Cruising to St. Johns, Newfoundland is a unique and exciting way to explore this beautiful Canadian city. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, St. Johns offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of St. Johns, highlight the top attractions and landmarks, discuss the different cruise ship options available, and provide tips on planning your shore excursions and navigating the cruise port. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or new to the world of cruising, this blog post will help you make the most of your trip to St. Johns.
Overview of St. Johns, Newfoundland
St. Johns is the capital and largest city of Newfoundland and Labrador, located on the easternmost tip of Canada. The city has a rich history dating back over 500 years, making it one of the oldest European settlements in North America. St. Johns is known for its colorful row houses, rugged coastline, and friendly locals.
One of the top attractions in St. Johns is Signal Hill, a historic site that offers panoramic views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. The Cabot Tower, located on Signal Hill, is a must-visit landmark that commemorates John Cabot’s voyage to Newfoundland in 1497. Other popular attractions in St. Johns include Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America; The Rooms, a cultural center that showcases Newfoundland’s art and history; and Quidi Vidi Village, a charming fishing village known for its craft brewery.
St. Johns is also famous for its vibrant culture and cuisine. The city has a thriving arts scene, with numerous galleries and theaters showcasing local talent. Traditional Newfoundland cuisine is a must-try when visiting St. Johns, with dishes like Jiggs’ dinner (a boiled dinner with salt beef), fish and brewis (salt cod with hard bread), and toutons (fried dough) being local favorites.
Cruise Ship Options
Several cruise lines offer trips to St. Johns, Newfoundland, allowing travelers to explore the city and its surrounding areas. Some of the popular cruise lines that visit St. Johns include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Holland America Line.
Royal Caribbean offers a 7-night cruise from Boston to St. Johns, with stops in Portland, Bar Harbor, and Halifax. The cruise ship features a variety of amenities and activities, including multiple dining options, a spa, a fitness center, and entertainment venues.
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 10-night cruise from New York to St. Johns, with stops in Halifax, Sydney, and Charlottetown. The cruise ship features a wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants, as well as a casino, a theater, and a water park.
Holland America Line offers a 14-night cruise from Boston to St. Johns, with stops in Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, and Charlottetown. The cruise ship features elegant dining options, a spa and fitness center, live entertainment, and enrichment programs.
Benefits of Booking a Cruise
Booking a cruise to St. Johns offers several advantages for travelers. One of the main benefits is the convenience of having all your accommodations, meals, and entertainment included in one package. This eliminates the need to worry about finding hotels or restaurants during your trip.
Cruising to St. Johns can also be more affordable than other forms of travel. With all-inclusive pricing and the ability to take advantage of special promotions and discounts, cruises offer great value for money.
Another advantage of booking a cruise is the wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options available. From live shows and musical performances to fitness classes and spa treatments, there is something for everyone on board a cruise ship.
Planning Your Shore Excursion
When planning your shore excursion in St. Johns, it’s important to consider your interests and preferences. St. Johns offers a variety of excursions, ranging from historical tours to outdoor adventures.
If you’re interested in history and culture, consider taking a guided tour of Signal Hill and The Rooms. These tours will provide you with insights into the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
For outdoor enthusiasts, there are several options available, including hiking along the East Coast Trail, kayaking in Quidi Vidi Harbor, or whale watching off the coast of Cape Spear.
It’s also important to book your shore excursion in advance, as popular tours can sell out quickly. This will ensure that you have a spot reserved and can make the most of your time in St. Johns.
Navigating the Cruise Port
Navigating the cruise port in St. Johns is relatively easy, as it is well-equipped to handle cruise ship traffic. The port offers a range of facilities and services to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for passengers.
Upon arrival at the port, passengers will disembark from the ship and proceed through customs and immigration. Once cleared, passengers can explore the port area, which includes shops, restaurants, and other amenities.
To make the most of your time at the port, it’s a good idea to plan your activities in advance. Whether you choose to explore the city on your own or take a guided tour, having a plan will help you make the most of your time in St. Johns.
Tips for a Memorable Cruise Vacation
To have a memorable cruise vacation to St. Johns, it’s important to be prepared and organized. Here are some general tips to help you make the most of your trip:
– Pack wisely: Be sure to pack appropriate clothing for the weather and activities you plan to participate in. Also, don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, and comfortable shoes.
– Stay organized: Keep important documents, such as passports and cruise tickets, in a safe and easily accessible place. It’s also a good idea to keep a copy of your itinerary and any reservations you’ve made.
– Stay entertained onboard: Cruise ships offer a wide range of activities and entertainment options, so take advantage of them. Attend shows, participate in onboard activities, and explore the ship’s amenities.
Popular Cruise Lines to St. Johns, Newfoundland
Several popular cruise lines offer trips to St. Johns, Newfoundland, providing travelers with a variety of options to choose from. Here are some of the most popular cruise lines that visit St. Johns:
– Royal Caribbean: Royal Caribbean offers a 7-night cruise from Boston to St. Johns, with stops in Portland, Bar Harbor, and Halifax. The cruise ship features a variety of amenities and activities, including multiple dining options, a spa, a fitness center, and entertainment venues.
– Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line offers a 10-night cruise from New York to St. Johns, with stops in Halifax, Sydney, and Charlottetown. The cruise ship features a wide range of dining options, including specialty restaurants, as well as a casino, a theater, and a water park.
– Holland America Line: Holland America Line offers a 14-night cruise from Boston to St. Johns, with stops in Bar Harbor, Halifax, Sydney, and Charlottetown. The cruise ship features elegant dining options, a spa and fitness center, live entertainment, and enrichment programs.
Best Time to Visit St. Johns, Newfoundland
The best time to visit St. Johns, Newfoundland depends on your preferences and interests. The summer months of June to August are the most popular time to visit, as the weather is mild and there are many outdoor activities and festivals taking place.
If you’re interested in experiencing the vibrant fall foliage, September and October are the best months to visit. The colors of the leaves are breathtaking, and the weather is still relatively mild.
For those who enjoy winter activities, December to February is the best time to visit St. Johns. The city is transformed into a winter wonderland, with opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Cruising to St. Johns, Newfoundland is a fantastic way to explore this beautiful Canadian city. With its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, St. Johns offers something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history and culture, outdoor adventures, or simply relaxing and enjoying the scenery, St. Johns has it all.
By booking a cruise to St. Johns, you can enjoy the convenience and affordability of cruising while exploring this unique destination. With a wide range of cruise lines and itineraries to choose from, there is something for every traveler.
So why wait? Book your cruise to St. Johns today and start planning your unforgettable adventure in this charming Canadian city.