Wifey B: What a wonderful cruise it can be. In 2018, we hit Halifax NS, Canso NS, Summerfield PE, Gaspe PQ, Saint-Anne-Des-Monts PQ, Tadoussac, PQ, Quebec PQ and Montreal PQ. What a wonderful six weeks it was. We also had friends who flew in to meet us in Montreal and Quebec. What a wonderful time it was. Yes, it was summer, late June to August.
One who was with us noted how nice it was to meet French Canadians in their natural habitat. I know that sounds strange at first but we have tens of thousands who visit South Florida each winter. Some great, some not, but they're all tourists when we meet them. So much different than going to Quebec. Sure is nice now when the tourists come to know more about their home areas. All of us when cruising to other places should keep in mind that it's often all locals know of our homes.
Before I ever made it to Puerto Rico, my hubby use to talk about how he loved the area and all the people he had met there while doing business. He emphasized their friendliness and politeness. Well, the only Puerto Rican's I'd med were via NY it seemed. Very different ways of doing things. Then we went to Puerto Rico and I saw some of what hubby knew.
Take the cruise to PEI or all the way to Montreal. Even loop back across Lake Ontario and through the canals. You will meet people and experience cultures that you'll treasure forever. A waitress we met in Quebec is now studying art in NYC and we've remained in touch. Aurora, who was only 4 at the time loved speaking to her in French (she'd learned a little) and they became instant friends. They've remained in touch, even webcamming occasionally.
One thing I try to think of with each place we visit is that often we see another area and think "How could anyone live here?" Well, I always try to focus on life there and how they enjoy it and how it can be home. While I find the cold horrifying I do see their nice towns and the friendliness and pick up on local customs and fun. I always leave knowing it's really a nice place to live. You treasure the oddest memories but they are what brings a location to life. For instance, some of you PNW'ers talk negative about Seattle, but I remember us having a snowball fight with these teenagers there and their mom inviting us in for cocoa. She was alarmed that her kids through snowballs at tourists. We had a blast.
You don't plan these things that happen when you cruise, they just happen and you absorb and experience and learn. Definitely cruise this area.