CTMA
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Lyncroft
Quebec303 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
First, let's us be clear about the ship: it is a ferry boat, not a cruise liner. Therefore, it is not luxurious. Cabins are small and contain 2 bunk beds (30 in) or 1 double (48 in). Add a small table and a sink and that's it. No t.v. Some had a mini-shower and toilet. Plenty of soap and towels provided.
Reservations were made in June for a cruise in August. From the start, customer service was excellent. An agent answered my phone call withing seconds and answered all my questions and more. Within the hour, I had received by email all the documents pertaining to the trip (tickets, labels, parking instructions, etc.). The company has even negotiated a parking deal with the Old Port of Montreal ($80/8 days).
My husband and I showed up at the Quai Alexandra in Montreal mid-morning. Someone was already there to greet us and to take our luggage. We went to visit a nearby museum and returned at 1 p.m. as indicated. Soon after, we boarded a school bus that took us over to the ship 10 minutes away (ferry boats dock at a special place to take in vehicles) while a young man explained the boarding procedure in both French and English.
Aboard the ship, registration was swift and someone walked us to our cabin (impeccably clean). Then we went to the Lounge as requested. A non-alcoholic cocktail was served while the main staff was introduced and safety procedures explained. During that time, our luggage was being delivered. Note that the whole staff is French speaking but all speak at least a functional English. During the trip, all announcements were bilingual and entertainment done (mostly) in each language separately.
The ship left on time. Lucky us, we had marvelous weather the whole week. Most passengers spent their time of the back decks enjoying the view. Going up the St-Lawrence is just breathtaking. Passing -but not stopping at- Quebec city at midnight is one of the highlights. The next morning, a thick fog covered everything, but it eventually lifted and the view of the Gaspésie coastline was beautiful. My husband spent most of his time watching for whales and other such creatures. For my part, I attended most of the arranged entertainment (conferences, wheelhouse visit, food tastings, etc.) and used the small exercise room.Just in passing, be aware that the cruise is geared toward retired and semi-retired people. Very few families were aboard and there is not much for children to do.
Food aboard the ship was fine. Breakfast was served cafeteria style with a good selection (but almost the same every morning). Lunch was the usual 3-course meal (choice of 3 main dishes). Nothing elaborate but quite satisfactory. Supper was definitely the main event. One had to choose a seating for the time aboard (5:30 or 8:00 p.m.). Service was very good. Night after night, the menu showcased local products from the islands (2 choices) and the food was well presented. One night we even had lobster. Also excellent was the veal and the lamb. The wine list was adequate and included local beers.
The ship docked at Cap-aux-Meules three days. We had selected the Flavor package which entailed 3 days of visits on the islands while still sleeping aboard the ship. Here again, we benefited from excellent weather, a good bus and an excellent guide/bus driver. With him we toured artisans shops and visited a brewery, a winery, a cheese farm and a smokehouse. We also explored beaches, fishing villages and a couple of small museums, and finally stopped in different places for photos. All the meals were included and all were very good. Each restaurant made a point of promoting local products (cheese, cider, seal sausages, scallops, etc.). Our best supper at the Table des Roy, one of 10 top restaurants in the province. Note that anything bought at the cheese farm or smokehouse was sent to the ship and keep refrigerated until docking in Montreal.
On the return trip, the ship stopped at both Chandler (different bus tours to Percé an extra; good opportunity to see Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island) and Quebec city for a few hours. Disembarkation in Montreal was efficient (yes, we needed to take the school bus again) and our luggage was waiting for us at the Quai Alexandra.
Overall the cruise was very pleasant. Yes, the cabins offer only basic comfort and the main areas are limited but it's only for two days each way. All the activities aboard and outside tours were well organized and the staff was very polite and helpful. I did note that the cabins on deck 7 were cleaned last (mid-afternoon) and that one of the shared bathroom had a funny smell sometimes but that was all. For the level of comfort, the cruise was a tad expensive but made up for it with the food, the views and the nice people we met (both staff and passengers). We have no regrets.
Reservations were made in June for a cruise in August. From the start, customer service was excellent. An agent answered my phone call withing seconds and answered all my questions and more. Within the hour, I had received by email all the documents pertaining to the trip (tickets, labels, parking instructions, etc.). The company has even negotiated a parking deal with the Old Port of Montreal ($80/8 days).
My husband and I showed up at the Quai Alexandra in Montreal mid-morning. Someone was already there to greet us and to take our luggage. We went to visit a nearby museum and returned at 1 p.m. as indicated. Soon after, we boarded a school bus that took us over to the ship 10 minutes away (ferry boats dock at a special place to take in vehicles) while a young man explained the boarding procedure in both French and English.
Aboard the ship, registration was swift and someone walked us to our cabin (impeccably clean). Then we went to the Lounge as requested. A non-alcoholic cocktail was served while the main staff was introduced and safety procedures explained. During that time, our luggage was being delivered. Note that the whole staff is French speaking but all speak at least a functional English. During the trip, all announcements were bilingual and entertainment done (mostly) in each language separately.
The ship left on time. Lucky us, we had marvelous weather the whole week. Most passengers spent their time of the back decks enjoying the view. Going up the St-Lawrence is just breathtaking. Passing -but not stopping at- Quebec city at midnight is one of the highlights. The next morning, a thick fog covered everything, but it eventually lifted and the view of the Gaspésie coastline was beautiful. My husband spent most of his time watching for whales and other such creatures. For my part, I attended most of the arranged entertainment (conferences, wheelhouse visit, food tastings, etc.) and used the small exercise room.Just in passing, be aware that the cruise is geared toward retired and semi-retired people. Very few families were aboard and there is not much for children to do.
