Saturday 23 September 2023
Departing Southampton
After breakfast with the house secured we set out on our latest adventure, 24 days to Canada and back. Driving to Southampton we arrived early and stopped at Rownhams Services for a coffee. Continuing on we were soon at Southampton port, gate 20. The information we had been given said to enter at gate 10, but looking at the queue heading that way because of the boat show, we decided to duck in at gate 20.
Rolling through the port we arrived at Mayflower cruise terminal and pulled in to the parking lane. With our car checked in, we took our cases to the baggage drop. Check-in went smoothly, until the young lady only found one of our medallions instead of two. After a worried search she found the second and we were free to board. Through security and up the gangway, we found the atrium crowded with people waiting for their rooms to be ready.
Expecting at least an hour before getting into our room we first found our emergency muster station and then got a table in Alfredo's Pizzeria. After a leisurely lunch our room was ready so we went up.
When our cases arrived we unpacked and then watched the safety video. With our mandatory safety requirement done we climbed up to the pool area for the sailaway party and a cocktail.
Looking out on the jetty and short term carpark we could see the unfortunate people who had just disembarked. They had booked the cheap parking and were still waiting for their cars 5 hours later. Their cars had been parked in random places around Southampton. Some had been damaged and others stolen. The police had been called as there had been fighting.
Returning to our room and getting changed we made our way to the diningroom for dinner. After we watched an Argentine couple dance and a female vocalist perform in the Princess Theatre. Then it was time for bed
Sunday 24 September 2023
At Sea
Catching tropical storm Nigel our first day out of Southampton.
A five metre swell and strong winds made the outside decks wet and uncomfortable.
Late breakfast followed by a sea day. Drinking and eating whist watching the waves.
Spent part of the time sitting on the pool deck wrapped up in a blankie.
Mongolian noodles for dinner and then in the evening a Neil Diamond tribute act.
He was very good.
Watching the rugby world cup, Australia v Wales before bed.
Monday 25 September 2023
At Sea
A disturbed nights sleep last night with the ship pitching in the large swell.
Every third or fourth drop of the bow created a thump as the ship re-entered the water.
At random times, when the momentum coincided with an extra large swell the thump became a bone shaking crash that rattled the whole cabin.
We were up early for breakfast as we were awake anyway and the ships clocks had gone back an hour in the night.
First of many as we have to lose five hours before we reach Boston. Dropping down go the Atrium we snagged seats by the window.
Having struggled to find seats yesterday, now we had nice ones we settled in.
After a while we were joined by another couple as there were 4 seats in our group.
We chatted and ordered drinks on the ships app.
The other couple left to attend a port guide lecture and their seats were quickly snaffled by a different couple.
Getting lunch we sat and watched the waves out of the window. Needing some fresh air we climbed up to the pool area and sat outside for a cocktail.
Dropping back down to our cabin after a hard day mingling, we got ready for dinner.
Tuesday 26th September 2023
At Sea
Sea day number three. After a quieter night and a good sleep we readied ourselves for another hectic day of chilling.
Up to breakfast then all the way back down for a trivia quiz. Formal evening so into our best outfits for dinner.
Afterwards forward to the theatre for tonights show "Rock Opera". We have seen the show before but it's been a while, so we enjoyed watching.
Then off to bed and another time change. We are now 3 hours behind home. Getting back to our room, we found our room steward had left us a little present.
Wednesday 27th September 2023
At Sea
Sea day four, well into a routine now. Breakfast and quiz to start the day.
Listening to the people moaning "Service is terrible, at dinner last night I didn't get my drink until I finished my starter."
LOL If thats the worst thing to happen to you.
Dropping down to the atrium we snagged a couple of seats in Vines and spent some time watching the other passengers come and go.
After lunch Jackie went for our free wine tasting session and Martin chilled in Take-5, reading his book.
Checking the menu for dinner, nothing appealed to us, so we cancelled our reservation in Cielo dining room and decided to eat in the Horizon Court buffet instead.
After a light dinner we dropped down to the Atrium to try a premium desert. We can have two a day on our package.
Nice but too much. We probably won't have another.
Moving into the theatre we got seats. The shows are popular this cruise, every house is a capacity crowd. We like to watch the latecomers trying to find seats. Tonight was a male vocalist. He was excellent, only to be expected as we saw him on Sunday night, when he did his Neil Diamond tribute act. Tonight he sang Tom Jones, Elvis, Matt Munroe and many others.
