Official Thread For Upcoming Eastern Canadian Cruises

[jilljill]

Hi there!
Excited to be on this cruise with all of you!!!

I'm Lisa, 36 and my DH is Lou 31...no kids yet but trying!!

This will be our 7th Disney cruise and we couldn't be more excited!

I'd love to participate in the FE! I'm going to fill out the Google document link now! Yay! My first FE!

Also have to start making out door magnets....so much fun!

We looked at the excursions available and decided to do Halifax on our own. Maritime Museum, walk along the port, eat some yummy COWS ice cream, walk up the hill to Freaky Lunchbox, go to the Citadel and the walk down hill and grab a bite to eat (some yummy seafood!).

Can't wait!!!!!

You will need to post this info on the actual meets thread for your sailing in the Meets Thread forums of the DCL boards. This thread is only for general information for all the Canadian cruises happening this summer.

 

[Minnie Monellen]

deleted post

 

[figment52]

Hi there!
Excited to be on this cruise with all of you!!!

I'm Lisa, 36 and my DH is Lou 31...no kids yet but trying!!

This will be our 7th Disney cruise and we couldn't be more excited!

I'd love to participate in the FE! I'm going to fill out the Google document link now! Yay! My first FE!

Also have to start making out door magnets....so much fun!

We looked at the excursions available and decided to do Halifax on our own. Maritime Museum, walk along the port, eat some yummy COWS ice cream, walk up the hill to Freaky Lunchbox, go to the Citadel and the walk down hill and grab a bite to eat (some yummy seafood!).

Can't wait!!!!!

Don't forget the public gardens - they are beautiful.

 

[llqool]

Sorry about no Fantasy, llqool, but so happy to have you onboard for Eastern Canada (and especially the June 17 sailing!)! Have you gotten through this whole thread? There's a contagious excitement here about the whole Canadian itinerary!

Can we go yet?

Oh, no worries -- I'm already getting excited about this itinerary. Fantasy, shmantasy -- I can sail in the Caribbean any time. Whereas Disney may never sail to Eastern Canada again, or at least not for a very long time. I just wish it was a 7 day cruise! Then it would be PERFECT!

 

[ksloane]

Oh, no worries -- I'm already getting excited about this itinerary. Fantasy, shmantasy -- I can sail in the Caribbean any time. Whereas Disney may never sail to Eastern Canada again, or at least not for a very long time. I just wish it was a 7 day cruise! Then it would be PERFECT!

AGREED!! I'd love this to be 7 days!

 

[llqool]

Still not sure what to do on our port days...

In Halifax, it seems like there's a lot to do close by, but am wondering if we should get the Hop On Hop Off excursion. It doesn't seem like you can book that on your own.

In St. John, kids are too young for the rapids, and I thought about taking an excursion to St. Martins, especially to explore when the tide is out and then maybe watch it come in, but I was reading that if you go on those big bus tours, they often miss the tides. And I'm not much of a big bus tour person. But to book a private tour is like $300! I don't want to "cheap out" though, and miss something that is really, truly worth seeing. From what I've read, St. John is kind of "industrial" rather than quaint? Not sure I just want to hang around there if there are things I should be seeing elsewhere!

 

[DenverVal]

I am curious to know the opinion of someone local to Halifax. I've been told that Peggy's Cove is exceptionally beautiful, and the idea of the coastal hike is appealing, but this excursion takes up the entire time we have available. There will be a photo op at the Citadel, but I will miss the Maritime Museum and the opportunity to stroll around Halifax, won't be able to visit the Titanic-oriented sites. I am a geology, photography, and history kind of person; is this a reasonable trade-off?

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

In St. John, kids are too young for the rapids, and I thought about taking an excursion to St. Martins, especially to explore when the tide is out and then maybe watch it come in, but I was reading that if you go on those big bus tours, they often miss the tides. And I'm not much of a big bus tour person. But to book a private tour is like $300! I don't want to "cheap out" though, and miss something that is really, truly worth seeing. From what I've read, St. John is kind of "industrial" rather than quaint? Not sure I just want to hang around there if there are things I should be seeing elsewhere!

I agree that Saint John is the harder port to plan. There are some port adventures that sound good, though. If I had kids age 7 and 9, I think I'd look at: the Bay of Fundy Scenic Railway; Family Fun - Critters and Creatures Catch and Release; Maple Sugar Shack; Saint John River Cruise; Whale of a Time at the Maritime Museum (if we hadn't museumed out in Halifax).

