7:15 am -- As we get up --- the Maasdam is just arriving in Bar Harbor, Maine.
7:45 am -- Meet Patte and Dave for breakfast in the Lido -- Phil brings one of his golf shirts (brand new -- not worn) to give to LaLu who has been so good to us -- and he’s a golf fan. LaLu is the one who made sure that nobody took our table after that one day. He placed bowls with packages of cereal in them as if someone were sitting there.
8:30 am -- We must go through US Immigration on the ship which is a breeze --then to the Rembrandt Lounge to get our tender tickets -- it takes 20 minutes to get on a tender.
When we get on shore there are no taxis in sight -- we don’t understand it -- we end up going on a 2-1/2 hour tour on a trolley bus through Acadia National Park. This bus thing is too much for Phil so he opts to stay in town and is given the task of finding us a great restaurant for lunch. We tell him we’ll be back at 12:30 and will expect nothing but the best place in Bar Harbor.
The bus driver is good and narrates as he drives. We are going up to Cadillac mountain and he stops along the way for photos --- it is a pretty spectacular view from 1500 feet --- a little winding on the road so it’s just as well that Phil stayed in town.
We next go to Thunder Hole -- an area of rock formation that causes the crashing waves to sound like thunder. It can be quite loud when the seas are rough, however today we hear more of thud not like it can be in more “thunderous” conditions.
We have a nice tour -- just perfect for what we wanted -- and are back in town by 12:30 pm. We call Phil -- he meets us -- gives us choices -- w.e tell him we don’t want choices -- we want him to pick. He chooses the Parkside Restaurant -- we dine on the second floor terrace. Patte and I get lobster rolls that can’t be beat -- Dave gets clam “chowda” and Phil a baked stuffed lobster -- Phil did his job well and picked a great place to eat seafood.
After a walk through town -- in and out of a couple of shops and a stroll along the harbor path --- we decide to get back on board the Maasdam.
The afternoon is spent packing and getting ready to disembark in Boston tomorrow.
My cold is getting worse so I take advantage of this time to get in a little rest.
8:00 pm -- We are at Table 81 for the Farewell Dinner in the Dining Room. The wait staff are dressed as chefs. They dance through the meal beginning at:
The waitstaff dance into the dining room performing a ballet as they give out napkins in their respective stations --- the next dance is serving the salad --- finally the piece de resistance Baked Alaska -- It is hysterical and they are having a great time as are all the diners -- nice way to say farewell.
After dinner we stop in to the Piano Bar to see Nate on his last night --- I head back to the room earlier since my cold is becoming worse and I need to finish packing.
6/25/10
Day Thirteen -- Thursday -- June 17, 2010 -- Halifax, NS
6:00 am -- Phil, Dave and I arrive at the Java Factory across the street from Pier 21 -- to use the free WiFi. I get a very good cup of coffee and a great morning glory muffin. We definitely beat the “rush” -- we’re the only ones here. Patte comes by about 6:30 -- and we still have the place to ourselves.
9:00 am -- We meet Bubbles as arranged for our tour to Peggy’s Cove and the cemetery where some of the Titanic Disaster casualties are buried.
Peggy’s Cove is so very picturesque --- there are two versions of how this place came to be called Peggy’s Cove. The first is that a schooner was wrecked off Lighthouse Point in a “Southeaster”. Everyone on board was drowned except for a woman named Margaret (Peggy). People would come to visit “Peggy of the Cove” and pretty soon the name of the village became Peggy’s Cove. The second and more logical reason is that this cove is situated at the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay -- and thus became known as Peggy’s Cove. Regardless of the legend -- it is a beautiful place. You feel like you’re standing in the middle of a postcard that’s been retouched. However I wouldn’t want to be here in the winter as I bet it is windy and bitterly cold.
On our way back to Halifax the next stop is Fairview Lawn Cemetery where a number of the casualties of the Titanic are buried. The White Star Line paid for the burials and the stones as well as commissioning the design of the “Titanic Plot” in the shape of the bow of a ship to fit the side of the hill. In some cases family members enlarged the stones and/or embellished the engravings. The coroner in Halifax was charged with identifying the bodies so even though several have names -- others have only numbers which coincide with when the body was retrieved from the ocean. One of the graves is for a J. Dawson who was a crewmen. When the blockbuster movie came out -- Leonardo DiCaprio’s fictional character’s name was Jack Dawson. According to Bubbles -- people came flocking to this gravesite leaving flowers and other memorabilia thinking that this was Jack Dawson’s grave. It is a peaceful place and very moving to see all these graves lined up row by row.
After a brief tour of the parts of Halifax we had not seen, Bubbles takes us back to Pier 21 -- and Patte and I go over to the Pier 22 shopping area to see if we can spend our Canadian money. We spend a little but there really is nothing that catches our eye.
1:15 pm We’re back on board the Maasdam and are having lunch in the Lido.
2:30 pm -- Trivia in the Crow’s Nest with Linda -- we do ok but it appears that our winning day will not come again.
7:30 pm -- Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill -- Can you believe the hostess attempts to seat us right next to the window with the missing shade and the sun is still out. We nip this in the bud and immediately ask for a different table and are accommodated.
After dinner we stop in at the Piano Bar -- Phil continuously popping in and out reporting to Dave the score of the Celtics game. In bed by 11:15 -- I’ve come down with a cold and it is getting me down. Our clocks are turned back to Eastern Daylight Time so we get another hour of sleep tonight.
9:00 am -- We meet Bubbles as arranged for our tour to Peggy’s Cove and the cemetery where some of the Titanic Disaster casualties are buried.
Peggy’s Cove is so very picturesque --- there are two versions of how this place came to be called Peggy’s Cove. The first is that a schooner was wrecked off Lighthouse Point in a “Southeaster”. Everyone on board was drowned except for a woman named Margaret (Peggy). People would come to visit “Peggy of the Cove” and pretty soon the name of the village became Peggy’s Cove. The second and more logical reason is that this cove is situated at the entrance to St. Margaret’s Bay -- and thus became known as Peggy’s Cove. Regardless of the legend -- it is a beautiful place. You feel like you’re standing in the middle of a postcard that’s been retouched. However I wouldn’t want to be here in the winter as I bet it is windy and bitterly cold.
On our way back to Halifax the next stop is Fairview Lawn Cemetery where a number of the casualties of the Titanic are buried. The White Star Line paid for the burials and the stones as well as commissioning the design of the “Titanic Plot” in the shape of the bow of a ship to fit the side of the hill. In some cases family members enlarged the stones and/or embellished the engravings. The coroner in Halifax was charged with identifying the bodies so even though several have names -- others have only numbers which coincide with when the body was retrieved from the ocean. One of the graves is for a J. Dawson who was a crewmen. When the blockbuster movie came out -- Leonardo DiCaprio’s fictional character’s name was Jack Dawson. According to Bubbles -- people came flocking to this gravesite leaving flowers and other memorabilia thinking that this was Jack Dawson’s grave. It is a peaceful place and very moving to see all these graves lined up row by row.
After a brief tour of the parts of Halifax we had not seen, Bubbles takes us back to Pier 21 -- and Patte and I go over to the Pier 22 shopping area to see if we can spend our Canadian money. We spend a little but there really is nothing that catches our eye.
1:15 pm We’re back on board the Maasdam and are having lunch in the Lido.
2:30 pm -- Trivia in the Crow’s Nest with Linda -- we do ok but it appears that our winning day will not come again.