Food aboard the ship was fine. Breakfast was served cafeteria style with a good selection (but almost the same every morning). Lunch was the usual 3-course meal (choice of 3 main dishes). Nothing elaborate but quite satisfactory. Supper was definitely the main event. One had to choose a seating for the time aboard (5:30 or 8:00 p.m.). Service was very good. Night after night, the menu showcased local products from the islands (2 choices) and the food was well presented. One night we even had lobster. Also excellent was the veal and the lamb. The wine list was adequate and included local beers.
The ship docked at Cap-aux-Meules three days. We had selected the Flavor package which entailed 3 days of visits on the islands while still sleeping aboard the ship. Here again, we benefited from excellent weather, a good bus and an excellent guide/bus driver. With him we toured artisans shops and visited a brewery, a winery, a cheese farm and a smokehouse. We also explored beaches, fishing villages and a couple of small museums, and finally stopped in different places for photos. All the meals were included and all were very good. Each restaurant made a point of promoting local products (cheese, cider, seal sausages, scallops, etc.). Our best supper at the Table des Roy, one of 10 top restaurants in the province. Note that anything bought at the cheese farm or smokehouse was sent to the ship and keep refrigerated until docking in Montreal.
On the return trip, the ship stopped at both Chandler (different bus tours to Percé an extra; good opportunity to see Percé Rock and Bonaventure Island) and Quebec city for a few hours. Disembarkation in Montreal was efficient (yes, we needed to take the school bus again) and our luggage was waiting for us at the Quai Alexandra.
Overall the cruise was very pleasant. Yes, the cabins offer only basic comfort and the main areas are limited but it's only for two days each way. All the activities aboard and outside tours were well organized and the staff was very polite and helpful. I did note that the cabins on deck 7 were cleaned last (mid-afternoon) and that one of the shared bathroom had a funny smell sometimes but that was all. For the level of comfort, the cruise was a tad expensive but made up for it with the food, the views and the nice people we met (both staff and passengers). We have no regrets.
Written October 2, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear passengers,
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments about your experience with CTMA Cruises.
We are pleased to know that you appreciated the cruise experience, the personalized Flavours package on the Islands, the landscape of St. Lawrence River and the different stopovers of the cruise.
It’s important for us to know that English-speaking passengers appreciate the cruise experience that we offer.
We hope to welcome you again aboard the CTMA Vacancier.
Kind regards,
Written October 5, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
EliiMaud
Iles de la Madeleine, Canada136 contributions
Jan 2012 • Solo
There is actually 3 ships owned by CTMA and they don't offer the same services to the same locations, and havin tried the 3 of the several times, i will write a review about the 3 of them.
1 - CTMA MADELEINE is a ferry boat that crosses between Souris, Prince Edward Island, and Cap-aux-Meules in the Magdalen Islands. The duration of the crossing is about 5 hours. The rates are fair off-season but a little bit pricey during summer season that goes from june 15th to september 15th. The ship as a cafeteria where you can eat honest cafeteria food and this is pretty much the only service, with the bar, that is open off season. During summer there is a dining room that has better and different food. The bar offers a service until 3 a.m. and have the usual kinds of drinks. Sometimes there is a music band playing during the afternoon and evening. The boat is kind of old and not very comfortable, but there is lots of seating on each one of the decks and if you are sea sick, you can rent a cabin for 40$ (book in advance) or simply bring a blanket and pillow from your place and sleep on the floor in the quiet area or on the bar couches like several people does. There is also a small movie theather with awful seating that offers one movie in french during the crossing. If you are going to the Magdalen Islands on vacation and have a car, this is the best option at the best rate. But DO book in advance for the summer season as july and august are very, very busy and there are not night boats everyday. During winter, book as well as there is only 2 crossings per week.
2 - CTMA VACANCIER is the so-called cruise boat that goes to Chandler, Quebec and Montreal. From Chandler, i would say that the price is high but still acceptable for one person and a car. The crossing time from the Maggies to Chandler is about 12 hours and it is mandatory to take a cabin. From Montreal and Quebec (you can only get your car onboard in Montreal and Chandler) it last about a week with 2 days in the Maggies and it is a almost a robbery if you expect cruise boat standards, as the cruise boat is actually not a cruise boat. The entertainment onbaord is basically non-existant and you might have a wonderful music group like Suroît or an awful old singer like I had, it's like a jack-in-the-box surprise. The cabins are smaller than what you could possibly imagine and either too hot or too cold ; the usual one have bunks so if you travel as a couple make sure that you book a double bed (your cabin will also be a little bit wider). The food onboard is good but not 5 star service, but still it's good, but the whole thing is certainly not worth the price you will pay.
3 - CTMA VOYAGEUR is the cargo boat that goes to Matane or Montreal, depending of the season, and there is nothing onboard but cabins (wide, comfortables cabin, the bests ones of the 3 ships) and a dining and living room. The food onboard is excellent and so is the service as the ships only accepts up to 12 passengers. The price is fairly decent and in between the 3 boats i would say that this one is my favourite but DO bring stuff to pass time, such as computer and movies or deck of cards !
On the 3 ships, I have to say that despite them being old and definitely not the idea you have of a luxury ship like you will get in a cruise in the Caribeans or Alaska, the staff is offering an excellent service and you get to see beautiful scenaries.
