Ferry -vs- Cruise Ship

[socialworker]

We booked the "Seacost Excursion" thru Scotia Prince Cruises. We leave from Portland, ME on July 19 and return on July 23. This excursion includes r/t ferry passage, guided tour of lighthouse route, 2 nts. hotel in Halifax, guided tour (lunch included) of Yarmouth and one night hotel in Yarmouth. We paid $430 pp (US$)for this package.

Now, however, I see some reasonable pricing on Carnival's Victory that's making me question which is the better value - Ferry or Cruise Ship?

We are experienced cruisers, but have not sailed with Carnival because its party-hearty atmosphere does not appeal to us. Are we being unfair to Carnival?

I would appreciate any and all comments or suggestions.

[Host Caroline]

I think the ferry would be great as it gives yo time in Nova Scotia.. a great place to visit.. but that being said we sailed on Victory last Sept. for a week and it really wasn't a "party hearty" cruise on that itinerary. The staff wasn't very knowledgeable about the ports but the ports themselves were great. All at our table were our age (40-50), professionals, who had traveled a good bit. If it were ME, I'd keep the package I think and do the cruise separately when you can also see some of the other ports.. there's enough near Halifax and in Halifax to keep me there for a week!

Host Caroline
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[socialworker]

Thanks, Caroline. After calling the ferry folks again, I wholeheartedly agree because our package includes a lot of touring with an experienced guide - something we'd have to pay extra for if we were on a cruise ship.

Nova Scotia sounds similar to Bermuda, in that it's someplace one could easily spend a lot of time just exploring.