Although we have lived in Maryland for 21 years, I haven't thought of cruising out of Baltimore because all ships available are small. We selected Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas out of the convenience and destinations to New England and Canada in August.
I would say that the experience exceeded my expectation. Although the ship is small, the variety of entertainment programs compensated part of it. The size of the ship provided some intimate environment for fellow passengers to open up, talk and have a great time together. Several people I met in the trip did mention that's exactly what they like, especially for retirees. We have two kids aged 9 and 12, and still think that bigger ship fit our current needs better.
I have been to Disney Cruise and it offers higher quality entertainment for family with kids, but at a much higher cost. Royal Caribbean's offering provides a great quality/price combination, which we appreciate.
It was a very conveniently located cabin, very close to stairs and elevators. We prefer cabin in mid-ship and at the lowest level in order to reduce the feeling of seasickness. We did it.
Convenient! Port employees are not well trained and/or lacked service spirit.
Big city with so many things to do!
The downtown area is right nest to the port. Couldn't be better. Portland exceeded my expectation in terms of sophistication of the food offered. The cab driver we hired are so unqualified that he almost ran into incoming car, and he used GPS to go to the three lighthouses promised. The final lighthouse was privately owned and he didn't even know that. City of Portland needs to regulate the industry better.
Very nice small town but a bit too crowded with tourists. It's much busier that 20 years ago when we visited for the first time.
St. John does not have much to see and feel. Seems like the local economy is not doing well. Still appreciate the opportunity to visit.
Halifax is a booming town. The port area is very nice/clean and pleasant. Would love to go back and visit again.