Jewel of the Seas to Canada/New England - Can I do this cheap?

[rafinmd]

I don't think this has been suggested yet, but if you want to visit the specialty restaruants, why not do it at lunch. Still a nice meal but about half the price.

 

Roy

[gerif]

We also did the Alexander Keith brewery tour. The tour is led by someone in period costume and they take you back in time to when the brewery was first opened. The tour ends with two free pints of beer in their pub with a sing a long. I think the tour cost around $20. We enjoyed it a lot.

 

We were walking back to the ship from the Maritime Museum (had already done the Peggy's Cove thing on a previous cruise) and were "accosted" by some lovely ladies in period costumes handing out discount coupons for the brewery tour. DH loves his beer so pretty much dragged me over to the brewery. I had to admit, it was a very enjoyable tour and lots of fun in the pub (DH had 3 pints, I had one). I would definitely do it again.

[reallyitsmema]

It does look familiar. Hope you are doing well.

We are doing great thanks, wish we could book another cruise on the Jewel though with those great prices they had this week on the specials. The 10/22 cruise had balconies for $749.:eek: If DH didn't have to be in Arizona on business that week, I think we would have jumped at that price.

 

Hopefully, we can lose in trivia to you and yours on another cruise someday.;):D:p

[emilygrace]

I don't think this has been suggested yet, but if you want to visit the specialty restaruants, why not do it at lunch. Still a nice meal but about half the price.

 

Roy

 

I have never seen the specialty restaurants open for lunch on any of my RCL cruises. I had heard they used to do this a long time ago, but not recently.

 

And ps. Sorry about the bad info on the FRED bus.

[mjldvlks]

We are doing great thanks, wish we could book another cruise on the Jewel though with those great prices they had this week on the specials. The 10/22 cruise had balconies for $749.:eek: If DH didn't have to be in Arizona on business that week, I think we would have jumped at that price.

 

Hopefully, we can lose in trivia to you and yours on another cruise someday.;):D:p

LOL win or lose the games I appreciate most are the ones where people are having fun and not taking it too seriously. Hope to cross paths with you on another cruise someday.

[baggal]

Donna gave you a great suggestion, and I'll try to "improve" it:

 

Save the money for Chops and Portofino and spend it on a lobster meal in Portland and in Bar Harbor!

 

I second that.

[smltwngrl76]

I sure wish we could send some of you all of the lobster that we will *not* be eating on this cruise! haha. I almost feel bad about it, because it seems to be the highlight of this itinerary for many people. Or at least one high point! haha. But alas, neither of us eat lobster. :(

 

Yep, I already bought the tour for Oli's Trolley and printed our tickets out online. I'm pretty excited about that one.

 

While in Halifax, I would be willing to bet that we'll be checking out the Citadel as well. That sounds pretty interesting. And no worries about the FRED thing--we'll probably just grab a taxi, unless we're feeling like we are in need of a good hike!

 

I do remember a brewery or two being on my list of things I'd like to look for. :)

 

On thing is for sure, I don't think I've had a single person yet say that they did this itinerary and did not enjoy it!

[luvsun22]

This is a great thread! We're doing this cruise next year and I'm taking notes on everything to do in the ports!

[1lovehols]

Not done this cruise but I'd recommend taking a empty water bottle with you then it may sound cheap but you can get a couple of lemonades @ lunch & have decant it into the water bottle. I did this on last cruise & hardly bought a soda can.

 

I do admit to at each port bringing on a couple of cans & popping them in the cooler instead of paying ships prices.

 

The sea view on the jewel is a lovely spot & if your in the lifts & see a flash of colour yes there's flamingos on the top floor.

 

:))

[rafinmd]

I have never seen the specialty restaurants open for lunch on any of my RCL cruises. I had heard they used to do this a long time ago, but not recently.

 

And ps. Sorry about the bad info on the FRED bus.

 

oops. You're right. I usually do that but not on RCCL.

 

Roy

[critterchick]

Congrats on your weight loss! That's an awesome job!

 

I was going to ask which sailing you're on; looks like the week after us. But do go join your Roll Call if you haven't already and get some great tips from the folks there.

