It is true that my experience with cruise ships is very limited, but this should give both the uninitiated and cruise veterans an idea of what to expect on this trip less known short. First, it is a boat trip on a big (well, right to use the word craft ... I'm not a nautical man, but I digress). As in any adventure travel, you must take a couple of things for granted. For example, if you have a great fear of the seas, or if you have a big problem with seasickness, this is probably not for you. Not that this particular trip is more or less susceptible to problems than any other cruise, but these facts or risks assumed in any of these trips, so think about it before booking. Also, this is a short trip to a small Canadian island significantly to the north of the landing in Manhattan (an island even lower?), So get ready for cooler temperatures.There some suggestions to help you streamline your trip , so I will endeavor to start here. First, it is a trip to the United States, Canada, so that the mere possession of a driver's license and a valid birth certificate is sufficient for those without a passport or whose passport expired more than five years . More information can be found at this through any official U.S. Department of State pamphlets, brochures and website. Naturally, in light of security requirements post-nine-eleven of our government, it is essential to ensure that all data in your documents match the letter, and if you bring your birth certificate is a certificate Birth that has the raised seal indicating that it is not a mere copy. In addition, items that normally would be smuggled on a plane or any other border crossing points should normally be treated as such in a boat, so be prepared to lose, or at least pack your bags, unlike its "baggage" of luggage. The irony is that the larger bags are in your room anyway, so everything is right on, but there are bags that can carry out and the bags can not. Before arriving at the dock to board the vessel shall take labels you receive from your travel agent or directly from the cruise line, and you should put labels on their luggage. This will not only accelerate your luggage along, but also the shipping process. And the good thing is that despite the language barrier with staff to help on board, everyone seems very willing to help if asked a question (a large part of the staff are Latino, Asian and Eastern European and be prepared for an accent that can be difficult to understand in some cases, but this should not affect the quality of your trip. The service standards are higher than in most of the travel industry. Once inside the dock area, which will be directed to show your ticket / boarding pass and identification to security personnel and the ship, so have them ready in an easily accessible place, and I can recommend placing all documents in a bag small sandwich, so no matter the time, the documents are kept together in a dry place. After passing through security, commonly ship personnel will direct you to a picture of the ship and a large chamber, ranging used to take a picture of you and / or its group. Of course, this is a typical tourist ploy, but if you are traveling and would like to have a memory, these photographs are available on board the ship for purchase during the cruise . After that, you check at the desk directly opposite the main hallway area. During this time, will confirm that you are who you are, and ask you some data from the credit card and an electronic fingerprint card. This is apparently the practice of the industry, and makes it very useful when you want ANYTHING on the ship, because nobody will accept cash, with the exception of dealers in the casino and a few other people. You must come quickly around an hour before boarding time starts, as this will allow time to clear security, check your bags and get your card, which, incidentally, acts as a room key note dizziness. If you start to feel dizzy during the trip, there are some steps you can take to avoid unpleasant cruise Apparently there. are gangs that control the movement of the wrist to help with seasickness, and is also available in Dramamine to carry with you if necessary. I recommend them as "just-in-case" measure as we did experience some rough seas on our way back .. So let's get to the crossing As with any cruise , it has a schedule of cut and dried, so here is the basis of the outline: Day One: Arrival in New York and the day at sea Day Two: Day at sea Day Three: Port of Halifax from 6:15 am at 5:30 in the afternoon of Day Four: Day at sea Day Five: Back to Manhattan in the early morning Now that you have the basics, here are some details: Sailing out of Manhattan is a unique experience for the uninitiated. For starters, you're on the West Side of Manhattan, off the coast of Jersey on the Hudson. Not so picturesque? So you say. As you make your way south and out to sea, is passed Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, and the southern tip of Manhattan, past Liberty State Park in New Jersey, and under the Verrazano Narrows Bridge. The time of day is near the sun, so the ship becomes East to clear the tip of Brooklyn and Coney Island, Jacob Riis Park, and the Atlantic beach, you get some scenic views. It is during this time that most people have the opportunity to walk around the ship and get configuration of the ground, so to speak. In this case, the ship Carnival Victory is a cover of approximately 13 893 feet, with a displacement of approximately 101,509 tons (yes, TONS!). She is considered a large ship. You can take the whole five-day cruise to figure your way around. For those who do not want to get the nickel tour, this is also a perfect time to enjoy lunch and visit the top floor. The advantage of a large ship is in addition to the main cafeteria area next to the swimming pools on deck 9, also known as the Lido deck. This area is known in the plans of the roof as the Grand Buffet, and it is on purpose. They have some nice offers for meat and buffet food and a really huge dessert buffet. There are also Chinese Food (Yangtze Wok) Foods of the Mediterranean (East River buffet), and beyond, there is the Pizzeria Arno (great pizza and salads Caesar) and Mississippi BBQ. I recommend the pizza. The advantage of the pizza