The Port Lowdown offers detailed and fun video guides for cruise ports and destinations, helping independent, budget-minded travelers save time and money. We found that many videos lack the details we needed, such as parking, restrooms, available services, and even sidewalk quality. We act as your “port scout”, providing first-hand reports on essential information that others overlook; our videos cover port terminals, independent excursions, goods, services, transportation and even ship tours. With time ticking away during your port visit, we understand the importance of sound planning to make every moment count.
You'll have to inquire with the tour company we used, it's in our description. But for the record, you're crammed into a tight seat and experience a pretty good thrashing. If I were you, I'd skip, but that's me.
You guys are so brave and so calm I would’ve been a nervous wreck. The answer to your question is no I would never rent a car in another country, but that’s just me. Glad you guys made it back just in time and we’re safe
I’d just spend my afternoon walking the seaport. Great water views with some good food and drink. Unless you really want to see the historical stuff on the freedom trail that might be a better day than fighting to get into Boston proper.
True, but I wanted to cover something basic. Actually, I did a brief walk in that area and will likely feature it in a future video. Thanks! The most asked question amongst the other passengers was how to get to Quincy Market, so Boston Common can get them started. But I personally wasn't that impressed with Quincy...lots of crowds and hype. Any suggestions for waterfront food?
@@ThePortLowdown anything along Seaport Blvd or the harbor walk. Lots of restaurants with outdoor seating. Walk along the water towards Fan Pier Park and you’ll find something.
Very thorough review. Thank you! On Celebrity ships, there's a men's changing room in the spa that you're allowed to use no charge, for after-workout showering. Is there such a thing on Holland America ships as well?
Hi, resident of Halifax here. Just an update to your video: the parrot, Merlin, is no longer at the Maritime museum of the Atlantic. He was moved to Ontario for his health and now lives with a group of other macaws
Hi, very beautiful video! I'm sorry for my english. Me and my wife will be in Honningsvag in August with a cruise. Because i've a big and heavy electric wheelchair, i need a van for disabled people to go to visit Nort Cape and return. I need to stay always upon my wheelchair. Do you know if there are these facilyties?
Thank you! The path leading to the edge with the view is full of gravel and will be difficult to get to on a chair. The visitors center has facilities for wheelchairs. Check out tours that serve wheelchair visitors. Best to you!
Thank you for the absolutely provide video… Thank you for holding the camera still🤣😂 I am glad you profiled Bimini because I truly believe it is a diamond in the rough underappreciated little island. Absolutely new subscriber thank you.
Great informative video!!! We will be in Saint John in August and taking your advice on car rental. How did they know to pick/drop off at the port? I don’t see an option on the website. Do you call to arrange that? TYVM in advance!!
Everything mentioned in this video is worth seeing, but here a a couple other things that are lesser known or more mean for locals. (from a local) This is a bit more Dartmouth focused because those are some of the least known attractions. 1: The ferry - there is a small commuter ferry that leaves the Halifax waterfront for Dartmouth every 15min. It cost $2.75 and gives you the best views for pictures of the downtown. I suggest the Dartmouth one that lands at Alderney gate over the Woodside one, but both have great views. 2: A couple lesser known Dartmouth Restaurants - If you took the ferry across you might want to grab a quick bite before going back. The Wooden Monkey is right at the ferry terminal and is always great. It has a great patio for views of Halifax. Evans Seafood is also right in Alderney gate. One side of the family does the fishing and the other runs the small restaurant. some of the best fish and chips in Halifax. One other great Dartmouth restaurant is Chanoey"s Pasta just up from the ferry on Portland street. When you stop by ask about the name. 3: A alternative to the Bicycle thief- The Bicycle Thief might be the best known restaurant in Halifax, but I strongly recommend Da Maurizo in the old Keith's brewery building instead if your in the market for fine dining. 4: Parks and Nature walks- The public garden is a great garden, but if you want a more natural park you have a couple great choices in the city. Point Pleasant is a very large public nature park that is very close to the cruise piers. it as great ocean views and many points of interest. The second nature park I would recommend is Shubie. It is in Dartmouth by lake Micmac, but has a great nature walk along the old Shubenacadie canal. You could possible see beavers or deer on this walk. 5: Lake Banook - The area around Sullivans pond and lake Banook is very nice for walking, but I mention it for the constant rowing that you can watch on the lake. Many Olympic and World champions have from the the paddling clubs here and training and racing can be seen here almost everyday. 6: Fisherman's Cove. - A small area in Eastern passage at the mouth of the harbour. It is a working fisherman's wharf that has been converted to small shops and restaurants. it would require a shorth taxi or uber ride. There are many other attractions and interesting area, but these are ones that may not be as well known or are a little different.