The 3 ships are not exactly 100% available to handicapped person even if they have some kind of elevator, so make sure to ask if your wheelchair or chair accomodation is useable in the ships before to book your trip.
Feel free to ask for any question ; but the CTMA website is pretty much complete and offers lots of information :)
1 - CTMA MADELEINE is a ferry boat that crosses between Souris, Prince Edward Island, and Cap-aux-Meules in the Magdalen Islands. The duration of the crossing is about 5 hours. The rates are fair off-season but a little bit pricey during summer season that goes from june 15th to september 15th. The ship as a cafeteria where you can eat honest cafeteria food and this is pretty much the only service, with the bar, that is open off season. During summer there is a dining room that has better and different food. The bar offers a service until 3 a.m. and have the usual kinds of drinks. Sometimes there is a music band playing during the afternoon and evening. The boat is kind of old and not very comfortable, but there is lots of seating on each one of the decks and if you are sea sick, you can rent a cabin for 40$ (book in advance) or simply bring a blanket and pillow from your place and sleep on the floor in the quiet area or on the bar couches like several people does. There is also a small movie theather with awful seating that offers one movie in french during the crossing. If you are going to the Magdalen Islands on vacation and have a car, this is the best option at the best rate. But DO book in advance for the summer season as july and august are very, very busy and there are not night boats everyday. During winter, book as well as there is only 2 crossings per week.
2 - CTMA VACANCIER is the so-called cruise boat that goes to Chandler, Quebec and Montreal. From Chandler, i would say that the price is high but still acceptable for one person and a car. The crossing time from the Maggies to Chandler is about 12 hours and it is mandatory to take a cabin. From Montreal and Quebec (you can only get your car onboard in Montreal and Chandler) it last about a week with 2 days in the Maggies and it is a almost a robbery if you expect cruise boat standards, as the cruise boat is actually not a cruise boat. The entertainment onbaord is basically non-existant and you might have a wonderful music group like Suroît or an awful old singer like I had, it's like a jack-in-the-box surprise. The cabins are smaller than what you could possibly imagine and either too hot or too cold ; the usual one have bunks so if you travel as a couple make sure that you book a double bed (your cabin will also be a little bit wider). The food onboard is good but not 5 star service, but still it's good, but the whole thing is certainly not worth the price you will pay.
3 - CTMA VOYAGEUR is the cargo boat that goes to Matane or Montreal, depending of the season, and there is nothing onboard but cabins (wide, comfortables cabin, the bests ones of the 3 ships) and a dining and living room. The food onboard is excellent and so is the service as the ships only accepts up to 12 passengers. The price is fairly decent and in between the 3 boats i would say that this one is my favourite but DO bring stuff to pass time, such as computer and movies or deck of cards !
On the 3 ships, I have to say that despite them being old and definitely not the idea you have of a luxury ship like you will get in a cruise in the Caribeans or Alaska, the staff is offering an excellent service and you get to see beautiful scenaries.
The 3 ships are not exactly 100% available to handicapped person even if they have some kind of elevator, so make sure to ask if your wheelchair or chair accomodation is useable in the ships before to book your trip.
Feel free to ask for any question ; but the CTMA website is pretty much complete and offers lots of information :)
Written March 12, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen S
15 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We went on a one week tour with CTMA, leaving Montreal, going to the Iles de la Madeleine and back to Montreal. The voyage up and down the St. Lawrence was magnificent, and it was interesting to see from the river, the land we have driven on in a car. It provides a totally different perspective. The weather co-operated and it was beautiful all week, except for some rain on our return day and docking at Quebec City (although it did eventually stop before we left Quebec).
If you are looking for a luxury cruise ship, then this is not the ship for you. The ship is a ferry, and the cabins are very small. That said though, there is everything else on the ship that one could want: a large dining room; large restaurant; a large bar with nightly entertainment (and daily events as well); a small lounge with tv; a bigger lounge with bar service, limited food, a small library & games area with two computer terminals; deck seating; hair salon; small work out room; play room for children; small theatre; and a store. Breakfast was cafeteria style, with many options available; lunch was multi-course with a choice of two or three main items and dinner in the dining room was multi course and with two choices for your main entree (usually a seafood one and a meat one). The dinners were amazing and the chef and kitchen staff provided a wonderful taste experience every night.
We did the Arts & Culture package, which we enjoyed, although we would have liked a slightly shorter day. There were a couple of times when we got back to the ship with only 30-45 minutes to spare before we had to be back on the shuttle bus for dinner. The tour guide was very, very good and went out of his way to accommodate us. We are English speaking and we were in the minority (there were about 35 of us out of about 400 guests), but the tour guide translated well for us for the most part, and at dinners, they did their best to seat us with the other English speakers. During the tours in museums, art galleries, craft places and other stops, an English translation or presentation was always provided. The package was a great way to see the Islands, which are absolutely gorgeous, with stunning scenery, lots of artisans and delicious food. Everyone we met on the Islands was very friendly and proud of their Islands and heritage (which is Acadian) - and rightly so. If there was a language barrier, between our broken French and their broken English, we always managed to communicate.
I cannot say enough good about the CTMA crew members. Every one of them we encountered was helpful, friendly, courteous and ready to accommodate whatever your request was. They all seem to truly enjoy their jobs. There were two women servers who particularly excelled. I wish I could remember their names, but they went above and beyond as they seamlessly looked after a huge number of diners at the same time. They were both French speaking and we joked with them that we would try to improve our French with them while they tried to improve their English with us. Kudos to all of the crew memebers. Keep up the excellent work.
