Shore excursions for New England/Canada
Sep 9th, 2014, 11:40 AM
#1
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Shore excursions for New England/Canada
Hi,
I am leaving on the Carnival Splendor cruise this Saturday forNew England/Canada. I am wondering if I will be able to do the below ports on my own without paying for the expensive excursions. Are the sites walking distance from the port or will I need to take a taxi?
Portland
Saint John
Halifax
Thank you!
I am leaving on the Carnival Splendor cruise this Saturday forNew England/Canada. I am wondering if I will be able to do the below ports on my own without paying for the expensive excursions. Are the sites walking distance from the port or will I need to take a taxi?
Portland
Saint John
Halifax
Thank you!
Sep 10th, 2014, 02:00 AM
#2
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I did Saint John & Halifax on my own....get a map
and you will be able to see what to do.
In Halifax there is a tourist office across from The
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. It is a bit of a walk
but you can go up to see the Halifax Citadel National Historic
Site. I took a ferry over to Dartmouth; used the library
there to check my email
In Saint John there is the Brunswick Square shopping Centre
on King Street a 2 minute walk from cruise terminal (walking left) Market Square is interesting & has library where you can check your email - Just show your card at each library.
can't help w/Portland...hope this helps tho.
and you will be able to see what to do.
In Halifax there is a tourist office across from The
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. It is a bit of a walk
but you can go up to see the Halifax Citadel National Historic
Site. I took a ferry over to Dartmouth; used the library
there to check my email
In Saint John there is the Brunswick Square shopping Centre
on King Street a 2 minute walk from cruise terminal (walking left) Market Square is interesting & has library where you can check your email - Just show your card at each library.
can't help w/Portland...hope this helps tho.
Sep 10th, 2014, 06:27 AM
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Three of my favorite ports..
Halifax has a lovely seaside promenade and you can walk to Citadel (uphill) for the noon shooting off of the canyons.. You might want to take a taxi the cemetary for the victims of the Titanic..it's very, very moving. Peggys Cove is very touristy and if the weather isn't great you won't be able to see a thing. Halifax is a college town and very bright and lively with all the pubs..of course there is the museum right off the promenade..
In St. John the shopping area is fun as is the City Market.. You might want to take a bus from the port to the Reversing Falls and then if it's still there a ferry back to the shopping area. Found St. John to be a very charming old city filled with red brick homes. One thing that has endeared me to St. John is the fact from MA a bus load of high school students were in an accident and these children were taken in by the local famiiies and were lovingly cared for with home cooked meals and as a result there is a close bond between the citizens of St. John and Newton, MA..
Portland has a wonderful new waterfront with charming shops and restaurant..There are harbor and light house tours. If I remember right there is also a lovely Rose Garden and if your into shopping y ou can get to the outlet stores and LL Bean…the original
Halifax has a lovely seaside promenade and you can walk to Citadel (uphill) for the noon shooting off of the canyons.. You might want to take a taxi the cemetary for the victims of the Titanic..it's very, very moving. Peggys Cove is very touristy and if the weather isn't great you won't be able to see a thing. Halifax is a college town and very bright and lively with all the pubs..of course there is the museum right off the promenade..
In St. John the shopping area is fun as is the City Market.. You might want to take a bus from the port to the Reversing Falls and then if it's still there a ferry back to the shopping area. Found St. John to be a very charming old city filled with red brick homes. One thing that has endeared me to St. John is the fact from MA a bus load of high school students were in an accident and these children were taken in by the local famiiies and were lovingly cared for with home cooked meals and as a result there is a close bond between the citizens of St. John and Newton, MA..
Portland has a wonderful new waterfront with charming shops and restaurant..There are harbor and light house tours. If I remember right there is also a lovely Rose Garden and if your into shopping y ou can get to the outlet stores and LL Bean…the original
Sep 10th, 2014, 07:30 AM
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We go to Portland frequently so there is much to do there and you will love it! You can walk across the street from where the ship will dock (Old Port area) and there are lots of stores, etc. that you can browse in. It's easily walkable. Here is a website for you:
http://www.visitportland.com/cruisin...and-maine.aspx
We have done the trolley tour and it gives you a nice overview.
Cruise Passengers:
All of the larger cruise ships that visit Portland dock or tender in at The Maine State Pier (Portland Ocean Terminal) or the Ocean Gateway Terminal. Follow these simple walking directions to find us. We are a 5-10 minute walk from the Maine State Pier and a 15 minute walk from the Ocean Gateway Terminal.
