Need Help With Canada & New England MUST DO Excursions

[OCCALIF]

Planning 0n doing Boston on our own. Does anyone know lf Princess provides a shuttle to the Boston Common area? Thanks for any suggestions.

[keithm]

I have some friends that are going on a 10 night Canada & New England cruise that leaves from New York City with stops in Newport/Rhode Island, Boston, St. John/New Brunswick, Halifax, Sydney/Nova Scotia, Charlottetown and overnights in Quebec city.

 

They have no idea on which excursions to book and since they are always listening to me talk about how wonderful this community is, they asked if I could ask the expert's (that would be you) what their favorite, not to be missed, excursions are. Also, if you have any that you think should be avoided please share that too.

 

Thanks so much in advance!

Definitely do a tour of the mansions in New Port. If your trip is in June, they have the New Port flower show June 23-25 at Rose Cliff. In Boston..Great seafood(check Open Table for listings)Lots of walking tours..Freedom Trail etc. Quebec city: the Hotel Frontenac(of course)the old city(take the Funicular)Fantastic French food.

[CalgaryMac]

When you stop in Sydney NS I would look for an excursion to the Fortress of Louisburg. It was a French fortress and now a national historic site.

[harz99]

Very useful tips, thanks everyone.

 

Sent from my Moto G (5) Plus using Forums mobile app

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Thank you all for the wonderful tips and suggestions. My friends and I really appreciate your help. This community truly is the best.

[JWUC]

Tom's Port guides covers most if not all the ports. The guides are very informative.

 

One of the excursions we took last year was Hopewell Rocks Princess tour. You get to walk on the sea floor. However, timing of the tour can make all the difference. We had a long time to walk around and the tide was out for the entire time.

 

Princess does have a shuttle for Boston, but they charge for it. We took the HOHO tour on our own. Saved money and it included bus as well as harbor tour.

[dreaminofcruisin]

Helpful thread. Thanks!

The Canada / New England board is much quieter than this thread! :D

 

For those who haven't heard of Tom's Port Guides, here is the link:

http://www.tomsportguides.com/

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Tom's Port guides covers most if not all the ports. The guides are very informative.

 

One of the excursions we took last year was Hopewell Rocks Princess tour. You get to walk on the sea floor. However, timing of the tour can make all the difference. We had a long time to walk around and the tide was out for the entire time.

 

Princess does have a shuttle for Boston, but they charge for it. We took the HOHO tour on our own. Saved money and it included bus as well as harbor tour.

I've never heard of Toms Port guides. I will make sure and let my friends know that you recommend these guide books. Thanks!

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Helpful thread. Thanks!

The Canada / New England board is much quieter than this thread! :D

 

For those who haven't heard of Tom's Port Guides, here is the link:

http://www.tomsportguides.com/

I know! This has been wonderful and thank you to everyone for helpful your replies. I along with my friends really appreciate this.

[Lucky TGO]

Such great suggestions. Please keep them coming. I have been informed that they have decided for sure to do the freedom Trail due to the many suggestions on this post.

 

MsSoCalCruiser,

Hi it's only me again Tony. I lived in Boston most of my life and now just out side of Boston. If you like history? You will love the freedom Trail. I grew up near Paul Revere's house, Old State House,

Boston Common, USS Constitution, and Faneuil Hall in Boston everything is fairly close to each other.

Welcome to Boston I hope you have a GREAT time!!

Tony

[lexa11]

I'm orginally from Charlottetown so I've never cruised there. I would recommend getting out to see the countryside while on PEI. Ch'town is great but the countryside is where the scenery is at. Whether that means a Anne Tour or a Fishing/Lobster tour, it is up to personal preference. In Saint John, do go to Fundy National Park to see the tides & rocks. Halifax is a great old city - I miss living there - with an excellent citadel, Farmers market, public gardens, Maritime museum, etc. I would just get off the ship and explore. Also the ferry across to Darmouth gives you a great view of the city. There's always Peggy's cove, Lunenburg and Mahone Bay to see if you like the cruiseline excursions. Let me know if you have any questions on the Maritime ports. I'll be happy to answer.