I have one suggestion for CTMA - to put the name tags that you hand out on lanyards, so they are easier to use and you don`t have to find a piece of clothing to clip onto. My only criticism is that the cruise is a little bit expensive - it`s the same price (and higher) as some of the luxury cruises which offer much larger cabins. Still, it`s a great way to travel to the Islands, and if you do buy a package as well, a great way to see all of the Islands.
If you are looking for a luxury cruise ship, then this is not the ship for you. The ship is a ferry, and the cabins are very small. That said though, there is everything else on the ship that one could want: a large dining room; large restaurant; a large bar with nightly entertainment (and daily events as well); a small lounge with tv; a bigger lounge with bar service, limited food, a small library & games area with two computer terminals; deck seating; hair salon; small work out room; play room for children; small theatre; and a store. Breakfast was cafeteria style, with many options available; lunch was multi-course with a choice of two or three main items and dinner in the dining room was multi course and with two choices for your main entree (usually a seafood one and a meat one). The dinners were amazing and the chef and kitchen staff provided a wonderful taste experience every night.
We did the Arts & Culture package, which we enjoyed, although we would have liked a slightly shorter day. There were a couple of times when we got back to the ship with only 30-45 minutes to spare before we had to be back on the shuttle bus for dinner. The tour guide was very, very good and went out of his way to accommodate us. We are English speaking and we were in the minority (there were about 35 of us out of about 400 guests), but the tour guide translated well for us for the most part, and at dinners, they did their best to seat us with the other English speakers. During the tours in museums, art galleries, craft places and other stops, an English translation or presentation was always provided. The package was a great way to see the Islands, which are absolutely gorgeous, with stunning scenery, lots of artisans and delicious food. Everyone we met on the Islands was very friendly and proud of their Islands and heritage (which is Acadian) - and rightly so. If there was a language barrier, between our broken French and their broken English, we always managed to communicate.
I cannot say enough good about the CTMA crew members. Every one of them we encountered was helpful, friendly, courteous and ready to accommodate whatever your request was. They all seem to truly enjoy their jobs. There were two women servers who particularly excelled. I wish I could remember their names, but they went above and beyond as they seamlessly looked after a huge number of diners at the same time. They were both French speaking and we joked with them that we would try to improve our French with them while they tried to improve their English with us. Kudos to all of the crew memebers. Keep up the excellent work.
I have one suggestion for CTMA - to put the name tags that you hand out on lanyards, so they are easier to use and you don`t have to find a piece of clothing to clip onto. My only criticism is that the cruise is a little bit expensive - it`s the same price (and higher) as some of the luxury cruises which offer much larger cabins. Still, it`s a great way to travel to the Islands, and if you do buy a package as well, a great way to see all of the Islands.
Written August 10, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thecycler
montreal31 contributions
When we first came to the islands in 2009, we took the car ferry from Souris which was fine for a 5 hour journey. We had booked the return journey from the islands to Montreal thinking it would be an enjoyable 2 day "cruise". Although pricing is similar to what the traditional cruise lines actually charge the experience with CTMA was a real disappointment. The cabins are tiny, bathrooms in poor condition with their size about 3 foot square. The ship dates from 1962 and originally served the Greek Islands and then was bought by CTMA. Refurbishing by this company consists of adding a new coat of paint to the hull. Ashes strunned from the smoke stacks and covered the deck chairs The staff did not seem to care much about cleaning them. The food was reasonably good though buffet style for breakfast and lunch.
The disembarkation in Montreal was chaotic, taking far too long and poorly run. Although I wrote to the company to provide feedback, they choose not to reply. Unimpressive client services.
This year's visit to these magnificent islands was by plane.
The disembarkation in Montreal was chaotic, taking far too long and poorly run. Although I wrote to the company to provide feedback, they choose not to reply. Unimpressive client services.
This year's visit to these magnificent islands was by plane.
Written September 2, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
S Y
Toronto14 contributions
Sep 2015
For anyone that complains about the amount of french that is spoken on this cruise....what were you expecting?! The cruise is the journey of the Acadian People, who have an amazing past, it was a pleasure to follow for my husband and I. This cruise was amazing! Yes the language spoken is mostly French, but in our eyes the crew went above and beyond to make us feel comfortable and in tune with all that was going on or was going to happen. The staff are all extremely friendly and more than willing to help in any way. This is not your typical glamorous cruise, with big rooms and balconies, swimming pools, rock climbing walls or Disney characters... it is a cruise of a people of Canada and done in a very simple and humble way with the added touch of 5 star dinning. The rooms are very small and offer all that is needed for sleep and to keep yourself clean and tidy. How much do room do you really need? The ship was clean, very well organized, and the meals were well above average. But what takes the cake are the spectacular views and sites of the amazing Ile de Madeleine and the province of Quebec. Our bus tour guide for the Ile De Madeleine was Gilles LaPierre, well spoken in English and a musician to boot! He took us from one end of the island to the other, showing us the magnificent beauty of this small secluded island, with stories and tales of it's history that filled the heart. We could not have asked for a better guide! We also had the opportunity to visit the seal interpretation center, this opened our eyes wide to the plight of the people of the Ile de Madeleine. We were also very lucky to be on the once a year cruise to Havre St. Pierre, a small community, one of the many places the Acadian people had made their start in this country. Our next tour was to one of the islands of the Mingan archipelago which spans the Quebec border for 150 kilometers. We visited Quarry Island to see the monoliths, created by the last ice age, the sea and wind, and to this day still changing. Our tour guide was Sarah who gave us one of the best and most informative tours I have ever had. Our last awesome tour was the Saguenay Fjord, I only have one word....... Spectacular! I love the province of Quebec and all that it has to offer! We will definitely do this cruise again in English or in French....open your mind live a little, appreciate this country and what you have!