We are leaning toward the jet boat on the rapids with our teens - wonder if we can book it on our own?

 

[ksloane]

Still not sure what to do on our port days...

In Halifax, it seems like there's a lot to do close by, but am wondering if we should get the Hop On Hop Off excursion. It doesn't seem like you can book that on your own.

In St. John, kids are too young for the rapids, and I thought about taking an excursion to St. Martins, especially to explore when the tide is out and then maybe watch it come in, but I was reading that if you go on those big bus tours, they often miss the tides. And I'm not much of a big bus tour person. But to book a private tour is like $300! I don't want to "cheap out" though, and miss something that is really, truly worth seeing. From what I've read, St. John is kind of "industrial" rather than quaint? Not sure I just want to hang around there if there are things I should be seeing elsewhere!

We had the same problem - wanted to do so much in Halifax and even though I love what we booked, I am sad that we'll miss some stuff...LOL

But then had a hard time deciding St. John for opposite problem. We finally decided on the Maple Syrup thing....can't remember exact name...

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

I decided to go ahead and reserve this for us in Saint John:
http://www.jetboatrides.com/thrill.html

It's the jet boat ride on the reversing rapids - same as offered by Disney port excursions. So we'll have to get ourselves there on our own. But it is 1/2 the price. Hope I did the right thing - it's all about the adventure, right?!! Also, it is fully refundable if canceled up to 48 hours before the event, so I have time to change. As my DH would point out, a LOT of time !

 

[taximom00]

I'm interested in the jet boat rides but not quite sure what my 78 year old mom would do! And I know she wants to be with us (myself and my daughter who will turn 13 a week before the cruise) I will check the direct website and see if there is something there for her...can she watch us?!

Thinking of the pink hop on/off bus in Halifax....my mom loves those tours and as too much walking won't work for her it might be a good option....

In Halifax, my daughter would enjoy the ice cream place (Cowtails??), the candy store (Freak Lunchbox?) and the Beavertails place......her mind is on sugar

I would like to also go to the Titanic museum in Halifax.

Has anyone done more research than me to know if those are all doable that day?!

We are on the July 8 sailing! There is a small FE group started (about 8 families) so check out that link if you want to join.

I'm not on top of that piece of it yet, though have ideas (plus haven't gotten around to figuring out how to make the actual FE yet, either...but working on that, too!!

 

[llqool]

I agree that Saint John is the harder port to plan. There are some port adventures that sound good, though. If I had kids age 7 and 9, I think I'd look at: the Bay of Fundy Scenic Railway; Family Fun - Critters and Creatures Catch and Release; Maple Sugar Shack; Saint John River Cruise; Whale of a Time at the Maritime Museum (if we hadn't museumed out in Halifax).

Yes, I was looking at the rail thing, too, but I couldn't find any reviews or anything on it. Then I found an article that says that this is a brand new excursion being offered this year b/c there are FIVE new cruise lines making stops there starting this year.

(can't link to it, apparently, but it was in the cruise business review)

The Saint John Rocks! looks interesting, too, but at $99 per person, I could hire a private tour company.

Decisions, decisions! It's always tough for me to make these kinds of choices!

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

In Halifax, my daughter would enjoy the ice cream place (Cowtails??), the candy store (Freak Lunchbox?) and the Beavertails place......her mind is on sugar

Yup we've got that kind of kid(s) too! I'm planning on alternating sugar event with cultural/scenic/adventure experience!

Regarding the reversing falls, there is a restaurant that has been mentioned earlier on this thread, maybe this one:

http://saintjohndining.com/restaurants/falls-view-restaurant.html

I wonder if you could see the jet boats from the restaurant, though?

Eastern Canadian friends, a question: Are there "seatbelts" on this jet boat ride?? Actually, I'd prefer full body harnesses like on upside-down roller coasters! Now that I've booked it, I'm getting a bit nervous!

 

[jkpmac]

I'm interested in the jet boat rides but not quite sure what my 78 year old mom would do! And I know she wants to be with us (myself and my daughter who will turn 13 a week before the cruise) I will check the direct website and see if there is something there for her...can she watch us?!