Directions from the Ocean Gateway Terminal (click here)
Directions from the Maine State Pier (click here)
Although we run additional trolley tours and harbor cruises on cruise ship days, reservations are highly recommended as tours sell out quickly.
Please note: To cruise ship passengers arriving between October 10th and October 31st, we may be also offering a 9:30 a.m. trolley tour time when your ship is port, although it’s not advertised. Contact us for more information!
http://www.portlanddiscovery.com/
You can book these tours online. Sat. weather looks like 65 deg, sunny and some clouds, so good touring day (so far). LOL
There are many great restaurants in the area as well, lobster for sure!
http://www.visitportland.com/cruisin...and-maine.aspx
We have done the trolley tour and it gives you a nice overview.
Cruise Passengers:
All of the larger cruise ships that visit Portland dock or tender in at The Maine State Pier (Portland Ocean Terminal) or the Ocean Gateway Terminal. Follow these simple walking directions to find us. We are a 5-10 minute walk from the Maine State Pier and a 15 minute walk from the Ocean Gateway Terminal.
Directions from the Ocean Gateway Terminal (click here)
Directions from the Maine State Pier (click here)
Although we run additional trolley tours and harbor cruises on cruise ship days, reservations are highly recommended as tours sell out quickly.
Please note: To cruise ship passengers arriving between October 10th and October 31st, we may be also offering a 9:30 a.m. trolley tour time when your ship is port, although it’s not advertised. Contact us for more information!
http://www.portlanddiscovery.com/
You can book these tours online. Sat. weather looks like 65 deg, sunny and some clouds, so good touring day (so far). LOL
There are many great restaurants in the area as well, lobster for sure!
Sep 11th, 2014, 10:18 AM
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Boston is easy for touring off a cruise ship stop. Is Boston the last stop before you disembark the ship?
The trolleys make a stop at Black Falcon when cruise ships are in. You can board the trolley and take a tour of Boston - simple and easy. Get off/on when you want and see the sights. Trolleys stop at designated areas and usually come along approx. 20 min. We took 2 tours and found them to be pretty much on time.
http://www.trolleytours.com/boston/m...p-terminal.asp
http://www.allbostontours.com/body.a...ge=TourDetails
Here is a list of the stops:
1) New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace
2) Historic North End
3) USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard
4) North Station/TD Banknorth Garden
5) Old State House Museum
6) Trolley Stop Store/ Theater District
7) Cheers ""The Original"
8) Copley Square/ Newbury St. Boutiques
9) Christian Science Plaza/ Symphony Hall
10) Copley Place Shopping Galleries
11) Back Bay & Hynes Convention Center
12) Fenway Park
13) Cambridge/M.I.T./Harvard
14) Charles Street/ Antique Row
15) Boston State House/ Boston Common
16) South Station, Boston Tea Party
17) Boston Convention & Exposition Center
17a) Massport/ Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal (only open during cruise ship "port of call" days
18) Seaport District
http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/
you can download an audio tour
http://www.bostonwaterfrontguide.com...nt-attractions
http://oldnorth.com/
It is worth a visit to see Old North Church - it's lovely inside.
Upon arrival, visitors are seated in the church’s box pews to hear a brief 5-7 minute presentation by our educators on the history of Old North highlighting the founding of the church, items of architectural interest, the lantern story, and the role of the Old North in the American Revolution. Visitors are also welcome to walk around the church and read our numerous educational signs and posters if they wish to explore the site on their own.
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED for visiting the church, even large tour groups. Our educator staff is available to speak to groups and answer questions at ANY TIME during our regular visitor hours. We look forward to seeing you!
Lots of history at this church!
Freedom Trail: http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/
That should keep you busy! Enjoy your trip and visit to Boston.
The trolleys make a stop at Black Falcon when cruise ships are in. You can board the trolley and take a tour of Boston - simple and easy. Get off/on when you want and see the sights. Trolleys stop at designated areas and usually come along approx. 20 min. We took 2 tours and found them to be pretty much on time.
