Victory to Canada

[sogamusicman]

The DW and I are going to cool off (we hope) in July by going to Canada. Anyone made this trip lately? How's the Victory? Anything fun to do (not an excursion - we prefer to discover it ourselves) in Halifax and St. John's? Thanks!!!!!!

[imlulu]

We are taking the Victory to Canada for the second time at the end of June. I like the Victory. We will probably just get off ship,have a Tim Horton's,a nd return to ship.

 

Last time we did:

St John's-horse drawn carriage ride

Halifax- Harbour tour(duck boat)

 

Booked both on our own when we got off ship. However the horse drawn carriage was the same price as through Carnival. St John's exercusions are mostly booked for cruiselines not individually.

[MrPete]

We did this last July. If you want cool, you will probably get it.

 

Tends to get a bit foggy while at sea as well.

 

[I&MsMom]

We did it in 2005 and 2006, both times in late August. Our sea days up and back - you would have thought we were in the Caribbean! Once we got to Canada, though, it was foggy and a bit cooler.

 

In Halifax the first time, we went to the Maritime Museum and took the Theodore Tugboat cruise (kids were 2 and 6). The next time, we rented a car and drove to Peggy's Cove and then on to Lunenberg for lunch.

 

In Sy. John the first time, rented a car and drove to the sea caves which can only be viewed at low tide. The 2nd time, we again rented a car but this time drove to St. Andrews by the Sea for a lobster lunch.

 

Any questions, I'd be happy to help!

[Caribbean wives]

I went two years ago in July, and the weather was beautiful. I hated to return to the states because we were in a heat wave! We only had fog the last night.

 

I did excursions through the ship. We did the sea caves and Peggy's Cove. We also got to visit the Titanic grave yard in Halifax because we left early. I would love to visit there again. I hope to do a fall cruise soon.

[buddyjo143]

We were on the Victory last July with MrPete and the PeteFamily ;)

 

We did our own walking tour in St John. Just headed off the ship and up the hill. Found a lovely park, the local market, some old churches and a Revolutionary period home. We loved that cruise. The ship itself is large for our taste (3 cruises on Fantasy class) but we found the staff to be very nice.

 

Oh, and this is the cruise where we did not eat in the dining room. We chose to eat at the buffet or pizza or grill at night. We saw some awesome sunsets and spent nice quality time by ourselves (when we weren't running into the Petes:p).

[nybumpkin]

We've taken this cruise three times and are booked for our fourth in August. In Saint John, we've just walked around; last year, we walked part of the Harbour Passage. You're supposed to be able to walk all the way to the Reversing Falls along the passage, but DH's leg wasn't up to the walk (I guess it's 30-40 minutes). We also make a point of going to the City Market - it's an indoor farmers' market with lots going on: http://www.sjcitymarket.ca/. We did the horse-drawn trolley the first time we visited. As for meals, the first time we went to Steamer's, on Water Street. Really good lobster bisque. Last year we went to Grannan's, at Market Square. Both places have nice outdoor eating areas if the weather cooperates. Over on the "ports of call - Canada" board, there are a couple of locals, Acey and Sapper1, who have lots of information about things to do in Saint John.

 

Our first visit to Halifax, we went to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - I'm a Titanic fan, and this museum has an excellent exhibit on the Titanic. (The recovery effort after the sinking was based in Halifax.) The second time, we split up; DH took our older sons on the Harbour Hopper duck tour, while I took youngest son on Theodore Tugboat. Then last year we hired a driver to go to Peggy's Cove. Each time we've done lots of walking around; Halifax has a wonderful waterfront with lots of activities. And I almost forgot Keith's Brewery! We did that tour in 2006 and it's great. The brewery tour is based in the 1860s brewery and brings you to an 1860s pub where you sample Keith's brews (wow!), listen to some entertainment, and play some pub games. (I'm not very good.:o) Each time, we've had lunch at Stayner's Wharf (Keith's on tap!:D)

 

We've experienced all kinds of weather on this itinerary - sunny and warm, cloudy and cool, lots of fog, no fog - you get the idea. I'd recommend bringing a little of everything, clothes-wise.

 

I'll be curious to see how they use the Lido screen on this itinerary. I can't imagine anyone sitting outside to watch a movie.:eek:

[sanmarcosman]

The graves of the Titanic victims in Fairview Cemetery are historically significant and some of today's cruise travellers find the visit meaningful to them. Muster drills have never been the same for me since my visit to Fairview Cemetery. :eek:

[serene56]

i'd like to know how you felt the sailings were- were the waters rougher when compared to a caribbean cruise?