is also this place is open 24 / 7, so you can get something to feast on even after the last (usually the program adults - no-G-rated material). Because there is a common understanding that the cruises are for food, encouraged to let it all hang out for five days and up for it later. After dinner, there must be long enough to retire to his cabin to change and wash for their first dinner. A note on the cabin selection. Prices vary depending on the level of cover and whether or not a window, the window or balcony not. We lucky enough to have rooms on the outside deck balconies. My friend, who had me along as a guest of his sister and her husband, we had a balcony cabin with two single beds, TV, sofa , beach chairs, bathroom and closets. His sister and her husband had a Suite, which includes a large balcony, refrigerator, separate living room, entertainment area, VCR, whirlpool bath and walk-in closet. It was so great as my Manhattan apartment rather modest. deck plans are available on the Carnival website, and its price must determine what it is. I recommend that you decide what you're willing to spend money before, so it already has a budget in mind when planning. Please note that there are no balconies under cover of six (the top floor), and no cabins on three decks (deck the hall), four (the cover of the Atlantic) or five (the promenade deck). My recommendation is that if you want a balcony, book well in advance. I spend a few hours each day that just watching the sea roll in search of shooting stars at night (although of the light emitted by the limits of this boat a little on the Empress deck (cover seven). Now, while you are on the coast to be prepared for their first dinner on board. The good thing is change in Cruise, long pants are required at dinner, and there will be at least one formal dinner, ie, a jacket and tie. For readers, appropriate clothing shall be as expected. Dinner is a matter strictly scheduled, and is even printed on your card with the time of service. For example, mine was with my group at 6:15 every night. We alternate rooms dining room between the Pacific and the Atlantic dining room every night. They were virtually identical, and we sat down together for every meal. Meals are included in the cruise and be given a menu to select your dishes and appetizers and desserts, which you can have as many as you like (which I loved). There are some menu items the list is priceless, but are not included (including alcoholic beverages and desserts). Note this order when, as you can find these legitimate charges on your bill if you do not pay attention. Service is prompt, courteous, and you can expect a visit the maître every night to see if the food was up to snuff. is a refreshing change from regular dining out. After all this, there are still shows in the evening on board , and you have your choice of events. There is a jazz lounge and a cigar, an Irish pub, a karaoke bar, a main stage live acts, dancing and bingo and other games. An interesting feature of some these games is that there are often free prizes and gifts to the winners of the games. In addition, many of the winners received credit for use in many duty free shops of the ship. We had the opportunity to try them all during the cruise, and I recommend you do the same, and you will be able to choose what you like. The second day is a full day at sea, and during this time, we took samples of gambling in the Casino (blackjack, roulette, craps, and various forms of poker and slots), had an afternoon tea with classical music, and put in a bit of time in the sun on the upper deck. However, it would be remiss not let you know how breakfast and lunch are handled. Breakfast is seated first-come, first served, and to be open, which means that if you arrive without the total is likely to sit with other passengers . This is sort of a nice change of pace, however, since you have the opportunity to meet and talk with other guests on the cruise. The downside is that it can be assumed with some rags. Fortunately this is not to move to me. lunch buffet is catch as catch can, as all restaurants are open and informal style and a cafeteria. I recommend the pizza or Chinese food, definitely stop at one of the many soft serve ice cream and frozen yogurt to the machines on the promenade deck. They also serve all the iced tea, fruit punch, apple juice, coffee, decaffeinated tea or coffee you can drink, and both machines, frozen desserts and beverages are available 24 / 7. The second day is also notable because there is a calendar of events slipped under the door on the first night will include raffles, board games, sales in duty free shops and a list of nightly parties night. notables on our list items were high tea, a raffle tanzanite and education session in the duty free jewelry, and comedy show of the night. It also has a library and a "pay-as-you -go Internet service in the lounge jazz and a jazz trio every night. Your best bet for planning your fun is to take the program and take the short perforated with you so you can move quickly from one to another, even as I ended up doing. Thus, even if your cup of tea, you can find something that is. The third day found us in port EARLY in the morning. At this point, another important fact should be disclosed. There is much to do in Halifax, and includes short tours you can take if you do not mind a couple of hours on the bus or in a small sailboat from the harbor. But you must book in advance, so it must have those selected by the second night. This is a payment function, and you should see the surcharge in the information desk in the lobby of the ship to book them. In my case, I was so happy about the free tool in Halifax with my fellow graduate school, which was welcomed. In this way, we can improvise. Other guests who were also his friends chose a brief tour the ship from port, allowing them a couple of hours of free time too. Disembarkation Guest starts early, so factor that into their plans second night, so do not overdo it. I can not tell you how much sleep you need, but it is prudent not to do a tour of two hours of sleep. It could be miserable . Halifax is a quaint, historic town, especially for being a major port of call for the British, local and Celtic influences. Halifax