7:30 pm -- Dinner in the Pinnacle Grill -- Can you believe the hostess attempts to seat us right next to the window with the missing shade and the sun is still out. We nip this in the bud and immediately ask for a different table and are accommodated.
After dinner we stop in at the Piano Bar -- Phil continuously popping in and out reporting to Dave the score of the Celtics game. In bed by 11:15 -- I’ve come down with a cold and it is getting me down. Our clocks are turned back to Eastern Daylight Time so we get another hour of sleep tonight.
Day Twelve -- Wednesday -- June 16, 2010 -- Halifax, NS
7:30 am -- We wake up to rough seas and a whistling sound coming through the balcony door. As I look out over the balcony -- there is no land in sight -- What happened to Sydney?
8:00 am -- While having breakfast -- the Captain announces that we are not going to Sydney because of high winds. We will go straight -- “as fast as we can” -- to Halifax expecting to arrive at 3:00 pm this afternoon. The plan is to stay in Halifax overnight and leave Thursday afternoon for Bar Harbor.
This whole thing makes no sense -- why didn’t he just go to Halifax yesterday? I guess that’s why I’m not driving this boat. We spent the rest of the morning reading and sleeping. All this rocking makes one drowsy.
12:15 pm -- Phil and I go to the Lido for a little lunch --- another couple asks if they can join us -- Jan and Gene from Ontario. They are on for just one week but have been to these ports before on motorcycles. They tell us that someone from their group is in the “hospital” on board with chest pains.
After lunch -- time to work on labeling photos and finishing the Journal ---
2:30 pm -- Trivia in the Crow’s Nest --- we get a 10 --- not bad but not close enough to win -- the winner has 12.
Just as we finish up with Trivia, the Maasdam enters Halifax Harbor.
As we get off the boat we check the terminal and find that there is no wifi. However across the street is the Java Factory, a coffee shop with free wifi. People seem to be flocking to the coffee shop.
We head up to town to look at a couple of Churches stroll around the waterfront area which in Halifax is lovely. There are decorated lobsters and dolphins -- just as Boston has the cows and Jacksonville has Jaguars.
We end up on the waterfront patio of a Japanese Steakhouse to enjoy some refreshment before going back to boat. The weather is perfect. Dave calls Bubbles and makes arrangements for him to pick us up in the morning for a tour Peggy’s Cove and the Titanic Cemetery. On the way back to the ship -- we check the hours of the Java Factory -- they open at 6:00 am.
8:00 pm -- We are seated at Table 81 in the Rotterdam Dining Room. It is a great table and our wait team -- Wi and Abed -- are wonderful as is the Romeo, the wine steward.
We seem to be getting used to this lifestyle!
8:00 am -- While having breakfast -- the Captain announces that we are not going to Sydney because of high winds. We will go straight -- “as fast as we can” -- to Halifax expecting to arrive at 3:00 pm this afternoon. The plan is to stay in Halifax overnight and leave Thursday afternoon for Bar Harbor.
This whole thing makes no sense -- why didn’t he just go to Halifax yesterday? I guess that’s why I’m not driving this boat. We spent the rest of the morning reading and sleeping. All this rocking makes one drowsy.
12:15 pm -- Phil and I go to the Lido for a little lunch --- another couple asks if they can join us -- Jan and Gene from Ontario. They are on for just one week but have been to these ports before on motorcycles. They tell us that someone from their group is in the “hospital” on board with chest pains.
After lunch -- time to work on labeling photos and finishing the Journal ---
2:30 pm -- Trivia in the Crow’s Nest --- we get a 10 --- not bad but not close enough to win -- the winner has 12.
Just as we finish up with Trivia, the Maasdam enters Halifax Harbor.
As we get off the boat we check the terminal and find that there is no wifi. However across the street is the Java Factory, a coffee shop with free wifi. People seem to be flocking to the coffee shop.
We head up to town to look at a couple of Churches stroll around the waterfront area which in Halifax is lovely. There are decorated lobsters and dolphins -- just as Boston has the cows and Jacksonville has Jaguars.
We end up on the waterfront patio of a Japanese Steakhouse to enjoy some refreshment before going back to boat. The weather is perfect. Dave calls Bubbles and makes arrangements for him to pick us up in the morning for a tour Peggy’s Cove and the Titanic Cemetery. On the way back to the ship -- we check the hours of the Java Factory -- they open at 6:00 am.
8:00 pm -- We are seated at Table 81 in the Rotterdam Dining Room. It is a great table and our wait team -- Wi and Abed -- are wonderful as is the Romeo, the wine steward.
We seem to be getting used to this lifestyle!
6/24/10
Day Eleven -- Tuesday -- June 15, 2010 -- At Sea
7:00 am -- Patte and I are on Deck Six -- thirty minutes -- two miles. It’s a little chilly so we go at a good clip. Land looks very far away to us -- we thought we were supposed to be at the dock by 6:45 am. The plan is to meet for breakfast at 8:00 and then go into the terminal to use the free WiFi before getting a driver to take us to the Anne of Green Gables House.
8:00 am -- An announcement comes over the Public Address System from the Captain. The stop in Charlottetown has been canceled due to expected winds of 60 miles an hour. He explains that the dock in Charlottetown would not be safe for the Maasdam under those conditions.
When we meet for breakfast --- we are all disappointed but what can you do. Phil is suspicious and wonders if there is another reason we are not stopping -- the seas do not seem rough right now. Perhaps the storm is coming and the Captain does not want to get stuck in Charlottetown. At any rate -- we have another day at sea -- which has given me the opportunity to finish my book.
10:00 am -- Dave, Patte and I go to the movies to see “Extreme Measures” with Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser -- pretty good movie for a Tuesday morning at Sea.
12:30 pm -- Time for lunch -- and since we are At Sea -- we thought we’d try the Terrace Grill for hot dogs and hamburgers -- It was delicious.
1:00 pm -- The Captain gives an update on our voyage explaining that the dock in Charlottetown is shorter than the Maasdam and therein lies the problem. He added that there is no other port in this area which could be a substitute. So it is on to Sydney where the dock will be more secure. However it also means that we will be on the high rough seas overnight if we are to arrive in Sydney in the morning.
Very rough seas all afternoon --- I was very sleepy --- spent the afternoon taking a nap and reading.
4:00 pm -- Trivia in the Crow’s Nest -- quite the turnout. We just missed being tied for first place. We had 12 points and two other teams had 13 --
Patte and Dave opted not to go to dinner and Phil was also feeling a little queasy. I call for some pills to help with his queasiness and by 8:00 pm he and I are seated at Table 81. I ordered the the vegetarian selection which is very good,
We are in bed by 9:30 -- all this rocking makes one sleepy.
8:00 am -- An announcement comes over the Public Address System from the Captain. The stop in Charlottetown has been canceled due to expected winds of 60 miles an hour. He explains that the dock in Charlottetown would not be safe for the Maasdam under those conditions.
When we meet for breakfast --- we are all disappointed but what can you do. Phil is suspicious and wonders if there is another reason we are not stopping -- the seas do not seem rough right now. Perhaps the storm is coming and the Captain does not want to get stuck in Charlottetown. At any rate -- we have another day at sea -- which has given me the opportunity to finish my book.
10:00 am -- Dave, Patte and I go to the movies to see “Extreme Measures” with Harrison Ford and Brendan Fraser -- pretty good movie for a Tuesday morning at Sea.
12:30 pm -- Time for lunch -- and since we are At Sea -- we thought we’d try the Terrace Grill for hot dogs and hamburgers -- It was delicious.
