Calling all experts on Canada/New England itineraries!!! I need some advice!

[belle2]

I am looking at the Grandeur June 7-16th 2017. The price seems reasonable for a 9 night cruise. If I tell you more about us will you tell me if this cruise sound like a good fit? What would the weather be like on this itinerary? What types of things do you do at these ports? Is a balcony a must for scenery? Will the ship be inundated with kids or is this more of an “adult” itinerary?

 

We cruise often on Disney and Carnival. We like the smaller ships, don’t need bells and whistles. We are a family of four-myself and Husband are mid thirties, kids are 10 and 7. The kids are not big fans of kids clubs, they like to hang with us, play cards, swim, read, eat. They are well behaved, mannerly and enjoy most activities we enjoy. They don’t need constant children’s entertainment to be content. We have never sailed RCI. Thoughts?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[easyboy]

Things you can do at these ports:

https://www.tomsportguides.com/canadanew-england.html

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[belle2]

Things you can do at these ports:

https://www.tomsportguides.com/canadanew-england.html

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

Thank you. Great info!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[easyboy]

Thank you. Great info!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

 

 

You're welcome!

 

 

Sent from my iPad using Forums

[imlulu]

Weather is hit or miss. This year, spring was very rainy. I live in New England. I hope you enjoy.

[jlstwinmommy]

We did Canada/New England from Baltimore on Enchantment a few years back. It is still one of my family's favorite cruises. My kids (who were I think 7,7 and 13 at the time) loved hiking in Bar Harbor, walking the freedom trail in Boston, walking the trail by the water in Portland, and touring the Citadel as well as the maritime museum in Halifax. Halifax and Bar Harbor are 2 of our all time favorite ports. In fact, when I booked our Caribbean cruise this year, my family kept asking why I wasn't booking NE/Canada again. :')

 

I always get a balcony as I enjoy just sitting on the balcony and watching the water, but it was especially nice while sailing down the bay. That year, we did have rain the first couple of days and spent more time inside, but my kids just enjoy relaxing on a cruise as much as I do. They read, play cards, go to trivia, etc. They know when we get to port there will be a lot of walking as my hubby is an outdoors kind of guy who plans big hikes where ever we go. ;)

 

I have to say, sailing out of Baltimore was one of the easiest ports to embark/disembark from. It does help we can drive there. :)

 

jlstwinmommy

[geomancer]

In early June school will still be in session, at least up here. They close school at even the whiff of snow here, plus there are two week long breaks (one in February, one in April) so schools get out really late compared to other areas.

 

Temps can vary with weather, expect mid 50's to mid 60's getting slightly cooler as you go up further north. Lows at night will typically be low to upper 40's. You can expect some rain days, but shouldn't be every day.

 

Be aware that the free shuttle bus in Bar Harbor (called Island Explorer) will not be operating that early so you'll need to make alternate ($$) arrangements to visit Acadia National Park. With 4 people, a rental car is probably the most economical.

 

If you go to Saint Johns NB, be sure to research the tide tables as they make a major difference in what you can see around the Bay of Fundy.

[belle2]

Weather is hit or miss. This year, spring was very rainy. I live in New England. I hope you enjoy.

 

 

 

My family loves a rainy day. It would be welcome after all the hot, humid Caribbean cruises we’ve endured. Thank you!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[belle2]

We did Canada/New England from Baltimore on Enchantment a few years back. It is still one of my family's favorite cruises. My kids (who were I think 7,7 and 13 at the time) loved hiking in Bar Harbor, walking the freedom trail in Boston, walking the trail by the water in Portland, and touring the Citadel as well as the maritime museum in Halifax. Halifax and Bar Harbor are 2 of our all time favorite ports. In fact, when I booked our Caribbean cruise this year, my family kept asking why I wasn't booking NE/Canada again. :')

 

 

 

I always get a balcony as I enjoy just sitting on the balcony and watching the water, but it was especially nice while sailing down the bay. That year, we did have rain the first couple of days and spent more time inside, but my kids just enjoy relaxing on a cruise as much as I do. They read, play cards, go to trivia, etc. They know when we get to port there will be a lot of walking as my hubby is an outdoors kind of guy who plans big hikes where ever we go. ;)

 

 

 

I have to say, sailing out of Baltimore was one of the easiest ports to embark/disembark from. It does help we can drive there. :)

 

 

 

jlstwinmommy

 

 

 

Your kids sound like my kids! Do you remember what month you sailed? Were there a lot of kids on the ship? Was it ever warm enough to swim?