Thursday 28th September 2023
At Sea
Sea day six. At last the storms have past and the sun is shining. Sitting in the Atrium we ordered coffee on the Ocean Now App and after 40 minutes it hadn't arrived. So we ordered again from a passing steward. A minute later our App order arrived, we quickly drank that because three minutes later the steward arrived with our next coffee.
Watching the waves out of the window we saw a large pod of dolphins swimming alongside the ship right beside where we were sitting.
After half a minute they ducked under the ship and disappeared.
After lunch we slipped into the Princess Theatre for an audience with Rusty Lee.
Really entertaining especially when she started to sing a song and got her high-heeled shoe stuck in a gap in the stage.
Returning to our room, we got some snacks and watched the Japan - Semoa Rugby World Cup. Then upstairs for dinner.
Friday 29th September 2023
At Sea
Last sea day before America. We did a couple of trivia quizzes in the morning. Did very well in one "Nautical Trivia". Well we should with our background.
Returning to our room we settled down to watch the All Blacks play Italy in the rugby world cup.
In the evening we played a couple of games. One a music quiz, not bad but disastrous on the 2000s questions. Then a version of Tenable, where we did better than we expected.
Saturday 30th September 2023
Boston, Massachusetts
After breakfast our group was called to clear US Border Control. We joined the queue. Although we were half way down the ship the queue moved quickly. After about 30 minutes we were in front of the desk and it didn't take long until we were cleared to go ashore.
After visiting our cabin to collect coats and bags we left the ship. Walking to the bus stop we realised it would be an hour wait, so we decided to walk into town. A mile and a half later we were downtown and found the tourist information. Grabbing a map we went for a wander.
We found the Cheers bar for a photo opertunity, only to find it was covered in scaffolding. Bit of a disappointment but Hey Ho.
Moving on we arrived at the Boston Tea Party Museum and ships. We sat and had a coffee and cookies while the tour parties recreated throwing the tea in the harbour. Back on board we stopped in the International Cafe for a sandwich and coffee.
Sunday 1st October 2023
Bar Harbor
We ordered breakfast in our stateroom and it arrived on time at just after eight o'clock.
We had sailed into Bar Harbor at 07:00 and we were awakened by the noise of the anchor being dropped.
So with the sun shining we sat out on our blacony and ate breakfast whilst enjoying the scenery.
Finishing breakfast we dropped down to the Vista lounge for our tender tickets.
As we are anchored off we are getting ashore in one of the ships lifeboat/tender.
As we are now elite passengers, we get to jump the queue for a ride ashore.
We had only sat down in the lounge for a minute when we were called forwar to the tender.
Twenty minutes later we were ashore. Collecting a map from tourist information we decided to stroll along the coast walk.
Half a mile along the coast then back through town.
Back at the tender port we jumped a ride back to the ship.
In the afternoon we managed to catch the Rugby World Cup.
South Africa against Tonga.
Monday 2nd October 2023
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Arriving in Halifax at 11:00, so a slow start.
Late breakfast and watching the ship dock before dropping back down to our room to get ready to go ashore.
Down the gangway and off the ship. With the ships tour "Foodies on Foot" costing US$150 each.
We decided to do our own and save US$300. We walked along the sea front, enjoying the warm sunny stroll.
Our first tour stop was for "Beavertails". Deep fried dough in the shape of, you guessed it a beaver's tail.
With various toppings, we tried one each and shared. One "traditional", cinnamon and sugar.
The other maple syrup. Tasty but messy.
Martin managed to drip maple syrup all down his jeans and became very attractive to the local wasps.
Moving on we found the Maritime museum and spent a while looking around.
We spotted Warwick Davis in the museum, he is giving a talk on the ship later.
Heading back towards the ship it was time for our next local delicacy "Poutine", chips with gravy and bean curds.
Nice. With a very full stomach we returned to the ship to do a little laundry and chill.
Tuesday 3rd October 2023
At Sea
Lazy start and a covid test. All clear so we are good to go.
Upstairs to breakfast out on the Wake Bar. Just a light breakfast as it's formal night tonight and we need to fot into our gladrags.
Dropping down to the Atrium we found seats by the window and spent time watching the waves. After a coffee we went up to the Promenade deck and found recliners in the sun.
Watching a flock of sparrows dart around the ship and a whale passing by.
Light lunch and a relaxing afternoon before dressing for dinner. Best bib and tucker all round.
