Also First Time Cruiser
 

I'm trying to decide between Holland, Royal Caribbean and Carnival. We will be doing the five day to Canada. We don't like a lot of hoopla, prefering to relax, read, lay in the sun, have a nice dinner and a quiet drink in the bar. My husband is a huge outdoors person and is looking forward to some of the Canadian off ship tours. Which would you recommend for me.

hi there, Carnival is the "fun ship" so there is a lot of partying and activities on board. Holland America in on the other end of the spectrum. They have white glove service, tend to sell to older clientel, so deffinatly would be calmer. Rccl is in the middle range. They have a younger crowd than HAL but are not quite as upbeat as Carnaval. I have toured thier ships in Saint John NB and think I would go on them for sure. Which Itinerary are you doing to Canada? Are you doing West or East Coast. I live on the East Coast of Canada, about an hour from Saint John, which is one of the cruise ports for eastern Canada. If you are doing this one I can recommend some things to try out in our beautiful province. Also some stuff to do in Nova Scotia, which is usually another port of call for the eastern cruises.

Thanks for your answer Melissa. We were really interested in Carnival, but seems a little bit Las Vegasy to us. Right now we are very intersted in the 7 day Holland (they don't have a 5 day) leaving from Montreal then going to PEI, Nova Scotia and Halifax. Any local information you could give me would be great. I'm very interested in Anne of Green Gables, and the Titanic information in Halifax. My husband is also interested in the Cabat Trail. Thanks for your help. <BR> <BR>

Oops, I know Halifax is in Nova Scotia. I meant to say in addition to Halifax, Sydney, which I am not so familiar with

Hi there,<BR>I haven't been to Sydney in Years!!! I don't know whether you will have time to do the Cabot Trail though. It is very long, and on the other side of the island of Cape Breton. You may be able to do part of it though. If not I recommend Fort Louisburg. It was a french fort in the 1700's. When we went there they wouldn't let us in for a few minutes saying we were English spies. I thought that was funny. Halifax is the most amazing city in the East. Deffinatly go along the warf, you will find a ton of pubs, and people singing and selling crafts and many other items. You must visit a real east coast pub while here, because that is what us locals do. You also should make sure you take in a great band. We love our music. Maritime music is usually accoustic, involves fidles, and great to dance to. I think it is kind of Irish inspired, I am not really sure but I love it!!! You could also visit Peggies cove. Not just becuase of Flight 111, but because it has been a favorite visiting spot for a long time. Also if you are interested in the Titanic, you can visit the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. It has a large area dedicated to the titanic. Also there is a grave yard full of victoms in Halifax. <BR>Prince Edward Island you will definaltly see Anne of Green Gables stuff everywhere. Just keep in mind Anne's house here looks nothing like the movie at all. I think most of the movie was acutally shot in Ontario. You can also visit Lucy Maude Montgomery's house. She was the author and it is quite interesting.<BR>A must in PEI is to visit Cow's. They have the most amazing icecream I have ever had. Also they sell really cute t'shirts and stuff.

Great post Melissa. I will add ..... Do not visit Peggy's Cove in the morning since it may be fogged-in. Also do not take a tour that will include the Maritime Museum. It is a short walk from the ship.<BR><BR>There are also a couple of Canadian ships tied up at the pier that you can inspect and if you did not lose enough money on the ship you can walk to the casino next to Cows and lose some more.<BR><BR>You can also walk up the hill to the shopping district where the American dollar will buy you a ton of stuff at Canadian rates.<BR><BR>Not so in the tourist/boardwalk area.<BR><BR>I have been to Halifax 5 times on 5 different ships and I am planning to go again. Truly New England in Canada.<BR><BR>Enjoy,<BR><BR>Paul