2017 leaving nyc. 7nt Canada or 7nt Bahamas

[Hotdogdance]

Prayers to those who are affected by the hurricane, their families, essential personnel and folks enroute to assist with Recovery.

This board is full of experience and I would like input to help me decide if you please. We have been on two cruises on the Magic a 7nt western and 4 nt Bahamas. We are planning a nyc trip with cruise:either 7nights NYC to Canada or NycBahamas with WDW day.

We are currently booked on the Bahamas cruise ( as the agent advised it was likely to sell quicker than the Canada cruise) but can go either way. We are split down the middle (pro/con) and have no"musts" other than it depart nyc.

any input, ideas, experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

 

[PoopDeckPappy]

Hi Hotdogdance (love the name),

I've done NCY to Bahamas in '14 (I think?) and it was great. Was going to do it again tomorrow but I'm going to Canada! Yikes! My wife and I are disappointed but it's a surprise for my kids so they will love it either way. Anyways to answer your question I would stick with the Bahamas just for the day at WDW, warmer weather and beach options. The excursion to WDW is run flawlessly (as you'd expect). Canada was beautiful, I did it on a Carnival cruise but I prefer the warmer climates and you can't beat Castaway Cay. It's the biggest draw for me. I went to Canada w/o kids and I'm not sure how it compares from that standpoint (something to consider if you w/ kids). I can let you know once I get back. This is our 5th time on the Magic and first since they refurb. Never been on any other DCL ship. Since we were rerouted I don't even know what shore excursions are being offered. I'll update the weekend I return.

 

[Hotdogdance]

Awesome. Your post is exactly what I'm looking for. Hope you guys have a blast and find some great activities to make up for the changes. We love the size of the magic and the aqua dunk should surprise the kids. It's so fast they won't even notice the cold. Who knows... Maybe Disney will throw in a few nice surprises? Ditto on the name.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Prayers to those who are affected by the hurricane, their families, essential personnel and folks enroute to assist with Recovery.

This board is full of experience and I would like input to help me decide if you please. We have been on two cruises on the Magic a 7nt western and 4 nt Bahamas. We are planning a nyc trip with cruise:either 7nights NYC to Canada or NycBahamas with WDW day.

We are currently booked on the Bahamas cruise ( as the agent advised it was likely to sell quicker than the Canada cruise) but can go either way. We are split down the middle (pro/con) and have no"musts" other than it depart nyc.

any input, ideas, experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

It depends on what you're looking for. Is it warm weather and beaches? Or not so warm (depending on what time of year you're talking about)?

For us, we're still taking cruises to places we haven't been to before. Have you visited any of the ports before?

Since we've done the Caribbean cruises (although, not the NYC Bahamas/WDW cruise), we've been to Castaway Cay, Nassau, and WDW many times, and only been to one port on the Canada trip, I'd pick the Canada one.

 

[chilepeppr4]

Hi Hotdogdance (love the name),

I've done NCY to Bahamas in '14 (I think?) and it was great. Was going to do it again tomorrow but I'm going to Canada! Yikes! My wife and I are disappointed but it's a surprise for my kids so they will love it either way. Anyways to answer your question I would stick with the Bahamas just for the day at WDW, warmer weather and beach options. The excursion to WDW is run flawlessly (as you'd expect). Canada was beautiful, I did it on a Carnival cruise but I prefer the warmer climates and you can't beat Castaway Cay. It's the biggest draw for me. I went to Canada w/o kids and I'm not sure how it compares from that standpoint (something to consider if you w/ kids). I can let you know once I get back. This is our 5th time on the Magic and first since they refurb. Never been on any other DCL ship. Since we were rerouted I don't even know what shore excursions are being offered. I'll update the weekend I return.

oh my your on my "sister" cruise, as I call it.. ill be on the 8night Bahamian cruise next year.. please please take pics or save your Navigators.. i am dying to see them

 

[Hotdogdance]

oh my your on my "sister" cruise, as I call it.. ill be on the 8night Bahamian cruise next year.. please please take pics or save your Navigators.. i am dying to see them

I sure will.

 

[Hotdogdance]

It depends on what you're looking for. Is it warm weather and beaches? Or not so warm (depending on what time of year you're talking about)?

For us, we're still taking cruises to places we haven't been to before. Have you visited any of the ports before?

Since we've done the Caribbean cruises (although, not the NYC Bahamas/WDW cruise), we've been to Castaway Cay, Nassau, and WDW many times, and only been to one port on the Canada trip, I'd pick the Canada one.

