We chose the New York to Quebec City route as we wanted to spend a few days in New York prior to embarking. This was our first time in New York. Stayed at the Hilton in Times Square and really enjoyed our time. We were a little concerned about the embarkation being in Brooklyn, but it was only a $35 cab ride over from Times Square and arrived about 11:30 am.
Embarkation was the fastest and the smoothest that we have ever experienced. Twenty minutes after arrival at the pier we were boarding the ship. (We did have priority as we were in a suite). Our suite was ready when we got onboard, dropped our carry on luggage and went to the dining room for lunch. Thankful for CC where we found beforehand that you could eat in a dining room and not have to eat at the Lido.
Overall we really enjoyed our cruise. We did not experience any of the smells from bad plumbing as had been mentioned on here previously. Our cabin steward was extremely attentive and seemed to anticipate our needs before us. Overall we found all of the staff to be much more friendlier and helpful than we did on Holland America last year. The food, especially in the Lido was ten times better! We actually ate lunch there most days as the dining room was only open for lunch on sea days (which was only 1).
What can I say but wow! An absolutely wonderful suite that is to die for. At over a 1000 sq feet of interior space it was definitely overkill for two of us, but oh so nice. This was the largest suite that I have stayed in either on land or sea. I did measure the balcony as well and it is over 500 sq feet in size. The website and brochures list the Grand Suite as 1200 sq ft, but if you include the balcony it is over 1500. Splurged to celebrate our anniversary and birthdays and glad that I did.
They could skip this port.
We have been to Halifax before but never in the fall. Wonderful little city.
We werent planning on even getting off the ship, but would have missed a quaint little east coast city.
One of our favorite cities in the world.
Loved it.