New York City and Regent Seven Seas, Part 2

Montmorency falls Quebec City

Montmorency falls Quebec City

Chateau Frontenac Quebec

Chateau Frontenac Quebec

Saguenay Fjords

Saguenay Fjords

Saguenay burst of color

Saguenay burst of color

Halifax Alexander Keith Brewery

Halifax Alexander Keith Brewery

New York City and Regent Seven Seas, Seven Seas Navigator
Canada and New England cruise

The shore excursions were also included with a few options for more extensive tours at an additional cost. We chose the basic tours and were happy with most of them. Newport, Boston, Portland and St Johns were all very good historic walking tours. In Halifax we chose the Brewery tour as my husband, Jeff loves craft beers. We were disappointed that our guide, donning an authentic kilt, walked passed many sights without mentioning the significance. He rushed us to the brewery and the tour guides there took over. It was a lively enactment of the times and we enjoyed the entertainment. Beer was not the best however it was presented nicely. In Sydney there was not much to see and it was Sunday so most of the shops were closed. The tour was slow paced and wondered if the guide embellished the history to make it more interesting than it really was. In Saguenay, it was 40 degrees when we arrived. We walked into to town to get a few things at the pharmacy and considered not going on our tour. I obviously did not have the proper attire for this temperature. We opted to go anyway and we were VERY glad we did. This was the peak of the fall colors and we were on a walk through the Fjords National Park. The air was crisp and fresh and the colors were amazing! I grew up in western Canada and lived in Boston for 4 years and it still was breathtaking for me. Quebec City was a beautiful European looking city and we also visited the falls there that are higher than Niagara.

Entertainment on the ship was a little disappointing. There were two piano players for pre and post dinner entertainment in separate bars. I would have liked a little more variety. There was a Broadway type show the first night and it was good. The stage manager had been called away for a personal issue and the shows had to be rescheduled for the rest of the trip. The entertainment department’s plan B for the rest of the cruise consisted of a comedian, that was very funny, a ventriloquist, that was good but did not have a good act, and our Cruise Director entertained us with her little song and dance which was also good. Three nights they showed a movie on the big screen in the show lounge. I was a little surprised that they did not have a replacement for the stage manager should something like this happen.

The Spa looked nice but I did not schedule a treatment. There was a guest lecturer and wellness seminar to attend as well as fitness classes if you were so inclined. You can watch the lectures in your cabin, which I did while I was getting ready for the day. Our cabin steward was fabulous! We never saw him unless we wanted to. The room transformed ever morning and afternoon miraculously. Refreshed fruit each day as well. No hallways full of dirty dishes or laundry – all was very discreet. The guest laundry was across the hall and I was concerned it would be noisy but just found it to be very convenient to press a shirt or do a quick load. Laundry soap was provided and there was no cost to use the machines. Pool grill was a great alternative to the restaurant or buffet for lunch. They served sandwiches, grilled burgers and a specialty item each day. Coffee, cappuccino and cookies were available all day long.

All in all this was a wonderful cruise and since we were shadowed by a Princess ship for most of the itinerary, it was especially nice to not be in any lines at any time which we could see was an issue with them. I would highly recommend this for guests that want a more intimate experience without being nickel-and-dimed. Since there are not a lot of activities on board, it may not be appropriate for younger active guests that like night life, dancing and great entertainment.

Tracy Anderson, Branch Manager
Branch: Encinitas
1084 N El Camino Real, Suite C | Encinitas, CA | Google Directions
Toll-Free: (800) 683-1556 | Direct Line: (760) 479-4324
E-mail: tanderson@carefreevacations.com

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