New ports excite me and I am part polar bear. Husband just want 7 nights and does likes warmer weather. Cruise is currently set to leave October 28 for Bahamas. Never been to Canada but it looks amazing. we will also have a 5 yoa and grandma with us. Thanks for reply,

 

[chilepeppr4]

I sure will.

Thanks!!!!

 

[hanscarlet]

It really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. I've only been on Caribbean cruises and they have all been fantastic, they are definitely the "beach in paradise" kind of feeling that I strive for on a vacation so if you're looking for that go with the bahamas. We are booked on the NYC Canada cruise because we wanted to sneak in a 2nd cruise for the year without having to take on the extra expense of airfare and also to try something different. If it is your first cruise I would do Bahamas but if you're looking for something to appreciate the fall weather go with Canada!

 

[Jess_S]

Based upon the fact that you have never been to Canada, my vote would be Canada. This summer, my family did a road trip to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It was beautiful and relaxing and the people were incredibly friendly. (I'm a shy person who normally does not chat with strangers and I wound up engaged in a 15 minute conversation whenever I needed directions or asked the price of something). My son, who was 3.5, liked seeing wildlife and lighthouses.

For us, the only con was that we had to entertain our son for the whole trip, which got exhausting at times. Since DCL has the kids clubs, a cruise would have eliminated that con.

I haven't done a cruise to Canada, but I've cruised to Alaska. We had no trouble finding things to do on board (without ever once using the pools -- though there were certainly folks who did).

 

[Dug720]

I would vote for Canada just because I love it there and I've never been to the Eastern coastal sections!!

Of course, as we're learning this year even a Bahamian cruise could turn into a Canadian one!

 

[Hotdogdance]

It really depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. I've only been on Caribbean cruises and they have all been fantastic, they are definitely the "beach in paradise" kind of feeling that I strive for on a vacation so if you're looking for that go with the bahamas. We are booked on the NYC Canada cruise because we wanted to sneak in a 2nd cruise for the year without having to take on the extra expense of airfare and also to try something different. If it is your first cruise I would do Bahamas but if you're looking for something to appreciate the fall weather go with Canada!

Are you guys doing the 2016 or 2017 Canada - if you don't mind me asking? Curious what the weather is generally like in mid to late October.

 

[Hotdogdance]

Based upon the fact that you have never been to Canada, my vote would be Canada. This summer, my family did a road trip to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It was beautiful and relaxing and the people were incredibly friendly. (I'm a shy person who normally does not chat with strangers and I wound up engaged in a 15 minute conversation whenever I needed directions or asked the price of something). My son, who was 3.5, liked seeing wildlife and lighthouses.

For us, the only con was that we had to entertain our son for the whole trip, which got exhausting at times. Since DCL has the kids clubs, a cruise would have eliminated that con.

I haven't done a cruise to Canada, but I've cruised to Alaska. We had no trouble finding things to do on board (without ever once using the pools -- though there were certainly folks who did).

Thanks for the reply, Beautiful and Relaxing are certainly vacation musts.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

Just disembarked this morning in NYC from the 5 night Canadian Coastline cruise so I know it's a little different from yours but wanted to add how much we loved this sailing. I've been to Vancouver twice and briefly in Toronto but my Mom had never been to Canada period and we loved the Eastern part. We fell in love with Peggy's Cove in Halifax and the drive out there and back was simply STUNNING. The fall foliage hasn't even peaked yet (it's behind I believe for their area) but once we got into higher elevations driving out there, it was so beautiful. The cruise was cooler weather wise but not freezing by any means and we were blessed with bright blue beautiful sunny skies the entire cruise.

I can say this was the cruise where I observed the least amount of kids and it was my 14th DCL cruise. I have a DS so I'm not saying that's a good thing or bad thing, just mentioning it in case it matters for you. The kids on the cruise were still having a blast for sure.

I agree with others above and it really depends on what you're looking for - a more scenic, cooler type weather cruise, or beachy type vacation. I know we can't predict the weather since we were apparently really lucky with ours but I don't think you can go wrong with either choice

Heather

 

[michellekcm]

We couldn't decide, so we're doing both on a B2B! Being on the first DCL cruise to PEI was a big drawcard for me, but all the sea days on the Bahamas cruise was also appealing. Doing both gives us the best of both worlds

(We're from Australia so tend to take longer vacations to make the most of our long flights - hence why the two weeks.)

 

[mab2012]

Are you guys doing the 2016 or 2017 Canada - if you don't mind me asking? Curious what the weather is generally like in mid to late October.

I grew up in Nova Scotia; my immediate family members still reside there and we visit regularly.

