Getting to our Volendam Cruise using VIA Rail, a GO train and a Long Drive

[@maryg4551]

I still call it the Skydome as well! LOL! Great video - thanks for sharing!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for watching!

[@ronfischer191]

I'm with you it will always be the Skydome

[@CruisingCanucks]

It definitely is hard to try and call it anything else for us.

[@shelcheese8344]

Train travel is the best. I did a roomette on Via going back and forth to university in NW Ontario in the 70’s. The dining car was amazing then! White table cloths and first class food.

[@CruisingCanucks]

That sounds wonderful!

[@kimkearney7639]

I still call it the Skydome, too! 😉 I also took the train from Toronto before my cruise out of Montreal..I'll have to try business class next time!! Thanks for sharing

[@CruisingCanucks]

We sure enjoyed the business class experience. We had a great price when we booked it. We have noticed that the price is significantly higher for the summer months in comparison.

[@kimber4350]

Love seeing the pre-cruise travel!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for watching.

[@heideleskun1163]

So right about the difference from the U.S. train system compared to anywhere else. We stay in suite hotels all the time. Especially if when we had our hooligans with us, "kids" and even now as adults. Depending on who's going. We've done 5 in 1 room. Thankfully we all get along even as adults lol. I'm sure the taste of McDonalds anywhere else is different than what it's like in the states. Other countries are MUCH more less "additives and preservatives" than here. Poutine is SO good in Canada. YUM YUM YUM.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We really enjoyed our train ride. Mr. Canuck has often teased that he is going to do a different KZbin channel all on trying different food items from all the McDonalds around the world!🍟😂

[@heideleskun1163]

@@CruisingCanucks 🤣

[@MyThomas16]

Loved the music you used while on the train!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks 😊

[@cherifurr3935]

Nice that you have such good train service. My sister did Via Rail Canadian Rockies - flew to Vancouver first from SC.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We were extremely impressed with how well it was run.

[@pileofstuff]

Even people I know who work for Rogers still call it Skydome (at least when they're not at work)

[@CruisingCanucks]

Lol 😂

[@amandaregis313]

Looks like you two had a good time. Except for the Greyhound bus from Montreal, we did too. It was a huge plus getting our room when we arrived in Boston and could rest up. Unfortunately, our visit to one of Boston's attractions (prepaid) was derailed by the Celtics parade. MS Volendam was such fun, but for a 60 year old who went Tandem skydiving on his birthday in September, it was a bit tame, so this January we're giving MSC a try, on board the Meraviglia in New York. Taking the Go Train from Barrie to Niagara Falls (and an overnight), the Amtrak Maple Leaf to New York ($60 US per person one way, coach), and the same way in reverse coming home. You can catch the Maple Leaf in Toronto, but when we booked, coach one way was $178 US. Oh, and our MSC (Aurea experience, balcony cabin, pre-paid gratuities, NASA excursion, complete insurance, and drink package) is $1500 less than the Boston to Montreal cruise.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Sounds like a wonderful trip! We loved taking the train to our cruise. Sailing out of New York is wonderful.

[@amandaregis313]

@CruisingCanucks have you taken Amtrak before? It's our first time, but I'm looking forward to leg and foot rests. Hubby is looking forward to the leg room. And an actual café car (I haven't seen one since traveling in the 70's). just have to be sure the food we bring across the border is allowable.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We haven’t taken Amtrak but we have some Patreon members who has frequent and has had good reviews.

[@Rose-bv6wp]

I really enjoy these pre-cruise travel vlogs, they're always so interesting and fun to watch. When you were waiting for your GO train, I noticed the station you were at, you were only about 10 minutes from our house! If we'd known, we'd have popped over to say hi and wish you a bon voyage. 😊

[@CruisingCanucks]

Oh we should of done that ! Next time we are in the area we will let you know.

[@Rose-bv6wp]

@@CruisingCanucks That would be great!

[@reginaobrien8983]

Love the video! Montreal is amazing and Quebec City is beautiful.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We had a fun afternoon and evening enjoying Montreal.