After dinner we watched a vocalist who had appeared on the Voice.
He was good but not our taste. Then bed remembering to out our clocks back again.
Our steward had left a towel polar bear to remind us this time.
Wednesday 4th October 2023
At Sea
Breakfast and chill around the ship. Sun shining so spent time looking for whales. We entered the St Lawrence Seaway today, heading for Quebec City.
In the afternoon the weather changed for the worse. Rain and cold wind. The inside areas of the ship filled as those on the upper decks sought shelter.
In the evening, we sat down for dinner and after the main course was over our waiting staff disappeared.
We wanted to get seats for the show and time was ticking by.
Eventually they took our order and brought us empty plates.
Totally confused we waited, then five servers and the resteraunt manager turned up with a cake and candle and started singing "Happy Anniversary".
We had forgotten that we had booked the trip as an anniversary/retirement celebration.
After dinner we watched an interview with Warwick Davis in the theatre. Then retired to bed because we have an early start in the morning.
Thursday 5th October 2023
Quebec City, Quebec
With the alarm going off at half six, we were up washed and dressed in twenty minutes.
Gathering all we needed for the day we dropped down to the Atrium for breakfast at the International Cafe.
When the gangway opened we were in the first twenty off of the ship. We are docked in a commercial port and had to get on a shuttle bus for the trip to the gate.
Out of the gate the driver didn't stop and we didn't want to go into the old part of town.
Eventually the driver got the point and we jumped off the bus at a set of traffic lights.
Fortunately this was right where we had planned to leave the main road.
Turning away from the St Lawrence Seaway we climbed the Cap-Blanc Stairs, 398 stairs, the longest historic stairs in Quebec.
Walking across the Plains of Abraham we made our way to the Delta-Marriot hotel where the local Enterprise Car Hire is based.
Completing the paperwork we dropped down to the garage, expecting a car with no damage we found the front right wing damaged and fouling the passenger door.
Reporting the damage we got on our way.
Out of town on a deserted motorway we arrived at Montmorency Falls. Higher than Niagra but not as wide.
Parking the car we went to the top of the falls in a cable car.
Crossing the suspension bridge above the falls we enjoyed the autumnal colours of the trees.
Dropping back down, we had empty gondolas both ways. However the car going back up was rammed, the tour busses were arriving.
Leaving, we continued out of town to the Sanctuaire Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré.
A magnificent church. The inside was as spectacular as the outside.
Next stop was a copper art boutique and museum.
Interesting with a demonstration of copper releif work.
Stopping at a local supermarket we picked up lunch before crosding the bridge to L'Île-d'Orléans.
Driving to the tip of the island we ate lunch at Canoes Cove. Then fueled and returned the hire car and walked to the shuttle bus for the return to the ship.
Getting back on board took longer than expected as the local dock workers were protesting and blockading the port gates.
Back on board for dinner and a show of local traditional dance before bed.
Friday 06th October 2023
Quebec City, Quebec
This is our second day in Quebec City. After a relaxed breakfast we got off the ship and skipping the queue for the shuttle bus we walked into town. Walking through the old town dodging the tour groups we looked at some of the art instalations that dot the city.
Climbing the stairs up to the Plains of Abraham again we snapped a few photographs. Dropping back down we found a bench and had Queue-de-Castor again. Nom-nom.
With our sightseeing done we jumped a bus back to the ship. Getting past the protesters took a few minutes but not too long. Back on board for a coffee and a shower.
Watching the rugby before dinner.
Saturday 7th October 2023
Saguenay, Quebec
Arriving in port, we were woken by the thrusters pushing us on to the jetty.
Upstairs for breakfast then down to deck 6 for the gangway.
Walking into La Baie a small town where the cruise terminal is for Saguenay.
We didn't have anything organised, so strolled allong the beach front.
With rain forecast and the England - Samoa rugby on at eleven o'clock local, we decided against the hour long bus ride into the main town.
Checking out the local market and church we made our way back on board for coffee and cake. Then down to the Vista lounge as the ship was showing the rugby on a large screen.
After the England match we watched Ireland-Scotland, then stepped out on to our balcony to watch departure.
The wind blowing us onto the jetty was so strong it took our thrusters and two tugboats to get us moving.
When the tug cast off its line, it got so close it's arial slid down the railing and bumped a passenger in the cabin below us.
We then showered and changed for dinner. Stopping in at the Elite lounge for a cocktail befor dinner. We arrived for our reservation and were seated.