 

I here great things about Baltimore as far as the terminal goes. We will be flying in as we live in Oklahoma. Is the airport close to the terminal?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[belle2]

In early June school will still be in session, at least up here. They close school at even the whiff of snow here, plus there are two week long breaks (one in February, one in April) so schools get out really late compared to other areas.

 

Temps can vary with weather, expect mid 50's to mid 60's getting slightly cooler as you go up further north. Lows at night will typically be low to upper 40's. You can expect some rain days, but shouldn't be every day.

 

Be aware that the free shuttle bus in Bar Harbor (called Island Explorer) will not be operating that early so you'll need to make alternate ($$) arrangements to visit Acadia National Park. With 4 people, a rental car is probably the most economical.

 

If you go to Saint Johns NB, be sure to research the tide tables as they make a major difference in what you can see around the Bay of Fundy.

 

 

 

I didn’t even think about school being in session still. In Oklahoma our kids finish up at the end of May.

 

Since the shuttle isn’t running yet and school is still in I bet that’s part of the reason why prices are low? I priced it at about $725pp in an ocean view for my family of 4 for 9 nights. Seems very low to me!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[shipgeeks]

We like this itinerary; would not hesitate to recommend it.

IMO, a balcony is not essential, especially considering that one is twice the price of an OV. Grandeur has lots of spaces with great sea views, a full promenade deck, upper decks with full views, etc.

I agree that Baltimore is a great port to sail from. Be sure to be out on deck to watch the ship go under the bridge!

[belle2]

If anyone has a link to a review on this itinerary I would love to read it! Thanks!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[belle2]

We like this itinerary; would not hesitate to recommend it.

IMO, a balcony is not essential, especially considering that one is twice the price of an OV. Grandeur has lots of spaces with great sea views, a full promenade deck, upper decks with full views, etc.

I agree that Baltimore is a great port to sail from. Be sure to be out on deck to watch the ship go under the bridge!

 

 

 

I am always totally fine with an inside room as I prefer to be on deck. The hubs wants an ocean view. The difference in price isn’t significant so I’ll compromise!

 

I’ve ALWAYS wanted to sail under a bridge. I’m a bit of a cruise nerd. I’m totally intrigued by all things ship related. How fun!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[belle2]

I would also like to hear about ways to get from the airport to the port, places to stay the night before the cruise. What have you don’t in the past that was easy and convenient without being outrageously expensive. Will RCI offer a shuttle from the airport to the port for a fee? I’ve never sailed RCI before.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[geomancer]

I didn’t even think about school being in session still. In Oklahoma our kids finish up at the end of May.

 

Since the shuttle isn’t running yet and school is still in I bet that’s part of the reason why prices are low? I priced it at about $725pp in an ocean view for my family of 4 for 9 nights. Seems very low to me!

 

Yes, that is probably likely. I don't know when schools get out in Baltimore though.

 

 

I'm doing NE/Canada also on Adventure, but late June right after our daughter gets out of school. An inside for the 7-day out of New Jersey is $722/pp. An Ocean View is $971.

[geomancer]

I would also like to hear about ways to get from the airport to the port, places to stay the night before the cruise. What have you don’t in the past that was easy and convenient without being outrageously expensive. Will RCI offer a shuttle from the airport to the port for a fee? I’ve never sailed RCI before.

 

Can't answer the hotel question. If you fly in the day of, yes you can get a transfer from the airport to the port. However, they charge per person and with a family of 4 it can be significantly cheaper with literally any other option (even private car).

[belle2]

Can't answer the hotel question. If you fly in the day of, yes you can get a transfer from the airport to the port. However, they charge per person and with a family of 4 it can be significantly cheaper with literally any other option (even private car).

 

 

 

Yes that’s always been my experience as well. We usually drive to Galveston so I don’t have to worry about it.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[belle2]

Yes, that is probably likely. I don't know when schools get out in Baltimore though.

 

 

I'm doing NE/Canada also on Adventure, but late June right after our daughter gets out of school. An inside for the 7-day out of New Jersey is $722/pp. An Ocean View is $971.