1:00 pm -- The Captain gives an update on our voyage explaining that the dock in Charlottetown is shorter than the Maasdam and therein lies the problem. He added that there is no other port in this area which could be a substitute. So it is on to Sydney where the dock will be more secure. However it also means that we will be on the high rough seas overnight if we are to arrive in Sydney in the morning.
Very rough seas all afternoon --- I was very sleepy --- spent the afternoon taking a nap and reading.
4:00 pm -- Trivia in the Crow’s Nest -- quite the turnout. We just missed being tied for first place. We had 12 points and two other teams had 13 --
Patte and Dave opted not to go to dinner and Phil was also feeling a little queasy. I call for some pills to help with his queasiness and by 8:00 pm he and I are seated at Table 81. I ordered the the vegetarian selection which is very good,
We are in bed by 9:30 -- all this rocking makes one sleepy.
Day Ten -- Monday -- June 14, 2010 -- At Sea
The Maasdam is at Sea today --- we all sleep in and do not meet for breakfast. Dave and I are still reading Michael Lewis’s The Big Short -- he’s way ahead of me.
12:30 pm -- Lunch at the Pinnacle Grill (courtesy of Linda from Altour) --- not very crowded. We have a nice window table with no sun in our eyes.
We break our rule of “no drinking at lunch” again but a glass of wine goes so well with lunch at sea.
We wonder about the smoking policy on board the Maasdam. This week we notice people seem to be smoking more in public places. So I go to the Front Desk to ask whether or not the policy has changed. The response: “No the policy has not changed.” I ask “Is there something in writing that says where the smoking areas are?” I am told that he will send something to my cabin. It never comes.
3:00 pm -- Trivia with our new cruise director, Linda, in the Rembrandt Lounge -- where the shows take place. We haven’t played since Matt (last week’s cruise director) left. We liked Matt. Linda has a british accent and she ends all of her public address announcements with “TOODLE LOO”. Linda uses ten sentences to explain what could be more easily understood with one sentence. At any rate -- she gives our cynical minds something else to criticize.
We are playing by our new rule of putting down the first thing that comes to mind. We seem to be moving along ok -- although as usual we are guessing a lot. We exchange papers with another team for the correction phase. Lo and behold -- our Team BOJAX -- wins with a score of 14 out of a possible 17 points. And -- Linda gives out prizes -- Matt did not. We each now have a genuine Holland America Travel Cup. But the pressure is on -- we must defend our championship.
7:30 pm -- Captain’s Toast in the Rembrandt Lounge --- we arrive for the free champagne but leave before the Captain comes on at 8:00 pm since we want to be sure to get a table in the Rotterdam Main Dining Room. Dave called earlier and they said there was no availability but suggested we come about 8:00 pm since there might be some empty tables. Since we don’t want to risk missing a meal we hot-foot it to the dining room.
Patte and I did the talking -- explaining to the Maitre D’ that we have been dining room challenged since our arrival the previous week. Something we said must have hit a nerve because he found us a great table on the upper level and suggested we could have a table at the 8:00 pm seating each night. We said “Sure -- that’s great. Now we can relax and not worry about where we’ll be having dinner.”
Just before our main course, the Maitre D’ comes to our table to make sure everything is going well. He tell us that he has several tables for us to choose from. Our four jaws dropped simultaneously -- Phil and Dave were speechless. Patte and I had to handle the selection of a table. We will now be at Table 81 on the Upper Level of the Rotterdam Dining Room each evening at 8:00 pm. except for Thursday when we go back to the Pinnacle Grill.
After dinner we stopped to see Nathan in the Piano Bar. He has quite a following this week -- we had to sit at a table since the bar stools were all taken. After a quick stop at the Neptune Bar to listen to a little music -- it was time to call it a night about 11:30 pm.
Tomorrow is Charlottetown to see Anne of Green Gablesl
12:30 pm -- Lunch at the Pinnacle Grill (courtesy of Linda from Altour) --- not very crowded. We have a nice window table with no sun in our eyes.
We break our rule of “no drinking at lunch” again but a glass of wine goes so well with lunch at sea.
We wonder about the smoking policy on board the Maasdam. This week we notice people seem to be smoking more in public places. So I go to the Front Desk to ask whether or not the policy has changed. The response: “No the policy has not changed.” I ask “Is there something in writing that says where the smoking areas are?” I am told that he will send something to my cabin. It never comes.
3:00 pm -- Trivia with our new cruise director, Linda, in the Rembrandt Lounge -- where the shows take place. We haven’t played since Matt (last week’s cruise director) left. We liked Matt. Linda has a british accent and she ends all of her public address announcements with “TOODLE LOO”. Linda uses ten sentences to explain what could be more easily understood with one sentence. At any rate -- she gives our cynical minds something else to criticize.
We are playing by our new rule of putting down the first thing that comes to mind. We seem to be moving along ok -- although as usual we are guessing a lot. We exchange papers with another team for the correction phase. Lo and behold -- our Team BOJAX -- wins with a score of 14 out of a possible 17 points. And -- Linda gives out prizes -- Matt did not. We each now have a genuine Holland America Travel Cup. But the pressure is on -- we must defend our championship.
7:30 pm -- Captain’s Toast in the Rembrandt Lounge --- we arrive for the free champagne but leave before the Captain comes on at 8:00 pm since we want to be sure to get a table in the Rotterdam Main Dining Room. Dave called earlier and they said there was no availability but suggested we come about 8:00 pm since there might be some empty tables. Since we don’t want to risk missing a meal we hot-foot it to the dining room.
Patte and I did the talking -- explaining to the Maitre D’ that we have been dining room challenged since our arrival the previous week. Something we said must have hit a nerve because he found us a great table on the upper level and suggested we could have a table at the 8:00 pm seating each night. We said “Sure -- that’s great. Now we can relax and not worry about where we’ll be having dinner.”
Just before our main course, the Maitre D’ comes to our table to make sure everything is going well. He tell us that he has several tables for us to choose from. Our four jaws dropped simultaneously -- Phil and Dave were speechless. Patte and I had to handle the selection of a table. We will now be at Table 81 on the Upper Level of the Rotterdam Dining Room each evening at 8:00 pm. except for Thursday when we go back to the Pinnacle Grill.
After dinner we stopped to see Nathan in the Piano Bar. He has quite a following this week -- we had to sit at a table since the bar stools were all taken. After a quick stop at the Neptune Bar to listen to a little music -- it was time to call it a night about 11:30 pm.
Tomorrow is Charlottetown to see Anne of Green Gablesl
Day Nine -- Sunday -- June 13, 2010 -- Quebec City
7:00 am -- We dock in Quebec -- seems like deja vue.
8:00 am -- Breakfast in Lido --- but there are other people sitting at “our” table. What’s up with this? We find another acceptable table and have our usual big breakfast.
9:00 am -- We disembark -- find a taxi driver who will take us to St. Anne de Beaupre and to Montmorency Falls. Our driver is Jean-Pierre -- he tells us to call him JP. He is wonderful and a true tour guide. He not only drives us to St. Anne’s -- he comes into the church and gives us a tour. He is knowledgeable about the shrine and he picks up brochures (2 sets) to give to us after the tour. The only trouble is he speaks very loudly and there is a Mass going on. One of ushers gets annoyed with him a couple of times -- we are hoping we don’t get kicked out.
This is another shrine where people come to be healed. At the back of the church are two columns dressed with racks of canes and crutches -- presumably left by those who were healed by St. Anne. Phil is the only one who has visited this shrine before. Who knew Phil would be such a font of information on ecclesiastical matters?
