas World Aquarium, and Shedd in Chicago... LOL As an infant it's about all we could think of to do with him when traveling!

 

Here's something a 19 month old might enjoy in Halifax [harbor-side near Titanic museum]:

 

We will also seek this cute guy out! Im sure my son would be thrilled to see it.

 

 

I'm actually on the Oct 19th sailing on the Brilliance, which one are you on?

 

We're on the October 5th trip.

 

Although, my review is much older than you were looking for it will still give you a good idea of what we did in each port.

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=47701

 

Thank you, I appreciate all feedback I can get.

 

If you are still using a stroller for your 19mo old( I have long forgotten what ages kids start to walk, etc.!) in Halifax there is a nice promenade along the water by the dock. If it is a nice day it will take you by some shops, historical spots, a concession where you can buy a delicious "beaver tail" (like an elephant ear) and walk all the way to the casino. Then take a walkway from casino into an enclosed mall. If I remember it was all flat walking and this simple day was one of the highlights on our NE/Canada trip.

 

Yes, we're bringing our umbrella stroller along. He has been walking since 10 months, but Im sure his little legs will get tired and our backs won't want to carry him all day. Yum, the beaver tail sounds great! Casino as in a place with shops and restaurants and such, not gambling right?

 

Well, living here I don't often do touristy things, but would recommend a duck boat tour. You get them from the Prudential Center or Museum of Science. They give a great tour of the city and it might spark your curiousity of something else to do later on. Top of the Hub is a great place to eat dinner (amazing view) at the top of the Prudential Center. You can always walk the Freedom Trail for historical activity. The North End has great italian food- when are you coming- if you like baseball, Fenway park for game or at least a tour. . . I might be able to give you more if you share some of your interests.

 

I've done the duck tour in Miami once. I will look in to it. Is top of te Hub kid friendly?? We plan to walk some of the Freedom Trail. We may skip the baseball game simply because it might take up a huge chunk of time. As far as interests: I love American History so any of the historical sites (Im a burnt out teacher taking some time off from teaching at the end of this current school year). My husband is in to anything that is stereotypical "man"- motorcycles, guns, working out, lol. But he's pretty much willing to do whatever I plan for us though. We're from S Florida, so any NE scenery would be lovely for us to see.

[pspercy]

Halifax, October 2012

 

Edited February 27, 2014 by pspercy