Pre-Cruise
After the pandemic, Holland generously offered us a cruise, perhaps due to our prolonged absence from the seas. We decided to take advantage of the fact that the ship would be staying overnight in Quebec City and do something we had never done before – fly in on the day of departure.
I must admit, I was a little nervous about the journey from Cincinnati to Montreal, and then onto Quebec City in time for boarding. The cruise line had informed us that the port closed at 5pm, and our scheduled arrival was for 4pm. Fortunately, everything went smoothly in the end, but I wouldn’t recommend it for the faint of heart.
The Atlantic Coast Cruise
In October 2022, Holland America offered an exciting 14-day voyage along the Atlantic Coast, with an overnight stay and departure from the charming city of Quebec City in Canada. As experienced Holland America travelers, we were thrilled to embark on our fifth journey with the cruise line and eager to explore Canada and the upper East Coast for the first time.
We’ll be sailing on the 2018 Nieuw Statendam, which is the cruise line’s second newest ship and boasts a capacity of 2,666 guests.
Cruise Itinerary
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
In Port
October 8, 2022 – Saturday
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
October 9, 2022 – Sunday – 4pm departure
Saguenay, Quebec, Canada
October 10, 2022 – Monday – 8am arrival; 5pm departure
At Sea
St. Lawrence River
October 11, 2022 – Tuesday
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Walking Through History: A Tour of Charlottetown’s Treasured Artifacts of the Past
Fun with Falcons Experience
October 12, 2022 – Wednesday – 9am arrival; 6pm departure
At Sea
Gulf of St. Lawrence
October 13, 2022 – Thursday
Sydney, Nova Scotia, Canada
The Bra’s d’Or Lakes: Heart of the Island
October 14, 2022 – Friday – 8am arrival; 4pm departure
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
No Tour
October 15, 2022 – Saturday – 8am arrival; 4pm departure
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Exploring the Charm of St. John: A Picturesque Afternoon Walk
Bay of Fundy Coastal Photography Tour
October 16, 2022 – Sunday – 11am arrival; 7pm departure
Portland, Maine, United States
The Best of Maine: Portland Head Light & Kennebunkport
October 17, 2022 – Monday – 11am arrival; 11pm departure
Boston, Massachusetts, United States
Exploring Boston’s Rich History: A Walk on the Freedom Trail
October 18, 2022 – Tuesday – 8am arrival; 4pm departure
At Sea
the Atlantic Ocean
October 19, 2022 – Wednesday
At Sea
the Atlantic Ocean
October 20, 2022 – Thursday
Port Canaveral, Florida, United States
October 21, 2022 – Friday – 8am arrival; 6pm departure
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Disembark
October 22, 2022 – Saturday – 7am departure
Onboard the Holland America Nieuw Statendam:
As we embarked on our voyage, we were a bit nervous about our stateroom located right at the very front of the ship. But once we stepped inside Oceanview Stateroom 7002 on Deck 7 – Schubert, all our fears vanished.
The room was surprisingly peaceful and quiet, with just a faint vibration felt during entry and exit from port.
The view from our window was nothing short always breathtaking, leaving us in awe of the stunning scenery ahead. And don’t even get us started on the generously sized shower, which quickly became the best feature of the room.
Our trip was already amazing, but it got even better when we were upgraded to Club Orange. This exclusive addition to our voyage meant that we were treated to private dining each evening, with exceptional service and delectable cuisine.
But that’s not all – we also had expedited service at Customer Service and Shore Excursion desks, allowing us to spend more time exploring and making memories. And if that wasn’t enough, we discovered our newfound addiction for Harvey & Sons – Earl Grey Supreme Tea.
From the observation deck, we saw Montmorency Falls while sailing the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City.
It’s important to keep in mind that visibility of the falls from the ship can be dependent on weather conditions. That being said, some ships are able to provide a glimpse of the falls to their passengers. It’s definitely a sight worth keeping an eye out for during your cruise!
The Nieuw Statendam, a magnificent vessel crafted in 2018, boasts a remarkable beauty that transcends both its exterior and interior designs. From the sleek and modern architecture to the luxurious amenities and facilities, every aspect of this ship is a testament to the epitome of elegance and sophistication.
Despite missing the prime time to witness the spectacular fall foliage due to Hurricane Fiona, our voyage still had an abundance of stunning sights and experiences at various ports of call, especially during Canadian Thanksgiving.
From experiencing the chilly weather and light snow in Saguenay, Canada to the balmy mid-80s temperatures in Port Canaveral, Florida, we were constantly amazed by the ever-changing climate and beautiful scenery.
But the sea days were every bit as thrilling as the port days! I couldn’t get enough of the savory flavors of Beef Shortrib Sliders from the New York Deli & Pizza on the Panorama deck, even late at night. And the Holland America Line Master Mixologist Cocktails class was a blast! I felt like I came away with some new bartending skills and was ready to show off my perfect Mojitos and Margaritas.
Last but not least, watching Leslee embark on a new adventure and learn the art of putting brush to canvas was a joy to see. She discovered a new passion and developed her artistic talents in a couple of painting classes, which was simply thrilling!
Overall, our voyage was filled with adventure, new experiences, and unforgettable memories. We couldn’t have asked for a better trip and are already looking forward to our next adventure at sea!
Final Thoughts
My favorite PORT OF CALL on the cruise was Saguenay, Canada, and the highlight of my visit was exploring the ghost town of Val-Jalbert.
It was a unique and memorable experience that offered a fascinating glimpse into the past. The town was abandoned long ago, but it still exuded an eerie and captivating atmosphere that left me in awe. Overall, it was a thrilling adventure that added a special touch to my trip.
© OceansAfoot