As we leave St Anne’s -- JP takes us over some back roads with new and older homes -- he stops at a country store called Chez Marie. It is actually a bakery where they make their own maple butter. JP gets some bread with the butter on it for us to share -- it is delicious. Before we go in JP takes us aside and tells us that since he works for us he needs to let us know that we could probably get the maple butter cheaper at the farmer’s market. He really is so earnest in his duties. I purchase some the maple butter anyway.
On to Montmorency Falls which are spectacular. These falls are 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls. During the summer months the falls are illuminated at night. An international fire works competition is held at Falls in July and August. During the winter there is ice climbing when sections of the falls freeze.
Back to Quebec city where we intend to lunch at a small french restaurant which was recommended by our waiter at the Chateau Frontenac. When we get into the city JP pops into tour guide mode explaining all kinds of things to us -- he tours us around a little on the way to the restaurant.
However -- the restaurant is closed on Sunday for lunch --- JP has another suggestion -- but his choice is also closed. So we bid him au revoir -- and tell him we’ll be fine and will find a nice place for lunch. We find Le Cavour and it is terrific. We have a very french lunch --everything tastes good. Patte and I decide to take Phil and Dave to the Maple Store where she can purchase some maple tea.
On the way back to the ship walking through the narrow streets of Quebec we decide to take a look at the Excavation that is by the entrance to the Finicular. For four years beginning in 2005 as maintenance work was being performed along the promenade -- remnants of forts and other buildings dating back to 1620 were unearthed. It is now an exhibit where people can wander and read about what used to stand on the site. There are guides from Parks Canada to answer questions.
Halfway through this -- Phil has enough so he heads back to the ship --- the three of us continue to go through the excavation and on a leisurely stroll through the lower city.
We come across The Chevalier House (which Patte remembers visiting on their honeymoon). It is actually three houses -- the original was built in the 17th Century. It was restored in 1959 and is owned by the Musee de la Civilisation. We go in --and have a look around before continuing to the boat.
We have had a long chock full day in Quebec City -- It is time to rest before having dinner in Canaletto -- the Italien Restaurant on board. Tomorrow is a day at sea as we head to Charlottetown.
8:00 am -- Breakfast in Lido --- but there are other people sitting at “our” table. What’s up with this? We find another acceptable table and have our usual big breakfast.
9:00 am -- We disembark -- find a taxi driver who will take us to St. Anne de Beaupre and to Montmorency Falls. Our driver is Jean-Pierre -- he tells us to call him JP. He is wonderful and a true tour guide. He not only drives us to St. Anne’s -- he comes into the church and gives us a tour. He is knowledgeable about the shrine and he picks up brochures (2 sets) to give to us after the tour. The only trouble is he speaks very loudly and there is a Mass going on. One of ushers gets annoyed with him a couple of times -- we are hoping we don’t get kicked out.
This is another shrine where people come to be healed. At the back of the church are two columns dressed with racks of canes and crutches -- presumably left by those who were healed by St. Anne. Phil is the only one who has visited this shrine before. Who knew Phil would be such a font of information on ecclesiastical matters?
As we leave St Anne’s -- JP takes us over some back roads with new and older homes -- he stops at a country store called Chez Marie. It is actually a bakery where they make their own maple butter. JP gets some bread with the butter on it for us to share -- it is delicious. Before we go in JP takes us aside and tells us that since he works for us he needs to let us know that we could probably get the maple butter cheaper at the farmer’s market. He really is so earnest in his duties. I purchase some the maple butter anyway.
On to Montmorency Falls which are spectacular. These falls are 98 feet higher than Niagara Falls. During the summer months the falls are illuminated at night. An international fire works competition is held at Falls in July and August. During the winter there is ice climbing when sections of the falls freeze.
Back to Quebec city where we intend to lunch at a small french restaurant which was recommended by our waiter at the Chateau Frontenac. When we get into the city JP pops into tour guide mode explaining all kinds of things to us -- he tours us around a little on the way to the restaurant.
However -- the restaurant is closed on Sunday for lunch --- JP has another suggestion -- but his choice is also closed. So we bid him au revoir -- and tell him we’ll be fine and will find a nice place for lunch. We find Le Cavour and it is terrific. We have a very french lunch --everything tastes good. Patte and I decide to take Phil and Dave to the Maple Store where she can purchase some maple tea.
On the way back to the ship walking through the narrow streets of Quebec we decide to take a look at the Excavation that is by the entrance to the Finicular. For four years beginning in 2005 as maintenance work was being performed along the promenade -- remnants of forts and other buildings dating back to 1620 were unearthed. It is now an exhibit where people can wander and read about what used to stand on the site. There are guides from Parks Canada to answer questions.
Halfway through this -- Phil has enough so he heads back to the ship --- the three of us continue to go through the excavation and on a leisurely stroll through the lower city.
We come across The Chevalier House (which Patte remembers visiting on their honeymoon). It is actually three houses -- the original was built in the 17th Century. It was restored in 1959 and is owned by the Musee de la Civilisation. We go in --and have a look around before continuing to the boat.
We have had a long chock full day in Quebec City -- It is time to rest before having dinner in Canaletto -- the Italien Restaurant on board. Tomorrow is a day at sea as we head to Charlottetown.
Day Eight -- Saturday -- June 12, 2010 -- Montreal
7:00 am -- The Maasdam docks in Montreal -- weather is a bit overcast.
8:00 am -- Breakfast in the Lido -- We discuss that it might be tricky getting off the ship since most passengers are disembarking for good here.
9:15 am -- As we are leaving the ship -- Phil and I realize that we don’t have our passports and are told by the Canadian Immigration Official that we’ll need them to get back into the terminal. When I return from retrieving the passports, I don’t see anyone so I assume my party is waiting outside the terminal. Pat who?
I get in one of the lines going through customs with passengers who have all their luggage. After waiting about ten minutes -- my cell rings and it is Phil asking where I am -- so I tell him. It seems my party is still waiting for me to get off the ship -- we totally missed each other. Is this a prediction of how our day will be?
After standing in line for anther 10 minutes or so we approach the official -- who, when she hears we are in transition, says, “Oh -- you just need to see that gentlemen and he’ll check your name off our list.” It would have been nice if Holland America had explained more clearly what those of us who were continuing with them needed to do. It all boils down to common sense and communication.
As we walk the streets of Montreal a man stops to talk to us. He is knowledgeable telling us various tidbits about the city -- we have a pleasant conversation. Just as we are moving on -- he asks if we can spare something so he can get a cup of coffee. Apparently he is homeless and we have Tourist written all over us. Phil gives him some money.
The Tourist Information Office was great -- they have maps --- directions --- and their information is very thorough. Phil suggests a visit to Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal where he went with his parents as a child. He explains that the church began being built at the turn of the 19th Century and was still in process in the 1950’s. It is a shrine where people go to get healed. Since it was quite a distance, we took the very efficient Montreal Metro system.
This basilica is quite a sight -- St. Joseph’s huge dome is second only in height to St. Peter’s in Rome. Brother Andre, who initiated the construction of this church in 1904, is up for canonization in the Catholic Church. The basilica can accommodate 10,000 worshippers and is visited by people from all over the world hoping to be healed. Phil is the only one of us who had ever heard of this place. Dave is convinced that his hip feels much better the next day.
On our way back to the subway stop we meandered through Mount Royal -- a residential neighborhood. We stopped at a Farmer’s Market buying some pistachios, almonds and the best chocolate oatmeal cookies.