 

We've booked all independent tours, in 3 ports. Halifax we'll just do on our own - there will be 3 ships in port, so Peggy's Cove will have to wait for another visit. Plus I hear that it's very picturesque so there's lots to do and see within walking/hiking distance of the pier.

 

We're taking Oly's Trolley in Bar Harbor (I think it's $29pp but more comfortable and extensive than the free Park Service shuttle bus), Freedom Tours' Fundy to Fundy ($70pp) and the Portland Discovery Land & Sea ($35pp) tours. We'll eat when the spirit moves us.

 

Although the specialty restaurants aren't "necessary," they're very good and IMO head and shoulders above the MDR or WJ, so if it's in your budget, I say go for it. DO NOT ACCEPT THE BOTTLED WATER THEY OFFER, as it is not included in the price of your meal and they don't tell you that. Ditto with specialty coffees.

 

I did think about a massage, but my goodness you're right! Easily triple the price I'd pay around here, and I've yet to meet a massage I was truly impressed by. I'd just die to pay that much and not really enjoy it. So will probably talk myself out of that.

 

If you want a massage, do some Internet research in the ports and see if you can find a reasonably priced day spa (I'm thinking Portland would be your best bet). Get reviews on Tripadvisor or other travel sites. There will be in-port specials in the spa that knock some amount of the cost of a massage, but it still would likely be more than you'd pay on land.

 

Don't use your credit card in the Canadian ports unless you have a card with no foreign transaction fees. I don't know if the merchants will take US dollars, so consider exchanging $100 or so before you go.

 

Hope that helps!

[CasaSmith]

I will be on my 4th New England/Canada on October 22 and can not wait. This is besides Alaska my favorite cruise and third time on the Jewel. Love the ship and the stops.

 

In Portland you can walk around in the Old Port area or go to the Victoria Mansion. Bar Harbor definitely Arcadia National Park. Halifax unless you are used to walking up hills take a taxi to the Citadel and then walk down to the broardwalk. Saint John is nice place, very friendly people. You can walk to the cemetery or the Market Place and usually near the lighthouse local artisian set up little booths. I agree about the Rapids no big deal unless you are interested in those things.

 

Sorry you do not like lobster but I can not wait to have my fill.

 

I agree to save some money go to Portofino at lunch instead of dinner.

 

But most of all enjoy your trip and the scenery.

[Puffinater]

We also did the Alexander Keith brewery tour. The tour is led by someone in period costume and they take you back in time to when the brewery was first opened. The tour ends with two free pints of beer in their pub with a sing a long. I think the tour cost around $20. We enjoyed it a lot.

 

Is this close by the dock? Thanks.

[reallyitsmema]

Is this close by the dock? Thanks.

It is on Lower Water Street, along the boardwalk. It isn't too far, it is on the left before you get to the Maritime museum.

 

http://www.keiths.ca/index.html

 

You get your choice of beer at the end of the tour. I think we had 4 different beers to choose from and they also have lemonade for the nondrinker.

[Puffinater]

It is on Lower Water Street, along the boardwalk. It isn't too far, it is on the left before you get to the Maritime museum.

 

http://www.keiths.ca/index.html

 

You get your choice of beer at the end of the tour. I think we had 4 different beers to choose from and they also have lemonade for the nondrinker.

 

Thanks for the info. Will check it out.

[reallyitsmema]

Thanks for the info. Will check it out.

You're welcome. I found the map i was trying to find that will give you an idea where it is.

 

http://www.cruisehalifax.ca/our-city/city-map.html

 

Edit to add:

 

There are at least two flights of stairs on the tour so if anyone has mobility issues, this might not be a good choice.

[ladyflatlander]

[Wequote=smltwngrl76;30147872]I'll be going on the Jewel of the Seas to Canada/New England in October. Just my mom and I, to relax and see the fall foliage, and because we've both always wanted to go on a cruise and nobody else wants to. I've got my cruise paid in full and am now saving for spending money. I am wondering, what is the cheapest you have ever had the final balance of your onboard expense account be? Here are the things I know I need to budget for:

 

- $50 for airline baggage fees

- Approx. $80 to pay the tips at the end of the cruise

- Probably eat in each specialty restaurant 1x each so about $60 for that

 

We do not plan on booking any shore excursions, as we would prefer to go off on our own in the ports, OR take advantage of a less-populated ship on those days and hang out in the solarium. I am not a big soda drinker, so the soda package is not right for me. IF I drink one a day, I will be surprised--I will be quite happy with the water, tea and lemonade that is free. I might "splurge" on the alcoholic "drink of the day" when it sounds good though. I also don't do the casino, so I'm certainly not budgeting any money for donating to it. ;)

 

Sooo....do I have my bases covered? Or is there anything glaring that is going to pop up and cost me money that I'm not considering? Probably need to have some money for spending in ports...I definitely want to see the Maritime museum in Halifax.

