NE/Canada Cruise in the Fall

Item: Rotterdam Retired
Rating: 5
Author: charsims

Rotterdam Retired Cruise Review to Canada, New England, New York

charsims

Contributor Level: Third Mate

Cruises: 4-6 cruises

Review: 1

Helpful Votes: 56

Overall rating:

5 out of 5

Verified Review

7 Night New England & Canada Discovery (Boston To Montreal)

Sail date: September 24, 2016

Ship: Rotterdam Retired

Cabin type: Balcony

Cabin number: 6162

Traveled as: Couple

Reviewed: 8 years ago

Review summary

The Rotterdam is a nice size ship, not too big or smalll, and able to dock at the pier at most ports. Had to use a tender at Bar Harbor, ME. With the smaller size ship, I didn't feel that the ports were overwhelmed with tourists when we arrived. On this cruise the ports were close to the town and for those who had not been to these town, I feel that the excursions were not as necessary as some. We did take an excursion to Peggy's Cove, which was beautiful, but on the day we went there were so many tour buses that it overwhelmed the area (and the one bathroom available). This was our first non-Caribbean cruise and we thoroughly enjoyed it.

Ship experiences

Food and Dining

open dining was convenient and offered a chance to meet other travelers. Food was okay, but not over the top wonderful. We were disappointed that lobster rolls were not on the menu as we were in lobster country.

Onboard Activities

Enjoyed the digital workshops. Learned a lot about Windows 10 and photo editing. Highly recommend going to them.

Entertainment

We especially enjoyed the pianist and the couple that danced and performed Celtic music from Cape Breton in the showroom. "Barry from Boston" in the piano bar was fantastic.

Children's Programs

Did not need

Service and Staff

5 out of 5

Cabin / Stateroom

5 out of 5

Only complaint with the room is the very outdated bathtub. Although it was clean, it was very faded and unappealing. I would only use it for a shower. The balcony was nice, especially as we cruise along the river.

Ship tip

On the trip from Boston to Montreal, I would recommend the port side if you want to be able to see land for most of the trip.

Thumbs up

Ports of call

Boston, Massachusetts

5 out of 5

Bar Harbor, Maine

5 out of 5

Halifax, Nova Scotia

5 out of 5

Sydney, Nova Scotia Did not visit port

Dont' go to Peggy's Cove unless you can verify how busy it is going to be.

Thumbs Up 0

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

5 out of 5

Quebec City, Quebec

5 out of 5

Bring your walking shoes. Very, very hilly, but historical. The Château Frontenac Hotel was beautiful.

Thumbs Up 1

Cruise St. Lawrence River

5 out of 5

Montreal, Quebec

5 out of 5

There was a lot of construction in the area if you are trying to drive, beware. Very pretty and historical town that is walk-able from the port, once the shuttle gets you to the real port instead of the temporary one.

Thumbs Up 0