Shriners & Friends Maple Explorer Expedition
Thank you for your interest in the Shriners & Friends 2023 Canada and New England 15 Day Maple Explorer Expedition. This proposal will provide you information regarding the itinerary for the trip, the ship we will be travelling on, the hotels for the land portion of the trip, optional travel insurance information, as well as the total cost for this once in a lifetime adventure. Please contact me with any questions you may have regarding this proposal.
Shriners & Friends 2023 Canada and New England 15 Day Maple Explorer Expedition
Introduction
The pages of history and stunning natural beauty blend
seamlessly as you cruise to Canada & New England to see the
color-drenched shores with Princess. Join Shriners and friends for this once in
a lifetime vacation experience.
Visit the iconic lighthouse at Peggy's Cove in Halifax,
return to the Gilded Age in Newport and stroll down Boston's historic Freedom
Trail. Or ascend Cadillac Mountain in picturesque Acadia National Park for one
of the "Best National Park Experiences," according to Lonely Planet.
On board New England cruises, you'll dine like a New Englander on succulent
crab cakes and lobster as the allure of the northern seaboard embraces you.
The very best sights of eastern Canada await you on this awe
inspiring journey that continues on land from Quebec City, where a tour
director joins us. We will visit exciting cities like the Canadian capital of
Ottawa and French-flavored Montréal, where you'll enjoy guided tours that show
you all the points of interest, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization,
dazzling cathedrals and the historic 19th century Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World
Heritage Site. You'll be treated to a breathtaking cruise at the base of
Niagara Falls on the famous Maid of the Mist.
The Ship
This exciting adventure awaits with your embarkation aboard the MedallionClass® Caribbean Princess following her multi-million-dollar array of luxurious enhancements. From the moment you step aboard, you will feel welcomed and right at home. And with attentive service from a friendly staff that knows what hospitality means, you’ll find your Princess® ship truly is your home away from home.
Photo: Caribbean Princess in Bar Harbour
Your impressive balcony stateroom offers the added indulgence of a balcony and gives you more space than a standard stateroom. Enjoy your own private outdoor space with a table, two chairs, and a relaxing view of the inspiring scenery surrounding you, whether a beautiful sunset over the ocean or a new city to explore. It’s also perfect to enjoy cocktails before dinner or a leisurely breakfast.
Photo: Luxurious balcony rooms aboard the MedallionClass® Caribbean Princess
Indulge your appetite whenever you wish on board Princess®. Every hour, chefs are busy baking, grilling and sautéing great-tasting fare from scratch. Princess offers unparalleled inclusive dining options throughout the ship with a wide range of culinary delights to suit any palate, from endless buffet choice to gourmet pizza, frosty treats, decadent desserts and much more. In the Main Dining Room, savor fresh new cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone during every voyage. Personal reflections on the menu by Chef Stone elaborate on each "Crafted" selection, prepared with the most authentic ingredients. Be enticed by dishes featuring delicious meats and seafood, fresh produce and vibrant, bold flavors.
Photo: Cuisine designed by award-winning Chef Curtis Stone
Dining on board a Princess® cruise ship is a joyful
celebration and our specialty restaurants always deliver an extraordinary
experience. They are among the best at sea – or anywhere. We serve dishes made
with the freshest ingredients, and our menus reflect regional flavors from
around the world. You'll find our specialty restaurants are the perfect place
to celebrate any occasion.
On every Princess ship, you'll find so many ways to play, day or night. Explore The Shops of Princess, celebrate cultures at the Festivals of the World or learn a new talent — the onboard activities will keep you engaged every moment of your cruise vacation. Original musicals, dazzling magic shows, feature films, top comedians and nightclubs that get your feet movin’ and groovin’. There’s something happening around every corner; luckily, you have a whole cruise of days and nights to experience it all.