 

I know I probably sound boring, and who wants to cruise on a budget!? LOL. But honestly, I just love the water and could care less if I just sit on the deck all 7 days and watch the water go by. I can't wait! Also, I've worked quite hard over the past couple of years to lose 65 pounds and I am NOT looking to gain it back on this cruise. LOL. I do plan to indulge, of course! But I'm not going broke over any food that isn't "free."

 

Thanks for any and all suggestions, I appreciate it much! :)

[ladyflatlander]

We have sailed on the Jewel many times and she is always a pleasure. With all the friendly,courteous, helpful service throughout the ship, you might consider tipping a little more generously.

[smltwngrl76]

Yep I did buy a refillable water bottle that I'll be bringing with me. I don't plan to touch a bottle of water on that ship! haha

 

Congrats on your weight loss! That's an awesome job!

 

Thanks! I have to really buckle down these last few weeks here so I can freely indulge on the cruise and not feel too bad by the end! haha

 

Great idea on the massage IN port! I hadn't thought of that! I might just look into that. And good note on the canadian currency--I had *not* thought of that.

 

And yep, I'm active over on our roll call, and signed up for the M&M! :)

 

...I found the map i was trying to find that will give you an idea where it is.

 

Wow, great map! Thank you!! :D

[reallyitsmema]

Yep I did buy a refillable water bottle that I'll be bringing with me. I don't plan to touch a bottle of water on that ship! haha

 

 

 

Thanks! I have to really buckle down these last few weeks here so I can freely indulge on the cruise and not feel too bad by the end! haha

 

Great idea on the massage IN port! I hadn't thought of that! I might just look into that. And good note on the canadian currency--I had *not* thought of that.

 

And yep, I'm active over on our roll call, and signed up for the M&M! :)

 

 

 

Wow, great map! Thank you!! :D

You're welcome.:)

 

As far as the currency issue, we found everyone would take US dollars and would give you canadian as change. At the time we were there last year, we got an even exchange which was worth the convenience in our minds. Even the cabbie took US dollars. We also really didn't buy much so wasn't a huge issue.

[Atlantis Aura]

Jan,

Hope you have a great time! We are sailing right after you, leaving on Jewel on the 22nd :D

[smltwngrl76]

Jan,

Hope you have a great time! We are sailing right after you, leaving on Jewel on the 22nd :D

 

 

Thanks, and same to you! I will do my best to keep her in top shape for you! :D

 

Oh hey do you want my lobster? I could hide it somewhere on the ship for you! LOL

[reallyitsmema]

One more link since I was looking at it earlier.

 

http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/halifax/waterfront.html

 

Halifax has a ton of webcams you can look at including a lobster pot cam.:eek::D One of the ships is just leaving and now that it has, you can see the Jewel since it is not at Pier 21 today but in the shipyard beyond Pier 21 since their were 3 ships in port today.

 

Harbor Hopper cam is fun too. You can take a tour before you even get there.:p

[smltwngrl76]

One more link since I was looking at it earlier.

 

http://www.novascotiawebcams.com/halifax/waterfront.html

 

Halifax has a ton of webcams you can look at including a lobster pot cam.:eek::D One of the ships is just leaving and now that it has, you can see the Jewel since it is not at Pier 21 today but in the shipyard beyond Pier 21 since their were 3 ships in port today.

 

Harbor Hopper cam is fun too. You can take a tour before you even get there.:p

 

 

Oh that is too cool! haha. I was just thinking that earlier--by the time I go on this cruise I'm going to feel like I've already done it! haha.

 

Well lucky for me the creepy lobster folk seem to have outsmarted the pot for the moment! I'm watching a cute starfish though! :D