Considering St. John/Halifax trip on Glory, have questions!

[MiddleAgedBroad]

Hi, all...

 

My husband and I are considering trying out cruising by taking the Carnival Glory to St. John/Halifax. We are not "resort fun" kind of people; my husband likes to keep to himself. We are casual, casual, casual -- don't own any dressy clothes and aren't about to buy any. We are looking to dip our now-eligible-for-discounts middle-aged toes into the cruising waters and not spend a fortune doing so.

 

So I have a couple of questions:

 

1) How difficult is it to find relatively quiet outdoor places on the ship? Can you use the "Serenity" area if you don't have a "spa room"? (And what is that?)

 

2) We are booking a room with a balcony, are we guaranteed one? Don't want to get bumped to a lower-end room. Conversely, do they ever upgrade?

 

3) Any particular decks to ask for?

 

4) I've read on this board that smoking is permitted in many places. My husband smokes; can he smoke in the room and/or balcony?

 

5) He often gets up in the middle of the night; can he go up deck and watch the sky?

 

6) How much pressure is there to participate in activities?

 

7) How pervasive and how constant is loud pop music on the ship? Can you get away from it?

 

8) What beverages are included in the price? Bottled water? Coffee? Tea? Juices?

 

9) If we want to skip formal night, are the buffet and/or specialty restaurants open? Are khakis/shirt/blazer OK for men; knit pantsuit OK for women when not formal?

 

10) How much extra money shall we bring?

 

11) How much can you do at these ports without spending a lot on excursions? What ARE the excursions?

 

Any other info? Thanks!!

[MCC retired]

All are very good questions and easy for a good TA to answer .:)

He/she may even offer you a better rate/OBC to offer you.;)

[nybumpkin]

Hi, all...

 

My husband and I are considering trying out cruising by taking the Carnival Glory to St. John/Halifax. We are not "resort fun" kind of people; my husband likes to keep to himself. We are casual, casual, casual -- don't own any dressy clothes and aren't about to buy any. We are looking to dip our now-eligible-for-discounts middle-aged toes into the cruising waters and not spend a fortune doing so.

 

So I have a couple of questions:

 

1) How difficult is it to find relatively quiet outdoor places on the ship? Can you use the "Serenity" area if you don't have a "spa room"? (And what is that?)

 

I haven't been aboard her with the Serenity area (as I understand, you don't need to be a Spa passenger to use it on Glory), but aside from Serenity the outdoor deck on deck 3 by the lobby is very quiet.

 

2) We are booking a room with a balcony, are we guaranteed one? Don't want to get bumped to a lower-end room. Conversely, do they ever upgrade?

 

If you book a balcony cabin, you get a balcony. You may be upgraded, but when upper-level cabins become available they seem to be going more to "upsells," where you're charged more for the better cabin. They can be a good deal, depending on what's offered.

 

3) Any particular decks to ask for?

 

If you choose a cabin, deck 7 (Empress) cabins have cabins above and below and minimize any noise problems.

4) I've read on this board that smoking is permitted in many places. My husband smokes; can he smoke in the room and/or balcony?

 

Both.

 

5) He often gets up in the middle of the night; can he go up deck and watch the sky?

 

Sure! Just be aware that it can get fairly cold at night on the Canada run.

 

6) How much pressure is there to participate in activities?

 

We've never felt any pressure to participate in anything. That's what we like about our cruises - we can do as much or as little as we want.

7) How pervasive and how constant is loud pop music on the ship? Can you get away from it?

There are places with "piped-in" music, but I've never found it constantly, and certainly not so pervasive that I can't avoid it. The one area I found more likely to have piped-in music is the Lido deck restaurant.

8) What beverages are included in the price? Bottled water? Coffee? Tea? Juices?

No bottled water (that's extra), but the other drinks you list are available. If you drink a lot of soda, you may find it worthwhile to buy a soda card - you pay one price for the cruise.

 

9) If we want to skip formal night, are the buffet and/or specialty restaurants open? Are khakis/shirt/blazer OK for men; knit pantsuit OK for women when not formal?

 

Carnival doesn't have "formal" night anymore, so what you've listed is fine even for "elegant" nights. You'll find a whole range of attire, from tuxes and gowns down to slacks and polos. If you opt not to do "elegant" night, the Lido buffet is open. On non-elegant nights, just about anything goes other than sport shorts, warm-ups, and sport tanks tops.

10) How much extra money shall we bring?

 

You'll want extra money for tips for the porters at NYC ($1-2 per bag), some ones to tip the staff if you order room service, and some if you want to tip your stewards and dining room staff above what has already been charged to your sail and sign card ($10 per person, per day - and they earn every penny of it!)

11) How much can you do at these ports without spending a lot on excursions? What ARE the excursions?

