The official Quebec, Saguenay and Baie-Comeau cruise ports thread!

[dclpluto]

We and extended family and friends just booked 5 cabins on this cruise. Prices were great. We are from the NY area and are now researching ways to get to Quebec. We do not want to fly. The drive is about 9 hours without traffic. We are thinking of doing one way car rentals or possibly chartering a small bus. Other than flying how are people getting to Quebec from the NY area?

Also, I read that there was a Hertz location right at the port terminal (see link) but I can't find it. I see one a few block away but not right at the port. Any locals have any info?

http://www.portquebec.ca/en/cruises/information-for-cruise-ship-passengers/customer-service

MJ

I’m not taking it but montroel to ewr has a cheap flight non stop. 117 last I looked. DCL has a bus port to montroel airport 70 dollars. I’m sure the flight from ewr to montroel is also cheap.

 

[lcsmom]

I just looked and there are numerous nonstops from NYC airports to Montreal for about $100. Of course, there would be baggage fees, etc. on top of that. Disney is doing transfers from Montreal. Flights into Quebec City are mostly from EWR, require a stop/transfer, and start at about $130. The nonstops are about $250. Plus the fees, of course.
Having done that, I checked Greyhound. It appears a one way trip from the Port Authority to Montreal or Quebec City would be less than $80. There was a special number to call if you were booking 5 or more tickets. If there are over ten of you traveling together, perhaps you could do some sort of charter? A large group on a bus with a professional driver might make the 10+ hour drive fun. Or perhaps I'm romanticizing High School bus trips?

 

[rrali33tt]

I haven't been on a cruise in a few years and I am considering booking the 9/27/18 cruise out of Quebec. I would be travelling with my husband and two year old (who turns 3 on the cruise) . We have never been on a Disney cruise before. I am so confused on when I should arrive in Quebec to get on the boat. Since we are travelling with a toddler convenience is key, so I am planning on flying into Quebec and going straight to the boat. What time can we arrive at port and board - 4pm or is that the last time you can arrive? If we arrive at YBQ at 2pm is that too late? I am also considering coming in the night before but I feel like it is pointless to do that with a toddler, i dont think a toddler can handle certain kinds of sightseeing and the one day we have while the ship is docked overnight would be enough for him (even though I am sure hubby and I could have done lots of things over a few days when we didnt have a kid).

 

[cruiser21]

I haven't been on a cruise in a few years and I am considering booking the 9/27/18 cruise out of Quebec. I would be travelling with my husband and two year old (who turns 3 on the cruise) . We have never been on a Disney cruise before. I am so confused on when I should arrive in Quebec to get on the boat. Since we are travelling with a toddler convenience is key, so I am planning on flying into Quebec and going straight to the boat. What time can we arrive at port and board - 4pm or is that the last time you can arrive? If we arrive at YBQ at 2pm is that too late? I am also considering coming in the night before but I feel like it is pointless to do that with a toddler, i dont think a toddler can handle certain kinds of sightseeing and the one day we have while the ship is docked overnight would be enough for him (even though I am sure hubby and I could have done lots of things over a few days when we didnt have a kid).

Since the ship overnights in Quebec you have a little leeway as far as flying in the day of cruise. I'd probably shoot for an earlier arrival time, but if thats your only option I think you should be fine. The all aboard time is 4, but the ships not going anywhere. Disney will let you on if your late. If your flight is late I would still give DCl a call and let them know.

 

[mevelandry]

***Oyez, Oyez!!!***

I just created a Roll Call section in the first post!

Tell me on which cruise (out of the two) you are going and I'll add your name to the list!

 

[MJDisFamCruisers]

***Oyez, Oyez!!!***

I just created a Roll Call section in the first post!

Tell me on which cruise (out of the two) you are going and I'll add your name to the list!

We are doing both! It will be #21 and #22 for us but our first back-to-back cruise.

 

[Shadowfan]

***Oyez, Oyez!!!***

I just created a Roll Call section in the first post!

Tell me on which cruise (out of the two) you are going and I'll add your name to the list!

We are on the New York-Quebec City!(We’ll also be gold after this one!)

 

[mmouse37]

I haven't been on a cruise in a few years and I am considering booking the 9/27/18 cruise out of Quebec. I would be travelling with my husband and two year old (who turns 3 on the cruise) . We have never been on a Disney cruise before. I am so confused on when I should arrive in Quebec to get on the boat. Since we are travelling with a toddler convenience is key, so I am planning on flying into Quebec and going straight to the boat. What time can we arrive at port and board - 4pm or is that the last time you can arrive? If we arrive at YBQ at 2pm is that too late? I am also considering coming in the night before but I feel like it is pointless to do that with a toddler, i dont think a toddler can handle certain kinds of sightseeing and the one day we have while the ship is docked overnight would be enough for him (even though I am sure hubby and I could have done lots of things over a few days when we didnt have a kid).

