2015 New England/Canada

[Bostonjetset]

So my plan to do a crossing in 2015 is most likely not going to happen as DH is dead-set on a two week tour of China and Japan. Coupled with my mother's desire to sail Allure of the Seas in March, my vacation time [and budget] are dwindling.

 

That said, I am determined to sail on QM2 in some form in 2015. I got the email of the 2015 voyages and noticed the "July 4" trip has been re-scheduled for July 30 [5 days ◆ 30 Jul 2015 ◆ M514] which means I could do it whilst only taking 4 days off work. I am a bit apprehensive though as I live in the suburbs of Boston so Boston as a port is a waste for me. I suppose I could just stay on board and enjoy the ship sans the crowds which may be a nice option. Do any of you find it silly for me to take a trip that includes my home town as a port of call? Especially one that is likely not going to be very inexpensive [i hear this 5 night sailing is usually priced higher than others...I guess we'll know for sure on April 8th]. We really want to see Halifax though as neither of us have been there.

 

My other option is the 7 night ending in Quebec City [7 days ◆ 27 Sep 2015 ◆ M522N]. This still includes Halifax and also Bar Harbor [we have never been there either] but means we would have to fly home from Canada which adds to the cost. It doesn't port in Boston though so I wouldn't feel like I wasted a day. Normally I would prefer a 7 night over a 5 night but price and time are a factor as our travel schedule is quite full.

 

Any opinions would be extremely welcomed!

[Salacia]

Hi Bostonjetset. The July 30 2015 cruise doesn't have any past history, so I'm not sure if the pricing will be as high as the July 4th cruises were. I think the July 4th cruise drew more passengers because the cruise fell on the actual holiday and had historical celebrations (hence the premium fare).

 

Anyway, we've taken the July 4th cruise several times, always spending the day on board rather than going ashore in Boston. Of course, the shops, casino, library are closed when in port and scheduled activities are very limited. But we found it to be a nice relaxing day so I don't find it at all strange that you're thinking of doing the same thing.

 

Last year we also took the Sept Quebec cruise r/t NY. Bar Harbor was seriously fogged in and tender service was problematic. We never did get ashore in Bar Harbor. If you're looking for a very quiet cruise, you might enjoy the 7-day Quebec cruise. As one of our tablemates said last year "This certainly is not a Booze Cruise - it's a Snooze Cruise":D -But who knows?-Maybe it will be more lively in 2015 :)

 

Cheers,

Salacia

Edited April 7, 2014 by Salacia

[Bostonjetset]

Hi Bostonjetset. The July 30 2015 cruise doesn't have any past history, so I'm not sure if the pricing will be as high as the July 4th cruises were. I think the July 4th cruise drew more passengers because the cruise fell on the actual holiday and had historical celebrations (hence the premium fare).

 

Anyway, we've taken the July 4th cruise several times, always spending the day on board rather than going ashore in Boston. Of course, the shops, casino, library are closed when in port and scheduled activities are very limited. But we found it to be a nice relaxing day so I don't find it at all strange that you're thinking of doing the same thing.

 

Last year we also took the Sept Quebec cruise r/t NY. Bar Harbor was seriously fogged in and tender service was problematic. We never did get ashore in Bar Harbor. If you're looking for a very quiet cruise, you might enjoy the 7-day Quebec cruise. As one of our tablemates said last year "This certainly is not a Booze Cruise - it's a Snooze Cruise":D -But who knows?-Maybe it will be more lively in 2015 :)

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

From your lips to the Cunard Gods' ears!!! ;)

 

Thanks for the reply Salacia!

[safarigal]

Both are excellent options, so you can't lose!

 

The 5 day has the obvious advantage of needing fewer vacation days, and less spent on airfare. You get to sail in and out of New York, that is an amazing site. Spending the day on board in Boston makes a lot of sense. Although the casino and shops will be closed, there is the whole rest of the ship to explore, the pools and restaurants will be less crowded, and you may even consider a spa day. Sometimes it's nice for a holiday to actually be relaxing.

 

The 7 day has the advantage of more Mary days, I think that is a huge plus! Bar Harbor is a fun stop over (beware the lobster ice cream) as long as you are not fogged in, and sailing up the St Lawrence is amazing. If you have time to stay over in Quebec that would be great. What we did is get off the ship as early as possible, and rented a car for the day so we could see the sights, and caught a late plane home.

 

It looks like you have really fun vacations planned for 2015, and a few days on Mary should make it perfection :)

[brigittetom]

Hi Bostonjetset. The July 30 2015 cruise doesn't have any past history, so I'm not sure if the pricing will be as high as the July 4th cruises were. I think the July 4th cruise drew more passengers because the cruise fell on the actual holiday and had historical celebrations (hence the premium fare)

 

I agree with this. I was going to post the exact same thing last night.....but fell asleep. :rolleyes:

[Bostonjetset]

Both are excellent options, so you can't lose!

