Surprising mom with a bday cruise - need help with excursions

[kobe]

Hi,

 

We're sending our mom and a good friend on a surprise birthday cruise. Our mom is turning 80 and her friend just turned 75. These two ladies are widows, neighbors and have been great friends for each other. Walking distances is tough on them but they're still active.

 

We want to book excursions for them - St. John's and Halifax. They're going on Carnival Trimuph the first week of September.

 

We're open to all suggestions- book through the ship or independently. Any thoughts or suggestions on what they should do? What are the attractions not to be missed?

 

All suggestions welcomed.....

[SJNB]

In Saint John, New Brunswick there is a very nice Horsedrawn Trolly tour offerded. It is 1hr long. and I believe it has to be booked through the cruise line and it is $26US

 

--Step back in time and join in on the old fashioned tour of the city of Saint John and its history. Experience the unique architecture while the horse drawn trolley moves at a pace of yesteryear. Your tour guide will entertain you with the wonderful history of Canada’s first incorporated city. Learn about the great fire that destroyed much of the city. See the Loyalist Burial Grounds, King Square, the unique Old City Market, the great stone church, and much, much more. A special stop will be made uptown for the guests who wish to stay and enjoy the shopping in the city. All the trolleys have roofs for shade and blankets for those chilly days.

 

There is also a 2h30m tour of the city by bus

$35US

 

 

This tour will trace over 400 years of history in the heart of Canada's oldest incorporated city. As your guide takes you past prominent landmarks and historic buildings, you’ll be introduced to the many fascinating personalities and events that made Saint John the greatest little city in the east! Passing through the west side of the city of Saint John and past St. George's Church and King Square, you will stop for a fascinating visit at Carleton Martello Tower, a great place to survey the harbor from the old stone fort. The tower was built during the War of 1812 as a precaution against an American attack, and although sixteen such towers were constructed across Canada in the early nineteenth century, this is one of the few remaining. You'll continue past Seaside Park, the Earle House and Moosehead Breweries. This brewery is renowned for their special Canadian beers.

 

Next, you’ll stop to view the famous Reversing Falls Rapids at Fallsview Park, touted as the sight no one should miss on a visit to Saint John. From the bluffs, your guide will explain that twice daily the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy rise faster than the river can empty. When this happens, the mighty tides push the river water upstream, causing the rapids to run in the opposite direction and the St. John River to flow backwards. You'll continue past Fort Howe, which sits atop a cliff and has fine views of the harbor below. Your coach will also pass the Irving Mansion, Rockwood Park, Loyalist Burial Grounds, and Historic Trinity Royal. Walk through the Old City Market on Germain Street, where local folks have been purchasing fresh fruits, vegetables, fish and meats since 1876. You'll have approximately 25 minutes to explore and chat with the vendors before reboarding your coach and returning to the ship. Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.25 mile over even surfaces. There are several steep steps at Carleton Martello Tower to enter the various levels.

 

Saint John is very walkable and if you wish to have information and maps went to you from the tourism dept. just visit the link and fill our your information.

 

http://www.tourismsaintjohn.com/files/fuse.cfm?section=60

 

Hope this helps