Photo: Relax and enjoy world-class entertainment
Revitalize and refresh body, mind and soul with Princess®. From rejuvenating spa treatments and the tranquility of a top-deck retreat reserved just for adults to state-of-the-art fitness centers, you’ll find all the elements to come back new.
Photo: Refresh and revitalize yourself
Activities, dining and entertainment options vary by ship
and are subject to change. Photos represent typical arrangements and may vary
in detail or configuration.
The Itinerary
You don't have to go far to discover charming ports, stunning national parks and rich history. That’s why Princess Cruises sails to Canada & New England, where you’ll follow in the footsteps of America’s forefathers in cities like Newport and Boston, see the bright lights of New York City and be seduced by French-infused Québec City. Whether you’re retracing the past or taking in the East Coast’s legendary autumn colors, you’ll get to experience it all with Princess Cruises, named "Best Cruise Itineraries" (Recommend Magazine).
Photo: New England - Atlantic Canada Cruise Itinerary
Cruise Itinerary
The Adventure Begins
In New York City
A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture and fashion, and entertainment. The city consists of five boroughs and an intricate patchwork of neighborhoods. Some of these include Lower Manhattan and the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park and South Street Seaport, Chinatown, trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village, along with Little Italy, the flat Iron District and Gramercy Park. Famous Central Park covers 843 acres of paths, ponds, lakes and green space within the asphalt jungle. Many districts and landmarks have become well-known to outsiders. Nearly 170 languages are spoken in the city and over 35% of its population was born outside the United States.
Photo: Your journey begins in the Big Apple - New York City
Newport, Rhode Island
In the 19th century, Newport was America's Versailles. It was here that the great merchant princes and robber barons of the Gilded Age erected the elaborate summerhouses they so ingenuously dubbed "cottages." At the height of its splendor, a Newport season was a giddy whirl of grand fêtes, yacht races and elaborate beach picnics for assorted Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans. Today, it is the privileged traveler who marvels at the splendor of great mansions like The Breakers, The Elms, or Rosecliff. Gone are the days when "Tessie" Oelrichs, one of Newport's fabled hostesses, had 12 skeleton ships anchored offshore and dramatically lit for her legendary "White Ball."Iconic Rocky Coastlines.
Photo: Wonder in the history of Newport, Rhode Island
Boston, Massachusetts
Hailed as the "Cradle of American Independence," Boston brims with heritage landmarks and cultural attractions that tell the story of our country's fascinating history. Boston was America's first great city and has been described as the "Athens of America." Today this vibrant city combines historic districts with revitalized urban centers. To make the most of your visit, embark on a comprehensive guided drive by motorcoach or trolley, or take the iconic "Duck" tour showcasing the Public Gardens and picture-perfect Copley Square. Follow the Freedom Trail along three of the most historic miles in the country and see the site of the Boston Tea Party. Trace the route of Paul Revere's famous ride, and stand on the bridge where minutemen fired "the shot heard 'round the world." Venture into Lexington and Concord for more icons of the American Revolution, or head to Salem to explore the dark past at the Salem Witch Museum. Get an education at Harvard Square, touch "Fisk Pole" at Fenway Park, and top it all off with a bowl of "Boston Chowda" at Quincy Marketplace.
Photo: Explore the cradle of American independence in Boston, Massachusetts
Bar Harbor, Maine
Nestled in Maine's Frenchman Bay on Mount Desert Island lies the quaint town of Bar Harbor. The wealthy have flocked to the area since the early 1900s, making it a fashionable summer resort filled with Newport-style "cottages," though many were razed in a catastrophic fire in 1947. As you approach the shore, gaze upon the many unique lighthouses still standing guard over 3,478 miles of Maine's coast. Bar Harbor is the gateway to Acadia National Park, established 1919 and one of the most visited national parks in America. A haven for nature lovers, its 35,000 acres are home to sea-scoured shores, forested mountains and rocky cliffs overlooking sparkling lakes. You can cycle, drive, hike or trot by horse-drawn carriage through the park's postcard-perfect scenery and along 27-mile Park Loop Road that ribbons around the island and wends its way up to the summit of Cadillac Mountain. And you can't leave Maine's shores without feasting on a traditional "downeast" meal, a lobster bake with all the trimmings.