 

The 5 day has the obvious advantage of needing fewer vacation days, and less spent on airfare. You get to sail in and out of New York, that is an amazing site. Spending the day on board in Boston makes a lot of sense. Although the casino and shops will be closed, there is the whole rest of the ship to explore, the pools and restaurants will be less crowded, and you may even consider a spa day. Sometimes it's nice for a holiday to actually be relaxing.

 

The 7 day has the advantage of more Mary days, I think that is a huge plus! Bar Harbor is a fun stop over (beware the lobster ice cream) as long as you are not fogged in, and sailing up the St Lawrence is amazing. If you have time to stay over in Quebec that would be great. What we did is get off the ship as early as possible, and rented a car for the day so we could see the sights, and caught a late plane home.

 

It looks like you have really fun vacations planned for 2015, and a few days on Mary should make it perfection :)

 

Thanks for the reply! I love your quote btw. Flying is a dreadful fad at that! HAHA

 

I agree with this. I was going to post the exact same thing last night.....but fell asleep. :rolleyes:

 

You guys have me biting my nails in anticipation. I hope you are right about the prices not being as high. The 4th of July trips are a bit outrageous in price for a 5 night to Canada. Even the insides a bit ridiculous [although I suppose for people not from New England it would make for an exciting trip to be here on the 4th!]

Edited April 7, 2014 by Bostonjetset

[Salacia]

This is hardly a thorough search, but I took a quick look at prices for the 5 Night July 2015 cruise at one on-line agency. I was a bit surprised to find the price for a BC balcony for two, past passenger rate, is $3,966 + 249.98 government fees =$4,215 (+the auto gratuity of $115.00).

 

That's more expensive than the price I'm seeing at the same on-line agency site for this year's 4th of July cruise. :eek:

 

Unless someone has a more favorable price comparison, it looks like I was wrong in thinking/hoping that the 2015 fare for this cruise would be less than the 2014 fare due to the fact that in 2015, the cruise will not include the 4th of July holiday celebrations. Bummer! -S.

Edited April 9, 2014 by Salacia

[Bostonjetset]

This is hardly a thorough search, but I took a quick look at prices for the 5 Night July 2015 cruise at one on-line agency. I was a bit surprised to find the price for a BC balcony for two, past passenger rate, is $3,966 + 249.98 government fees =$4,215 (+the auto gratuity of $115.00).

 

That's more expensive than the price I'm seeing at the same on-line agency site for this year's 4th of July cruise. :eek:

 

Unless someone has a more favorable price comparison, it looks like I was wrong in thinking/hoping that the 2015 fare for this cruise would be less than the 2014 fare due to the fact that in 2015, the cruise will not include the 4th of July holiday celebrations. Bummer! -S.

 

I, too, am bummed at the price. I am not sure I can justify paying that much for a 5 night cruise that includes my home town as a port of call :(

 

That said, we are now considering the 4 night from Southampton to Hamburg in June 2015 as a possibility coupled with a few nights in London tacked onto each end. Even with the airfare, the price would be similar to the 5 night r/t from NYC! [Also, neither of us have been to Hamburg and only I have been to London]. I hope if we decide on this we would still get the full QM2 experience though.

[Salacia]

I, too, am bummed at the price. I am not sure I can justify paying that much for a 5 night cruise that includes my home town as a port of call :(

 

That said, we are now considering the 4 night from Southampton to Hamburg in June 2015 as a possibility coupled with a few nights in London tacked onto each end. Even with the airfare, the price would be similar to the 5 night r/t from NYC! [Also, neither of us have been to Hamburg and only I have been to London]. I hope if we decide on this we would still get the full QM2 experience though.

 

Hi Bostonjetset. NY is my home port, so I'm not terribly interested in the July 30th 2015 cruise either due to the inflated fare, especially since we take the week off for the 4th of July - in the past, it's usually been on QM2, but I'm finding there are many other interesting options.

 

Regarding the 4 night Southampton/Hamburg cruise: I have no personal experience, but I have read about it. Would you get the full QM2 experience on that cruise? My guess is that it will be a very different experience, but no doubt others with experience will give you guidance on that question. Cheers, -S.