[@carolleiter6027]

I love the train. Reminds me of my childhood.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We thought it was an amazing way to get there.

[@barbaralazier8352]

The GO train is fabulous

[@timeout2770]

You two just get on with it don’t you, no moaning no complaining love watching your pre cruise travel.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks 😊

[@helenhampson3749]

Thanks for bringing back memories. I love travelling business class with via rail when I visit my brother and his family in Ottawa ( sometimes we fly from UK to Toronto and other times to Montreal) . The service, food and drinks are amazing . Our trains in Uk are nothing like this. Love your videos

[@CruisingCanucks]

Our pleasure!

[@joannecater8047]

Thanks for sharing your route to Montreal! Brings back so many memories as we are from that city, working in Place D’armes and wandering around Old Montreal was our jam as well!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cherifurr3935]

I think I’ve stayed in that hotel with the flags many years ago.

[@ronfischer191]

Wow quite a trip and a great video!

[@CruisingCanucks]

It probably wasn’t the quickest way to get to Montreal but we decided to make it part of the vacation and travelling on VIA was something we wanted to try. We are so glad that we did. 🚊

[@Scotts-CruiseTravel]

Jerry channeling Ben. 😂. Great video. Loved seeing Montreal

[@lisaanderson8235]

LOL I caught that too! 🤭🤭❤️

[@CruisingCanucks]

That was for a special request from a friend!

[@junenelligan1729]

Gosh, my Mom worked at the Royal York in 1961!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Oh wow! It is a beautiful hotel.🏨

[@nancyp2992]

Wow, you kids sure do like to travel! - i've never stayed at the Embassy suites in Montreal, but I do in Fort Lauderdale. However, when I was in Montreal, last fall, I stated the Le Westin hotel, wonderful. You even get a bathrobe to wear while you're there. Just like Holland America.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Le Weston sounds lovely. We enjoy the space that you get when staying at an Embassy Suites. It give us plenty of room to get a little video editing done.

[@loishaffner9483]

Thank you for this video. Last time in Montreal 1970

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it.

[@barbarashuster9029]

I guess we're really spoiled because we're 20 minutes away from Cleveland international airport!

[@CruisingCanucks]

It would be wonderful if we were that close to a major airport.

[@cherifurr3935]

I’ve been up in that tower in Ontario!

[@dianec9456]

I love that Level 8 luggage and DEFINITELY will purchase that in the future... The drive portion was so, so beautiful! I love these travel videos... there were just so many things in this video that I loved. Thank you for bringing us along. I'd love to know how you choose your music for the videos - always so perfect and appropriate for the moments. I don't know why you guys don't have more subscribers! It baffles me... I love your videos!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thank you so much ☺️ Just a little reminder of our discount code for Level 8 . It is CruisingCanucks10. It will give you an extra 10 percent off.

[@barbarashuster9029]

Drink coupons, fantastic happy hour food so you don't have to go to dinner, and wonderful breakfast at Drury Inns! ❤️

[@CruisingCanucks]

We have heard that from friends. As of yet we haven’t stayed with them.

[@KateS1172]

The weather snd countryside looks beautiful!

[@CruisingCanucks]

We had fabulous weather throughout this cruise.

[@billsnyder1021]

Love riding GO trains and VIA in Canada. Wish Amtrak would take notes. Great video

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for watching! We weren’t sure how we would feel about the train ride but it turned out to be fantastic.

[@jenniferbaragar8254]

I enjoyed your pre cruise content. So interesting to see the various cities and modes of transportation. Thanks!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@gerard227]

That was an entertaining smorgasbord of your travels.Looking forward to seeing Quebec City, one of our favourite places.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Quebec City was beautiful!!

[@cherifurr3935]

Your cruise cabin is going to look off like small after that hotel room!😂

[@CruisingCanucks]

Definitely 😁

[@ericericson3535]

When you said "You'll never guess what I found in the sky lounge," I thought you'd say bacon wrapped meat loaf!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Lol..He would never leave!😉

[@MaryTruen-xc9vz]

I enjoyed this pre cruise video. It was fun seeing familiar places that you made into an adventure!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it! We had fun getting there.