http://www.trolleytours.com/boston/m...p-terminal.asp
http://www.allbostontours.com/body.a...ge=TourDetails
Here is a list of the stops:
1) New England Aquarium/Faneuil Hall Marketplace
2) Historic North End
3) USS Constitution/Charlestown Navy Yard
4) North Station/TD Banknorth Garden
5) Old State House Museum
6) Trolley Stop Store/ Theater District
7) Cheers ""The Original"
8) Copley Square/ Newbury St. Boutiques
9) Christian Science Plaza/ Symphony Hall
10) Copley Place Shopping Galleries
11) Back Bay & Hynes Convention Center
12) Fenway Park
13) Cambridge/M.I.T./Harvard
14) Charles Street/ Antique Row
15) Boston State House/ Boston Common
16) South Station, Boston Tea Party
17) Boston Convention & Exposition Center
17a) Massport/ Black Falcon Cruise Ship Terminal (only open during cruise ship "port of call" days
18) Seaport District
http://www.bostonharborwalk.com/
you can download an audio tour
http://www.bostonwaterfrontguide.com...nt-attractions
http://oldnorth.com/
It is worth a visit to see Old North Church - it's lovely inside.
Upon arrival, visitors are seated in the church’s box pews to hear a brief 5-7 minute presentation by our educators on the history of Old North highlighting the founding of the church, items of architectural interest, the lantern story, and the role of the Old North in the American Revolution. Visitors are also welcome to walk around the church and read our numerous educational signs and posters if they wish to explore the site on their own.
RESERVATIONS ARE NOT REQUIRED for visiting the church, even large tour groups. Our educator staff is available to speak to groups and answer questions at ANY TIME during our regular visitor hours. We look forward to seeing you!
Lots of history at this church!
Freedom Trail: http://www.cityofboston.gov/freedomtrail/
That should keep you busy! Enjoy your trip and visit to Boston.
Sep 12th, 2014, 02:03 AM
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Portland - I love this little city. It is walkable, but there are some incredible vistas and lighthouses that are not - so depending on your interests, you might consider paying for a tour of these. If not, dozens of cute little shops in Portland.
The hop on-hop off trolley is a wonderful idea for Boston. I did not know they stopped at Black Falcon Pier - was going to suggest a cab to a trolley stop, but seems that is not necessary. Keep an eye on the time and plan on perhaps taking a taxi back to Pier. Boston traffic is challenging and sometimes the trolleys get bogged down or do not appear as frequently as you may need.
The hop on-hop off trolley is a wonderful idea for Boston. I did not know they stopped at Black Falcon Pier - was going to suggest a cab to a trolley stop, but seems that is not necessary. Keep an eye on the time and plan on perhaps taking a taxi back to Pier. Boston traffic is challenging and sometimes the trolleys get bogged down or do not appear as frequently as you may need.
Sep 12th, 2014, 03:04 AM
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Someone on www.cruisecritic.com posted their plans which might help you - as follows:
Monday Halifax- 8-5 Get off ship, take a private cab at the dock (mostly for the narration)($50 per hour)-brief city tour, then Peggy’s Cove- check out lighthouse and cliffs, and Swiss air memorial, then Titanic Cemetery, then back to town- drop off at Citadel ($7.80 each), Lobster Lunch in town, then Maritime Museum 930-530 ($8.75), then boardwalk (harbor walk) back to ship.
Tuesday Saint John. 7-10 am watch ship pull into Bay of Fundy In port: 10-6 pm Take the free enclosed walkways (pedway system- see map) to New Brunswick Museum (about $8 per) walk around Brunswick square and city market. pm. Lunch back on ship. Walk 15 minutes to Forte Howe Lookout . The fort, perched high on a rocky cliff, is reached from Main Street via Metcalfe Street and Magazine Street. Then walk 30 minutes to Reversing rapids at Fallsview walk to viewpoint lookout (on the map) (You can walk from the ship all the way along a paved walkway to the Reversing Falls Info Center, where there is plenty of opportunity to take, watch boats rise/sink with tides.
Monday Halifax- 8-5 Get off ship, take a private cab at the dock (mostly for the narration)($50 per hour)-brief city tour, then Peggy’s Cove- check out lighthouse and cliffs, and Swiss air memorial, then Titanic Cemetery, then back to town- drop off at Citadel ($7.80 each), Lobster Lunch in town, then Maritime Museum 930-530 ($8.75), then boardwalk (harbor walk) back to ship.
Tuesday Saint John. 7-10 am watch ship pull into Bay of Fundy In port: 10-6 pm Take the free enclosed walkways (pedway system- see map) to New Brunswick Museum (about $8 per) walk around Brunswick square and city market. pm. Lunch back on ship. Walk 15 minutes to Forte Howe Lookout . The fort, perched high on a rocky cliff, is reached from Main Street via Metcalfe Street and Magazine Street. Then walk 30 minutes to Reversing rapids at Fallsview walk to viewpoint lookout (on the map) (You can walk from the ship all the way along a paved walkway to the Reversing Falls Info Center, where there is plenty of opportunity to take, watch boats rise/sink with tides.
