Ottawa – Berlin Family Visit Itinerary (Oct 28 – Nov 12, 2025)

Day 1: Travel to Halifax Port

Morning: Fly from Ottawa (YOW) to Halifax (YHZ) (≈1.5 h). Check in at the airport lounge and collect luggage.

Afternoon: Transfer to the cruise terminal, complete embarkation formalities, and explore the ship’s public deck.

Evening: Depart Halifax on the trans‑Atlantic cruise; enjoy a welcome dinner on board.

Day 2: At Sea

Morning: Breakfast in the main dining room followed by a brief safety drill.

Afternoon: Relax on the sun deck or attend a short lecture about the upcoming European ports.

Evening: Formal night dinner and onboard entertainment.

Day 3: At Sea

Morning: Early‑morning yoga session on deck.

Afternoon: Participate in a cooking demonstration featuring German cuisine.

Evening: Movie night in the ship’s theater.

Day 4: At Sea

Morning: Buffet breakfast with a view of the Atlantic sunrise.

Afternoon: Free time to read, nap, or stroll the promenade.

Evening: Live music in the lounge while the ship continues west‑to‑east.

Day 5: At Sea

Morning: Guided meditation session on deck.

Afternoon: Attend a workshop on German language basics.

Evening: Casual dinner and board games with fellow passengers.

Day 6: At Sea

Morning: Light jogging around the deck followed by a hearty breakfast.

Afternoon: Spa treatments available by appointment.

Evening: The captain’s farewell reception as the ship nears Europe.

Day 7: Arrival in Rotterdam

Morning: Dock at Rotterdam Port; disembark and collect luggage.

Afternoon: Train transfer to Berlin Hauptbahnhof (≈6 h), check in to the family’s guest room.

Evening: Light dinner with family and brief catch‑up.

Day 8: Family Time – Berlin

Morning: Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the family home.

Afternoon: Visit the relatives’ garden and share stories.

Evening: Home‑cooked German dinner and early rest.

Day 9: Family Time – Berlin

Morning: Breakfast together, followed by a short walk around the neighbourhood.

Afternoon: Family photo session and tea time.

Evening: Relaxed evening with board games and conversation.

Day 10: Family Time – Berlin

Morning: Shared breakfast and planning of the next day’s departure.

Afternoon: Pack belongings and say goodbye to hosts.

Evening: Light snack before heading to the airport.

Day 11: Return Flight to Canada

Morning: Transfer to Berlin Brandenburg Airport (BER) and check‑in for the flight.

Afternoon: Flight from Berlin to Toronto (YYZ) (≈8 h), with a short layover.

Evening: Connect to the final flight from Toronto back to Ottawa (YOW); arrive home.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Flight Ottawa → Halifax – 1.5 h – CAD 250
• Trans‑Atlantic Cruise (Halifax → Rotterdam) – 7 days – CAD 2,300
• Train Rotterdam → Berlin – 6 h – EUR 80
• Family Stay in Berlin (4 nights) – 4 nights – EUR 0 (hosted)
• Flight Berlin → Toronto → Ottawa – 10 h total – CAD 1,200
• Airport transfers & meals (approx.) – – CAD 300
• Total Estimated Cost – CAD 4,130

Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a couple of days in Berlin to explore the city with your family or extend the cruise to include an additional European port such as Copenhagen. Conversely, you can shorten the trip by opting for a direct flight from Ottawa to Berlin (via a major hub) instead of the cruise, which would reduce the itinerary to about 5–7 days while still allowing ample family time.