even has its own official Scottish tartan, so if you have a little Scottish in you, this could be a port of interest. Even if you do not have it against them because they are very very friendly, and the whole city feels very comfortable in the way a small town. Here are some trips that may be of interest, and I dare some tips for freewheelers. Walking Tour: This is a walking tour flights that takes you through picturesque gardens, historic sites and other points of interest in Halifax is a very strong, though, so be prepared to walk several high hills takes about two hours Fisherman's Cove ...: This is similar to a river cruise, which requires a five minute walk from boat to boat paddlewheel steamer Their destination is a town of 200 years fishermen, the entrance to the aquarium, and all the restaurants, shops and cafes Es. lasts three hours is more expensive than the walking tour with Halifax and Peggys Cove baked salmon: .. This is a six-hour tour, so it starts early, but it will do much will ride along the coast. road to Peggy's Cove, explore the shops and restaurants, see the houses stage, then enjoy a lunch of Atlantic salmon with all the details. This is in the same price range as a fishing village and much of this time commitment can be in the travel time, although I do not know, so ask the purser Highlander noon :. One of the expensive items available means to dress in vintage clothing and preparing to become a full member of the Queen 's garrison of the citadel at the top of the hills overlooking the harbor. It is a regiment mountain, so be prepared for KILT UP! You will be involved and participate in a historical series of hands-on activities will give you the opportunity to relive one day as a soldier in the army of Queen Victoria. You will also get a personalized memento regiment of the day. This is an excursion with limited availability, so book as soon as possible if it interests you. This tour lasts three one and a half hours of sea kayaking and lobster lunch. A four-hour tour , which is in the same price range as a fishing village and Peggy's Cove with baked salmon trips, it is caving small, narrow and long chains of white sand beaches along the shores of the coast . This is a 40 minute drive outside the city and the minimum age is sixteen, so if you have children, take this into account. This is also limited, so book early. Theodore Tugboat's largest port Tour: This is a cheap, child-oriented port, and takes about an hour Halifax Historical Pub Tour:. Do not say more than three hours in the historic bar is definitely not for the faint of heart because it is Canadian. beer , beer, not American. skip it, but you can try the next time. There is also a one and a half hour trip in a 130 'schooner called Silva runs around $ 19.95CN for adults, $ 13.95CN for a child and $ 58.95CN for the family. As it happens, there is no tour stops may be worth your time and attention. I had the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which has an excellent permanent collection of a small museum . A prominent local folk artist Maud Lewis is. Now deceased, she and her husband were the icons in the popular local art community since he began selling hand-painted Christmas cards in the twentieth century. After his death in 1970, the Canadian government actually made a plan to preserve its rapid decomposition shed where he lived with her husband, and she had looked like to paint all surfaces throughout your life. If you have the opportunity, I think the tickets were about $ 12CN for the museum entrance. This will take a couple of hours to go. There is also some good and Aleut Inuit art as part of the permanent collection. Just around the corner on Barrington Street is an interesting diversion called Lunchbox Freak, a confectioner kitsch and fun with all kinds of funky sweet and corny, and things like "My mommy loves me", air fresheners and "Angry Scotsman" chewing gum and other fun stuff. Further up the hill to Citadel some historic churches, including the oldest building in Halifax, St. Paul's Church (built in 1750) and three historic universities. This is remarkable because the port of Halifax is the site of the largest ever man-made explosion before the detonation of the atomic bomb. It happened on December 6, 1917, and resulted in the deaths of more than 1,000 people and injured over 900 more. Halifax is also noteworthy as the site of most operations rescue of the Titanic, as well as the burial site of many of the victims of the sinking of the unsinkable ship. "The whole neighborhood coastline is dotted with interesting and café there is both a historical and cultural variety in the Halifax. I had the opportunity to have lunch in a small Greek restaurant near the citadel, and had the best baklava I've had in a long time as my dessert. Halifax offers casinos, breweries, glass, fishing, golf and many other amusements. A The interesting note is that in Canada, the shops that specialize in adult entertainment, such as sexual aids and instruction, are considered more progressive than most American cities, so if you're so inclined, you can also see some fun in these civil support local distributors and so on. glad to discuss the products with you as well (or so I heard from one of the women passengers). Finally, on the way back to ship (or even landing in the morning), there is both a brewery and a sort of flea market set to right the ship, so you can shop for last minute gifts or drink a beer before returning to the ship. Then you have another day at sea on the way back and you wake up cruising in Manhattan in the morning. I would recommend as a destination fast and fun only for your hair down, get your stress and get your food. Cruises range from June to September and the weather in Nova Scotia and along the way is cooler, so it's best to plan cooler weather, but be prepared to get some sun as will. Prices range from as low as $ 400.00 or less at about $ 1300.00 for the 4 day trip. There is also a version of 5-day stop in San Juan, New Brunswick, and a trip 7 days to add Boston, MA and Portland, ME to a maximum of $ 2,500.00. Super savings offers are also available. In conclusion, this is a little known gem of a trip on a small budget with lots of extras . I recommend it.