 

You don't have to do formal excursions in either port - they both have a fair about to do right within walking distance. In Saint John, they will give you a walking map with different places listed to see. In Halifax, you can just walk down the boardwalk - there's lots to do and see. Go over to the Canada board here on Cruise Critic and you'll get lots of ideas of things to do in both ports.

 

Any other info? Thanks !!

 

This itinerary was our first cruise in 2004 and it hooked us on cruising. It's a great way to try it out, especially if you're within driving distance and don't have to fly to the port or need a hotel. Of course, if you're like us you'll be wondering why you waited so long to try it!:cool::cool:

[moxie99]

Sounds like you are doing your research - a cruise is what you want it to be - when we first started we opted for the formal evenings, etc., now daughter and I love sundresses and hubby wears kahaki's and a blazer and we feel right at home. As for the balcony, choose your room and it's your's - opt for a balcony guarantee and it's hit or miss - they will put you in the cabin category you book, but there are some bad balcony rooms - do your research and choose your room - we always opt for a cabin between two floors of cabins or opt for the Panaroma deck. This will insure there is no noise to bother you - as for smoking - I smoke, and the balcony is perfect as hubby and daughter don't need the room smoky. Just be aware of neighbors and don't infringe on their balcony time if smoke bothers them. There is a happy medium if you work together. There are also plenty of places available on the ship -- they posts can get quite testy, so just read, read, read.

 

My only word of caution is the north atlantic. We are from Maine and while we are 45 miles inland - if it's 80 here it might be only 65 at the coast and the temps drop dramatically at sea - we have sailed the north atlantic on many opportunities - sunning and swimming on deck is not always an option - plus this being your first cruise -- I would warn against sea sickness - while I have never been ill, daughter will always get queezy on the north atlantic - it can be chopy with large swells - we are experiencing a warmer than normal spring and that has the natives worried as to a summer filled with humidity and thunder storms.

 

With that said - we never sail without a balcony, and spend countless hours there -- we also enjoy the main dining room, specialty restaurants, and buffet dinners - what ever the mood we find ourselves in - the cruise will always offer something interesting to partake of.

 

I only sleep about 4 hours a night - it's all I require so oftentimes I will be about the ship at some really weird hours - I always feel safe and always find someone to talk to if that is what I want -- hubby can do his thing and have a blast.

 

Enjoy your planning and read, read, read these boards - they leave no stone unturned and are full of answers to just about any question you could come up with.

 

Happy Cruising!

[MiddleAgedBroad]

This is great information. Thanks!

[RJ7591]

 

My only word of caution is the north atlantic. We are from Maine and while we are 45 miles inland - if it's 80 here it might be only 65 at the coast and the temps drop dramatically at sea - we have sailed the north atlantic on many opportunities - sunning and swimming on deck is not always an option - plus this being your first cruise -- I would warn against sea sickness - while I have never been ill, daughter will always get queezy on the north atlantic - it can be chopy with large swells - we are experiencing a warmer than normal spring and that has the natives worried as to a summer filled with humidity and thunder storms.

 

quote]

 

My husband and I are also considering this same cruise. We live in Alabama so we're thinking of taking Amtrak from here to NY and then cruising from there. Your comments about the weather hit on something we were concerned about. When do you believe is the best time of year to cruise this area? We aren't the type to lay out by the pool so we aren't worried about it being swimsuit weather- as long as it's not overly hot or overly cold we would be very happy!

 

Our other concern would be storms - we know what time of year to avoid cruising the Caribbean due to Hurricanes but don't know what time to avoid the North East.

[Valley Twin]

We did the Saint John / Halifax run last year in late June and are repeating it this year on July 3. I'd echo everything that the others have posted about the cruise being what you make of it. The only thing I didn't see mentioned was FOG! Weather was actually pretty pleasant during our trip last year - 70 or so during the day and low 60's at night, but I don't recall a single day without dense fog from late night until morning. Made for good sleeping, but it kinda sucked that you really couldn't watch a movie on the big screen on the Lido deck. (Some people tried, but you'd get awfully wet!)

 

Certainly didn't deter us from going back again this year with a large family group though. Full review of last year's cruise can be found at the link in my signature line.

[jpg1747]

All of the Carnival-sponsored excursion are on the Carnival website, in addition to all kinds of general information. Independent tour recommendations can be found in the Port section here. There is also general port information available here. If you are so inclined, you might want to join the roll call for the cruise you pick just so you have another place to ask questions (in addition to here, of course).

