Bayonne, NJ -- Canadian/New England cruise

[shadbrew]

(1) We have been told by various cruisers how easy and/or how how difficult it is to get to the cruise terminal in Bayonne, NJ. We will be flying from Atlanta. What is the best airport to land in? How far is it to the cruise terminal from that airport?

 

(2) We usually fly in a day or so ahead of the scheduled cruise, so are there plenty of hotels nearby the terminal?

 

(3) If anyone has been on the Canadian/New England/ Fall Foliage cruises, we would love to hear your comments. We know the Caribbean like the backs of our hands, but this would be the first time for a New England cruise.

[Clarea]

Newark (EWR) is the closest airport. The airport is only a few miles from the port, but there can be lots of traffic in the area, so I'd budget 30 minutes to get to the port from the airport.

 

Lots of hotels near the airport. Also in nearby Elizabeth, which is about as far as you get get from the airport and still get a free shuttle to/from the airport.

 

Also check the East Coast Departures forum for other hotel/transportation ideas: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=415

[Merion_Mom]

(1) We have been told by various cruisers how easy and/or how how difficult it is to get to the cruise terminal in Bayonne, NJ. We will be flying from Atlanta. What is the best airport to land in? How far is it to the cruise terminal from that airport?

 

(2) We usually fly in a day or so ahead of the scheduled cruise, so are there plenty of hotels nearby the terminal?

 

(3) If anyone has been on the Canadian/New England/ Fall Foliage cruises, we would love to hear your comments. We know the Caribbean like the backs of our hands, but this would be the first time for a New England cruise.

Hi, shadbrew. There are many threads on each of these topics.

 

For hotels and staying before your cruise, start with this thread: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2163707

 

For other information about the Anthem, click on the "Anthem" link on the front page of the Royal Caribbean forum.

[blackshirt]

We found Cape Liberty to be very easy to get in and out of. We also arrived a day early and stayed at a hotel near the airport, one that ran a free shuttle. Getting to the port was extremely easy via Uber. We would gladly sail out of there again.

[138east]

(1) We have been told by various cruisers how easy and/or how how difficult it is to get to the cruise terminal in Bayonne, NJ. We will be flying from Atlanta. What is the best airport to land in? How far is it to the cruise terminal from that airport?

 

(2) We usually fly in a day or so ahead of the scheduled cruise, so are there plenty of hotels nearby the terminal?

 

(3) If anyone has been on the Canadian/New England/ Fall Foliage cruises, we would love to hear your comments. We know the Caribbean like the backs of our hands, but this would be the first time for a New England cruise.

 

As others have said definitely Newark Airport.

 

What exact date are you considering? 2 people? Hotel budget? Bed size requirements? Are you planning to sightsee in NY City? The answers to all these questions will affect your choice of hotel.

 

Newark is a highly urban industrialized area and you must be selective about your hotel. Very few hotels offer fly cruise packages with port transportation. All the hotels near the airport offer free shuttles, but you must take yourselves and your luggage on the free Airtrain to get to the P4 station to connect with the shuttles. Many hotels which offer free breakfast have no other restaurant service. With the exception of the hotels on International Blvd, there are no nearby restaurants to walk to.

 

If you want to sightsee in NY City, that is a different hotel discussion.

[psumother]

(1) We have been told by various cruisers how easy and/or how how difficult it is to get to the cruise terminal in Bayonne, NJ. We will be flying from Atlanta. What is the best airport to land in? How far is it to the cruise terminal from that airport?

 

(2) We usually fly in a day or so ahead of the scheduled cruise, so are there plenty of hotels nearby the terminal?

 

(3) If anyone has been on the Canadian/New England/ Fall Foliage cruises, we would love to hear your comments. We know the Caribbean like the backs of our hands, but this would be the first time for a New England cruise.

 

Web sites that can be used to look for hotels in the Newark/Bayone/Cape Liberty area. Most have free shuttles from the Newark airport to the hotel.

trinityreservations.com

parksleepfly.com

stay123.com

buyreservations.com

Can always check Uber for transportation to the port if hotel charges for transfers.

[cruiserking]

We've cruised this itinerary many times.

 

Bar Harbor, Maine - is one of our favorite ports, really scenic, quintessential small town America.

 

Lovely town square with plenty of shops to browse. The giant Cadillac Mountain soars over all. The highest point along the North Atlantic sea board and the first place to see the sunrise from October 7 to March 6.

 

 

Your ship will provide excursions there, you can also catch Ollie's Trolley right in town.

 

https://olistrolley.com

 

We also enjoyed a food walking tour in Bar Harbor a couple of years ago and have since returned to several of the venues on port stops in Bar Harbor.

 

www. maine foodie tours .com - the link doesn't work. The tour was great, not so much history but tasty stops along the way.

 

Halifax, Nova Scotia -

Is a terrific port, tons to see and do right in the city. Just outside the cruise terminal the Harbor Walk is scenic and takes you to the famous Maritime Museum with all sorts of sea going and Titanic exhibits too.

 

There are also some classic old steamers docked nearby that are open for tourists to explore.

 

The Citadel Fort is perched high on a hill overlooking Halifax. You can hike up there on foot, catch a cab or bus too probably. Lots of uniformed actors detailing the history of the place, a noon canon salute. You can also have afternoon tea here.

 

https://www.novascotia.com/see-do/attractions/halifax-citadel-national-historic-site/1440

 

Delicious Chocolate

If you have a sweet tooth you must visit Rousseau's Chocolate Shop in Halifax. Just a ten-minute stroll from the Halifax terminal. These are really terrific artisinal chocolates, 5151 South Street, Halifax. We discovered it on a walking tour and go back on every port visit.

Also, the Public Gardens in Halifax, Nova Scotia are really beautiful. About a twenty-minute walk from the pier, gorgeous flowers, gazebos and places to grab a cold drink and relax.

 

There is also a great farmers market just next to the cruise terminal in Halifax with lots of local foods, crafts and some great Canadian wine too.

 

 

Saint John, NB

The claim to fame for Saint John is the reversing tide. Beyond that there is not much to see in the city.

 

There is a local farmer's market about a fifteen minute walk from the pier designed in the shape of a ship's hull. It is the oldest continuously running market in Canada.

The claim to fame for Saint John is the reversing tide. Beyond that there is not much to see in the city.

 

There is a local farmer's market about a fifteen minute walk from the pier designed in the shape of a ship's hull. It is the oldest continuously running market in Canada.

 

We have never done an excursion here. But, the Hopewell "Flowerpot Rocks" seem interesting.

 

For a wealth of information on ports in New England/Canada and all over the world, check out Tom's Port Guides, they are free and busting with lots of great information.

Here's a link to the New England/Canada port guides:

https://www.tomsportguides.com/canadanew-england.html

Jonathan

[shadbrew]

What are the best month(s) to take this type of cruise to see the leaves changing?

[Merion_Mom]

What are the best month(s) to take this type of cruise to see the leaves changing?

Usually October, but meteorology is a fickle business.

[champagne123]

WOW....cruiserking!!!! GREAT info and pics. Thank you on behalf of anyone that can use your suggestions. I remember when my husband said he wanted to visit the Maritime Museum and I thought to myself....UGH...boring! Nope! Fascinating and so glad we went. Very emotional also.

[Mainiac85]

I'm from Maine, Beginning to mid October is the best!!!

 

And make sure to take an excursion to the top of Cadillac Mtn. in Bar Harbor, one of my favorite places to visit every year

 

 

 

What are the best month(s) to take this type of cruise to see the leaves changing?