Embarkation: We arrived at the Boston Terminal around noon. There was no line at all, a pleasant surprise after a previous experience embarking in Seattle for an NCL cruise and standing in line for over an hour. Check-in took less than 5 minutes and we were off to lunch at the Lido.

Weather: We had great weather. People at each port seemed to tell us how lucky we were. A few light sprinkles in Bar Harbor. Chilly in Halifax (mid-50s), but I loved it! Sydney, Charlottetown, Quebec City, Montreal... clear skies. Unseasonably warm in Montreal (90-ish).

Ports of call: Strongly recommend taking a shore excursion in SYDNEY. Not a very scenic town. If you don't take an excursion, stay on the ship. We were greatly disappointed walking around this town. Downtown HALIFAX can easily be walked. From the ship, down the harborwalk to the Historic Properties, up George Street to Old Town Clock, around the Citadel, stroll through the Public Gardens, back to the ship--All do-able with the right walking shoes. CHARLOTTETOWN--nice to stroll around. Not too big or small. QUEBEC CITY--very easy to get lost! I recommend a stop at the Observatory, on the 31st floor of a downtown building. 360 degrees views of the beautiful city. Around $5.00 USD to walk around inside, pictures and information point out what you see in all directions. Read more