UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
#1
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UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
I'm curious as to whether anyone else that has emigrated to Canada has gone by sea? I haven't flown for 15 years and don't think I ever will again because it terrifies me so much. This hasn't stopped me having hols etc because I go overland.
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
#2
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Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
I'm curious as to whether anyone else that has emigrated to Canada has gone by sea? I haven't flown for 15 years and don't think I ever will again because it terrifies me so much. This hasn't stopped me having hols etc because I go overland.
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
However he was hypnotized to overcome his fear and recently flew to the USA no problems and it should last a lifetime.
Don't know if this is helpful but just thought you may like to consider it.
Good luck in your travels.
#3
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Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Thanks very much for your advice. I have tried hypnosis and pills from the doctor (although that was a few years ago). Recently I've tried to talk myself into taking one of the fear of flying courses offered by Virgin - but I just cannot contemplate it as it involves a flight. If I could fly it would be so much easier I know. But I just feel sick thinking about it.
Transatlantic crossings take 6 days - so I expect that will be a bundle of fun if the weather is bad.
Transatlantic crossings take 6 days - so I expect that will be a bundle of fun if the weather is bad.
#4
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Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Thanks very much for your advice. I have tried hypnosis and pills from the doctor (although that was a few years ago). Recently I've tried to talk myself into taking one of the fear of flying courses offered by Virgin - but I just cannot contemplate it as it involves a flight. If I could fly it would be so much easier I know. But I just feel sick thinking about it.
Transatlantic crossings take 6 days - so I expect that will be a bundle of fun if the weather is bad.
Transatlantic crossings take 6 days - so I expect that will be a bundle of fun if the weather is bad.
You could go back to your GP to discuss this and see if there is anything to help you. Of course there is always the QE2 to New York which is kinda cool and why not look at it as another step in your adventure.
Good luck for your trip across the pond
#5
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Welcome to BE I am sure I saw someone post on BE before that they had the same problem and would be coming to Canada by ship but can't for the life of me remember or even find who it was. What about seeking counselling for your issue, look on the BACP website for a therapist in your area that practices Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, this may help.
#6
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
You are in more danger when crossing the street than getting on a plane.
There is a scotsman on this site who was so afraid of flying he took lessons. After becoming a hobby pilot he carried on and now works as a cargo pilot out of Detroit.
I am terrified of boats. Last I was on a longer ferry crossing (newcastle to Gothenburg) I had a major panic attack. I'm fine with short hops like Dover to Calais but there is NO WAY I'd go on a cruise. Been offered jobs on cruises. High paying ones at that. Have turned them all down.
I love flying. The danger is minimal. Anything you can think of the designers and constructors already thought about and then some.
There is a scotsman on this site who was so afraid of flying he took lessons. After becoming a hobby pilot he carried on and now works as a cargo pilot out of Detroit.
I am terrified of boats. Last I was on a longer ferry crossing (newcastle to Gothenburg) I had a major panic attack. I'm fine with short hops like Dover to Calais but there is NO WAY I'd go on a cruise. Been offered jobs on cruises. High paying ones at that. Have turned them all down.
I love flying. The danger is minimal. Anything you can think of the designers and constructors already thought about and then some.
#7
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Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Last edited by jerry brewer; Jan 21st 2008 at 5:06 am. Reason: edit
#8
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Canadian and Bermuda passport holders are admitted under different rules and should be ok. But a British citizen passport would need a tourist visa.
#9
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Thanks very much for your advice. I have tried hypnosis and pills from the doctor (although that was a few years ago). Recently I've tried to talk myself into taking one of the fear of flying courses offered by Virgin - but I just cannot contemplate it as it involves a flight. If I could fly it would be so much easier I know. But I just feel sick thinking about it.
Transatlantic crossings take 6 days - so I expect that will be a bundle of fun if the weather is bad.
Transatlantic crossings take 6 days - so I expect that will be a bundle of fun if the weather is bad.
he only pops in on occasions .
#10
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
As previous poster suggested the freighters are quite nice. My sister took one and loved it. Very peaceful ride, lots of time to read and great accomondation. Not cheap though...
#11
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Posts: 919
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
Ask your doctor for Ativan (Lorazepam). You wont care less after popping one of those babies!
I'm curious as to whether anyone else that has emigrated to Canada has gone by sea? I haven't flown for 15 years and don't think I ever will again because it terrifies me so much. This hasn't stopped me having hols etc because I go overland.
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
#12
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
I'm curious as to whether anyone else that has emigrated to Canada has gone by sea? I haven't flown for 15 years and don't think I ever will again because it terrifies me so much. This hasn't stopped me having hols etc because I go overland.
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
Have looked at doing this with our dogs but costs are very high wish you all the best
#13
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Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 342
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
I'm curious as to whether anyone else that has emigrated to Canada has gone by sea? I haven't flown for 15 years and don't think I ever will again because it terrifies me so much. This hasn't stopped me having hols etc because I go overland.