[DWhit]

Last year we also took the Sept Quebec cruise r/t NY. Bar Harbor was seriously fogged in and tender service was problematic. We never did get ashore in Bar Harbor. If you're looking for a very quiet cruise, you might enjoy the 7-day Quebec cruise. As one of our tablemates said last year "This certainly is not a Booze Cruise - it's a Snooze Cruise":D -But who knows?-Maybe it will be more lively in 2015 :)

 

Cheers,

Salacia

 

Like the OP, I am looking for a way to take a trip on the QM2. At present, a transatlantic doesn't seem practical for us. But the Sep 2015 cruise from NYC to Quebec seems to fit our schedule. Plus, my wife and I have always wanted to see the fall colors in that part of the country.

 

If we sign on, it will be our first trip on Cunard. We have cruised few times on some other lines HAL, Celebrity and RCI. Do those who have experienced this cruise think it would be a good opportunity to get a flavor of the QM2 and Cunard?

 

The comment about this being a "snooze cruise" has me a bit worried. Do these fall color cruises tend to be less exciting than other cruises? We will have a great time with each other (love to dance, etc.), but we do prefer cruises with some energy and excitement.

 

Also, do those who travel frequently on Cunard tend to book a year or so ahead, or do you find it best to wait till the cruise is closer for better prices?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

DWhit

[Salacia]

Like the OP, I am looking for a way to take a trip on the QM2. At present, a transatlantic doesn't seem practical for us. But the Sep 2015 cruise from NYC to Quebec seems to fit our schedule. Plus, my wife and I have always wanted to see the fall colors in that part of the country.

 

If we sign on, it will be our first trip on Cunard. We have cruised few times on some other lines HAL, Celebrity and RCI. Do those who have experienced this cruise think it would be a good opportunity to get a flavor of the QM2 and Cunard?

 

The comment about this being a "snooze cruise" has me a bit worried. Do these fall color cruises tend to be less exciting than other cruises? We will have a great time with each other (love to dance, etc.), but we do prefer cruises with some energy and excitement.

 

Also, do those who travel frequently on Cunard tend to book a year or so ahead, or do you find it best to wait till the cruise is closer for better prices?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

DWhit

 

DWhit, since you and your wife have a good time together, this might be the perfect cruise since there will be little to distract your attention away from each other:)

 

Conversely, I don't think this cruise "would be a good opportunity to get a flavor of the QM2 and Cunard". The ship moves v e r y s l o w l y through the most of the voyage. QM2 was built for speed, but you won't see it on this cruise due to navigational issues. In addition, New England/Canada voyages generally attract passengers with health issues who quite rightly do not wish to be too far from shore. Regarding Fall Foliage, September might be to early to see the full change in color - it varies from year to year.

 

Please understand, I do not wish to discourage you from taking a Cunard voyage - quite the opposite. But you asked honest questions, and my reply was made in the same spirit. No doubt other responses will differ, but I'm sure they'll also be forthright.

 

Regards,

Salacia

Edited May 5, 2014 by Salacia

[DWhit]

Thanks Salacia. I appreciate the honest opinion. If we do take the trip, at least I will have a better idea of what we are getting into.

[DWhit]

I decided to go ahead and book this one. My wife suggested we travel down to Montreal, and then possibly Niagra Falls, after we disembark in Quebec. That sounded nice, and presented an opportunity to catch a ride on the Canadian Rail System (I love to travel by train). Its a long way off, but that just means I can look forward to it longer.

[Salacia]

I decided to go ahead and book this one. My wife suggested we travel down to Montreal, and then possibly Niagra Falls, after we disembark in Quebec. That sounded nice, and presented an opportunity to catch a ride on the Canadian Rail System (I love to travel by train). Its a long way off, but that just means I can look forward to it longer.

 

 

Hi Dwit. What an excellent plan! When my husband and I took the QM2 Canada/New England cruise last year, it was 12 days, round trip NY. But your trip sounds very interesting...7 nights on board QM2 combined with your tailor made return trip, including trains, planes and taxi cabs <---my kind of travel! :) Kudos and best wishes to you and Ms.Dwhit. Regards, -S.

[MHF]

Dwhit, please join the roll call! There are 2 listed, one for just the 7 days and one for the 14 days roundtrip. I joined the 14 day one even tho' we are only on for the first 7.

 

We stayed on the Canadian side of Niagara a few years ago…spectacular view. Had a great time doing all the proper touristy things like Maid of the Mist, etc.

 

BostonJetSet, what did you decide?

 

See you onboard in October,

 

Melissa

[Bostonjetset]

MHF:

 

We FINALLY booked a voyage on QM2 but decided on a Westbound TA instead of Canada/NE. We had enough air miles to fly for free one way and since DH has never been to London, we figured we could kill two birds with the same stone.

 

To all those on the Canada/NE sailing, have a great time and keep her in spotless shape for us in Sept! :D

[brigittetom]

Bostonjetset, Congratulations. You will love it.