On our return to Montreal proper we stop by the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal -- no one is allowed to go in since there is a wedding -- just as well since they charge a $5 entrance fee.
We head to Jacques Cartier Square --- the heart of the old city and tourist area. We settle on La Maree, a cafe overlooking the Square -- the meal is wonderful and comes with a perfect perch to people watch.
Walking back to the Maasdam we encounter a huge Science Fair -- it looks interesting but everything is in French.
Getting back on the ship is much easier -- the officials don’t even ask to see our passports.
Patte and I decide to exchange photos as we sit in the Crow's Nest and watch as the ship leaves Montreal headed to Quebec City.
We have dinner on the pool deck at the barbecue buffet -- very tasty. We meet one of the chefs who is from New Jersey and has only been on the ship as long as we have.
We stop in to see Nate at the Piano Bar -- he has a whole new group of people who have discovered his talents.
Another great day on the Maasdam!
8:00 am -- Breakfast in the Lido -- We discuss that it might be tricky getting off the ship since most passengers are disembarking for good here.
9:15 am -- As we are leaving the ship -- Phil and I realize that we don’t have our passports and are told by the Canadian Immigration Official that we’ll need them to get back into the terminal. When I return from retrieving the passports, I don’t see anyone so I assume my party is waiting outside the terminal. Pat who?
I get in one of the lines going through customs with passengers who have all their luggage. After waiting about ten minutes -- my cell rings and it is Phil asking where I am -- so I tell him. It seems my party is still waiting for me to get off the ship -- we totally missed each other. Is this a prediction of how our day will be?
After standing in line for anther 10 minutes or so we approach the official -- who, when she hears we are in transition, says, “Oh -- you just need to see that gentlemen and he’ll check your name off our list.” It would have been nice if Holland America had explained more clearly what those of us who were continuing with them needed to do. It all boils down to common sense and communication.
As we walk the streets of Montreal a man stops to talk to us. He is knowledgeable telling us various tidbits about the city -- we have a pleasant conversation. Just as we are moving on -- he asks if we can spare something so he can get a cup of coffee. Apparently he is homeless and we have Tourist written all over us. Phil gives him some money.
The Tourist Information Office was great -- they have maps --- directions --- and their information is very thorough. Phil suggests a visit to Saint Joseph’s Oratory of Mount-Royal where he went with his parents as a child. He explains that the church began being built at the turn of the 19th Century and was still in process in the 1950’s. It is a shrine where people go to get healed. Since it was quite a distance, we took the very efficient Montreal Metro system.
This basilica is quite a sight -- St. Joseph’s huge dome is second only in height to St. Peter’s in Rome. Brother Andre, who initiated the construction of this church in 1904, is up for canonization in the Catholic Church. The basilica can accommodate 10,000 worshippers and is visited by people from all over the world hoping to be healed. Phil is the only one of us who had ever heard of this place. Dave is convinced that his hip feels much better the next day.
On our way back to the subway stop we meandered through Mount Royal -- a residential neighborhood. We stopped at a Farmer’s Market buying some pistachios, almonds and the best chocolate oatmeal cookies.
On our return to Montreal proper we stop by the Notre Dame Basilica of Montreal -- no one is allowed to go in since there is a wedding -- just as well since they charge a $5 entrance fee.
We head to Jacques Cartier Square --- the heart of the old city and tourist area. We settle on La Maree, a cafe overlooking the Square -- the meal is wonderful and comes with a perfect perch to people watch.
Walking back to the Maasdam we encounter a huge Science Fair -- it looks interesting but everything is in French.
Getting back on the ship is much easier -- the officials don’t even ask to see our passports.
Patte and I decide to exchange photos as we sit in the Crow's Nest and watch as the ship leaves Montreal headed to Quebec City.
We have dinner on the pool deck at the barbecue buffet -- very tasty. We meet one of the chefs who is from New Jersey and has only been on the ship as long as we have.
We stop in to see Nate at the Piano Bar -- he has a whole new group of people who have discovered his talents.
Another great day on the Maasdam!
Day Seven -- Friday -- June 11, 2010 -- Quebec City
6:15 am -- The Maasdam docks in Quebec City -- the city looks wonderful from the ship. Quebec City is on a hill -- so there is a lower and and upper city.
7:00 am --- Patte and I are on Deck Six walking our 30 minutes.
8:00 am -- After breakfast we go to the terminal to use the free wifi -- before exploring the city and meeting my friends, Carolyn and Dan who here for the weekend.
9:15 am -- We disembark and walk into the empty streets of the lower city. It feels like we are in Europe. As we walk I call Carolyn to make plans to meet her in the upper city near her hotel.
We take the finicular to the upper city and walk out in front of the Chateau Frontenac -- an imposing structure -- we find Carolyn walking along the boardwalk.
We all climb toward the Citadel and the Plains of Abraham --- The wall around Quebec City is in such great shape -- I’ve not seen a walled city with the entire wall still in tact. The climb is steep but it’s a beautiful day and worthwhile.
Leaving the Citadel we walk into the old city from the other side. After visiting the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Quebec --- Carolyn, Patte and I decide to do a little shopping. Phil and Dave are off on their own and Dan has gone for a run. We stop in some great shops -- Carolyn and Patte both make purchases.
Carolyn suggests the Canadian Maple Delights store -- where we participate in a maple syrup tasting. I bought some maple biscotti and Patte some maple syrup. There were pastries and ice cream and candies --- we had all we could do to resist.
12:15 pm -- We need to hustle to get to the Chateau Frontenac for our 12:30 lunch reservations -- we are sure the boys will be waiting.
As expected lunch is terrific. Most of us have the buffet with all the wonderful choices and a little French wine to round out the meal --- such a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
After lunch we need to get back since the ship is leaving at 3:00 pm --- a leisurely walk through the lower city tops off the day.
Dinner is light at the Lido --- with a stop at the Piano Bar.
7:00 am --- Patte and I are on Deck Six walking our 30 minutes.
8:00 am -- After breakfast we go to the terminal to use the free wifi -- before exploring the city and meeting my friends, Carolyn and Dan who here for the weekend.
9:15 am -- We disembark and walk into the empty streets of the lower city. It feels like we are in Europe. As we walk I call Carolyn to make plans to meet her in the upper city near her hotel.
We take the finicular to the upper city and walk out in front of the Chateau Frontenac -- an imposing structure -- we find Carolyn walking along the boardwalk.
We all climb toward the Citadel and the Plains of Abraham --- The wall around Quebec City is in such great shape -- I’ve not seen a walled city with the entire wall still in tact. The climb is steep but it’s a beautiful day and worthwhile.
Leaving the Citadel we walk into the old city from the other side. After visiting the Cathedral of Notre Dame of Quebec --- Carolyn, Patte and I decide to do a little shopping. Phil and Dave are off on their own and Dan has gone for a run. We stop in some great shops -- Carolyn and Patte both make purchases.
Carolyn suggests the Canadian Maple Delights store -- where we participate in a maple syrup tasting. I bought some maple biscotti and Patte some maple syrup. There were pastries and ice cream and candies --- we had all we could do to resist.
12:15 pm -- We need to hustle to get to the Chateau Frontenac for our 12:30 lunch reservations -- we are sure the boys will be waiting.
As expected lunch is terrific. Most of us have the buffet with all the wonderful choices and a little French wine to round out the meal --- such a nice way to spend a couple of hours.
After lunch we need to get back since the ship is leaving at 3:00 pm --- a leisurely walk through the lower city tops off the day.
Dinner is light at the Lido --- with a stop at the Piano Bar.