[BarbinMich]

. . . Hopewell Rocks Princess tour. You get to walk on the sea floor. However, timing of the tour can make all the difference. We had a long time to walk around and the tide was out for the entire time. . .

 

To avoid this problem, check the tide tables for the day you'll be there before you book an excursion to see the tide come in or go out. Here's one such site: www.thehopewellrocks.ca/learning-centre/tide-tables. It's usually about 6 hrs from low tide to high tide and then 6 hrs from high to low again. When we first visited the area years ago, we were on an auto trip and, unfortunately, couldn't wait for the tide to come in so saw just the very large beach as the original poster did. We did get to see the tide turn elsewhere in Nova Scotia while on a private excursion off a NE-Can cruise in 2015. Hope you get that opportunity!

[Casino Player]

I have some friends that are going on a 10 night Canada & New England cruise that leaves from New York City with stops in Newport/Rhode Island, Boston, St. John/New Brunswick, Halifax, Sydney/Nova Scotia, Charlottetown and overnights in Quebec city.

 

They have no idea on which excursions to book and since they are always listening to me talk about how wonderful this community is, they asked if I could ask the expert's (that would be you) what their favorite, not to be missed, excursions are. Also, if you have any that you think should be avoided please share that too.

 

Thanks so much in advance!

 

HHHHHEEEEELLLLLLLLLLOOOOO MsSoCalCruiser: In Boston you could visit the ship the USS Constitution. Also, if you like baseball, visit Fenway Park. When in St. John they have the world's highest tides and lowest tides, there is the reversing waters, the oldest marketplace and there are some parks nearby. Also, you could visit St. Andrew which is a place that was established by people that lived in the colonies that were loyal to the British Crown and moved after the Revolutionary War.

In Halifax they have the Canadian Immigration Museum right near were the ship terminal is located. There is Peggy's Cove, but, that is over done today and is very crowded. You could walk along the Harbor Walk, there are lots of places to purchase souvenirs, coffee shops, resturants, and the Nautical Museum which you can also get to on Water Street. You can walk down Water Street. There is the Citadel, and the Botanic Gardens. In Sydney, walk around the town. It is most interesting. The best Tim Horton's Coffee Shop I've visited is in Sydney. If you like Casinos visit the one on King George St. Hotel/Casino of Nova Scotia. There is also one in Halifax on Water Street.

When in Charlottetown there is a lot to do near Queen Street. Visit the place where they had the meeting to form Canada. Visit the stores at the quay near the pier. Must visit: Cows ice cream. Some of the best ice cream in the world. There is one in Halifax too.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Such great suggestions. Please keep them coming. I have been informed that they have decided for sure to do the freedom Trail due to the many suggestions on this post.

 

MsSoCalCruiser,

Hi it's only me again Tony. I lived in Boston most of my life and now just out side of Boston. If you like history? You will love the freedom Trail. I grew up near Paul Revere's house, Old State House,

Boston Common, USS Constitution, and Faneuil Hall in Boston everything is fairly close to each other.

Welcome to Boston I hope you have a GREAT time!!

Tony

 

Hi Tony! I wish I was going on this cruise with my friends but I can't because I leave on a CA coastal on the same day with a different friend. Thank you so much for always being so helpful!

[ldubs]

Tom's Port guides covers most if not all the ports. The guides are very informative.

 

One of the excursions we took last year was Hopewell Rocks Princess tour. You get to walk on the sea floor. However, timing of the tour can make all the difference. We had a long time to walk around and the tide was out for the entire time.

 

Princess does have a shuttle for Boston, but they charge for it. We took the HOHO tour on our own. Saved money and it included bus as well as harbor tour.

 

We are part of a family group going on the Canada/NE cruise, so I'm happy to piggyback on SoCal's thread for info. I took a quick look at Tom's Port Guide. Looks impressive. Thx.

