On plane from Dallas to LaGuardia and then onto Montreal for the start of our (first) Canada expedition. Early flight (for me – 9 a.m.!) which always brings its own travel challenges – but Tom, Theresa and I are on our way, two heavy suitcases each (Tom under protest but I said I needed a backup) since we will be letting Crystal Cruises do the heavy lifting after a two night stay in Montreal. Looking forward to cool weather (high expected to be in mid-50s), beautiful scenery down the St. Lawrence, good food, and relaxation – we have not (yet) signed up for any excursions, dinners, or “experiences” deciding to simply roam ourselves and discover our own “roads in Canada.”

CRYSTAL SYMPHONY

The luxurious 50,000-ton, 848-guest Crystal Symphony is one of the most spacious cruise ships at sea, joining Crystal Serenity in the top two spots among Condé Nast Traveler’s best ships in the world.