Day Six -- Thursday -- June 10, 2010 -- At Sea
Today we are at leisure cruising the Gulf of St. Lawrence on our way to Quebec City.
The order of the day is reading --- and relaxing -- I start taking notes for this blog -- so I don’t forget what we’ve done.
9:30 am -- There is a tour of the kitchen which is very informative -- it is amazing how much food is prepared on a daily basis with 1300 passengers to feed. Phil gets carried away taking pictures -- I will only share one with this audience.
1:30 pm -- Patte and I participate in the 5K Race for the Cure on Deck Six. That equates to walking around the deck 12 times. The turnout is good with participants in Race for The Cure T-shirts and pink wrist bands.
Phil and Dave are our cheering section -- sitting in deck chairs covered with blankets.
We notice one time going by that Phil disappeared -- Dave is not sure where he went but is suspicious. The next time we come by we see that he has purchased a case of beer from one of the bars and hands them out to the walkers as they finish. He even gets Matt -- our Cruise Director -- to take a beer.
It was a lot fun -- and apparently Holland- America has raised over $2 million by having a Race for the Cure every week on their Cruise ships.
7:30 -- We arrive for our dinner at the Pinnacle Grill -- an alternate dining room on the ship with a steakhouse environment.
We are led to our table and Patte and I are facing out toward the windows. As soon as we sit down I realize the sun is blaring in my eyes -- I can’t see anything. I request that they pull the shade down and am told the shade is out for repair. Finally -- Phil is so furious that he gets up and the next thing we are moving to another table. That’s the common sense thing again --- sometimes they don’t have any.
The meal was great -- Patte and I had Steak Diane. Phil left before dinner came so Patte, Dave and I picked at his dinner and ordered another bottle of wine. Did I mention that we’ve all been eating way too much?
At least we walked 3 miles today -- that should help!
The order of the day is reading --- and relaxing -- I start taking notes for this blog -- so I don’t forget what we’ve done.
9:30 am -- There is a tour of the kitchen which is very informative -- it is amazing how much food is prepared on a daily basis with 1300 passengers to feed. Phil gets carried away taking pictures -- I will only share one with this audience.
1:30 pm -- Patte and I participate in the 5K Race for the Cure on Deck Six. That equates to walking around the deck 12 times. The turnout is good with participants in Race for The Cure T-shirts and pink wrist bands.
Phil and Dave are our cheering section -- sitting in deck chairs covered with blankets.
We notice one time going by that Phil disappeared -- Dave is not sure where he went but is suspicious. The next time we come by we see that he has purchased a case of beer from one of the bars and hands them out to the walkers as they finish. He even gets Matt -- our Cruise Director -- to take a beer.
It was a lot fun -- and apparently Holland- America has raised over $2 million by having a Race for the Cure every week on their Cruise ships.
7:30 -- We arrive for our dinner at the Pinnacle Grill -- an alternate dining room on the ship with a steakhouse environment.
We are led to our table and Patte and I are facing out toward the windows. As soon as we sit down I realize the sun is blaring in my eyes -- I can’t see anything. I request that they pull the shade down and am told the shade is out for repair. Finally -- Phil is so furious that he gets up and the next thing we are moving to another table. That’s the common sense thing again --- sometimes they don’t have any.
The meal was great -- Patte and I had Steak Diane. Phil left before dinner came so Patte, Dave and I picked at his dinner and ordered another bottle of wine. Did I mention that we’ve all been eating way too much?
At least we walked 3 miles today -- that should help!
Day Five -- Wednesday -- June 9, 2010 -- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
7:00 am -- Patte and I are on Deck Six for our morning walk -- 30 minutes -- 8 times around the deck -- 2 miles. The briskness makes us walk faster.
8:00 am -- Lido for breakfast -- the four us decide on what to do with our day. Phil has scoped out Charlottetown and has agreed to be our Guide. We decide to wait till next week to tour the Anne of Green Gables House -- Patte and I have both read the book in anticipation.
9:05 am -- Our first stop on Phil’s Tour is St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica (he likes to visit churches) -- St. Dunstan’s parish has existed since 1812-- the cornerstone for the first stone Cathedral was laid in 1896 -- exterior completed 1898 -- interior completed 1907 -- destroyed by fire 1913 -- rebuilt in time for Christmas Eve Mass 1914. This is the Church we visit and it is spectacular. These Catholics know there’s a cruise ship in town. They have all their literature -- rosaries -- prayer cards -- books laid out on a table at the back of the Church. I am now the proud owner of “The History of St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica.” Do you think my book group might want to read this?
We move on to the Province House -- birthplace of Confederation. The Province House was the site of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. Delegates from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island met for five days discussing the constitutional and economic basis for a Confederation of British Colonies in North America. Currently the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island meets here in their chambers.
Moving along we get to the center of town and pop into a couple of shops --- particularly the Northern Watters Knitwear. Lo and behold Phil (shopping the sale table as he’s been taught) found a sweater that fit him perfectly. The only thing missing was an ascot and a pipe. Then I found a sweater that fit me like a glove. Both sweaters are handmade with the name of the local knitter on the label. We bought both for 50% off and were told that all repairs to the sweaters are free for the life of the sweater -- of course we’d have to get the sweaters to them. But -- we are quite proud as we walk out wearing our new finery.
Just down the block we find the Anne of Green Gables Chocolate Shop -- they are giving out samples -- we are hooked.
On to the Beaconsfield Historic House overlooking Charlottetown Harbor. This house was built in 1877 by a leading businessman. It was equipped with all the latest conveniences -- gas lighting, running water, central heating. The house passed into other hands through the years becoming the property of the Prince Edward Island Heritage Foundation in 1970. It is a wonderful place to visit ---
12:30 pm --- We’re all getting hungry so it must be lunch time. A brewery caught our eye and in we went for lunch. Phil samples the mussels which are known to be very good in this area.
After Lunch -- we scout around for more Churches but cannot find any that are open -- they must not realize a cruise ship is in town.
We’re back on board in time for Trivia at 3:30 -- we have a respectable showing but do not come in as the winners.
An uneventful dinner at the Lido --- again requesting a new tablecloth -- but we’re getting used to that -- and some after dinner dancing in the Crow's Nest to complete our day.
8:00 am -- Lido for breakfast -- the four us decide on what to do with our day. Phil has scoped out Charlottetown and has agreed to be our Guide. We decide to wait till next week to tour the Anne of Green Gables House -- Patte and I have both read the book in anticipation.
9:05 am -- Our first stop on Phil’s Tour is St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica (he likes to visit churches) -- St. Dunstan’s parish has existed since 1812-- the cornerstone for the first stone Cathedral was laid in 1896 -- exterior completed 1898 -- interior completed 1907 -- destroyed by fire 1913 -- rebuilt in time for Christmas Eve Mass 1914. This is the Church we visit and it is spectacular. These Catholics know there’s a cruise ship in town. They have all their literature -- rosaries -- prayer cards -- books laid out on a table at the back of the Church. I am now the proud owner of “The History of St. Dunstan’s Cathedral Basilica.” Do you think my book group might want to read this?
We move on to the Province House -- birthplace of Confederation. The Province House was the site of the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. Delegates from Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island met for five days discussing the constitutional and economic basis for a Confederation of British Colonies in North America. Currently the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island meets here in their chambers.