[moxie99]

would be a problem here in Maine (landwise) the ocean is another story - you don't want to be on the North Atlantic in high winds of a hurricane nature. If I were recommending a month to cruise Maine and Canada it would have to be August and September. The mention of the fog is also good, forgot about that -

[halos]

My only word of caution is the north atlantic. We are from Maine and while we are 45 miles inland - if it's 80 here it might be only 65 at the coast and the temps drop dramatically at sea - we have sailed the north atlantic on many opportunities - sunning and swimming on deck is not always an option - plus this being your first cruise -- I would warn against sea sickness - while I have never been ill, daughter will always get queezy on the north atlantic - it can be chopy with large swells - we are experiencing a warmer than normal spring and that has the natives worried as to a summer filled with humidity and thunder storms.

 

 

I agree about the temps. A canada/New England cruise is not one where you will be assure bathing suit time at the pool. However, the seas you mentioned are not a given....you can get rough seas anywhere at any time and you can have calm seas up here in the north. We also live in Maine and often go out for whale watches during the summer. The majority of the times, the sea has been like glass.

Sea sickness does suck however and since there is always the chance of rough seas (on any cruise) bringing some sort of medication with you in case it may be needed is always a good idea.

 

The only thing I didn't see mentioned was FOG!

 

 

THAT is the worst thing about this type of cruise. The fog is horrendous and pretty constant. If you happen to do this cruise and have clear days, you are darn lucky.

[patseacruiser]

I did the Canada cruise on the Triumph out of NYC last year end of June and it was very foggy. Seas were ok but we had a balcony and didn't use it because it was chilly and windy while we were underway. A friend had an aft balcony and we visited there for awhile because it wasn't as windy. But bring some sweatshirts with you. Freedom Tours was an independent tour we used in St. Johns and they were excellent.

[Havingfun2010]

Hi, all...

 

My husband and I are considering trying out cruising by taking the Carnival Glory to St. John/Halifax. We are not "resort fun" kind of people; my husband likes to keep to himself. We are casual, casual, casual -- don't own any dressy clothes and aren't about to buy any. We are looking to dip our now-eligible-for-discounts middle-aged toes into the cruising waters and not spend a fortune doing so.

 

So I have a couple of questions:

 

1) How difficult is it to find relatively quiet outdoor places on the ship? Can you use the "Serenity" area if you don't have a "spa room"? (And what is that?)

 

On a Canada bound cruise, very easy. In June, the temps can be chilly, so, you do not get people sunbathing or swimming. The outside decks can be empty, which means, inside, it is more crowded.

 

2) We are booking a room with a balcony, are we guaranteed one? Don't want to get bumped to a lower-end room. Conversely, do they ever upgrade?

 

3) Any particular decks to ask for?

 

The deck is not the most important, but what is on top of or directly below you stateroom. Before picking a room, make sure you have a floor plan handy.

 

4) I've read on this board that smoking is permitted in many places. My husband smokes; can he smoke in the room and/or balcony?

 

You can not smoke in the room, but I believe on the balcony.

 

5) He often gets up in the middle of the night; can he go up deck and watch the sky?

 

Sure, he can at anytime, however, in June, the North Atlantic is foggy, chilly and damp at night.

 

6) How much pressure is there to participate in activities?

 

None. You get a daily activities paper everynight for the next day, and if you want to do something, show up for it.

 

 

7) How pervasive and how constant is loud pop music on the ship? Can you get away from it?

 

Carnival is about fun, and you can't have a fun ship, without music. With that in mind, many common areas will have music in the background, and on the open pool deck. Various areas have entertainment going on. I'm not sure what you definition of "loud pop music" is, since pop music is only a classification of one small segment of the music industry.

 

8) What beverages are included in the price? Bottled water? Coffee? Tea? Juices?

 

Ice Tea, lemonade at meals, and at the buffet. Coffee at the meals. not sure about hot tea. You can buy a soda card for unlimited soda at all meals, and decks, which is a deal, if you do not wish to drink bar drinks. Nothing bottled is included.

 

9) If we want to skip formal night, are the buffet and/or specialty restaurants open? Are khakis/shirt/blazer OK for men; knit pantsuit OK for women when not formal?

 

The buffet is open for every meal, every day. Khakis/collared shirt or Jeans/collared shirt for men are acceptable on non formal nights, and throw on a jacket for the formal. Carnival does not have "formal" anymore, but rather elegant night.

 

10) How much extra money shall we bring?

 

Ships are cashless. You need a credit card, or a cash deposit for your sail and sign card, and you charge everything to your card/room. The only cash you need is for "extra tips", and the casino or to take with you on land. I do not like using my credit card in a foreign port. (Canada is ok). I carry $600 for 3 people, which is about $300.00 for gambling, and the rest for misc stuff.

 

11) How much can you do at these ports without spending a lot on excursions? What ARE the excursions?

 

Excursions are tours, or things to do, sponsored by the ship. Example, a trolley tour of St John is an excursion if you buy it through the ship. You never need to do an excursion, and in Canada ports, it is easy just to walk around yourself. they will have maps, etc right off the ship.

 

Any other info? Thanks!!

