Need assistance with Montreal to Boston cruise

[calteacher]

We plan to be on the October 2 departure from Montreal on the Maasdam. Would appreciate hearing from those who may have recently been on this cruise pertaining to things to do in the various ports.

On one review, it was mentioned that getting a rental car in Halifax was the way to go and that Enterprise had an office where the ship docks. In checking with Enterprise, they could not tell me which of their five offices was at the port. I'd like to reserve a car, but want to make sure I get the office which is at the port.

If you've had great excursions at any of the ports, I'd appreciate hearing of them.

Also, my ignorance about weather is now showing--but do hurricanes bother the Atlantic as far north as this cruise will be sailing?

Thanks.

[Lisa63]

We returned from this cruise about a week ago. It was our fourth Canada/New England cruise (first on HAL), and we are seriously thinking of repeating this itinerary next year on ms Maasdam.

We didn't rent a car in Halifax... hopefully, someone who can help you with that will come along soon.

Here's what we did in each of the ports:

Quebec City -- having been here before, we did our own walking tour. We set out with a couple of friends who guided us on a wonderful tour around the wall that surrounds old Quebec. I love the shopping in this city -- there are very nice galleries in the Lower Town, which is an easy walk from the ship.

Charlottetown -- this was a highlight of the trip for us. We knew relatively little about Canadian history despite our previous visits, but Charlottetown changed all that. We did not take a tour here (many people opt for the Anne of Green Gables tour), but we walked around town. Our favorite was Province House, where the initial meeting was held that eventually formed the Canada we know today.

Sydney -- I highly recommend a tour here as the port really isn't near anything all that exciting. (Except for a wonderful crafts market at the pier.) We took the ship's tour to the Fortress of Louisbourg. Absolutely wonderful! There is lots of walking, but it is at your own pace, and the "uneven surfaces" referred to in the tour excursion book are really just dirt and gravel roads. No rocks or hills. I also heard great things about the Lake tour and the Alexander Graham Bell tour.

Halifax -- This was our third time here. I can't get enough of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, which is about a 15-minute walk from the pier along a nice boardwalk. Since you are renting a car, I recommend a visit to Peggy's Cove. We didn't go this time, but have been there in the past. It's a quaint little fishing village, and a must if you are into photography. There is also a strong connection to Titanic, and about 150 victims are buried in Halifax. Most are in the cemetery at Fairview Lawn. It was a most moving visit.

Bar Harbor -- another "repeat" for us. This was the only port at which we had to tender. Many people visit Acadia National Park, which I recommend. There's a carriage ride through the park, which is nice, as you go on roads that are not open to motor vehicles.

Regarding hurricanes -- yes, we do get the occasional hurricane or tropical storm up here, but it's rare. In four Canada/New England cruises, we had to circumvent a storm only once, and that was in late October several years ago. The roughest part of the trip is usually around Nova Scotia, but there is so much advance warning of storms that in the unlikely event of a one, you will be rerouted to an area, usually nearby, that is not as affected. Chances are the weather will be absolutely fine on your cruise.

[tomc]

Don't hold me to this, but I think (not sure) that Enterprise has an office right near the pier. There is an information kiosk when you get off the ship, right in front of you, with the most friendly and informative people you will meet anywhere. They will help you.

[mhshapiro]

We did a similar cruise from New York to Montreal on Rotterdam VI a little over a year ago. The ports are excellent. In Quebec City I climbed all those 1000 steps from the boardwalk up to the Citadel. It was a beautiful day for walking (and climbing), and the stairs provided great views of the St. Lawrence. We also did a walking tour of the old city with a stop for tea our second day.

On Prince Edward Island we took the ship's tour to Green Gables - it was an excellent excursion.

Sydney was not too exciting (we took the ships tour of the historic areas), but we came across a church that was holding a crafts bazaar that was neat.

In Halifax you can hop one of the tourist trolleys for good overview of the city. The harbor affords excellent walking, and the Maritime Museum really is a must see.

In Bar Harbor you have to see the national park and Mt. Desert.

In Portland it's the lighthouses.

This is a cruise that will keep you busy.

Here's a link to some of the pictures we took on that cruise:

http://community.webshots.com/album/83464574UzHavr

Enjoy!

[calteacher]

Thanks so much for your help. We've done three Alaska cruises on HA and enjoyed every one. This is my first year as a "retired" teacher and one of the first things on our "to-to" list was an opportunity to see the fall colors of New England. The cruise is the first part of our trip which will include nine days of Vermont and Connecticut after the cruise.

If anyone knows which office of Enterprise is near the dock, I'd appreciate the address.

Also, feel free to add more comments about things to do and see on the cruise. My only lament is that there is only one sea day. I'm afraid we're going to end up being exhausted by the end of the cruise.

[tomc]

The church in Sydney always has the crafts bazaar when ships are in port. Everything is locally made. The building at the port is likewise for items made on Cape Breton. At the church hall, in the far corner, you might find Elizabeth Patterson or David Burke; she sells her CDs and they are lovely. You can also get traditional Cape Breton music on the main street (about a three minute walk is downtown) from a store with books out in front, or a record store further on down the street.

