Getting there is half the fun. Especially if you’re “getting there” by cruise ship.
I don’t fly. So when I was invited to attend the Canada New England Cruise Symposium in Quebec this June, it occurred to me that there might be a ship heading to Montreal. What better way to arrive at a Canada New England Cruise Symposium than by a Canada New England cruise!
Tomorrow I’d catch an early 9am train to Boston, taxi from Boston South Station to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal by 1:15pm and with any luck, be on board the Maasdam in time for the Lido buffet lunch. And I did.
Embarkation day
The Maasdam was the only ship at ‘Cruiseport Boston’, quite a difference from the dreaded weekend traffic jams at the Port of Miami or Ft. Lauderdale’s Port Everglades.
The steady, cold rain had eased up a bit as I slid out of the taxi and, dodging raindrops, wheeled my luggage underneath the awning of the cruise terminal. An attendant affixed a label to my only suitcase and off it went onto the cart to be delivered to my cabin. A nice tip to the baggage handler helped insure my suitcase’s prompt and undamaged arrival.
Up the escalator, several of us followed the arrows to the cruise check-in area and within minutes we were documented, scanned, photographed and on the ship.
The twenty year old Maasdam, the second oldest ship in the fleet, showed no visible signs of age. Recently refurbished with many of the features found on the newer ships, the much-loved Maasdam was a warm and welcome retreat.
As I hoped, the Lido buffet was still open, soup was steaming behind the counter and the lines were minimal. Outside, the cold drizzle had turned to a heavy, wind-blown rain and a thin veil of fog obscured the shoreline. Onboard, the warmth of the ship felt good.
Embarkation days don’t always go as smooth as today’s did for me. Sometimes there are those awful traffic jams or tired and hungry people who just want to get onboard and suddenly forget their manners. Other times there are long, long lines at check-in, especially on the larger ships. Though we were sailing with a full ship, with only 1,281 passengers on our cruise, it seemed more like a small cruise ship experience.
I’m the editor and creator of CruiseMaven.com, a solo traveler cruising the world on waves and wheels, collecting recipes along the way. I hope my articles and photos entertain, advise and inspire you to travel the world without flying. Take a breath…stop for a local meal and a glass of wine along the way.
Cruise Maven (Sherry Laskin) says
Hi Carol,
I haven’t been to Alaska yet, so we’re even! My recommendation for a Canada New England cruise is a mid-to-late September departure. Cool weather, sunny skies…or a blizzard like we encountered in 2010!
Thanks for writing.
Sherry
Cruise Maven
Carol B says
very enjoyable read, I would love to go on a cruise like this, have been to Alaska 3 times and love it there.
Cruise Maven (Sherry Laskin) says
Hi Ann,
Thank your for reading the article…more installments on the way. I am jealous that you are going back on the Maasdam AND in the fall. On a cold October cruise a couple of years ago, there was snow! Everyone loved it.
Have a wonderful time.
Regards,
Sherry
ann norton says
Enjoying your tale of the cruise. We did it a few years ago and are doing it again in the Fall. Have been on the Maasdam several times and always enjoy it.
Cruise Maven (Sherry Laskin) says
Hi Scott,
Great ship, loyal following. I totally agree! Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Regards,
Sherry