October can be variable. During the day it will likely be cool, particularly towards the end of the month, but probably not what most people would describe as cold. Certainly not "cold" by Canadian standards. Costal areas will also be breezy, so that can make it feel a bit cooler. You're not going to want to be in shorts and a t-shirt, but most people would probably be comfortable in a sweater or lightweight jacket and pants. Nighttime lows can get near or sometimes below freezing. Again, this is more likely later in the month. October is a "changeover" month when the days get shorter quickly, so there's a noticeable difference between early and late October weather.

You might get rainy days, but it's not likely to rain every day, or even most days.

Leaves will usually be better toward early to mid-month. By late October many of the leaves will have already fallen.

If your idea of "good" weather is hot and sunny, the best time to visit the Maritimes is mid summer. I usually have good luck in the late July to early August timeframe. But not everyone loves heat, and if you're comfortable in somewhat cooler weather, October is a great time to visit. No bugs!

http://weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=NS

 

[Hotdogdance]

Just disembarked this morning in NYC from the 5 night Canadian Coastline cruise so I know it's a little different from yours but wanted to add how much we loved this sailing. I've been to Vancouver twice and briefly in Toronto but my Mom had never been to Canada period and we loved the Eastern part. We fell in love with Peggy's Cove in Halifax and the drive out there and back was simply STUNNING. The fall foliage hasn't even peaked yet (it's behind I believe for their area) but once we got into higher elevations driving out there, it was so beautiful. The cruise was cooler weather wise but not freezing by any means and we were blessed with bright blue beautiful sunny skies the entire cruise.

I can say this was the cruise where I observed the least amount of kids and it was my 14th DCL cruise. I have a DS so I'm not saying that's a good thing or bad thing, just mentioning it in case it matters for you. The kids on the cruise were still having a blast for sure.

I agree with others above and it really depends on what you're looking for - a more scenic, cooler type weather cruise, or beachy type vacation. I know we can't predict the weather since we were apparently really lucky with ours but I don't think you can go wrong with either choice

Heather

Oh my--your post is tempting to go for Canada. I .

I grew up in Nova Scotia; my immediate family members still reside there and we visit regularly.

October can be variable. During the day it will likely be cool, particularly towards the end of the month, but probably not what most people would describe as cold. Certainly not "cold" by Canadian standards. Costal areas will also be breezy, so that can make it feel a bit cooler. You're not going to want to be in shorts and a t-shirt, but most people would probably be comfortable in a sweater or lightweight jacket and pants. Nighttime lows can get near or sometimes below freezing. Again, this is more likely later in the month. October is a "changeover" month when the days get shorter quickly, so there's a noticeable difference between early and late October weather.

You might get rainy days, but it's not likely to rain every day, or even most days.

Leaves will usually be better toward early to mid-month. By late October many of the leaves will have already fallen.

If your idea of "good" weather is hot and sunny, the best time to visit the Maritimes is mid summer. I usually have good luck in the late July to early August timeframe. But not everyone loves heat, and if you're comfortable in somewhat cooler weather, October is a great time to visit. No bugs!

http://weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=NS

Thanks so much for a great report. Sounds like October will be a lovely time to visit... now I just have to finalize the decision!

 

[Hotdogdance]

We couldn't decide, so we're doing both on a B2B! Being on the first DCL cruise to PEI was a big drawcard for me, but all the sea days on the Bahamas cruise was also appealing. Doing both gives us the best of both worlds

(We're from Australia so tend to take longer vacations to make the most of our long flights - hence why the two weeks.)

What an awesome trip you guys are planning! We really enjoy the sea days as well. I expect once the Canada trip reports start rolling in we will see more talk and planning.

 

[hanscarlet]

Are you guys doing the 2016 or 2017 Canada - if you don't mind me asking? Curious what the weather is generally like in mid to late October.

We are doing a 2017 September 27th cruise to Canada... I'm from Buffalo so I am guessing it can be 50s to chilly 30s but it could go as warm as 65 if we get lucky but we're going to pack our coats and scarves but I hear the pools are heated so we might still be able to swim... it's a different feel, it's a fall Halloween cruise versus a beachy paradise cruise... I haven't done the fall one yet so I am expecting a different experience but still look forward to it being awesome

 

[msmama]

Just came back from the Canada cruise on the Magic too. I will say, weather wise, one day they made a big deal of how cold it was going to be (I think St. John day) but by mid morning it was beautiful. Long pants and sweatshirt weather but hardly frigid.
And there were definitely people swimming every day (too cold for me though).
I'm actually debating the same cruise next year with other family members.