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
I'm also hoping to emigrate to Canada and when I do so, will be taking a transatlantic crossing to New York and then another ship to Halifax. If someone has done this (which I suppose is unlikely) please let me know how it went. The major problem for me is that I can't take a recce trip at all and will be arriving in Canada without ever having visited.
Daisy
I've done it by boat.
I know what your saying about being terrified of flying.........horrible feeling innit.....I thought about going on the virgin fear of flying course but it made me feel faint and panicky just reading about it.
Anyhow, when we went to have a look at the place we sailed to new york.....visited places in america and then went from BC through to Ontario on train, stopping off here and there for a night or two. Then went back to new york to sail back to the UK.
When landing did the same thing............sailed to new york....got a train up to buffalo......got a taxi across the bridge and landed....said "see yah when we've sold our house".....went back to new york and sailed home........piece of cake.
We sailed there and back on the qm2 on both occasions...it does do a couple of cruises that dock in halifax but that would mean getting off half way through a cruise itinery but you would still have to pay for the full price of a cruise trip......if you know what I mean Thats what cunard told us anyway
Don’t let it put you off emigrating , where there’s a will there’s a way............(I think that’s how it goes)....and don’t watch the films titanic or poseidon adventure before you get on one.
So now I have confessed I am a complete pussy about flying, please feel free to ask me anything else you need to know.
Forgot to say QM2 has kennels on board.......we checked them out on our last trip.....dont laugh but they have life jackets for dogs/cats....they told me they will take your dogs out on deck if you want, I didn't much like that idea as our dog is a bit of a freek with massive ears and the wind would probably catch them and blow her overboard ...no idea what were gonna do if we land at new york and travel by land to canada....there could be a rabies issue if travelling through america??? But were not that bothered and just sorting any problems out as we come accross them
#14
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Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
We went by sea (QM2 Southampton to New York - at certain times of year I think you can carry on up to Halifax also). We booked early enough (i.e. the day bookings opened for that cruise) that the prices were quite reasonable - certainly a lot cheaper than first/business class air would have been and about a million times better value. We'd been over to Canada so many times previously via economy air we thought we'd do something a bit special for 'the move'.
Best bits for emigrees:
1. No luggage restrictions (within reason)
2. No jetlag
3. A chance to have a nice sedate get together with family and friends the morning you head off - no airport hassle
4. Lots of time to sit, relax and reflect about the enormity of it all!
5. US Immigration and customs are actually quite nice, when you're not arriving at an airport.
Plus we got to play tourist in New York for a few days!
After that I'm afraid we cheated and flew on to Vancouver from JFK, FedExing a load of stuff too heavy for the plane (a lot cheaper from there than the UK) but that was only due to time restrictions - we'd have liked to have driven over or taken the train had we been able.
Cheers, Iain
Best bits for emigrees:
1. No luggage restrictions (within reason)
2. No jetlag
3. A chance to have a nice sedate get together with family and friends the morning you head off - no airport hassle
4. Lots of time to sit, relax and reflect about the enormity of it all!
5. US Immigration and customs are actually quite nice, when you're not arriving at an airport.
Plus we got to play tourist in New York for a few days!
After that I'm afraid we cheated and flew on to Vancouver from JFK, FedExing a load of stuff too heavy for the plane (a lot cheaper from there than the UK) but that was only due to time restrictions - we'd have liked to have driven over or taken the train had we been able.
Cheers, Iain
Last edited by Iain Mc; Jan 21st 2008 at 4:07 pm.
#15
Re: UK - Canada by sea - anyone tried it?
We went by sea (QM2 Southampton to New York - at certain times of year I think you can carry on up to Halifax also). We booked early enough (i.e. the day bookings opened for that cruise) that the prices were quite reasonable - certainly a lot cheaper than first/business class air would have been and about a million times better value. We'd been over to Canada so many times previously via economy air we thought we'd do something a bit special for 'the move'.
Best bits for emigrees:
1. No luggage restrictions (within reason)
2. No jetlag
3. A chance to have a nice sedate get together with family and friends the morning you head off - no airport hassle
4. Lots of time to sit, relax and reflect about the enormity of it all!
5. US Immigration and customs are actually quite nice, when you're not arriving at an airport.
Plus we got to play tourist in New York for a few days!
After that I'm afraid we cheated and flew on to Vancouver from JFK, FedExing a load of stuff too heavy for the plane (a lot cheaper from there than the UK) but that was only due to time restrictions - we'd have liked to have driven over or taken the train had we been able.
Cheers, Iain
Best bits for emigrees:
1. No luggage restrictions (within reason)
2. No jetlag
3. A chance to have a nice sedate get together with family and friends the morning you head off - no airport hassle
4. Lots of time to sit, relax and reflect about the enormity of it all!
5. US Immigration and customs are actually quite nice, when you're not arriving at an airport.
Plus we got to play tourist in New York for a few days!
After that I'm afraid we cheated and flew on to Vancouver from JFK, FedExing a load of stuff too heavy for the plane (a lot cheaper from there than the UK) but that was only due to time restrictions - we'd have liked to have driven over or taken the train had we been able.
Cheers, Iain
from what i could see it may be the last year for this ship ?