We are traveling with a group including our 3 year old and a 9 month old grandkids and I would still aim to get to the port fairly early on the 27th. Boarding usually start by 12:00 (many times earlier) although this will be their first time out of Quebec so anything can happen. I spoke with DCL and they said even though they are overnighting in Quebec they require everyone to board by 4:00 pm. If you are late make sure you call DCL. I agree that they will let you on if you are late but I am sure they need to know if you are going to be late...probably has to do with passenger counts.

MJ

 

[mevelandry]

We are doing both! It will be #21 and #22 for us but our first back-to-back cruise.

Added!

(Wow! Congrats. Hope you're going to enjoy our province! )

 

[dclpluto]

We are doing both! It will be #21 and #22 for us but our first back-to-back cruise.

My wife and I will also be on our 21st Disney cruise from nyc to Quebec. My 22nd won’t be until next year thou.

 

[mevelandry]

My wife and I will also be on our 21st Disney cruise from nyc to Quebec. My 22nd won’t be until next year thou.

Added!

 

[TheWicKids]

***Oyez, Oyez!!!***

I just created a Roll Call section in the first post!

Tell me on which cruise (out of the two) you are going and I'll add your name to the list!

My husband and I will be on QC to NYC

 

[TheWicKids]

We are looking for a zodiac whale watching tour in the fjord that is less expensive than the DCL excursion. I have looked but found nothing leaving from Saguenay, only an hour+ away, which I don't know how we would do. Any recommendations?

 

[mevelandry]

We are looking for a zodiac whale watching tour in the fjord that is less expensive than the DCL excursion. I have looked but found nothing leaving from Saguenay, only an hour+ away, which I don't know how we would do. Any recommendations?

The problem in Saguenay is transportation: It's complicated. There are very little public transportation, very little shuttles and almost no cabs as most people who live there need/own cars.

As a result, cruise lines and other tour circuits can ask the big prices.

 

[TheWicKids]

The problem in Saguenay is transportation: It's complicated. There are very little public transportation, very little shuttles and almost no cabs as most people who live there need/own cars.

As a result, cruise lines and other tour circuits can ask the big prices.

Bummer Would we see these whales from ship as it goes through the fjord? Should I look at Baie-Comeau for options? Or should we bite the bullet and pay over $500? Worth it, or no? Thanks so much for all of this info! Love all of your insight!

 

[mevelandry]

Bummer Would we see these whales from ship as it goes through the fjord? Should I look at Baie-Comeau for options? Or should we bite the bullet and pay over $500? Worth it, or no? Thanks so much for all of this info! Love all of your insight!

Do you know the exact name of the pier you are going to dock at?

If I have free time today or this week-end I'll do a little research. Many websites from Saguenay are in french only... I can definitely help with that and try to see what your options are.

 

[mevelandry]

I decided to check right away...

Ok, from what I understand, most of the whales you could see would be near at the junction of the Fjord and St. Lawrence river near a village called Tadoussac.

Most whale watching cruises will depart from either L'Anse-St-Jean or Petit Saguenay which are about a 60 to 90 minutes drive (and it could be complicated to get there) from Saguenay and they last at least 3 hours.

So while you could get lucky and encounter a whale during a Fjord cruise (do they have a map of the itinerary?), the official whale watching zone is at the junction.

So, if DCL offers a whale watching cruise, although it is pricey, it could be the easiest way to do it.

The ship is going to pass by that zone as it makes its way into the Fjord. Chances are you might encounter whales on your way to Saguenay.

 

[cruiser21]

We are looking for a zodiac whale watching tour in the fjord that is less expensive than the DCL excursion. I have looked but found nothing leaving from Saguenay, only an hour+ away, which I don't know how we would do. Any recommendations?

ttps://tourisme.saguenay.ca/en/what-to-do/sports-outdoor-activities/nautical-activities/whale-watching-cruises

 

[mevelandry]

ttps://tourisme.saguenay.ca/en/what-to-do/sports-outdoor-activities/nautical-activities/whale-watching-cruises

Yes, and they are all departing from Tadoussac... Which is a 2 hours drive from the port of La Baie (where you are going to dock).

 

[mevelandry]

Guys, I sent an e-mail to the Office of Tourism of Saguenay to try to find more informations regarding the excursions from the port. Hopefully, I'll have clear answers soon.