 

SoCal -- thanks for posting. We are on an Oct '17 cruise to Canada/NE. Kind of the reverse route of the one your friends are taking.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

We are part of a family group going on the Canada/NE cruise, so I'm happy to piggyback on SoCal's thread for info. I took a quick look at Tom's Port Guide. Looks impressive. Thx.

 

SoCal -- thanks for posting. We are on an Oct '17 cruise to Canada/NE. Kind of the reverse route of the one your friends are taking.

You're welcome. It's so nice that we have this extremely helpful community.

[MsSoCalCruiser]

My friends are still looking for a few more excursions so if you have any more suggestions, please post them. Thank you so much!

[John99]

We (retired couple) made this cruise last October. We had a really great time. In fact, we liked it so mush we booked a 11 day cruise in 2018 from Quebec to NYC. One thing you can't control is the weather. Well, is just so happen there was a Hurricane about 100 miles off shore this cruise. Seas were a little rough but manageable while on board. In Newport there was a steady rain all day but we still got around. Peggy's Cove was very crowded with tourists. Tour buses even had a hard time parking.

 

Boston and Bar Harbor are the only ports I have's experienced in the past. My research and planning is pretty well complete relative to land tours. In the past, fellow CC cruiser have been very good at providing tips and recommendations. So if any of the following info can help fellow cruisers I'm happy.

 

John

 

Canada New England Cruise - 10/8/16 --1015/16 - Regal Princess

 

Newport, Rhode Island

7:00am -- 5:00pm

No tours from Princess

Self-guided tour

 

Walk to Gateway Transportation Bus Station & Visitor Center.

Turn left (north) from the tender dock along America's Cup Ave.

Purchase a all day from RIPTA for $6 at the center.

Bus #67 (trolley) which takes you to the mansions.

Purchase a 2 house ticket @ $25.99 pp from Newport Mansions Org.

Tour The Breakers and Marble House & Grounds-- plan on 11/2 per mansion.

The Breakers opens at 9 a.m. (bus stop # 3)

Marble House opens at 10 am. (bus stop #5)

If time allows check out the Cliff Walk (partial walk). Access points are limited.

Take the trolley back to the Gateway Center

Visit Bowen's Wharf and Bannister's Wharf

Take a walk near the sailboats

Note: The same Princess Tour (NPT100B) is $84.95 pp

 

Boston, Massachusetts

11:00am -- 8:00pm

No tours from Princess

Self-guided tour

 

We have been to our family in the past.

Many thing to see and do.

We plan on taking the ship's shuttle to (center city) Faneuil Hall for $15 round trip.

Yes, public transportation is also available from the "Boston Design Center" near the cruise dock. I prefer the shuttle because I don't have to worry about heavy traffic or crowded buses and getting back to the ship on time. Remember this is Monday.

 

Purchase tickets from one of three (3) tour companies which provides Hop On and Hope Off trolley service. I checked the websites -- I prefer the City View Trolley Tours because it included a free harbor tour (a $18 value) 45 minutes long. Ticket price for seniors is $27.30 online vs. $38 in Boston. Provides a panoramic view of the city skyline.

Unfortunately, the USS Constitution will be in dry dock for repairs until 2018.

Note: Old Town Trolley Tours -- you cannot buy a ticket online you must go to Boston's center city to purchase.

Note: The same Princess Tour (BOS125A) is $49.95pp which does not include a harbor tour. This tour only has two stops -- Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum and North End(Paul Reveres House, Old North Church,etc.).

Note: We have taken the Freedom Trail experience several times in the past. So on this trip we plan on other activities and/o rtours for the day. Highly recommended the Freedom Trail walk.

Yes, Princess did provide a shuttle bus to downtown Boston. Cost was around $15.

 

Bar Harbor, Maine

Sunrise 6:44am Sunset 5:53pm

7:00am -- 6:00pm

No tour from Princess

Self-guided tour

 

During my sophomore year in college I worked on a 2 masted schooner for four weeks. Absolutely love the area.

 

There are many optional land and boat tours available.

Your tickets can be purchased near the tender dock.