Moving along we get to the center of town and pop into a couple of shops --- particularly the Northern Watters Knitwear. Lo and behold Phil (shopping the sale table as he’s been taught) found a sweater that fit him perfectly. The only thing missing was an ascot and a pipe. Then I found a sweater that fit me like a glove. Both sweaters are handmade with the name of the local knitter on the label. We bought both for 50% off and were told that all repairs to the sweaters are free for the life of the sweater -- of course we’d have to get the sweaters to them. But -- we are quite proud as we walk out wearing our new finery.
Just down the block we find the Anne of Green Gables Chocolate Shop -- they are giving out samples -- we are hooked.
On to the Beaconsfield Historic House overlooking Charlottetown Harbor. This house was built in 1877 by a leading businessman. It was equipped with all the latest conveniences -- gas lighting, running water, central heating. The house passed into other hands through the years becoming the property of the Prince Edward Island Heritage Foundation in 1970. It is a wonderful place to visit ---
12:30 pm --- We’re all getting hungry so it must be lunch time. A brewery caught our eye and in we went for lunch. Phil samples the mussels which are known to be very good in this area.
After Lunch -- we scout around for more Churches but cannot find any that are open -- they must not realize a cruise ship is in town.
We’re back on board in time for Trivia at 3:30 -- we have a respectable showing but do not come in as the winners.
An uneventful dinner at the Lido --- again requesting a new tablecloth -- but we’re getting used to that -- and some after dinner dancing in the Crow's Nest to complete our day.
6/21/10
Day Four -- Tuesday -- June 8, 2010 -- Sydney, Nova Scotia
Sydney is a small town -- more of a jumping off point for other areas. We hire a cab and go to Baddeck to the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Tom MacDonald is our driver. He is quieter than Bubbles but a good driver.
The museum is very interesting and lo and behold -- we see my cousin Jim Watson’s face on the wall -- as he is a decedant of Alexander Graham Bell.
On the way back Tom asks if we want to stop at the Gaelic College -- we do -- as they have a small shop with items made by the students. I buy some plaid bookmarks -- and get a catalog for their summer program. One never knows --- it might be time to learn Gaelic or how to play the Fiddle.
Tom recommends a wonderful place for lunch -- Governor’s Restaurant -- located in a Victorian House. We can see our ship from the table. When we go upstairs to check out the bar -- we find Matt our cruise director sitting on the deck all by himself. He tells us it is his favorite place to come when in Sydney.
Dave heads back to the ship to take advantage of the free wireless internet in the terminal.
Phil, Patte and I walk around Sydney. We see signs for a local craft fair. There are some lovely handmade items -- afghans --- baby clothes, etc. They also have some nice wooden items made by a local resident. I buy a couple of small pin cushions and Patte buys a wooden cross.
We stop by a couple of Churches on the way back to the ship but neither of them are open ---
We make it to Trivia -- BOJAX is our team name -- and do pretty well but are not the winners.
We decide to have Dinner at the Lido since it is easy and come as you are. Again we have to request a table cloth change --- The wait staff at breakfast are much more accommodating in the Lido.
Another great interesting day!
The museum is very interesting and lo and behold -- we see my cousin Jim Watson’s face on the wall -- as he is a decedant of Alexander Graham Bell.
On the way back Tom asks if we want to stop at the Gaelic College -- we do -- as they have a small shop with items made by the students. I buy some plaid bookmarks -- and get a catalog for their summer program. One never knows --- it might be time to learn Gaelic or how to play the Fiddle.
Tom recommends a wonderful place for lunch -- Governor’s Restaurant -- located in a Victorian House. We can see our ship from the table. When we go upstairs to check out the bar -- we find Matt our cruise director sitting on the deck all by himself. He tells us it is his favorite place to come when in Sydney.
Dave heads back to the ship to take advantage of the free wireless internet in the terminal.
Phil, Patte and I walk around Sydney. We see signs for a local craft fair. There are some lovely handmade items -- afghans --- baby clothes, etc. They also have some nice wooden items made by a local resident. I buy a couple of small pin cushions and Patte buys a wooden cross.
We stop by a couple of Churches on the way back to the ship but neither of them are open ---
We make it to Trivia -- BOJAX is our team name -- and do pretty well but are not the winners.
We decide to have Dinner at the Lido since it is easy and come as you are. Again we have to request a table cloth change --- The wait staff at breakfast are much more accommodating in the Lido.
Another great interesting day!
Day Three -- Monday -- June 7, 2010 -- Halifax, Nova Scotia
7:00 am -- Patte and I walk our thirty minutes around Deck Six for two miles -- chilly morning.
8:00 am -- During breakfast we map out our day deciding to hire a taxi at the dock for a tour around town dropping us at the Citadel -- from where we can walk back to the Maasdam.
Our cab driver’s name is “Bubbles”. He is quite the talker with lots of knowledge about the city and surrounding area. He takes us all around the city and gives us a sense of the neighborhoods. After about an hour Bubbles drops us at the Citadel on top of a hill overlooking the city. The Citadel is full of scottish calvary dressed in period garb -- some in kilts. We troll around the fort and stay for the cannon firing at Noon. It is quite the process to get that cannon ready and in position for firing.
After a steep walk down from the Citadel lunch is at the The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. The bartender, Alec, is a delight -- we have a great lunch and good beer. We walk back down to the river and poked our heads into the Nova Scotia Crystal Factory to watch the glass blowing operation. We see lots of sights on the way back to the ship -- including lighthouses and a tug boat named Theodore.
3:00 pm -- Cellar Master’s Navigator Choice Wine Tasting --- In a weak moment at dinner we allowed the wine steward to talk us into attending this Wine Tasting. We rushed back to the ship so we wouldn’t miss it.
Laurence, the Wine Steward, is most full of himself as wine stewards tend to be. He talks for at least thirty minutes while we sit with four glasses of wine and cheese and bread in front of us. Once we start tasting the wine -- he disappears saying he has to get ready for another event. And -- for this “privilege” we pay $15 each.
To top it off we get phone calls the next day confirming reservations (we did not make) for the Premium Wine Tasting. It seems that they were not getting the turnout they expected.
7:00 pm -- Dinner in the Lido which is the buffet dressed up at night. It was just ok. We had to ask the waiter to change the tablecloth -- since it had been used by somebody else.
Phil and I are disappointed in the service on the Maasdam. It is not as good as the last time we sailed with Holland America. There is a lot of inconsistency and rigidity. It appears that the training these servers receive does not include a section on using common sense.
But -- we are having a wonderful time --- we ended the evening in the Piano Bar with our new best friend, Nate.
8:00 am -- During breakfast we map out our day deciding to hire a taxi at the dock for a tour around town dropping us at the Citadel -- from where we can walk back to the Maasdam.
Our cab driver’s name is “Bubbles”. He is quite the talker with lots of knowledge about the city and surrounding area. He takes us all around the city and gives us a sense of the neighborhoods. After about an hour Bubbles drops us at the Citadel on top of a hill overlooking the city. The Citadel is full of scottish calvary dressed in period garb -- some in kilts. We troll around the fort and stay for the cannon firing at Noon. It is quite the process to get that cannon ready and in position for firing.
After a steep walk down from the Citadel lunch is at the The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse. The bartender, Alec, is a delight -- we have a great lunch and good beer. We walk back down to the river and poked our heads into the Nova Scotia Crystal Factory to watch the glass blowing operation. We see lots of sights on the way back to the ship -- including lighthouses and a tug boat named Theodore.
3:00 pm -- Cellar Master’s Navigator Choice Wine Tasting --- In a weak moment at dinner we allowed the wine steward to talk us into attending this Wine Tasting. We rushed back to the ship so we wouldn’t miss it.
