THE 25 BEST Cruises to Newfoundland 2024 (with Prices) - Newfoundland Cruise Port Terminal on Cruise Critic

Q: Getting Around

On Foot: Water Street, the main shopping street, is one block up the hill from the port. Water Street runs into George Street, best known for its lively pubs. The City of St. John's Visitor Information Center at 348 Water Street is open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May through early October and weekdays the rest of the year. By Taxi: Taxis are usually waiting at the pier. If you're heading to the airport and your ship does not supply transfers, take the 20-minute taxi ride. Call Bugden's Taxi at 709-722-4400. By Bus: Ride the Metrobus around town. Be aware, exact change is required. Or, buy a multi-ride M pass online. (www.metrobustransit.ca) By Car: So you want to get out of town and don't want to join a tour. Rent a car. All the major rental agencies are represented. Cars are in limited supply, so make a reservation.

About Cruising to Newfoundland

Come to St. John's, Newfoundland for the whales, puffins and icebergs. Stay for the rollicking Irish pubs, delectable cod tongues, toe-tapping Celtic tunes and funky craft shops. The capital of Canada's Newfoundland and Labrador province, St. John's is a quirky kind of place, in a friendly, lovable way.

St. John's claims North America's easternmost seaport and the closest one to Europe, so it's little wonder it claims to be the continent's oldest city. Beginning in the mid-1500s, Europeans regularly sailed across the pond to Newfoundland during the summer to exploit its fish-rich waters, while returning to their families and creature comforts for the winter. By the early 1800s, Irish and English immigrants were encouraged to settle in year-round. Some chose St. John's as a base, thus giving the city its decidedly Anglo spirit.

Perhaps because it's located on an island, one surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, the Labrador Sea and Gulf of St. Lawrence, St. John's has kept itself a charming mix of old and new. Major streets parallel the waterfront, while historic footpaths (now side streets) meander up the hillside, creating irregular routes. Ancient stone stairways still climb hills too steep for paved roads. They're all part of St. John's homey, easy-going ambiance.

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More about Newfoundland

Why Cruise to Newfoundland?

Pros:

This colorful waterfront town has no shortage of charm and fresh seafood

Cons:

Sales tax in Newfoundland is quite steep

Bottom Line:

St. John's offers an enticing mix of cultural, natural and historical attractions -- plus plenty of pubs

Newfoundland Cruise Port Facilities?

There are no facilities on the cruise pier. As the locals say, the cruise dock is within five minutes walking distance of everything you'll want to see or do downtown.

Good to Know?

Don't confuse St. John's, Newfoundland, with Saint John, New Brunswick (it's easy to do because both are cruise ports found on Atlantic Canada itineraries). And, when setting your watch, note that Newfoundland has its own time zone. It's an hour and a half ahead of Eastern Standard Time.

Getting Around?

On Foot: Water Street, the main shopping street, is one block up the hill from the port. Water Street runs into George Street, best known for its lively pubs. The City of St. John's Visitor Information Center at 348 Water Street is open daily 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., May through early October and weekdays the rest of the year.

By Taxi: Taxis are usually waiting at the pier. If you're heading to the airport and your ship does not supply transfers, take the 20-minute taxi ride. Call Bugden's Taxi at 709-722-4400.

By Bus: Ride the Metrobus around town. Be aware, exact change is required. Or, buy a multi-ride M pass online. (www.metrobustransit.ca)

By Car: So you want to get out of town and don't want to join a tour. Rent a car. All the major rental agencies are represented. Cars are in limited supply, so make a reservation.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The Canadian dollar is the official currency. Visit www.xe.com and www.oanda.com for current rates. ATMs are easy to find in banks and the lobbies of larger hotels. Most shops and some taxis accept credit cards.

Language?

English is the official language. After a few pints at the pub, you might have a hard time understanding the accents or local slang. "Now the once," for example, means "a little later in the day."

Where You're Docked?

Ships dock in the heart of town, at piers 10 and 11 alongside Harbour Drive. When two ships call, the smaller vessel docks at pier 17. If you don't have an exact address, no worries. You'll be able to see your ship from all over town.