 

 

 

The price I found is for 9 nights so that tells me it’s a good deal! Thanks.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

[jlstwinmommy]

Your kids sound like my kids! Do you remember what month you sailed? Were there a lot of kids on the ship? Was it ever warm enough to swim?

 

I here great things about Baltimore as far as the terminal goes. We will be flying in as we live in Oklahoma. Is the airport close to the terminal?

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums

 

We sailed in June, but closer to the end (right after school got out). I don't remember there being a huge number of kids, but there were enough of them as one of my kids likes Adventure Ocean and hung out there with some other kids. It was definitely warm enough to swim, even on the rainy days. There is very little that can deter my kids from swimming in any available pool..... :')

[jlstwinmommy]

Hopefully this works, but this is my review of our cruise out of Baltimore.

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=1435504

 

I don't really have any suggestions on where to stay as we just drive there. BWI is an easy airport to get in and out of and there may be something nearby. Downtown Baltimore can definitely be pricey for hotels, though there is a ton of stuff for kids down by the inner harbor if you are flying in a day or 2 early.

 

Kids won't be out of school here yet. Most schools in MD get out around June 15 (actually, thanks to a law passed by the governor last year, they now have to be out by June 15). :) VA schools seem to get out even later.

[nelblu]

FYI, below is a detailed observation & description of the various tours taken on our 9 nite Anthem Aug. '16. It's a bit verbose.

 

Tours: We basically enjoyed most of the tours taken.

 

Bayonne to New York City(haha): To our surprise, Anthem went up the Hudson River instead of open waters. What a thrill seeing the Statue of Liberty (twice), Ellis & Governor’s Islands and the Battery Park sky-line. In the process of turning the ship, it seemed that we were within walking distance of Battery Park. When the powerful azi-pods kicked-in, the 2x70 theatre shook and rattled. The Captain, who has a great sense of humor, mentioned at the top tier event, that he made a mistake and took the wrong turn. LOL

 

Boston to Cape Cod: A 9 hour tour and stopped at Sandwich , Hyannis & Chatham. Sandwich is named after the” Earl of Sandwich” which of course the sandwich is named after. Not much to see other than the Grist Mill and as a bathroom break. Next was Hyannis & Hyannisport. A nice and pleasant stop, which included a 1 hour boat ride and the primary attraction was not only the beautiful port, but the Kennedy Compound and identification of each of the homes & occupants. Next on the stop was Chatham for lunch and shopping. Chatham is a beautiful small resort filled with restaurants, hotels and variety of shops. Had an opportunity to have lunch with my old boss and his spouse who live in NJ and have a place in Brewster. They recommended Wild Goose Inn, but we were disappointed as it was noon time but had no vanilla ice cream to go along with the apple torte. On the way back to the ship we stopped at a beach(?) where the Mayflower folks wound up. It was fascinating reading the plaque and admiring the lighthouse overlooking the beach area. Thankfully, traffic was light going & coming. Our tour guide mentioned that on Memorial & Independence Days it takes some 4 hours to get to Cape Cod from Boston and its vicinity.

 

Portland & Kennebunk(Port): Tour was 4-5 hrs . We began touring Portland and its highlights. Saw many lobster markers indicating lobster traps. Small city with a smattering of traffic. Stopped and explored the park & the Portland Head Light (lighthouse). Next we headed to Kennebunk & Kennebunkport. At Kennebunk, the bus followed the rugged coastline which was occupied by beautiful & expensive homes by the beach. Never realized how rocky the beaches are in this part of Maine. Next headed to Kennebunkport and passed/saw the Bush’s Estate, which lies on a bluff by the water. Jeb Bush is building a house next to his parents. The Bushes are loved in this part of Maine. There was a lot of memorabilia backing Jeb for President. Finally at approximately 1:30 we broke for lunch in Kennebunkport, after some Pax complained that they were hungry. We lunched at the Pilot House in Dock Square and ordered the tasty clam chowder soup and lobster rolls. Full lobster dinner could be had for $15.99. Did not have much time to shop as we simply ran out of time. A couple of items that we learned from our tour guide in that Maine was part of Massachusetts and was spun off as a State so that Missouri (slave state) could be admitted . State of Maine is large or larger than the rest of the New England States combined.