 

Bring good walking shoes. It is hilly in St John. In June, make sure you bring a jacket, it can be cool or hot from day to day. Bring an open mind, because, it sounds like you like quite more than action. Nothing wrong with that, but you will be on a "fun ship".

[MiddleAgedBroad]

Well, we have booked for August 9. DH recognizes that it may be too chilly to swim; he is OK with that. Hopefully it won't be too chilly for him to have a cigarette on the balcony. I filled him in on what to expect, and he is OK with it, or so he says. ;)

 

We opted for YourTime Dining, because we tend to have dinner early and turn in early. We are in 8220; we upgraded one class for $30 each so we would have rooms above and below (thanks for the heads-up, moxie99, on that one!)

 

So we shall see. I can have a good time anywhere, DH is more curmudgeonly than I am. I'm just looking forward to Something Different. We have been to Jamaica 19 times and decided that at age 55 the beach thing is about played out for us.

[LHP]

We did this run as a 7 day on the Victory years ago (the end of September) and it is still one of my favorite cruises.

 

While it is different from the Caribbean...it was nice to have a change.

Kinda reminded me of our Alaska cruise.

 

We had fog two full days....going to Halifax and coming back. And that was COOL....

 

We loved Halifax. We grabbed a taxi and paid him $40 total for an hour tour to go anywhere we wanted to go. (there were 3 of us)

 

That worked out perfectly for us since our youngest son can't usually do excursions.

 

The taxi driver was an older guy and he was a HOOT!!! He was a great guide and really told us what he thought!

[LemurCat]

We did the hop-on hop-off bus tour in Halifax. It's a Grey Line tour like you'd find in most major cities. Fun, informative, a little hokey, but a good time. We went shopping in the Spring Garden District (great Roots store there), got our Tim's coffee and maple donuts, went to the Citadel and then down to the boardwalk area. Checked out the brewery and the Maritime Museaum. Good times.

[mizLORInj]

We've done two NY to Canada cruises (one was my first cruise ever!) and we had perfect weather both times--one was end of July, one was early August. Sunny and hot every day. Great days for the waterslide. You just never know about the weather and no one can predict.

We're doing this again on Valor in September. It's just convenient for us to go out of NY.

ENJOY!

[cv322]

Hi, all...

 

My husband and I are considering trying out cruising by taking the Carnival Glory to St. John/Halifax. We are not "resort fun" kind of people; my husband likes to keep to himself. We are casual, casual, casual -- don't own any dressy clothes and aren't about to buy any. We are looking to dip our now-eligible-for-discounts middle-aged toes into the cruising waters and not spend a fortune doing so.

 

So I have a couple of questions:

 

1) How difficult is it to find relatively quiet outdoor places on the ship? Can you use the "Serenity" area if you don't have a "spa room"? (And what is that?) You may use the Serenity area. There are also other relatively quiet areas on this ship...

 

2) We are booking a room with a balcony, are we guaranteed one? Don't want to get bumped to a lower-end room. Conversely, do they ever upgrade? Yes, when you book a cruise you get a confirmation. If you choose your own cabin # YOU GET THAT CABIN. If you book a "guarantee" then you get that category on any deck, any location.

 

3) Any particular decks to ask for? I like Empress or higher. Try to avoid being under a "busy" space such as the buffet.

 

4) I've read on this board that smoking is permitted in many places. My husband smokes; can he smoke in the room and/or balcony? Yes, on Carnival he may smoke in your cabin & balcony. Additionally in the piano bar, casino, the sports bar usually & on outdoor decks it'll be the starboard side of the ship.

 

5) He often gets up in the middle of the night; can he go up deck and watch the sky? Yes he can!

 

6) How much pressure is there to participate in activities? None whatsoever!

 

7) How pervasive and how constant is loud pop music on the ship? Can you get away from it? You can hear it at the midship pool & that's about it.

 

8) What beverages are included in the price? Bottled water? Coffee? Tea? Juices? Juice, Lemonade, punch, iced tea. Plain water.

 

9) If we want to skip formal night, are the buffet and/or specialty restaurants open? Are khakis/shirt/blazer OK for men; knit pantsuit OK for women when not formal? Yes, you can always eat at the buffet.

 

10) How much extra money shall we bring? That's something only you can decide. Find the prices of the things you're considering & then do the math. For example...2 DOD's (Drink of the Day) for each of you each day: 8.75 x 2 x 7 = $122.50... etc. Budget for: excursions, photos, bar bill, tips for room service, souvenirs, bingo, casino...

 

11) How much can you do at these ports without spending a lot on excursions? What ARE the excursions? On Canada cruises they do Bay of Fundy, Whale Watching, Titanic Museum etc. You can just walk around town on your own & not spend a dime if you wish.

 

Any other info? Thanks!!

 

Try it, you'll like it!