Sep 12th, 2014, 09:31 AM
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Boston, my home town.. you can't do it all,but I can't say enough about the original Boston Duck Tour. Even as a local I scoffed at it until I finally took cruising friends on it and it's a blast.
Luv2travel15 has great ideas…but you can't squeeze it all in even in a weekend.. Of course be sure to get y our fresh lobster, not the stuff they use on the cruise ships….echh. lol
Luv2travel15 has great ideas…but you can't squeeze it all in even in a weekend.. Of course be sure to get y our fresh lobster, not the stuff they use on the cruise ships….echh. lol
Sep 12th, 2014, 03:06 PM
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ParrotMom - u got that right about the "stuff" they use on cruise ships, yuck! Everyone onboard always raves about the lobster but when you come from Boston and eat the real McCoy here, then nothing else compares.
Sep 14th, 2014, 12:35 PM
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On one of out cruises they had "lobster" and when I refused everybody looked at us..lol..Other cruisers understood.. Give me a good cold water Maine lobster any day of the week. BTW my local supermarket has them this week for $4.99 a pound and will steam them for you.. There has been an abundance of lobster this year and I'm tired of it..ol
Sep 14th, 2014, 07:21 PM
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ParrotMom, hope all is well with you! Got real busy while visiting my siblings just a couple weeks ago in the Boston area and did not have a chance to connect with you. Totally my fault!
Nice to see some of my favorite places from years gone by are still there and operating!
I did managed to get to Mount Auburn and visit. Also going to miss the Constitution if it is going to be decommissioned. Managed to get on board one last time the day before it sailed.
Nice to see some of my favorite places from years gone by are still there and operating!
I did managed to get to Mount Auburn and visit. Also going to miss the Constitution if it is going to be decommissioned. Managed to get on board one last time the day before it sailed.
Sep 16th, 2014, 01:56 PM
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Hi Eschew… hope you enjoyed y our visit with relatives on I thnk the South Shore. Downtown Boston has changed hasn't it? I myself don't recognize parts of the city, but there are been so many great improvements..especially the Rose Kennedy Parkway and the Seaport area. Can't remember when I was last on the Constitution, but never fear I hear we will have a be having another Tall Ship in Boston in the next year or so.
Fall is here now, it;s apple picking and fall foliage (soon) and he frost is about to descend to the pumpkins, etc. etc.
Right now my friends are on a Celebrity from Southampton to Gibraltar, Lisbon, Malaga, Rome,
Genoa, Florence and busy sending pictures of their adventures and dining and I'm so envious…lol and I'm a bit envious…some of my favorite ports. Oh well
s
Fall is here now, it;s apple picking and fall foliage (soon) and he frost is about to descend to the pumpkins, etc. etc.
Right now my friends are on a Celebrity from Southampton to Gibraltar, Lisbon, Malaga, Rome,
Genoa, Florence and busy sending pictures of their adventures and dining and I'm so envious…lol and I'm a bit envious…some of my favorite ports. Oh well
s
Sep 17th, 2014, 12:44 PM
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ParrotMom, U have given me a real craving for lobstah! Our supermarket also had them for $4.99 and they would steam them. However, there is nothing like driving to Maine for a lobster fix! Think we'll head up for the day next week.
Sep 18th, 2014, 06:34 AM
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ParrotMom, don't stop cruising!
My family is all spread out in the Boston area, Some are even in Quincy and Brian Tree which is very close to you. We did managed to get down to Rhode Island, and spend a day at the North Shore as well. Mount Auburn still looks the same. Just a lot of running around in a week.
Yes, Boston has changed. Lots! I hardly recognize some place. I thought the change was for the better. Wandered around the old town and some how ended up in Chinatown, it is much nicer than I remembered.
Have to catch up to you next time I am in town.
My family is all spread out in the Boston area, Some are even in Quincy and Brian Tree which is very close to you. We did managed to get down to Rhode Island, and spend a day at the North Shore as well. Mount Auburn still looks the same. Just a lot of running around in a week.
Yes, Boston has changed. Lots! I hardly recognize some place. I thought the change was for the better. Wandered around the old town and some how ended up in Chinatown, it is much nicer than I remembered.
Have to catch up to you next time I am in town.