 

Peggy’s Cove & Titanic (Halifax N.S.): Halifax is beautiful city. A lot of activities by the pier. Beginning at the cruise pier, there’s Harbourfront Boardwalk that stretches either 4km or 4 miles. There are condos, shops & restaurants along the 4 k/m walkway. At the end, there’s a Casino. Found residents to be very helpful & friendly. Would have loved to walk the entire

boardwalk, but we had a upcoming tour.

 

Our ship’s tour was at 1PM and it was 4-5 hours. Got the see the highlights of the city. Never realized how much of Britain is seen in Halifax & St. John’s. There is a Queen’s representative that takes care of certain Royal functions. Even though, Canada is independent, there’s a very close relationship. Many streets/avenues are called Queen, King, etc. After, we headed to Peggy’s Cove and the lighthouse. Beautiful & unusual rugged terrain & rock formation, and being cloudy this day, one can see that it’s a dangerous place during storms. We were warned to stay away from the black rocks (mossy) as they were afraid of people slipping into the water which has occurred too many times before. There were signs warning of possible rogue waves. Peggy’s Cove is a small enclave that has 30+ permanent residents. They must travel some 10-15 miles for food stuff & supplies. On the way back, we stopped at Fairview Cemetery where some 120+ souls from the Titanic are buried. There are others buried respectively in a Jewish and Catholic Cemeteries. It was very solemn and somber. The head stones are simple, with their date of birth and date of death of April 15, 2012. Many have names and other no names, as they have never been identified. So sad, to hear terrible background stories and unusual facts surrounding this disaster.

 

Notes: (a) The disembarking/embarking was done via the 5th deck, while the street level was at the 2nd.. The gangway plank was used for both coming/going and Paxs were bumping into each other. Also, there was a sharp descend that some with mobility problems found it challenging.

 

Note: (b) Unlike the delay in St. John’s due to some 20 non resident Canadians/Americans who did not heed the instructions to present their passports to Canadian Customs/Immigration, in Halifax no such problem, got off very quickly.Ps. Vat of 15%.

 

Bar Harbor: After 2 bus tours we needed a break and decided to venture on our own and explore the area near the dock where the tender dropped us. Some tenders were large in that they could accommodate some 250-300 passengers. They began at 8am. The procedure was to get a tender pass half hour before disembarking. At about 10am, when we disembarked, no tender pass was required. Passengers were picked up/discharged very efficiently. We toured the pier area and impressed. The area was vibrant, clean and chic. Condos, hotel, restaurants, shops and antique shops adorned the area surrounding the drop off point. Loved the leisurely walking & stopping/perusing the many stores. Ps. When we left, we were dining in Chic, and as mentioned had a window view of the water and saw thousands of lobster nets--what a sight it went on forever.

 

 

St. John’s: Unlike Halifax and Bar Harbor, nothing near the dock. Unfortunately the ship arrived at 11am (see note “b” above.) Paxs were getting impatient as the lines snaked all over the 5th deck Esplanade. We did not select a tour, but opted for the Pink GOGO bus. We got our tickets ($49.95each) and proceeded to get the bus. This was at 1PM and could not believe the line snaking around the parking lot. We were told that a bus would be forthcoming every 20 minutes as there are only 7 buses traversing the city. We estimated, based on the length of the lines and only 30 passengers boarding at a time, that it would take some 1.30-2 hours. If we had known this ahead of time we would not have bought tickets and would have tried something else. We waited another 25 minutes and luckily, 3 buses, one red, showed up. Got on the 3rd and began our journey/tour. There were some interesting buildings, statues and parks, but overall less than anticipated. There was talk of seeing the reversing rapids, but due to lack of tides this was a bust. Headed back to the ship, and close to the drop off point, the tour narrator, began singing the Canadian National Anthem. Amazing, as we American would find this to be Jingoistic. She had a pretty good voice.

 

As we were in Canada, not only were the shop & casino closed aboard ship,so were most of the bars plus no bothersome photographers. Found out later that the only bar open was the Schooner, maybe because of the Trivia contest (?). The ship’s departure time was 11pm and it made it for a long night. My understanding is the 11 to 11 time frame is due to the variable tides—Tide change can measure as high as 20+feet.

[belle2]

Thank you everyone. I enjoyed the reviews and input. We have decided to book with Carnival this go around to use up a bit of credit we have from them. This itinerary will definitely be on our to do list soon. Thanks again!

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Forums