Newbie to Canada/New England

[a5lson]

Any recommendations for the Zuiderdam cruise October 7-19 with stops in Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Portland, Boston, Port Canaveral. Not a fan of ship excursions but only if necessary. Appreciate any help! Thanks

[Alberta Quilter]

In Saguenay, there is a HoHo which was quite good. When I was there a year ago, it was $20 pp (USD or CAD). The other thing I heard was really good was the show La Fabuleuse, which was only done through a ship tour except in August when they had regularly scheduled performances. Unfortunately, for our cruise, the show could not be rescheduled when we had an itinerary change and came a day earlier than planned. So I still don't have personal experience.

 

In Charlottetown, we did a private tour with Take the Island Adventures. It was a great overview of the island and Bill Murray (the guide) tailored it to our wants and needs. His wife's baking is very good, too!

 

In Sydney, we did a ship tour to Louisbourg. In Halifax, we took a private tour with Brian Allen of Brian's Taxi Tours. We went to Peggy's Cove, and toured about Halifax. Great driver and tour guide.

 

We did our own thing, mostly walked about in Bar Harbor, and in Boston on our first Cda/NE cruise so I can't help much there. However, if you want lobster in BH, I highly recommend Side Street Cafe.

 

We didn't stop in Portland or Port Canaveral so can't help at all with either place.

 

Hope that helps!

[138east]

Boston is a very walkable city with lots of DIY options that are very reasonable. IMO no reason for a ship's tour unless you want to go outside the city.

 

Do some research and ask your questions on the East Coast Board. Public transit directly from the port is very reasonable. Hoho buses stop in the port area. The Freedom Trail is very popular as well as Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market. Sometimes it's better to take a cab to your farthest point and work your way back to the public transit back to the port.

[maryann ns]

A great resource are Tom's Port Guides, a labour of love by a long-time cruiser: http://www.tomsportguides.com/

 

You can also do a search for previous posts by going back here:http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=20 and looking for 'search this forum' to the right of the blue bar near the top of the page.

 

For Sydney, I highly recommend renting a car. That is a very busy time there and there are few private tour operators.

[a5lson]

Any recommendations for the Zuiderdam cruise October 7-19 with stops in Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Portland, Boston, Port Canaveral. Not a fan of ship excursions but only if necessary. Appreciate any help! Thanks

 

Many thanks to those who have answered me so quickly. Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated. :)

[Giantfan13]

Any recommendations for the Zuiderdam cruise October 7-19 with stops in Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Portland, Boston, Port Canaveral. Not a fan of ship excursions but only if necessary. Appreciate any help! Thanks

 

Spend some time reading thru the last several pages and you will get some very valuable info on many of the ports for your cruise.

 

I have commented several times in Bar Harbor, if you are there at low tide, you can take a walk on the ocean floor out to Bar Island (about 1/4 mile). It is a very unique experience but only can be some at low tide.

 

In Portland, if you like lighthouses, rent a car and drive to about 5 of them within easy reach of Portland.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[Kristal Blade]

If you like walking then in Sydney there is a beautiful nature park you can walk to. It is a couple of miles out of town. Membertou Park was gorgeous for tree colour last October when we were there. Lovely lake with trees reflected it in. It was one of our best days and cost us nothing but shoe leather! You could take a taxi there from the port for maybe $5.

[Jolie_Cruiser]

I have visited some of the ports you are going to but not all. Here is a good thread, from last year, where myself and other cruisers make suggestions.

 

"What do do":

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2156904

[Cornishpastyman1]

Any recommendations for the Zuiderdam cruise October 7-19 with stops in Saguenay, Charlottetown, Sydney, Halifax, Bar Harbor, Portland, Boston, Port Canaveral. Not a fan of ship excursions but only if necessary. Appreciate any help! Thanks

 

From my similar cruise last year I made short videos of each day, which can be found from the ATLANTIC CANADA & NEW ENGLAND link in my signature below. Of your ports you'll find ones for Charlottetown, Sydney, BH, Halifax and Boston. My big mistake was not getting out of Sydney, as there's almost nothing to see in the town. All the best, Tony

[Giantfan13]

From my similar cruise last year I made short videos of each day, which can be found from the ATLANTIC CANADA & NEW ENGLAND link in my signature below. Of your ports you'll find ones for Charlottetown, Sydney, BH, Halifax and Boston. My big mistake was not getting out of Sydney, as there's almost nothing to see in the town. All the best, Tony

 

Agree with you 100% about Sydney. We went with friends and they didn't want to rent a car. Big mistake. Much more things happening out of town than in it.

 

Cheers

 

Len

[Cornishpastyman1]

Agree with you 100% about Sydney. We went with friends and they didn't want to rent a car. Big mistake. Much more things happening out of town than in it.