[RuthC]

I went to most of your ports a couple of years ago and enjoyed the HAL tours I booked.

On PEI I did the Anne of Green Gables tour and would recommend it. Try to find time to (re-)read the books(s) first. There was also a stop on the north shore, another in a small fishing village where I had the chance to talk with a local fisherman, and a stop where you could purchase some delicious jams. Did you know there's liquor in them? Yum. Double yum, in fact.

In Halifax I did both the Duck Tour and the Titanic tour. The first is best on a fair-weather day. The rain when I took the tour made for a damp ride.
The Titanic portion drove by many sites with a connection to the disaster, a long stop at the cemetary, and a good amount of time at the Maritime Museum. Certainly enough time to view the Titanic and Explosion exhibits. They're worth the visit.

In Sydney I had a gorgeous day on the Bras 'd Ors Lakes sail. Again, poorer weather would have changed my view of the tour.

Hurricane season should be about over by the time you are cruising; any remnants of storms typically would go out to the Atlantic south of your route.
You'll be in Vermont and Connecticut just in time for foliage season. Try to get to the mountain areas for better color.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Quebec City - We did the city tour & Montmorency Falls & Basilica of Ste-Anne-Beaupre. In the afternoon we walked around Quebec City and had a cocktail at the Frontenac Hotel.


Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island - We did the Ann of Green Gables tour - loved it.

Sydney - Here we did the Bras d'Or Lakes grand tour - all day with lunch. Includeda visit to the Nova Scotia Highland Village and the Alexnder Graham Bell museum.

Halifax - the first we were here, we did Peggy's Cove with lobster lunch - loved it. The last couple of times we have just walked along the boardwalk.

Bar Harbor - first time her we went to Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain - wonderful. The last couple of times we just walked around the town - lots of small stores.

[Vistadeck]

I'm also about to do this cruise shortly out of Montreal on Sept. 18th. Also, did it on the Rotterdam a couple of years ago with a stop in St. John's Newfoundland.... I have pics and reviews on my site :
http://www.recordlady.com/Pages/CRUISES/rotterdam_2002.htm

I live in Seattle but am originally from Montreal so HAL has been a big draw for me since its one of the few lines that goes to and from this glorious city.

What I plan to do on this trip :

Quebec City - Walking tour of old Quebec and possibly visit the Musée de la civilisation which is located a very short walk from the ship.
http://www.mcq.org/mcq/aaindex.html
"Located along the river, a few steps from the Old Port of Québec, the Musée de la civilisation is a theme museum. Its exhibition topics are a link between the past, the present and the future; its approach presents a new and dynamic vision on the human experience, on civilizations from here and from farther afield"

Charlottetown:
I enjoyed the walking tour last time, may do this again or take the bus tour that also wraps up at Founder's Hall - I really enjoyed Founders Hall and how it presents the history of Canada, a very nice stop.

Sydney: Have never been to Cape Breton - I"m thinking of the bus trip out to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, I'm interested in communications and like museums and thought the drive might give us a chance of seeing some scenery outside of the port city.

Halifax, Maritime Museum of course, and maybe the on and off trolley.

Bar Harbor - Might do the Acadia National Park / Lobster Bake excursion, or put one together on my own when we dock through the kiosks.

I'm really looking forward to this trip. Last time I went with my husband, this time its me and my Mom who lives in Montreal. Can't wait! I'm just about packed up now :)

Tina Johnson
tinaj@recordlady.com
Bellevue, Washington
www.recordlady.com

[Susie51]

Your review of the ship tours was great. My diabled 81-year old mom and I going on the Maasdam Boston to Montreal cruise Sept. 11. We purchased online the city tours in each port except Bar Harbor because Mom can't do the tendering and we have already been there. We chose to do the half day Peggy's Cove tour in Halifax. All day trips would be too long for mom.

She can walk a little bit and use her walker which has a seat on it to rest.
Will these tours be easy enough for her to walk around when we stop or will she need to stay on the bus? Also, do the buses allow people to bring walkers with them?

[sea dwag]

We were on the Maasdam in June and rented a car in Halifax from Thrifty which is located a few blocks from the dock. We did a mini lighthouse tour of the coast, it was great. You can find the lighthouse tour on the Nova Scoita's web site. Hope you enjoy your trip.

[MortgageChick]

As a Canadian, A Maritimer, and a cruiser who has done this itinerary on the Rotterdam I can tell you it was one of my faves!

Do Hurricanes hit Halifax? Oh Yes, ask the locals about the destruction and loss of life when Hurricane Juan hit Halifax directly last year. The boardwalk has been repaired but the beautiful trees that once graced the City Parks and streets are mostly gone.

DOn't miss Peggys Cove while in the Halifax area. The Craft sellers in Sydney are very special.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Susie51 - your mother will be able to talk her walker onto any bus.

Many of the tours she should be able to do.

What tours to you have in mind?

Peggy's Cove might be too hard for her.

[Susie51]

Thank you for your reply.

We are staying on the ship in Bar Harbor, because of tendering.

Halifax - the half day tour to Peggy's Cove.

Sydney - the 2 hour city tour.

Charlottetown - 2 1/2 hour city tour

Quebec City - old and new city tour

Montreal - old and new and drop off at the airport