Thinking of the pink hop on/off bus in Halifax....my mom loves those tours and as too much walking won't work for her it might be a good option....

In Halifax, my daughter would enjoy the ice cream place (Cowtails??), the candy store (Freak Lunchbox?) and the Beavertails place......her mind is on sugar

I would like to also go to the Titanic museum in Halifax.

Has anyone done more research than me to know if those are all doable that day?!


We are on the July 8 sailing! There is a small FE group started (about 8 families) so check out that link if you want to join.

I'm not on top of that piece of it yet, though have ideas (plus haven't gotten around to figuring out how to make the actual FE yet, either...but working on that, too!!

There is a restaurant with a view overlooking the falls and I do believe they have an observation deck.


I think you could do everything you have listed in Halifax in one day, just a reminder thought, the Museum is not just about the Titanic, it is a maritime museum, and has a lot of other things too. Such as info on The Bluenose, the Halifax Explosion etc. The Titanic is only one part.

 

[jkpmac]

Yup we've got that kind of kid(s) too! I'm planning on alternating sugar event with cultural/scenic/adventure experience!

Regarding the reversing falls, there is a restaurant that has been mentioned earlier on this thread, maybe this one:

http://saintjohndining.com/restaurants/falls-view-restaurant.html

I wonder if you could see the jet boats from the restaurant, though?

Eastern Canadian friends, a question: Are there "seatbelts" on this jet boat ride?? Actually, I'd prefer full body harnesses like on upside-down roller coasters! Now that I've booked it, I'm getting a bit nervous!

I am sure the safety of the riders is paramount, so expect some kind of safety device to keep you in the boat. They have been around for a while.

I was hoping for a link directly to the restaurant with images, but no luck.

 

[jkpmac]

Still not sure what to do on our port days...

In Halifax, it seems like there's a lot to do close by, but am wondering if we should get the Hop On Hop Off excursion. It doesn't seem like you can book that on your own.

In St. John, kids are too young for the rapids, and I thought about taking an excursion to St. Martins, especially to explore when the tide is out and then maybe watch it come in, but I was reading that if you go on those big bus tours, they often miss the tides. And I'm not much of a big bus tour person. But to book a private tour is like $300! I don't want to "cheap out" though, and miss something that is really, truly worth seeing. From what I've read, St. John is kind of "industrial" rather than quaint? Not sure I just want to hang around there if there are things I should be seeing elsewhere!

The area where you will be docked isn't industrial, it is a small modern city, but it was also a major salt water port in the past. Many of the buildings are turn of the century and reflect this. I love going to Saint John, in 30 years I haven't tired of it yet!

There is a mill near Reversing Falls, but really you can block it out easily from the view.

As for missing the tides, Well I said in an earlier post, Disney has not figured out how to control them...... yet. I have never been to St. Martins, but I have been to St. Andrews. Tide or not I am sure you will enjoy it. You might want to consider renting a vehicle. Enterprise is one car rental company in Saint John. Renting might be cheaper than the private tours.

 

[llqool]

The area where you will be docked isn't industrial, it is a small modern city, but it was also a major salt water port in the past. Many of the buildings are turn of the century and reflect this. I love going to Saint John, in 30 years I haven't tired of it yet!

Thank you for your unique viewpoint, jkpmac. It's hard to get perspective sometimes when one is only doing research via the internet!

I have never been to St. Martins, but I have been to St. Andrews. Tide or not I am sure you will enjoy it. You might want to consider renting a vehicle. Enterprise is one car rental company in Saint John. Renting might be cheaper than the private tours.

That is a very good idea - -I need to look into it. After all, we speak the same language and drive on the same side of the road!

I just booked the Halifax HOHO tour with Learn the Ropes for the kiddos. May change my mind, but this looks like the best option for us at this point. Kids will like the chance to do "hands on" stuff and have a keepsake to take home. Mom & Dad will appreciate a few moments to look at museum exhibits alone....

 

[Never to old]

If we want to enjoy everything at the maritime museum, how much time should we allot for it?

 

[ksloane]

Tonight and tomorrow there are Titanic specials on the National Geographic Channel.

a quick search on my dish network shows a lot of Titanic shows coming up.

Thought I'd share as my daughter is hyped up about learning about the Titanic with our cruise coming up.

 

[DenverVal]

Funny you should say that - watching it now.