 

Cheers

 

Len

Indeed Len

 

But on the upside there's a very comfy terminal with cracking wi-fi facilities :D

Edited April 8, 2016 by Cornishpastyman1

[a5lson]

Many thanks to those who have answered me so quickly. Any and all recommendations are greatly appreciated. :)

 

All suggestions greatly appreciated. Keep them coming. Thanks:)

[a5lson]

From my similar cruise last year I made short videos of each day, which can be found from the ATLANTIC CANADA & NEW ENGLAND link in my signature below. Of your ports you'll find ones for Charlottetown, Sydney, BH, Halifax and Boston. My big mistake was not getting out of Sydney, as there's almost nothing to see in the town. All the best, Tony

 

Your videos were fantastic and really gave me a sense of what to expect. The only difference is the time of year. We are traveling in October. Hoping for decent weather.:)

[Buck1949]

Your videos were fantastic and really gave me a sense of what to expect. The only difference is the time of year. We are traveling in October. Hoping for decent weather.:)

 

We are doing the NCL Dawn - Quebec City to Boston 10/01/16 - which cruise are you on? We are researching our tours at present. Like others we would rather do Private tours when we can.... Not much on renting a car...hate to drive - even when home. ;)

[bonvoyagie]

I started making my excursion plans and reservations back in Feb, even then I found many of the top taxi car style tours were already booked. I will also be on the same cruise as you - but doing the RT out of Boston. BTW there is already an active roll call for all three cruises (Bos-Bos, Bos to Qbc and Qbc to Bos). There might be a few people with extra seats on their tours.

 

There will probably be a bit of a problem getting a tour in Halifax as there will be three ships in addtion to ours there that day. In Sydney we are renting a car, Saint Johns I was able to connect with the last taxi tour I tried. In Bar Harbor we are doing Oli's Trolley.

 

I found trip advisor to be very helpful along with the tourist guide books either on line or bound (I ordered the books back in Jan/Feb)

 

Good Luck with your planning.

[Buck1949]

I started making my excursion plans and reservations back in Feb, even then I found many of the top taxi car style tours were already booked. I will also be on the same cruise as you - but doing the RT out of Boston. BTW there is already an active roll call for all three cruises (Bos-Bos, Bos to Qbc and Qbc to Bos). There might be a few people with extra seats on their tours.

 

There will probably be a bit of a problem getting a tour in Halifax as there will be three ships in addtion to ours there that day. In Sydney we are renting a car, Saint Johns I was able to connect with the last taxi tour I tried. In Bar Harbor we are doing Oli's Trolley.

 

I found trip advisor to be very helpful along with the tourist guide books either on line or bound (I ordered the books back in Jan/Feb)

 

 

 

Good Luck with your planning.

 

Hi Bonvoyagie...

I started the 9/30/16 NCL Dawn thread a long time ago, but have been really disappointed in the lack of activity. My last cruise was so busy on that thread that it was sometimes a bit difficult keeping up.

 

Oh well....you are so right about Halifax being a tough port to set up a tour. I think I have finally gotten a tour arranged......just waiting for the other couple to confirm. We have 6 of us using a private tour in St Johns, and for now I think my wife and I are going to use Oli's Trolley in Bar Harbor and probably the HOHO bus in Sydney. Lastly I need to start thinking about what to do in Quebec before hand. Of course I need to set up pet sitters and then start looking at flights.

 

Lots to do, but I enjoy the 'adventure' most times.

 

Hopefully we will see all of the CC threads for the cruise pickup soon, and I look forward to meeting you on board.

[bonvoyagie]

Bill, I agree that the thread is not very active - esp for the number of people on the cruise - again when we get to final payment we will see who is left

 

I posted a bit about dock vs tender and the number of ships in port as I watched the cruise last year and have been watching cruise timetables.

 

One observation I have made is that the ports on this cruise are not as cruise tourist friendly as say the ones in Alaska.

 

I am looking forward to the M&G for both legs of the cruise.

 

Because you are boarding on Friday, I would not plan a tour that day, however NCL has some tours on Sat. I have the tour plans from last season and are hoping it stays about the same this year.

[Buck1949]

Bill, I agree that the thread is not very active - esp for the number of people on the cruise - again when we get to final payment we will see who is left

 

I posted a bit about dock vs tender and the number of ships in port as I watched the cruise last year and have been watching cruise timetables.

 

One observation I have made is that the ports on this cruise are not as cruise tourist friendly as say the ones in Alaska.

 

I am looking forward to the M&G for both legs of the cruise.

 

Because you are boarding on Friday, I would not plan a tour that day, however NCL has some tours on Sat. I have the tour plans from last season and are hoping it stays about the same this year.

 

Kind of thought that Friday would not give us much time to do/see anything much in QC unless it would be nearby the port. We have been on NCL several times so we have a pretty good "lay of the land" for their ships and offerings onboard. I do need to look at what the ship offers in the way of excursions along with any potential private tours for Saturday, and then decide how to proceed. I have quickly looked at a couple of other cruiser's postings that show some information of their time in Quebec. I need to look more thoroughly at that also.