Photo: Be inspired by the quaint town of Bar Harbour in Maine's Frenchman Bay on Mount Desert Island
Saint John, New
Brunswick
Boasting unspoiled natural beauty and a spectacular coastline, New Brunswick's pristine shores await you. The capital of Saint John is Canada's oldest settlement and was a thriving industrial port until it was leveled by fire in 1877, but redevelopment of the Old City Market and Heritage Area has restored the town's charm and its sense of history. Saint John lies on the Bay of Fundy, which boasts the highest tides in the world and the astonishing Reversing Rapids, caused when the tides change and the river is forced to reverse direction and flow upstream. Witness this natural phenomenon along with heritage sites on a guided trolley ride or cruise the Bay of Fundy for different views of the area's spectacular natural beauty. Discover the inspired eateries that put uptown Saint John on the map as a foodie destination and venture on to the quaint seaside town of St. Andrews by-the-Sea and St. Martins for a relaxed stroll.
Photo: Unspoiled natural beauty and spectacular coastline of St John, New Brunswick
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The capital of Nova Scotia and the largest city in Canada's Atlantic Provinces, Halifax was once Great Britain's major military bastion in North America. The beautifully restored waterfront buildings of Halifax's Historic Properties recall the city's centuries-old maritime heritage. Stroll the waterfront, and you may find Nova Scotia's floating ambassador, the schooner Bluenose II, tied up to Privateer's Wharf, just as old sailing ships have done for over 200 years. Halifax is also the gateway to Nova Scotia's stunning scenery, including famous Peggy's Cove, where surf-pounded granite cliffs and a solitary lighthouse create an unsurpassed scene of rugged natural beauty.
Photo: Jaw-dropping view of Peggy's Cove in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton is fabled as a magical travel destination and the Port of Sydney is the gateway. Known for its beauty and unique Celtic music and culture, Sydney puts some of the Island's greatest sights and attractions at your fingertips when you disembark into the Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion. The dockside pavilion offers an array of Shopping Boutiques, a Craft Market and the World's Largest Fiddle. You will also find the Cape Breton Island Exhibition Centre featuring artifacts, images and an overview of the rich culture and heritage of this historic Island. Or you can simply sit and savour our local seafood cuisine at the Range Light Cafe, or enjoy a glass of wine on our second level balcony.
Photo: Relax at Wentworth Park in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Charlottetown, Prince
Edward Island
While Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province in terms of area and population, it more than makes up for this with the friendliness of its people, its natural beauty, and for being known as the birthplace of Canada. The island's landscape is dramatic and features rolling hills, pristine forests, reddish-white sand beaches, ocean coves and the famous red soil. The capital of Charlottetown offers a small town feel and a relaxed atmosphere with a cosmopolitan flair. The town has evolved into a dynamic city without sacrificing its historic charm that provided inspiration for author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel "Anne of Green Gables." You’ll also find the Confederation Bridge - the world's longest bridge over ice-covered waters provides a connection from PEI to the mainland Canada.
Photo: Harbour area in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Quebec City, Quebec
To visit Québec is to experience France without crossing the Atlantic. The architecture, the ambience, and the animated conversation on the street confirm the impression that a bit of France has been permanently imbedded in North America. Stroll along the streets of the atmospheric Latin Quarter and explore the historic stone and brick houses of Old Québec, the only remaining walled city north of Mexico. Visit the Place Royale and Notre Dame des Victoires, the oldest stone church in North America, and marvel at the turreted Château de Frontenac.