 

Our choice: Oli's Trolley Arcadia National Park Tour @ 2.5 hrs -- $32.00pp

10:00am to 12:30pm -- 1st scheduled morning . 40 passenger trolley.

We plan on purchasing tickets on line before we leave.

We will visit: 1) Arcadia National Park, 2) 27 mile Park Loop Rd 3) Cadillac Mountain 4) Thunder Hole

Hopefully no fog in the mountains.

 

Optional Tour (considered):

Arcadia National Park Express @2.5 hrs -- $79.95pp

Princess Tour BHB110E

14 passenger executive coach

8:30am to 11:00am --last scheduled morning tour from Princess.

You will visit: 1) Arcadia National Park, 2) 27 mile Park Loop Rd3) Cadillac Mountain 4) Thunder Hole

 

Island Explorer Bus Service -- FREE

Unfortunately, the free service runs from June 23rd to Columbus Day October 10th.

We will be in Bar Harbor on Tuesday, October 11th.

 

Lunch -- Side Street Cafe for lobster roll. (Trip Advisor)

After the lunch, we will walk two streets of interest -- Main St and West St.

 

St. John New Brunswick, Canada

8:00am -- 7:00pm

Princess Tour

Currently scheduled to use the Marco Polo Cruise Terminal(versus Long Wharf)

Within walking distance of many tourist sites

 

Our choice: St. Martin, St. John River & The Bay of Fundy @5.5hrs -- $99.95pp

10:00am to 3:30pm

Princess Tour YSJ-110

You will visit: Bay of Fundy, St. Martin & Sea Caves, Reversing Rapids& Old City Market plus light lunch

 

Optional Tour (considered):

Tour Top Sites of St. John (Trip Advisor)

Dave's Taxi Tour Guys @ 5.0hrs -- $360 per vehicle

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia

11:00am to 8:00pm

Princess Tour

Currently the Port of Halifax has us scheduledfor Pier 22

Dockside Shops are located there -- open air concept

(4 North-South line of piers) - Pier 20 is Veendam, Pier 23 is Seabourn Quest

 

Our choice: Peggy's Cove & Hop/Hop Off Tour Bus Tour @ 5 hrs $59.95pp

11:30am to 2:30pm

Princess Tour YHZ125A

 

After the tour we plan to visit:

Farmers Market (if open)

Garrison Brewing Co. (established 1754) for a pint of Irish Red Ale or India Pale Ale

Dockside Shops

[HeatherC430]

I did a New England Cruise last fall (link to photo review in my signature below). Peggy's Cove from the Port of Halifax was my favorite excursion of the trip!

[MsSoCalCruiser]

Thank you all. They are really excited for this cruise.

[Baystate]

Unfortunately, the USS Constitution will be in dry dock for repairs until 2018.

 

Actually, the USS Constitution is now afloat again as of the 23rd of July, but even while it was in drydock you could still tour the ship. I do recommend visiting the ship along with the adjacent museum. There isn't any fee to do so, just donation boxes.

 

 

[Cruisers from MA]

Unfortunately, the USS Constitution will be in dry dock for repairs until 2018.

 

Actually, the USS Constitution is now afloat again as of the 23rd of July, but even while it was in drydock you could still tour the ship. I do recommend visiting the ship along with the adjacent museum. There isn't any fee to do so, just donation boxes.

 

Thanks Baystate. Presently it looks like the ship is closed to visitors, tentatively through early September, but then open after that. The museum is open daily throughout.

 

More info here.

[Baystate]

Thanks Baystate. Presently it looks like the ship is closed to visitors, tentatively through early September, but then open after that. The museum is open daily throughout.

 

More info here.

 

Constitution Sailors will provide pier side interpretation of the ship daily, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until the ship reopens in early September.

Thank you for correcting me. I am sorry that I gave out the wrong information. It wouldn't have been so nice for people to get there and to realize that they can't board.

[fire&teacher]

I understand that this ship is closed on Mondays in October. Our cruise will be in port on a Monday. We are disappointed.