Written September 19, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear passengers,
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments about your experience with CTMA Cruises.
We are pleased that the cruise met your expectations and that you enjoyed the Islands, the stopover in Havre-Saint-Pierre and sailing along the Saguenay Fjord.
It’s important for us to know that English-speaking passengers appreciate the cruise experience that we offer.
We hope to welcome you again aboard the CTMA Vacancier.
Kind regards,
Written September 30, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Brudenell
Prince Edward Island82 contributions
This is the ferry running between Souris, Prince Edward Island and Îles de la Madeleine (Magdalen Islands) Québec. The service operates year round however with reduced schedules in the off season.
The crew are friendly and professional. A warm welcome awaits as you arrive on board.
MV Madeleine is the ship and while she is nearly 30 years old she is well maintained and very comfortable. On board there are numerous amenities including a cafeteria, a licensed dining room, a café bistro, a bar (with live entertainment during daytime summer crossings), a large gift shop, a cinema (French movies) and a games arcade. Cabins are available but should be booked well in advance ($45 for 2
people). Plenty of seating and rest areas. An enclosed area for children to play. Pets not permitted within the ship but may travel on deck.
As it is a 5 hour crossing the fare is not inexpensive. High season rates (middle of June to middle of September) costs $200, one way for a vehicle and 2 passengers. Off season you save $50. Children under 5 are free.
For 5-6 weeks (4 days per week) in July and August there is a second crossing to accommodate high traffic volumes.
Reserve early for summer crossings.
Tips: 1) even if the ferry is full you can always walk on 2) there is a "Standby" line for cars- arrive early an you usually can get on 3) for short visits it is cheaper to rent a car on the islands 4) fill up with gas in Souris as fuel prices on the islands are about 12 - 15¢/ litre more 5) walk on passengers can park behind a B and B on the hill above the ferry terminal ($5/night). 6) while food on the ship is OK a very nice meal can be had before you go aboard at the Sheltered Harbour Restaurant, newly opened, just opposite the entrance to the CTMA terminal.
The crew are friendly and professional. A warm welcome awaits as you arrive on board.
MV Madeleine is the ship and while she is nearly 30 years old she is well maintained and very comfortable. On board there are numerous amenities including a cafeteria, a licensed dining room, a café bistro, a bar (with live entertainment during daytime summer crossings), a large gift shop, a cinema (French movies) and a games arcade. Cabins are available but should be booked well in advance ($45 for 2
people). Plenty of seating and rest areas. An enclosed area for children to play. Pets not permitted within the ship but may travel on deck.
As it is a 5 hour crossing the fare is not inexpensive. High season rates (middle of June to middle of September) costs $200, one way for a vehicle and 2 passengers. Off season you save $50. Children under 5 are free.
For 5-6 weeks (4 days per week) in July and August there is a second crossing to accommodate high traffic volumes.
Reserve early for summer crossings.
Tips: 1) even if the ferry is full you can always walk on 2) there is a "Standby" line for cars- arrive early an you usually can get on 3) for short visits it is cheaper to rent a car on the islands 4) fill up with gas in Souris as fuel prices on the islands are about 12 - 15¢/ litre more 5) walk on passengers can park behind a B and B on the hill above the ferry terminal ($5/night). 6) while food on the ship is OK a very nice meal can be had before you go aboard at the Sheltered Harbour Restaurant, newly opened, just opposite the entrance to the CTMA terminal.
Written August 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eve P
Montreal, Canada2 contributions
Sep 2011 • Solo
Let me begin by stating that the music on board for the duration of the weekend was outstanding - the artists at their peek.
The boat, the cruise plan, the cost ($1,200 for less than 48 hrs) and the service (dining) was abominable. The crew; Captain and First Mate were kind and we didn't crash, so I think perhaps they get a thumbs up!!
There were several awful experiences so I will try to be clear and brief - but still tell the story of how awful this "cruise" was. I am addressing them in the order of the most unpleasant to the least most unpleasant:
1. FREEZING COLD: I couldn't stay in my cabin or sleep in it at all the whole time because it was air conditioned to keep it cool at a breezy 10 or 20 degrees celcius. I asked the maintenance staff for help and in the end they duck-taped three of the four vents. Said that I would get no fresh air if they taped the last one. So it stayed cold.
2. THE TRIP PLAN: The cruiser left port on Friday night at 8:00 p.m. from Montreal. Cruised through the night and docked in Quebec city where it stayed put until it left Quebec at 3:00 ish in the morning Sunday to head back to Montreal. We cruised in the dark. We sat in port 3 hours before leaving and the whole time in Quebec city. So, the view was industrial, cement, pipes, and rust.
3. FOOD: there was a total of five meals to serve. This trip was heralded as a gastronomical iles-de-la-madeleine menu with Chef so-and-so who put together a fantastic assortment of unique dishes. In all fairness, the two dinners were good - not amazing, but definately edible. On my lunch plate Saturday there were frozen vegetables (freezer burn smell) and my macaroni salad had chunks of ham in it with mayonaise. Hardly Haute-cuisine. I just can't go on...it hurts too much to recall the palatal torture.