Photo: Old Quebec City - a slice of Europe in North America
Land Itinerary
The very best sights of eastern Canada await you on this awe inspiring journey that continues on land from Quebec City, where a tour director joins us. We will visit exciting cities like the Canadian capital of Ottawa and French-flavored Montréal, where you'll enjoy guided tours that show you all the points of interest, including the Canadian Museum of Civilization, dazzling cathedrals and the historic 19th century Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also be treated to a breathtaking cruise at the base of Niagara Falls and dinner at the top of the CN Tower.
Photo: Land itinerary of the Maple Explorer Expedition
Montreal, Quebec –
October 19
The cruise portion of the expedition will conclude on the morning of October 19. For those continuing on with us, we will be joined by our tour director as we disembark. We will enjoy a motorcoach ride along the St. Laurent as we make our way to Montreal. In the afternoon, we will take a sightseeing tour with a local guide, enjoying such sights as the French Quarter and Notre Dame We will overnight at the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth. Breakfast and dinner are included in the package today.
Photo: Majestic view of Montreal, Quebec
Montebello, Quebec –
October 20
After breakfast, we make our way for an optional tour of the Shriners Hospitals for Children. We then continue our scenic motorcoach journey through the Quebec countryside, arriving early afternoon in Montebello. You'll have time this afternoon to explore the resort and relax at your own pace. Dinner tonight is at your resort. Overnight at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello. Breakfast and dinner are included in the package today.
Photo: Relax at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
Ottawa, Ontario –
October 21
This morning we'll depart for the nation's capital city of Ottawa, along the banks of the Ottawa River. Upon arrival visit the Canadian Museum of History, one of many national museums located in the city. This afternoon tour with a local guide to sights like the Canadian Mint, the residences of the Governor General and Prime Minister, and Parliament Hill. The evening is at your leisure to explore Ottawa. Overnight at Fairmont Chateau Laurier. Breakfast is included in the package today.
Photo: Explore Canada's capital city, Ottawa
Experience the
Thousand Islands – October 22
After breakfast, we board our motorcoach enroute to Toronto. We will stop and take a picturesque cruise through the Thousand Islands where lunch will be served onboard. Overnight at the Fairmont Royal York. Breakfast and lunch are included in the package today.
Photo: Cruise through the Thousand Islands
Niagara Falls and
Toronto – October 23
Today is a highlight of your vacation. It's off to Niagara Falls and a boat cruise to the base of the falls. Enjoy some free time to explore the falls area and lunch at leisure. Later stop at charming Niagara on the Lake before returning to Toronto late afternoon. Upon arrival back in Toronto the group will have an orientation tour. This evening a special dinner awaits at the CN TOWER overlooking the Toronto city lights. A perfect ending to your Canadian journey. Overnight at the Fairmont Royal York. Breakfast and dinner are included in the package today.
Photo: Cap off the Maple Explorer Expedition with dinner on top of Toronto's CN Tower
Departure – October
24
The Maple Explorer Expedition concludes this morning. Breakfast is included in the package today.
History of Shriners Hospitals For
Children
Inside Shriners Hospitals for Children each day, patients
and families say thank you to the Shriners International fraternity – those men
in the red fezzes. Our model for care was imagined and established by the
Shriners, the fraternal organization for which the hospital is named.
Determined to give all children access to specialized pediatric care, the
Shriners opened their first hospital in Shreveport, Louisiana, in 1922. Polio
was reaching epidemic proportions and only families of means had ready access
to doctors, leaving thousands of children at risk without health care. Shriners
Hospitals for Children opened as a place where children suffering from the
crippling effects of polio, clubfoot and other orthopaedic conditions could
receive life-changing medical care.
Recognized as one of the world’s greatest philanthropies,
Shriners Hospitals for Children has evolved into an international hospital
system recognized for its devotion to transforming the lives of children
through expert care and research. It is a destination of choice for parents
whose children have orthopaedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, cleft
lip and palate, or other complex surgical needs. All children receive care
regardless of the families’ ability to pay.