[@trudybarnard7392]

Love this video,fun and so real, been there ,nice to experience again. Certainly a great little peak of a little corner of our wonderful country for all of your non Canadian and Canadian viewers.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Absolutely! Thanks for watching.

[@lisaanderson8235]

You covered two of my favorite things in this video: baseball and train travel! 👍 I've heard great things about the VIA Rail system.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We really enjoyed our little adventure of getting to the cruise port!🚂

[@whodunit5621]

Food wa always rated higher than 1st class Amtrak.

[@modave3191]

Thanks for posting your pre cruise adventure. We are from southern Ontario and we take Via rail as well to Montreal and then Amtrack from Boston to Buffalo, cross at Fort Erie, love it. not advid flyers so this works for us. We are heading on that same cruise next Friday, Volendam.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Very cool! Have a fabulous cruise.🛳

[@MeandMyManlyMan]

Wow! Love the extra handle for loading in the trunk. That may have sold us next time we buy luggage! 🧳

[@CruisingCanucks]

We do like how no matter how it comes down the luggage carrousel there is always a handle to grab it.

[@nicolemiller4688]

You're so entertaining. Thanks for all your time.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for watching!

[@junenelligan1729]

Just love your wonderful attitude on travelling.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thank you kindly!🛳

[@janicerae6104]

What an amazing video! Enjoyed every moment! Thank you for sharing this part of your Volendam cruise.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching.🛳

[@janeoest4724]

Very enjoyable while informative video. I particularly like your musical selections for various footage. As usual, “well done”!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Many thanks!

[@jameskimmykatcrespo]

QUESTION... ?? Do you have to pay extra for the food and beverages (including the adult beverages) while traveling by train? COMMENT.... James and I do not need to fly to Europe to see castles and such, we just need to explore Canada which we will very close too very soon! GOOGLED "Paint my butt purple and call me George Bell" the definition was It basically means, "No way!" or "That's amazing!" or "Oh my God, really?!" I believe it originated from Southern American slang from just looking at it. It probably was used since you can't really "butter your butt" (haha) and call yourself a biscuit, neither can you roll yourself in corn-flour and call yourself dinner, nor paint your purple and call yourself Barney. All of these are not possible, which is why it means, "You're kidding!" This paragraph was Google's definition. NOTRE DAME - Growing up in Indiana, the only Notre Dame I was aware of is the College of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. The home of the "Fighting Irish" After watching mutiple vlogs of Europe, there is a lot more than one! COMMENT - You two make us so tired, we cannot keep up with your exciting energy! Love this video!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Lol 😂 Love this comment!!❤️ The food and drink was all included in the business class ticket which was almost the same cost of flying.

[@whodunit5621]

Did they give chocolate filled cups for dessert? When I traveled to TO for work. I never flew, always train. We had to have 1st class because of guaranteed seats. Bedroom to Vancouver should be your next trip, when cruising out of Vancouver. ;-)

[@CruisingCanucks]

We were given little solid chocolate bars after lunch. We loved the train experience.🚂

[@marjorieboran1879]

Love this video! Jill you need to have a special blog on the books you are reading!😊

[@CruisingCanucks]

Great idea!! I am currently reading a book I got while on this cruise. We met a local author in Sydney and I had a lovely conversation with her. I walked away with an autograph copy…More to come.

[@marjorieboran1879]

@@CruisingCanucks You must read Closer By Sea by Perry Chaffe. Also a Canadian author. It’s a coming of age in a small cod fishing village in Newfoundland. My favourite book of 2023.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for the suggestion. I would love to read that one!

[@Mary_Rees]

Wow posh trains in Canada! I’d love to visit Canada on a cruise. Something I should look into.

[@CruisingCanucks]

It is a fantastic way to see some of this very large country.🇨🇦

[@wandadrake4999]

Want to take a train ride someday soon.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We really enjoyed it. 🚂

[@davefields3020]

It’ll always be SkyDome to me…!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Us too!😀

[@arth7891]

Love your videos. Just curious, where did you put your luggage on the GO train, and did you have help with the luggage? Thank you.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We did not have help with our luggage on the train. We were able to keep it in the empty seats beside us due to the train having very few people on it since it was midday.

