From Lucky Draw to Lasting Memories: A Mother-Daughter Atlantic Canada Cruise Adventure
When Noreen Grenier entered Cruise Atlantic Canada’s “Win a Cruise for Two” contest last winter, she never imagined it would lead to a life-changing adventure along the stunning shores of Atlantic Canada. Chosen from thousands of entrants, Noreen and her daughter, Jocelyn, embarked on an unforgettable journey aboard Holland America Line’s Volendam, visiting the picturesque ports of Saint John, Halifax, Corner Brook, and Charlottetown.
A Winning Moment
“I received an email with the subject line: You’re the Winner of Our Dream Cruise for Two Contest!” Noreen recalls. “At first, I wondered if it was real, but then I remembered entering and thought, ‘OMG, this is crazy!'” As Jocelyn would later describe it: “Imagine thousands of Bingo balls in a giant container. Someone jumps in and grabs only one ball. That was my mom’s ball. How does that even happen?”
The choice of travel companion was easy. “Jocelyn has taken me on many of her vacations,” Noreen shares. “We always have so much fun together. There was no one else I would have taken.”
The Ease of Cruising
From the moment they boarded the Volendam in Boston, the excitement was palpable. “It felt like staying in a hotel on the water,” Noreen explains. “You keep the same room throughout the trip, only needing to unpack once, yet you get to visit multiple cities.”
The cruise experience exceeded their expectations, from the helpful onboard talks preparing them for each port to the readily available shuttles making disembarkation seamless. For Noreen, the attention to accessibility was particularly appreciated. “As a senior, I found this extra assistance especially helpful.”
Exploring Atlantic Canada’s Magnificent Ports
Saint John, New Brunswick
The natural wonders of Saint John captivated their imagination. The dramatic Reversing Falls and the majestic sea caves at St. Martins provided spectacular photo opportunities. Jocelyn discovered what she calls a photographer’s dream: the only place in the world where you can capture two covered bridges and a lighthouse in a single frame. “The stunning sights here were among the most memorable of our journey,” Noreen shares.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax brought history dramatically to life. At the Citadel, Jocelyn was moved walking through the fort’s darkened passages, imagining the soldiers who once stood guard there, while a live gun-firing demonstration added to the authentic experience. Their visit to the iconic Peggy’s Cove was so special they had their photo in front of the lighthouse printed on canvas as a lasting memory. The Fairview Lawn Cemetery offered a powerful connection to Atlantic Canadian history, where their guide shared touching stories about the Titanic passengers laid to rest there.
Corner Brook, Newfoundland & Labrador
Corner Brook enchanted them with its genuine Western Newfoundland hospitality. They discovered local treasures like handmade quilted table runners and jewelry featuring local stones. The early morning sail into port offered breathtaking views of Newfoundland’s rugged coastline. “I’m very proud to say I’ve visited all four Atlantic provinces,” Noreen beams, “and Corner Brook showed us why Newfoundland holds such a special place in travelers’ hearts.”
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown dazzled them with extraordinary culinary experiences. At Ada, a local studio, Chef Adam shared not just his cooking expertise but also touching family stories—including the meaning behind his tattoos of his grandmother’s bun recipe and family portraits. Their day was perfected with a fresh lobster roll and the famous Cow’s Ice Cream, enjoyed while listening to local musicians perform by the water. “The combination of amazing food, music, and hospitality made this port unforgettable,” Noreen shares.
The Personal Touch
What made their journey truly special was the warm welcome from Atlantic Canada Cruise Association representatives at each port. At every stop, they received unique gift bags filled with local treasures, making each port feel like Christmas morning.
Double Lucky
In an incredible twist of fate, their winning streak continued. During the last day at sea, Jocelyn won a bingo game—and the prize was a 7-day Caribbean cruise for two! “Now we’re no longer rookie cruisers,” Noreen laughs, “and we’re already excited to plan our next adventure!”
Final Reflections
Looking back on their journey, Noreen reflects on what made this trip so special: “Each port in Atlantic Canada has its own unique charm and character. The people at every stop make you feel so welcome. You can feel their warmth the moment you step off the ship.”
Her advice for others considering a cruise through Atlantic Canada? “Don’t hesitate—book your trip now and experience it for yourself instead of just talking about it. You won’t regret it.”
Whether you’re dreaming of exploring historic sites, tasting fresh seafood, or simply soaking in the natural beauty of Canada’s East Coast, a cruise through Atlantic Canada offers the perfect blend of convenience, comfort, and unforgettable experiences. As Noreen and Jocelyn discovered, sometimes one lucky moment can lead to a lifetime of memories.
Ready to start your own adventure? Discover more about cruising Atlantic Canada here.