4. THE COMPLAINT SYSTEM: I went straight to the top once I got off the boat. I wrote the President of CTMA and the Chair of the Board of Directors. One month ago I did this and I have not heard a thing. I expressed to them that if they could explain why I paid so much money to be in such discomfort (fingers numb with cold) that I would refrain from writing a review - since I know this was going to be pretty bad. Damning really.
Anyhow, I have no intention of doing anything other than warning all of you to ensure that you don't get robbed like I did. They advertised so much, the photos of the food on their site made it seem like I was going to be at a 5 star restaurant.
5. THE DINING ROOM SERVICE: Well, when the waitress got mad at me several times, and flung a plate onto the table where we were all having lunch - I had had it. She mumbled something about "not expecting so many people and that they were understaffed, and that she was tired". I thought: well, perhaps you should mention this to your boss and not take it out on your paying customer??
I strongly suggest that you not invest in a trip that causes you the same kind of distress and discomfort as this one did me.
Enjoy your holidays with a cruise-line you can trust, or better yet, investigate them more than I did to ensure your pleasurable success. When I think cruise, I think comfort, I think pamper, I think rest and relaxation. For $600 a day on a boat that was docked at a port, I should have had more!!
Cheers.
The boat, the cruise plan, the cost ($1,200 for less than 48 hrs) and the service (dining) was abominable. The crew; Captain and First Mate were kind and we didn't crash, so I think perhaps they get a thumbs up!!
There were several awful experiences so I will try to be clear and brief - but still tell the story of how awful this "cruise" was. I am addressing them in the order of the most unpleasant to the least most unpleasant:
1. FREEZING COLD: I couldn't stay in my cabin or sleep in it at all the whole time because it was air conditioned to keep it cool at a breezy 10 or 20 degrees celcius. I asked the maintenance staff for help and in the end they duck-taped three of the four vents. Said that I would get no fresh air if they taped the last one. So it stayed cold.
2. THE TRIP PLAN: The cruiser left port on Friday night at 8:00 p.m. from Montreal. Cruised through the night and docked in Quebec city where it stayed put until it left Quebec at 3:00 ish in the morning Sunday to head back to Montreal. We cruised in the dark. We sat in port 3 hours before leaving and the whole time in Quebec city. So, the view was industrial, cement, pipes, and rust.
3. FOOD: there was a total of five meals to serve. This trip was heralded as a gastronomical iles-de-la-madeleine menu with Chef so-and-so who put together a fantastic assortment of unique dishes. In all fairness, the two dinners were good - not amazing, but definately edible. On my lunch plate Saturday there were frozen vegetables (freezer burn smell) and my macaroni salad had chunks of ham in it with mayonaise. Hardly Haute-cuisine. I just can't go on...it hurts too much to recall the palatal torture.
4. THE COMPLAINT SYSTEM: I went straight to the top once I got off the boat. I wrote the President of CTMA and the Chair of the Board of Directors. One month ago I did this and I have not heard a thing. I expressed to them that if they could explain why I paid so much money to be in such discomfort (fingers numb with cold) that I would refrain from writing a review - since I know this was going to be pretty bad. Damning really.
Anyhow, I have no intention of doing anything other than warning all of you to ensure that you don't get robbed like I did. They advertised so much, the photos of the food on their site made it seem like I was going to be at a 5 star restaurant.
5. THE DINING ROOM SERVICE: Well, when the waitress got mad at me several times, and flung a plate onto the table where we were all having lunch - I had had it. She mumbled something about "not expecting so many people and that they were understaffed, and that she was tired". I thought: well, perhaps you should mention this to your boss and not take it out on your paying customer??
I strongly suggest that you not invest in a trip that causes you the same kind of distress and discomfort as this one did me.
Enjoy your holidays with a cruise-line you can trust, or better yet, investigate them more than I did to ensure your pleasurable success. When I think cruise, I think comfort, I think pamper, I think rest and relaxation. For $600 a day on a boat that was docked at a port, I should have had more!!
Cheers.
Written November 7, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia H
Kingston14 contributions
Aug 2015 • Couples
We took the round trip from Montreal to the Magdalens and back. The VACANCIER an older but clean and well maintained boat. The crew were very friendly and made every effort to assist us English-speakers. All the meals were tasty including the buffet breakfasts which we saw criticized in another review. Lunches and dinners were outstanding, and all meals were served by charming staff. Cabins are tiny and bathrooms miniscule, but they served the purpose and staff kept them scrupulously clean.
Our three-day Flavours package was superb. We 6 Anglos on the comfortable bus had a marvelous guide (Gilles) who gave 100% and then some, sharing history, lore, stories and anecdotes of the islands, plus his own personal story as musician, actor, fisherman, farmer and much more. We experienced products of the islands' artisans, walked the beautiful beaches, and dined at lovely restaurants. The natural scenery is breath-taking and the buildings picturesque. One never had the "touristy" feel anywhere.
In summary, between the restful time on the boat and the outstanding experience on shore, we felt so pleased to have done this trip and were sad when it ended. Did I mention we even saw whales at Tadoussac?
The only caveat I would offer is that if you take the bus or train to Montreal, you will have to drag your suitcases up a lengthy flight of stairs to the CMTA office to catch the shuttle to the boat. It would be helpful if CMTA had a pick-up at the street level.