I am about to take my first MSC cruise which leaves from the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. This video was very informative and detailed. Thanks so much for sharing!! It helped me a lot. 😀
First MSC cruise for my family too. Honestly I'm still intimidated getting to this port and all the disorganization within the terminal. Though going to make it the best experience I can make it.
This was the best ship tour video I have ever watched. BRAVO! I will be on Discovery in August, and I thank you for this video since I now know what to expect and where to find it!
Hi, and thank you for the kind words! I'm on a cruise now and go in and out of contact, so sorry for the late response. Anyway, I hope you have a great trip!
For the inTRAnet, that is the ship's internal system, you can access anytime. For the inTERnet, you'll need an internet plan and access during business hours. Not sure if you can do this per hour or you need to pay for the day. During business hours, there is staff to assist
Hmm, I see. Looking at the map, that's certainly true. Most likely an Uber from the station if you're pulling alot of luggage. But certainly another option. Thanks!
I know. I'm probably butchering my pronunciation, so sorry about that. Sometimes I look it up online before recording narration, but even that could be wrong. 🙄
If you’re comfortable taking a walk the walk to Boston Common from the cruise port is an incredibly pleasant 40-minute walk up Summer Street, especially once you get past D Street. And Bluebike day passes for $10 are another great option near the port and all over the city if you’re comfortable bike riding. The real gem worth walking to nearby is the Harborwalk. Start near Harpoon Brewery and follow it all the way to the North End for a splendid 60-90 minute walk, and you can take the T back to your ship when you get tired.
Thanks so much. We actually looked into those options in our research. We'll be back in Boston this year and will consider your advice on options. It will be more on embarkation, tho. I did stroll the harbor area north of the port as well as the design center. Some interesting sights to see to be sure.
Thanks for the info, will be there next year as part of British Isle cruise. Thanks to our local agent Joyce, already on top of list for Normandy excursion.
I am going from Ft Lauderdale to Rotterdam in April 2025. I once had the pleasure of spending a whole week in Normandy and did a lot of sightseeing. So this time I am going to explore Le Havre itself. See the library, cathedral and art museum and find a nice place for lunch. Normandy is fantastic. Honfleur and Deauville are wonderful little towns but I also warmly recommend the D-Day beaches. Very impressive.
Our cruise begins in Boston (in one week). Since we're coming in from Montreal and arriving around 8 am on Friday, we're planning on doing some touristy fun before checking in (but definitely taking advantage of our hotel's luggage storage). Thanks for the info.
Thank you for this great report on Saint John as a cruise port. The majority of cruise ship visits occur in September and October after the summer holidays. Your video captured the region's Fall beauty.
flying is best for us ,boat one time , found secret places we love .. the resort is declining tho . roach in the lobster wasn't pleasant , trashy ,,island life
@@ThePortLowdown It’s relative. They aren’t budget but they aren’t Regent 7 Seas. Oceania might be a comparison. Beauty of Azamara is they are country intensive. Longer port stays and overnights are why we cruise them. There’s a casual elegance about it and no “nickel n diming”