Laurence, the Wine Steward, is most full of himself as wine stewards tend to be. He talks for at least thirty minutes while we sit with four glasses of wine and cheese and bread in front of us. Once we start tasting the wine -- he disappears saying he has to get ready for another event. And -- for this “privilege” we pay $15 each.
To top it off we get phone calls the next day confirming reservations (we did not make) for the Premium Wine Tasting. It seems that they were not getting the turnout they expected.
7:00 pm -- Dinner in the Lido which is the buffet dressed up at night. It was just ok. We had to ask the waiter to change the tablecloth -- since it had been used by somebody else.
Phil and I are disappointed in the service on the Maasdam. It is not as good as the last time we sailed with Holland America. There is a lot of inconsistency and rigidity. It appears that the training these servers receive does not include a section on using common sense.
But -- we are having a wonderful time --- we ended the evening in the Piano Bar with our new best friend, Nate.
Day Two - Sunday -- June 6, 2010 -- Bar Harbor, Maine
7:00 am -- Patte and I meet at the Fitness Center for two classes -- Morning Stretch and Total Body Conditioning. The instructor is very good and unmerciful.
8:10 am -- we meet for breakfast at the Lido Restaurant -- it’s a little confusing since the self-serve portion of the buffet has been turned into a “let us serve you theme” for the first couple of days. It is a health safety issue --- we will be able to serve ourselves by day three. Breakfast is good - lots of choices.
It is raining in Bar Harbor but off we go undaunted. Since it is Sunday -- several shops are closed. We do find The Opera House Internet Cafe -- recommended by Patte and Dave’s son, Chris. It is the friendliest place I have ever seen. There is a sign as one enters that reads “Rest Rooms are for Everyone”.
There are lots of computers with a charge of $2.50 for 25 minutes. They serve coffee, sandwiches and a table by the computers which holds pastries that looked fabulous. Take what you want and tell the cashier -- it’s all on the honor system. We checked e-mail and wished we hadn’t had our huge breakfast on the ship --
After a walk in the rain around town --- it’s back to the ship in time for lunch --- and an afternoon at leisure.
Tonight is formal night -- Phil is wearing his new white dinner jacket -- he looks very much like a member of the original “Rat Pack”
Dinner is a challenge -- we did not realize that open seating means you better have made a reservation earlier in the day or you have to wait 30 minutes and be seated with people you don’t know. We objected to all of this and at least were able to get a table for four -- but we still had to wait.
After that the night perked up -- dinner was good and we went back to hear Nate in the Piano Lounge as he performed his Broadway Repertoire.
I fell into bed well past my usual bedtime --- Phil stayed up to gamble and won!
8:10 am -- we meet for breakfast at the Lido Restaurant -- it’s a little confusing since the self-serve portion of the buffet has been turned into a “let us serve you theme” for the first couple of days. It is a health safety issue --- we will be able to serve ourselves by day three. Breakfast is good - lots of choices.
It is raining in Bar Harbor but off we go undaunted. Since it is Sunday -- several shops are closed. We do find The Opera House Internet Cafe -- recommended by Patte and Dave’s son, Chris. It is the friendliest place I have ever seen. There is a sign as one enters that reads “Rest Rooms are for Everyone”.
There are lots of computers with a charge of $2.50 for 25 minutes. They serve coffee, sandwiches and a table by the computers which holds pastries that looked fabulous. Take what you want and tell the cashier -- it’s all on the honor system. We checked e-mail and wished we hadn’t had our huge breakfast on the ship --
After a walk in the rain around town --- it’s back to the ship in time for lunch --- and an afternoon at leisure.
Tonight is formal night -- Phil is wearing his new white dinner jacket -- he looks very much like a member of the original “Rat Pack”
Dinner is a challenge -- we did not realize that open seating means you better have made a reservation earlier in the day or you have to wait 30 minutes and be seated with people you don’t know. We objected to all of this and at least were able to get a table for four -- but we still had to wait.
After that the night perked up -- dinner was good and we went back to hear Nate in the Piano Lounge as he performed his Broadway Repertoire.
I fell into bed well past my usual bedtime --- Phil stayed up to gamble and won!
Day One -- June 5, 2010 -- Boston, MA
6:00 am -- The alarm goes off in our room at the Parker House in Boston, MA. Phil and I are walking and looking at real estate this morning.
After a rainy walk through the North End -- we go to Charlestown and have a quick breakfast at Sorelle’s. On to the Navy Yard to meet Jan -- our realtor. We look at two rentals and one condo for sale -- I have seen the condo before and thought Phil might like it -- I was wrong.
12:00 Noon -- Back to the Parker House and on our way to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in South Boston -- we board the ms Maasdam for our 14 day cruise to Montreal and back to Boston. Ports include: Bar Harbor, ME -- Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA -- Sydney, CA -- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, CA -- Quebec City, CA -- Montreal, CA. We will visit each port -- except Montreal -- twice.
We are traveling with our friends -- Dave and Patte. As Phil and I are waiting to embark -- Patte and Dave appear just a few people behind us. From the looks of our fellow passengers -- we four bring the average age down about 20 years.
2:00 pm -- We tour the ship checking out the various restaurants and lounges -- then to the Spa where we do not win the raffle -- on to the computer lab and the library. By the time we have seen everything -- we go to our respective cabins to unpack. Dinner is at Canaletto -- the Italien Restaurant -- where we have made reservations.
After dinner, we venture into the Piano Bar meeting Nate, a very talented “piano man”. We have a great time singing along to all sorts of songs. As we sing “Dancing Queen” a family group arrives singing a long as they enter the bar and all hell breaks loose. These people know all the words to all the songs being requested. They are from Boise, Idaho -- a fun group but they wore thin in a hurry -- especially when watching the Celtics/Lakers games since half were for the Celtics and half were for the Lakers. Nate fondly called them “The Potato Patch”.
So -- a great first day on board the Maasdam --- we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
After a rainy walk through the North End -- we go to Charlestown and have a quick breakfast at Sorelle’s. On to the Navy Yard to meet Jan -- our realtor. We look at two rentals and one condo for sale -- I have seen the condo before and thought Phil might like it -- I was wrong.
12:00 Noon -- Back to the Parker House and on our way to the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal in South Boston -- we board the ms Maasdam for our 14 day cruise to Montreal and back to Boston. Ports include: Bar Harbor, ME -- Halifax, Nova Scotia, CA -- Sydney, CA -- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, CA -- Quebec City, CA -- Montreal, CA. We will visit each port -- except Montreal -- twice.
We are traveling with our friends -- Dave and Patte. As Phil and I are waiting to embark -- Patte and Dave appear just a few people behind us. From the looks of our fellow passengers -- we four bring the average age down about 20 years.
2:00 pm -- We tour the ship checking out the various restaurants and lounges -- then to the Spa where we do not win the raffle -- on to the computer lab and the library. By the time we have seen everything -- we go to our respective cabins to unpack. Dinner is at Canaletto -- the Italien Restaurant -- where we have made reservations.
After dinner, we venture into the Piano Bar meeting Nate, a very talented “piano man”. We have a great time singing along to all sorts of songs. As we sing “Dancing Queen” a family group arrives singing a long as they enter the bar and all hell breaks loose. These people know all the words to all the songs being requested. They are from Boise, Idaho -- a fun group but they wore thin in a hurry -- especially when watching the Celtics/Lakers games since half were for the Celtics and half were for the Lakers. Nate fondly called them “The Potato Patch”.
So -- a great first day on board the Maasdam --- we’ll see what tomorrow brings.
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