Other than that, we already feel nostalgic about our trip...
Our three-day Flavours package was superb. We 6 Anglos on the comfortable bus had a marvelous guide (Gilles) who gave 100% and then some, sharing history, lore, stories and anecdotes of the islands, plus his own personal story as musician, actor, fisherman, farmer and much more. We experienced products of the islands' artisans, walked the beautiful beaches, and dined at lovely restaurants. The natural scenery is breath-taking and the buildings picturesque. One never had the "touristy" feel anywhere.
In summary, between the restful time on the boat and the outstanding experience on shore, we felt so pleased to have done this trip and were sad when it ended. Did I mention we even saw whales at Tadoussac?
The only caveat I would offer is that if you take the bus or train to Montreal, you will have to drag your suitcases up a lengthy flight of stairs to the CMTA office to catch the shuttle to the boat. It would be helpful if CMTA had a pick-up at the street level.
Other than that, we already feel nostalgic about our trip...
Written August 30, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Good afternoon,
Thank you for taking the time to share your comments about your experience with CTMA cruises.
It’s always a pleasure to know that English-speaking passengers enjoy our cruise. The crew makes a real effort to offer activities in English and to translate some of the French lectures.
As you mentioned, the fine cuisine and the crew members are among the highlights of our cruise.
We are pleased to know that you appreciated the cruise experience and the personalized Flavours package on the Islands.
We hope to see you again aboard the CTMA Vacancier.
Kind regards,
Written September 30, 2015
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sue459
Mt. Desert Island69 contributions
Sep 2014 • Couples
We took the Steering towards Acadie cruise from Montreal to the Iles de la Madeleine, a day's stop at Havre-St-Pierre, and a cruise up the Saguenay River, and had a wonderful trip. This is not a luxury cruise--cabins are small, there are no TV's in the room, and our cabin was close to the stern, meaning a lot of engine noise. Dress is casual for all meals (yes!). Breakfast is served cafeteria style from 7:30-9:30 Atlantic time (the ship uses only Atlantic time during the entire cruise to avoid confusion). Lunch is served from 11:30-1:30 as a sit-down meal, and dinner at 5:30 or 8:00. The food was excellent--perfectly cooked scallops (how did they do it for so many diners?), lobster from the Iles de la Madeleine, cod, etc., as well as meat choices, with soup and salad at lunch and dinner each day. Portions were reasonable, desserts were excellent They were extremely accommodating of my food allergies as well.
There were several information sessions about the Iles de la Madeleine, the Mingan Archipelago (Havre-St-Pierre), and the Saguenay, as well as the history of the Acadian people, all well presented in both French and English. In addition, there were documentary movies on various aspects of the culture, history, and environment. We preferred to be outdoors the day we cruised along the Gaspe Peninsula so we missed those sessions.
The stay in the Iles de la Madeleine is 3 days, giving ample time to explore, bike, walk on the lovely beaches, or do the Arts and Culture tour. We loved having enough time to thoroughly explore the islands.
The cons: Although it is advertised as a bilingual cruise, the entertainment was almost entirely in French. The Acadian music was fabulous, but all the commentary and jokes were in French. The commentary on the boat to the Mingan Archipelago was entirely in French, although the Parks Canada guides on the island were bilingual and split us into an English speaking group and a French speaking group. French speakers from Quebec often spoke English too, and were very helpful in translating, so we generally found out what the commentaries were about. I was glad that I had spent an intensive month studying beginning French before the cruise.
The staff was friendly and eager to be helpful. For the traveler who isn't put off by small cabins and less amenities than a luxury cruise, this cruise offers a wonderful experience to an area that is difficult to access in other ways. I highly recommend it and will have wonderful memories of our trip.
There were several information sessions about the Iles de la Madeleine, the Mingan Archipelago (Havre-St-Pierre), and the Saguenay, as well as the history of the Acadian people, all well presented in both French and English. In addition, there were documentary movies on various aspects of the culture, history, and environment. We preferred to be outdoors the day we cruised along the Gaspe Peninsula so we missed those sessions.
The stay in the Iles de la Madeleine is 3 days, giving ample time to explore, bike, walk on the lovely beaches, or do the Arts and Culture tour. We loved having enough time to thoroughly explore the islands.
The cons: Although it is advertised as a bilingual cruise, the entertainment was almost entirely in French. The Acadian music was fabulous, but all the commentary and jokes were in French. The commentary on the boat to the Mingan Archipelago was entirely in French, although the Parks Canada guides on the island were bilingual and split us into an English speaking group and a French speaking group. French speakers from Quebec often spoke English too, and were very helpful in translating, so we generally found out what the commentaries were about. I was glad that I had spent an intensive month studying beginning French before the cruise.
The staff was friendly and eager to be helpful. For the traveler who isn't put off by small cabins and less amenities than a luxury cruise, this cruise offers a wonderful experience to an area that is difficult to access in other ways. I highly recommend it and will have wonderful memories of our trip.
Written September 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross-Siobhan
Toronto136 contributions
Jul 2014 • Couples
We took the cruise from Montreal to les Iles de la Madeleine and back with a small group of friends. It was a wonderful one-week vacation. If you would like to spend all day in your cabin, you will be disappointed - it is very small. But there are two bars, a movie theatre, occasional lectures and lots of open deck on which to relax and watch the shores of the St. Lawrence pass by. Breakfast and lunch are served cafeteria-style with lots to eat. Four-course dinners on board were highlighted by a lobster feast one night (lecture in the afternoon on how best to eat a lobster!).