[@rosemarie9956]

Interesting pre travel to get on the cruise. I was wondering what the cost difference was (flying) especially since you had two hotel stays. Anyway looking forward to updates on your cruise as we t 34:18 end not to look at these “local” cruises (lack of better descriptions) since we have lived and/or have visited these areas.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We were shocked how much we loved doing this local cruise. The cost of the train in business class was within ten dollars of the cost of a flight. We didn’t require to have the hotel in Toronto due to the fact that we have family in the city but we decided to extend the vacation by booking it.

[@scottscaneh]

It's still the skydome to me too. Sorry no Toronto team is my favourite I have 2 favourite hockey teams it's the Wings and whoever plays the Leafs. Also a Tigers fan too

[@CruisingCanucks]

Lol 😂

[@lylesmith3312]

Go Mariners

[@DonnaSutherland-zr4wo]

I would love to visit Canada were would you recommend I stay in Scotland watched you all the time we love cruising but feel sometimes you don’t get the feel off some islands especially Scotland

[@CruisingCanucks]

We would Highly recommend a East Coast Canada cruise for a taste of Canada 🇨🇦

[@DonnaSutherland-zr4wo]

Thanks will look into might be our next adventure just done Singapore to Bangkok with Norwegian in January loved Singapore hope to return and explore more ❤

[@gregtrain1]

Ever done the long distance trains in Canada?

[@CruisingCanucks]

We have only done Via Rail from Toronto to Montreal. We had yet to experience the Rocky Mountaineer.

[@gregtrain1]

@@CruisingCanucks : Do try out the Rocky Mountaineer! I recommend their first passage to the west route for beginners. We did that route with A group. If you have the money, Do gold leaf! That’s their first class. You sit on the upper level and eat your meals on the lower level. Bar opens at 10am each day! You won’t be disappointed on the food you eat! It’s better than any cruise ship. You’ll overnight at Kamloops. If you’re put up at the Delta hotel there, be warned! You’ll have one of the smallest bathrooms you’ll ever see. Let me put it this way, no matter if you’re going in or out, the door in and out is always going to hit you.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We have heard it’s a wonderful experience. We would love to try it. Just need to save a lot of pennies for it!

[@gregtrain1]

@@CruisingCanucks : you’re right! At least 3K for just silver leaf alone. We had gold leaf because it was part of A package through AAA. We were with A group at the time.

[@christineainslie4239]

Loved the video Jill and Jerry! Lots of fun following along. What a fantastic idea, doing the trains. Sure beats flying. Cheers from London, Ontario

[@CruisingCanucks]

We really enjoyed the train experience and wish we could travel that way more often.🚂

[@bigrobdog]

Real Canadians still call it Skydome

[@CruisingCanucks]

lol😉

[@cruisecrazy7066]

What have they got against croissants? Are they too French?

[@CruisingCanucks]

We love croissants- however they originate from Vienna. So soft and buttery - yum!

[@cruisecrazy7066]

And....The food and wine is better in Business Class.

[@CruisingCanucks]

It’d be even better with some croissants!

[@warrenwolf4690]

Hi Canucks. I can’t believe you were In Toronto and did not do the sky walk on the CN Tower. A Canadian drink. How about a good Canadian beer. LaBatt or Moosehead. 🫎🫎🫎🫎

[@CruisingCanucks]

Mr.Canuck prefers Canadian Rye to beer any day!🥃

[@whodunit5621]

Do you mean outside while strapped to skydome? Or walking on glass floor? Steam whistle is Toronto beer. Triois pistoles is Montreal. Quebec city is cinqaunt or 50. Moosehead for Halifax... or Canadian club...

[@warrenwolf4690]

@@whodunit5621 I mean outside. Saw Rick Mercer take Jann Arden out there. Don’t forget Quidi Vidi in St John’s

[@whodunit5621]

@@warrenwolf4690 I have friend who did that with his wife. Also have friend who is afraid of heights had to climb outside to install microphone on tower. As he says it was his job to do it.