 

We are booked on the Triumph for next Sept so i been reading everything i can about the victory this year.

[MrPete]

3 times doing this route, and all three were extremely smooth sailings.

[imlulu]

Smooth and only the last sea day was bad out..fog and rain.

[nybumpkin]

The only time I've experienced rough seas on this route was in 2006 when we sailed through the remnants of Tropical Storm Ernesto on the sea day returning to NY. Even then the aft Lido pool stayed open, and it wasn't nearly as bad as sailing offshore in the Gulf while Hurricane Dennis made landfall. Aside from that - smooth as glass.

[Loann]

This website may help give you an idea what to expect in Saint John: www.cruisesaintjohn.ca

Hope you enjoy your stay!

[crash3x]

The DW and I are going to cool off (we hope) in July by going to Canada. Anyone made this trip lately? How's the Victory? Anything fun to do (not an excursion - we prefer to discover it ourselves) in Halifax and St. John's? Thanks!!!!!!

 

 

Hello from the Maritimes........I actually live in Halifax. If you have any questions about the area or excursions I am willing to help.

 

The weather is unpredictable what you may find cool , we are probably considering it to be a nice day. It runs hot and cold here all the time.

[bandtaxi]

Anybody know what it costs to hire a driver to Peggy's Cove? Or are there other options to get there besides the ship excursion?

[bleuiz]

DId this cruise twice before (last year with Mr. Pete and Buddyjo, although I missed our meeting time) and this year we will be on the same cruise as NYbumpkin.........

The first cruise, we did the bus tour of both places.........including Peggy's Cove........the 2nd cruise we just walked around...........

[retpoda]

We found a local church in St Johns, and did the market. Bought beautiful hand made quilts. In Halifax {we have been there 5 times} we loved the gardens, and the titanic cemetary and also we walk to the casino and do shops.

[Bilu444]

We've taken this cruise three times and are booked for our fourth in August. In Saint John, we've just walked around; last year, we walked part of the Harbour Passage. You're supposed to be able to walk all the way to the Reversing Falls along the passage, but DH's leg wasn't up to the walk (I guess it's 30-40 minutes). We also make a point of going to the City Market - it's an indoor farmers' market with lots going on: http://www.sjcitymarket.ca/. We did the horse-drawn trolley the first time we visited. As for meals, the first time we went to Steamer's, on Water Street. Really good lobster bisque. Last year we went to Grannan's, at Market Square. Both places have nice outdoor eating areas if the weather cooperates. Over on the "ports of call - Canada" board, there are a couple of locals, Acey and Sapper1, who have lots of information about things to do in Saint John.

 

Our first visit to Halifax, we went to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic - I'm a Titanic fan, and this museum has an excellent exhibit on the Titanic. (The recovery effort after the sinking was based in Halifax.) The second time, we split up; DH took our older sons on the Harbour Hopper duck tour, while I took youngest son on Theodore Tugboat. Then last year we hired a driver to go to Peggy's Cove. Each time we've done lots of walking around; Halifax has a wonderful waterfront with lots of activities. And I almost forgot Keith's Brewery! We did that tour in 2006 and it's great. The brewery tour is based in the 1860s brewery and brings you to an 1860s pub where you sample Keith's brews (wow!), listen to some entertainment, and play some pub games. (I'm not very good.:o) Each time, we've had lunch at Stayner's Wharf (Keith's on tap!:D)

 

We've experienced all kinds of weather on this itinerary - sunny and warm, cloudy and cool, lots of fog, no fog - you get the idea. I'd recommend bringing a little of everything, clothes-wise.

 

I'll be curious to see how they use the Lido screen on this itinerary. I can't imagine anyone sitting outside to watch a movie.:eek:

 

 

Hey Kathy.

On Victory last week they did show movies on the Bis Screen on the Lido Deck. Everyone was dressed in sweatshirts and had their pool towels wrapped around them, though. I think there was a movie scheduled every night, but a few nights it was too foggy.

[RatherBFishin]

The DW and I are going to cool off (we hope) in July by going to Canada. Anyone made this trip lately? How's the Victory? Anything fun to do (not an excursion - we prefer to discover it ourselves) in Halifax and St. John's? Thanks!!!!!!

 

We went last August.

 

Good vacation. No complaints, except one... Not enough Red Sox fans, and WAY to many Yankees/Mets fans.

[nybumpkin]

Anybody know what it costs to hire a driver to Peggy's Cove? Or are there other options to get there besides the ship excursion?

