Canada/New England and Carnival - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

cj2speak · 06-11-2009, 06:38 PM

So, here's my deal. I've cruised quite a bit in my past. My significant other of 7 years is a first time cruiser. His rules to start were "nothing more than 4 or 5 days" and "no flying." We live in Hershey PA, we I started surfing. I wanted some place new for both of us to explore. Since I was very concerned he wouldn't like being "trapped" on a ship, I opted for cheaper cruise line but better cabin. So, I've booked Carnival Triumph balcony stateroom for this July.

What have you heard about this cruise this season? I know it just began but I'm hoping someone has heard something! We're 40s and 50s and so, not looking for the party hearty crowd; another reason I booked Canada/NE and not Bermuda or Bahamas in summer.

Secondly, he hates crowds (I know, you're wondering why we don't just go camping in a cave at this point). So, I was thinking about renting a car and driving the Fundy Bay coast in Saint John's. Any advice on this idea? I am hoping it will give us a bit more freedom but I'm a bit worried about travel times. I'd really like to go as far north as the Hopewell Rocks and have lunch in St. Martins or somewhere "cute" along the way.

Finally, (yes I know, I'm verbose) what about Halifax? Since we're cruising is it really worth a "whale watching" trip? When I was in Alaska, we saw many whale ship side and it seemed silly to go "hunt them down" when they were pretty much all around and about as much guarantee to see them from the ship as on a paid trip.

Whew--any other ideas and/or comments?

Lanky Lad · 06-11-2009, 06:52 PM

Welcome aboard.

I did a Canada and New England trip in 2006 and loved it. You do stand a better chance of seeing a whale on a special trip as they know where to go to find them.

patsea · 06-11-2009, 07:03 PM

i just got back from a 4 day canada cruise on the carnival triumph. only 1 stop in st. johns new brunswick. no partying crowd. there were tons (okay maybe 10 or so) whales seen off my friend's aft balcony. totally worth the price for that alone. we did a shore trips bay of fundy excursion. because we were first off and into our private van with 4 people total we were able to get into the sea caves with the tides. those that did the ship excursion did not make it into the caves before the tide came in. it came in so quickly. the excursion took us on a city tour, lighthouse, reversing tides. excellent for $63 per person. if there is anything you want to know about the triumph feel free to ask me. we were the first ship in this year i think to st. johns and definitely the first ship into their new terminal. we were greeted with a rose for the women, a st. johns lapel pin for the men and canada flags for the kids. the people there were the nicest people.

cj2speak · 06-11-2009, 07:12 PM

Hey Patsea,

Great information. Did you book your private tour before you left or when you arrived in Saint Johns? If so, how and with whom? or did you book on board?

Where in bay of fundy did you do the caves? is that in the national park or is that south of Saint Johns? I've been studying the tourism book from NB and the "fundy" area seems to be very broad.

Did you talk with anyone who went toe Hopewell Rocks? It sounds/looks amazing.

Finally, how was the ship? I'm a bit concerned it's going to be like cruising on board a "hard rock cafe" style ship.

patsea · 06-12-2009, 10:25 AM

brief review http://www.cruiselinefans.com/trip-r...ml#post1368383 (Carnival Triumph 4 Days Canada 6/7/09)