 

Let's hope that the Meet and Greet does come to fruition....as we did not have much luck on our last NCL cruise. The NCL Epic had nearly 4200 people on board and we never even got close to the 'normal' 25 it takes to have a M & G. About 10 of us ended up meeting in the lobby/atrium area just to get to do a face to face with those we had been posting with on Cruise Critic.

 

I think I will go back to my 9/30 thread and see if I can muster up any activity soon.

 

Take care,

[Buck1949]

Ok.... Looks like I may need to revisit our time in Sydney. I thought (someone else mentioned actually) that there was a Hop On Hop Off bus in Sydney, when apparently there is not. I did notice that there is a ship's sponsored Pink bus tour but seemed pretty expensive ($69 per person) for a 1 hour 45 minute ride.

 

Does anyone else have any thoughts about this port stop?. I don't see a great deal to do in Sydney, and we are scheduled to be there for 9 hours.

 

Still looking!

[Buck1949]

For those on NCL Dawn...

 

Not sure if this has been mentioned...but maybe a little spruce up for us !!!

 

 

DRY DOCK

 

Ship: Norwegian Dawn

 

Dates: May 18 - June 16, 2016

 

Details: On Norwegian Dawn, O'Sheehans will replace the Blue Lagoon, and the Sugarcane Mojito Bar will stand in for Shakers. Staterooms will be upgraded with new bedding, carpet and artwork; the sprawling Garden Villa will get an enhanced makeover. Restaurants, the atrium, and the Dawn Casino will get a refresh. A barber shop and nail bar will be added to the Mandara Spa. Entourage and other kids' facilities will be modernized and on all open decks teak flooring will be installed.

[Giantfan13]

Ok.... Looks like I may need to revisit our time in Sydney. I thought (someone else mentioned actually) that there was a Hop On Hop Off bus in Sydney, when apparently there is not. I did notice that there is a ship's sponsored Pink bus tour but seemed pretty expensive ($69 per person) for a 1 hour 45 minute ride.

 

Does anyone else have any thoughts about this port stop?. I don't see a great deal to do in Sydney, and we are scheduled to be there for 9 hours.

 

Still looking!

 

See post #10

 

Cheers

 

Len

 

[Buck1949]

Thanks Len !!

[bonvoyagie]

Ok.... Looks like I may need to revisit our time in Sydney. I thought (someone else mentioned actually) that there was a Hop On Hop Off bus in Sydney, when apparently there is not. I did notice that there is a ship's sponsored Pink bus tour but seemed pretty expensive ($69 per person) for a 1 hour 45 minute ride.

 

Does anyone else have any thoughts about this port stop?. I don't see a great deal to do in Sydney, and we are scheduled to be there for 9 hours.

 

Still looking!

 

I have read where there is not much in Sydney proper, you have to get out to see anything - there is the A G Bell museum, and some coal mines to visit. See Tom's port guides for more ideas - I also searched trip advisor. I believe that I got a Nova Scotia tour guide - I don't remember and I don't have access to my trip planning notebook.

 

I am renting a car and going DIY :D

[Buck1949]

Hi bonvoyagie;

 

There may possibly be 6 of us trying to do Sydney..... not sure just yet. We have met 2 other couples on Cruise Critic, and all 6 are sharing a guide (Van) in one port, 4 of us are doing a tour in a Town Car in another port, then in one port we are probably each doing the trolley..... so Sydney could be interesting - no matter what we try to do . I am not much on driving while on vacation, - heck I hate driving 3 hours up to our other place in the mountains :rolleyes: sometimes.

 

Have you already booked the Trolley in Bar Harbor? Is there just the one trolley...and do you think I should I worry about it filling up ? There appears to be a small ship (382 passengers) in Bar Harbor the same time as ours.

[bonvoyagie]

Bill,

 

I have booked and paid for most all of the tours - including Oli's Trolley. I have reserved the rental cars. The only place where I have an operator with space for a couple more people is in Halifax - but that is on our trip up - coming back there are several ships in port so we just plan on walking the boardwalk and catching a few of the items we might have missed on the first time there.

 

Oli's Trolley has several different times (and tours) and probably has more than one trolley. On thier website, when you go to schedule the tour they will tell you if the tour is available on the date and time you want it - so that suggests to me that there are a limited number of seats. I chose the 11:00 tour as I am not sure how long it will take to go through customs onboard ship. I heard that it was a real mess last year and it was NCL's fault - people were being told to go one place when they should have gone to another etc. That was on the first cruise last season - i did not hear any feedback on the second so maybe they worked it out. The rule of thumb is that you should not book a private tour before 10:00.

 

Again, I found that several of the highest reccommended tours are already sold out for the days we are in port.

 

 

I don't mind driving on vacation - esp if it allows me to see what I want to see :)