We booked Jonathan Duru with Your Cab for the five of us. His website is http://www.yourcab.ca.

 

Bilu44 - We'll have sweatshirts, so I guess we'll see whether there's something worth watching on the big screen!

 

RatherB - didn't you know Sox fans weren't allowed?:D (Actually, my middle son's the Mets fan - I'm from outside Philly originally, so I'm a Phillies fan.;))

[jeff1948]

we were on this ship, carnival victory, to saint john, june 19-23; saint john was lovely, and the bus trip and seeing the sea caves at st martins and the reversing falls was awesome. those were the high points.

the carnival staff could not have been more inattentive, wait staff included. the lines in the buffet moved at a snail's pace, with people butting in line, or using their hands to grab food (feeding frenzy in a shark tank?) and nothing to do on-board...minimal activities, except for drinking and gambline, and bingo!

no thanks carnival, we are back to royal caribbean ..

jeff

[trock]

we were on this ship, carnival victory, to saint john, june 19-23; saint john was lovely, and the bus trip and seeing the sea caves at st martins and the reversing falls was awesome. those were the high points.

the carnival staff could not have been more inattentive, wait staff included. the lines in the buffet moved at a snail's pace, with people butting in line, or using their hands to grab food (feeding frenzy in a shark tank?) and nothing to do on-board...minimal activities, except for drinking and gambline, and bingo!

no thanks carnival, we are back to royal caribbean ..

jeff

 

I wasnt going to comment, then i was, then i wasnt.. then I saw your post and I have to ditto it.. This ship/crew was the pits.. We were on July 2007 and from what you posted nothing has changed,,,You could not give me this cruise for free...

 

Sorry Mr Pete,,, I tried...I can not help myself!

[Megnolia]

I LOVE Halifax, and while I haven't cruised there, have spent lots of time as a "tourist". All the things mentioned by others are great ideas - Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Peggy's Cove (which is a ways away)..

 

I would walk around the city, personally - the Citadel is an awesome historic site with the noon canons something to experience. You can hop on the ferry to Dartmouth for just a couple bucks. The waterfront is gorgeous, and you can walk into the shops and even some nearby museums... Alexander Keith's (beer) museum is cool. I also love Pier 21 (you will probably dock here...) it's a lot like Ellis Island - several million immigrants arrived here. It was especially exciting finding the ship's passenger manifests for the arrivals of all four of my grandparents (from different countries) in 1950. A really interesting museum and multimedia presentation.

 

Have a great cruise!!! :)

[quest2best]

we were on this ship, carnival victory, to saint john, june 19-23; saint john was lovely, and the bus trip and seeing the sea caves at st martins and the reversing falls was awesome. those were the high points.

the carnival staff could not have been more inattentive, wait staff included. the lines in the buffet moved at a snail's pace, with people butting in line, or using their hands to grab food (feeding frenzy in a shark tank?) and nothing to do on-board...minimal activities, except for drinking and gambline, and bingo!

no thanks carnival, we are back to royal caribbean ..

jeff

 

We sailed June 23rd-28th and had a wonderful experience on board. Our head waitress was the best ever and we hated to say goodbye. Our room steward was also awesome. We found the rest of the staff to be friendly -- except for one individual at the purser's desk and one photographer.

 

For the most part, we did not experience large waits in the buffet areas though there were times when things were more congested than others. The midnight buffet line was not worth fighting -- even for the pictures.

The on-board activities were fairly standard, but could have used more variety. And I still wonder if our two sea days were deliberately spent in the fog to sell the sweat shirts they were pushing in the gift shops :) We had surprisingly good weather in Saint John and Halifax.

 

We had 11 out of 11 happy cruisers at the end of our family vacation, and would definitely cruise on Victory again.

[trock]

We sailed June 23rd-28th and had a wonderful experience on board. Our head waitress was the best ever and we hated to say goodbye. Our room steward was also awesome. We found the rest of the staff to be friendly -- except for one individual at the purser's desk and one photographer.

 

For the most part, we did not experience large waits in the buffet areas though there were times when things were more congested than others. The midnight buffet line was not worth fighting -- even for the pictures.

The on-board activities were fairly standard, but could have used more variety. And I still wonder if our two sea days were deliberately spent in the fog to sell the sweat shirts they were pushing in the gift shops :) We had surprisingly good weather in Saint John and Halifax.

 

We had 11 out of 11 happy cruisers at the end of our family vacation, and would definitely cruise on Victory again.

Gotta ask..was the photographer dark haired and French?