 

I wanted to check prices for the Canada/NE trip you were interested in and I can't even find it listed. I was sure it would have come down in price.

 

Sometimes the same trip can be a totally different experience for different people.....not just the perception. I was on the same Canada/NE trip as Salacia. I came home thinking it was one of our best Queen Mary 2 trips ever. I didn't think it was a snooze fest......I came home exhausted. You just never know. :)

Edited May 26, 2015 by brigittetom

[jimmybean]

I think you have made a good decision, Bostonjetset.

 

We love the transatlantic experience, for many reasons, and wholeheartedly recommend it!

 

Have a wonderful, wonderful time!

[Bostonjetset]

Bostonjetset, Congratulations. You will love it.

 

I wanted to check prices for the Canada/NE trip you were interested in and I can't even find it listed. I was sure it would have come down in price.

 

Sometimes the same trip can be a totally different experience for different people.....not just the perception. I was on the same Canada/NE trip as Salacia. I came home thinking it was one of our best Queen Mary 2 trips ever. I didn't think it was a snooze fest......I came home exhausted. You just never know. :)

 

I think you have made a good decision, Bostonjetset.

 

We love the transatlantic experience, for many reasons, and wholeheartedly recommend it!

 

Have a wonderful, wonderful time!

 

Thank you both! I am planning to make the most of my first time on Mary!! We figured that this was the best way to experience her as she was intended. :)

[brigittetom]

We figured that this was the best way to experience her as she was intended. :)

 

You are absolutely correct. There is no other ship that will give you the same feeling on a T/A. We are looking into our 15th RT T/A, some with added itineraries, and I think that says something about the appeal.

 

Have a wonderful crossing and enjoy the anticipation. :)

[sand dollar26]

Hi Salacia; We are active New Yorkers (definitely not boozers). We are planning to take the QM2 September,2015 cruise, rt NY because of the ships's two night stay in Quebec. I love that area, visited it many times, but am always drawn to it. I wondered at your statement that this is a "snooze cruise." By the way we have done a New England cruise, usually 7 days, rt NY on another line and were never disappointed. We are planning for the end of September and beginning October. Hopefully we will view autumn colors.

S.

[Salacia]

Hi Salacia; We are active New Yorkers (definitely not boozers). We are planning to take the QM2 September,2015 cruise, rt NY because of the ships's two night stay in Quebec. I love that area, visited it many times, but am always drawn to it. I wondered at your statement that this is a "snooze cruise." By the way we have done a New England cruise, usually 7 days, rt NY on another line and were never disappointed. We are planning for the end of September and beginning October. Hopefully we will view autumn colors.

S.

 

Hi sand dollar. Actually, it wasn't my statement - as I indicated, it was a comment made by a tablemate which I thought was not only funny, but accurate. Of course, that is only my opinion based on personal experience. (Of the 12 QM2 cruises I've taken, that one was definitely the most sedate.) But Brigitte (a more experienced traveler) indicated in an earlier post that her experience was the exact opposite and she felt it was one of the best cruises she had taken. Hopefully, your experience will be more like Brigitte's than mine :D

 

Cheers,

Salacia

Edited May 28, 2015 by Salacia

[sand dollar26]

Thanks for your reply, Salacia. I did know that it was not your quote but that you seemed to agree with the statement. You may be right about your opinion for that itinerary but I think you will also agree that it is what you make of your time on the voyage. After all, it is the QM2 and that alone makes me feel upbeat.

[Chunky2219]

DW and I did something similar in Oct 2012 on QE but including TA both ways and two days in NYC, plus the two days in Quebec.

 

Bar Harbor is a really good stop and I'd recommend the Acadia Park visit which was terrific, even though we got mist and fog. During our visit there was a free bus shuttle service but this may have lapsed now. Quebec is nice, Halifax was very, very good and we'd happily go back there any time.

 

I hope your itinerary doesn't include Corner Brook. We were back on board by 10:30am and if we went there again we wouldn't bother getting off. Aside from that, it was a tremendous itinerary and if yours is similar I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

 

.

[pris993]

DW and I did something similar in Oct 2012 on QE but including TA both ways and two days in NYC, plus the two days in Quebec.

 

Bar Harbor is a really good stop and I'd recommend the Acadia Park visit which was terrific, even though we got mist and fog. During our visit there was a free bus shuttle service but this may have lapsed now. Quebec is nice, Halifax was very, very good and we'd happily go back there any time.

 

I hope your itinerary doesn't include Corner Brook. We were back on board by 10:30am and if we went there again we wouldn't bother getting off. Aside from that, it was a tremendous itinerary and if yours is similar I'm sure you'll thoroughly enjoy it.

 

.

 

Wondering what the weather was like? Doing this trip for the first time the end of September this year.