The most outstanding thing about the cruise was the staff - most of whom are Madelenots. They are all well-trained, very friendly, very helpful and a treat to be with at all hours of the day or night. All speak French, many (but not all) speak some or good English. But they will unfailingly try to be helpful. Those who bought cheese on the islands had their purchases stored in the ship's refrigerators until disembarking in Montreal.
The three days spent exploring the islands were a real treat. Some of us rented a car, while some signed up for the guided tour. Both are good, as there is excellent material available at the tourist bureau to show you the way.
If you are looking for an out of the way place for a vacation, this is a great choice, while at the same time learning about a historically important part of Canada's heritage.
The most outstanding thing about the cruise was the staff - most of whom are Madelenots. They are all well-trained, very friendly, very helpful and a treat to be with at all hours of the day or night. All speak French, many (but not all) speak some or good English. But they will unfailingly try to be helpful. Those who bought cheese on the islands had their purchases stored in the ship's refrigerators until disembarking in Montreal.
The three days spent exploring the islands were a real treat. Some of us rented a car, while some signed up for the guided tour. Both are good, as there is excellent material available at the tourist bureau to show you the way.
If you are looking for an out of the way place for a vacation, this is a great choice, while at the same time learning about a historically important part of Canada's heritage.
Written July 26, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laurie M
Guelph, Canada29 contributions
Hi Wendy - what company did you rent your car from on the Maggies ? It looks like there are 2 rental companies ?
Laurie
I have booked a cruise from Montreal to the Magdeleine Islands. Does the ship stop at Quebec City on its return and if so approximately what time would it arrive? Thanks Helen
Bonjour, Saviez-vous que des chiens laissés dans des autos meurent chaque été, même avec les fenêtres entre-ouvertes ? Saviez-vous qu'en 10 minutes, la température dans la voiture peut monter de 10 degrés et plus ? Saviez-vous que de multiples municipalités, villes ont adopté une règlementation spécifiant qu'il est illégal de laisser un animal dans une voiture sans surveillance ? Saviez-vous que les chiens ne transpirent pas comme nous, ils se rafraîchissent par les poumons, en haletant et que si l'air respiré est trop chaud, l'animal ne peut plus évacuer la chaleur et cela peut provoquer une hémorragie interne, dommages aux organes internes, au cerveau, même la mort ? Ce serait souhaitable qu'on encourage pas les gens à laisser leur animal dans la voiture lors de croisière. Merci.
Est il possible de réserver à la mi-juillet sur le traversier pour 1 semaine ou deux, pour un aller retour aux Îles de la Madeleine?
Croisieres-CTMA
Iles de la Madeleine, Canada
Bonjour,
Nous vous invitons à consulter notre site Web pour voir le calendrier des réservations.
Vous êtes mieux de vous y prendre à l'avance pour votre réservation.
Merci et au plaisir !
Timmay C
Quispamsis, Canada95 contributions
What's up with the ferry reservations? Was considering a trip but every single day for the next week is shown as fully booked coming TO Souris while outbound from souris has room on almost every sailing. I suspect it might trucking Co's booking every day to get off and then cancelling last minute? I don't want to go if I'll be trapped there for more than a week!? Insider info please!
bbc2play
Prince Edward County, Canada44 contributions
The cabins are small, but is there room to store a couple of medium sized, hard suitcases? Hanging closet?
Is there an AC outlet in the cabins for charging camera, phone, etc?
What time does the evening entertainment sessions start? There are two dinner sittings, 5;00pm and 8:00 pm. How does this timing work with any evening sessions?
We are booked for the September 7, 2018, week cruise (only two, rather than 3 days on the Islands for this specific cruise) so any specific comments on this trip would be appreciated.
Sylvia M
Owen Sound, Canada31 contributions
We just booked the same cruise and were upgraded to a AA cabin with 4 bunks. Can easily store suitcases on top 2 bunks. Diagram of cabin shows an area beside the door with a bar across it, maybe a hanging locker. Read that there are 120 outlets in cabin. We're booked for the 5:00 dinner sitting. We did not book extra excursions. Maybe we'll be see you on board.
bbc2play
Prince Edward County, Canada44 contributions
We are looking at doing one of your Madeleine Theme Cruises, e.g. Sept. 7 to 14, 2018. These cruises have two, rather than 3, days on the Islands. Do you offer a two day Islands Tour Package for this trip e.g. Arts and Culture? Or does one simply book a local tour when arriving on the Islands.
Any other comments or advice would be appreciated. I do have your 2018 brochure.
Thank you.
Regards,
Brian Credico
Belleville, Ontario
bbc2play
Prince Edward County, Canada44 contributions
Is a passport required for the Islands?
bbc2play
Prince Edward County, Canada44 contributions
Internet access? On your phone or CTMA's PC? Costs?
Allen T
202 contributions
There were courtesy computers with free Internet access at the cruise terminal at the islands. Otherwise while sailing your phone might pick up a signal from shore, or you could pay to access Internet on board.
Sophie M
Montreal, Canada10 contributions
Lors du retour à Montréal, est-ce que le déjeuner est inclus. À quelle heure le débarquement ?
danielqc
Quebec City, Canada45 contributions
Déjeuners toujours inclus mais sur les îles, les dîners et souper ne sont pas inclus sauf si vous avez payé pour un forfait
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