Shriners Hospitals For Children -
Canada
Located in Montreal since 1925, Shriners Hospitals for
Children — Canada is a bilingual, acute care center providing orthopaedic
specialty care for complex or chronic disorders, such as osteogenesis
imperfecta (brittle bone disease), severe spinal and limb anomalies,
reconstructive surgery and rehabilitation. Children from across Canada, the
U.S. and around the world have benefited from the Canada Shriners Hospital’s
groundbreaking research and innovative treatments, both in Montreal and in
their own communities.
While in Montreal, we will have the opportunity to tour this
state-of-the-art hospital that was opened at the Glen site in Montreal on
October 5, 2015.
Blue Skies Travel will donate $100 per traveler with us for the entire expedition. $50 will be donated per traveler with us for the cruise portion of the expedition only.
Photo: Shriners Hospitals for Children in Montreal, Quebec
Cost of Travel
The full expedition spans a total of 15 days travel, from
New York City on October 9, 2023 to Toronto on October 24. Travelers also have
the option to end their travel in Quebec City on October 19, 2023.
Travel cost is dependent upon the length of travel as well as the choice and location of cruise stateroom.
Cruise Tour, including the entire 15-day trip is available from $8,000 per person for an inside stateroom.
Cruise-only travel is available from $3,900 per person for an inside stateroom.
Rates and travel options subject to change
based on availability and specific location of cabin chosen.
Inside and Ocean view staterooms are available upon request. Suites and mini-suites available upon request.
Rates for individual travelers available upon request.
Please contact Blue Skies Travel for a firm price quote.
Inclusions
·
Prices listed here include:
·
Taxes, fees, and port expenses
·
Prepaid gratuities
·
Premier beverage package and applicable service
charges
·
WIFI for all travelers, one device per traveler
·
$50 onboard credit per traveler in balcony
staterooms or $25 per traveler in inside or outside staterooms.
·
Room and applicable taxes and fees at indicated
hotel during land portion of the expedition
·
Meals and taxes as indicated on land itinerary
·
Coach transportation during land travel
·
Activities during land travel as described in
land itinerary
Deposit
Refundable deposit due at time of booking. $620 per stateroom for full expedition only
or $992 for cruise only.
Cancellation Schedule
·
July 12, 2023 – Deposit forfeited if cancelled
after this date
·
August 14, 2023 – 50% total charges forfeited if
cancelled after this date
·
September 11, 2023 – 75% total charges forfeited
if cancelled after this date
·
September 25, 2023 – 100% total charges forfeited
if cancelled after this date
Travel Insurance
Blue Skies Travel is a licensed broker for Munulife travel
insurance. A quote for insurance will be
provided along with any formal quote.
About This Group
Blue Skies Travel is excited to offer this unique group
opportunity to visit Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario and New England, while
supporting the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Trevor Eliott is the owner of Blue Skies Travel and is very
passionate about providing high quality, high value travel experiences for his
clients. An avid cruise traveler, Trevor understands the needs of his clients
and works to ensure clients are well taken care of.
Trevor, a proud member of Al Shamal Shriners in Edmonton,
Alberta, and Lady Julia will be travelling with this group for the entire
duration of the 15-day expedition and will ensure that all travelers with the
group receive the quality experience Blue Skies Travel is committed to.
When booking with this group, you will have the opportunity
to indicate your dining preferences including whether you would prefer the
early or late dinner seating (based on availability) and will be able to indicate
your preference of dining companions.
A group excursion will be coordinated at each port of
call. Group travelers will have the
opportunity to join the group excursion (additional costs applicable) or to
plan your time at port away from the group. Any travelers planning their own
time at port will be responsible to ensure they arrive back to the ship prior
to sail away time.
In addition to group dining and excursions, there will be a
welcome aboard party planned for the group on embarkation day and optional
group activities will be planned for our day at sea on October 17.
Please note that rates are subject to change without notice
by
suppliers and subject to availability at the time of
booking. No space
is
currently being held.