Usually when we finish our main course the waiters clear the table of side plates and the cruet set.
Tonight the supervisor decided to help the waiting staff by clearing our side plates, bread, butter and salt and pepper.
Unfortunately we had only had our starter and not our main course.
When Jackie quietly mentioned to him that we hadn't had our main yet, he nearly died of embarrassment.
We laughed it off and he brought us fresh rolls and butter with our main course.
After dinner we headed to the theatre for tonights show.
"5 Skies", this is a show based on a computer game with lots of special effects and modern music.
This didn't go down well with some of the older passengers, but we enjoyed it.
Then it was time to go to bed and put our clocks forward one hour.
With the wind forcast to get quite strong we settled down to try and sleep.
Sunday 8th October 2023
At Sea
With the Japan-Argentina rugby on at 08:00 our local time we decided to order room service breakfast for between half seven and eight. Breakfast arrived at seven fifteen while we were still asleep. A bit of a surprise but we had our breakfast before watching the rugby.
Tropical storm Philippe arrived during the night making for a very windy night.
At two o'clock in the morning our balcony chairs were having a dance, so Martin had to go out and secure them.
As we emerged into the Gulf of St Lawrence the waves started to build.
Dropping down to the Promenade deck, we made our way to the Vista Lounge.
Finding a couple of seats we settled in for the quiz. Not bad 15/20.
With zumba on next it was about to get noisy, so we moved out and got seats in a quiet area and ordered coffee.
After lunch we got a couple of deck blankets and sat out on the deck at the back of the ship, listening to the wind howl past.
The glass shields keep this area quite calm.
Through the afternoon the weather deteriorated, strong winds, large swell and rain squalls.
We retired to our room so Martin could watch the F1.
After dinner we popped in to the International Cafe for an espresso then an instrumentalist performed in the theatre.
Monday 9th October 2023
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Straight off of the ship after breakfast for a look arround.
Walking to the local church and checking out the scarecrows all around town.
Heading back go the sea front we walked back along to the ship.
After browsing the shops we hopped back on board for coffee and lunch.
Arriving at the meeting point for our tour we sat and listened to the moaners telling each other how terrible this cruise was.
Hey, we have enjoyed it. Off the ship again and on to our tour bus.
We are on a "Anne of Green Gables" tour.
After a forty minute drive we arrived at the museum.
This is the house of the author's uncle and where the stories were based.
We explored the house and grounds for a while before re-boarding the coach.
Driving to the Montgomery family home and Anne of Green Gables museum, we visited the place that was described in the stories as "The Lake of Shining Waters".
We had a complementary glass of "Raspberry Cordial"
From there it was a forty minute drive back to the ship. We arrived back 5 minutes before "All aboard" time
Tuesday 10th October 2023
Sydney, Nova Scotia
Arriving in Sydney to find the weather has changed again.
Drizzly rain. Hey ho. Putting on our cagoules we headed out into down town Sydney.
Checking out the "Big Fiddle", we continued on past the usual church and into the shops.
We needed a pharmacy and found one, picking up the things we needed we stood in the queue to pay.
We were kidnapped by a nice sales assistant who escorted us to the other end of the store.
Where her cash register had no customers.
Walking back to the ship, we returned to our room and changed into dry clothes before lunch.
In the afternoon the sun came out as we sailed from Canada, next stop Southampton in six days.
Dropping down to the atrium we listened to some guitar music while we had a cocktail.
After dinner, theatre time, a comedian tonight.
Wednesday 11th October 2023
At Sea
Sailing back across the Atlantic. First full sea day of six.
We woke at half seven by a tanoy announcement about an emergency drill.
Listening to the announcement, it was obviously a mistake.
Someone on the bridge had accidentally pressed the button. The Captain came on later to apologise.
After a cup of tea then went up for breakfast.
Taking our food out onto the sheltered open deck of the Wake bar.
We were met by our favorite server Josmy, who immediately shot off to get our usual coffee and apple juice.
When she returned we chatted for a while.
The other day we got in trouble because we had eaten breakfast downstairs and she had missed us.
After failing miserably in the quiz (only 5 out of 21) we couldn’t find seats inside, so we went upstairs.
Finding seats looking out to sea we grabbed a couple of blankets and listened to the ships fog horn.
We are putting our clocks forward an hour today, the first of four times in six days.
Unusually we are doing it at 12:00, lunch time, not midnight. It's better to lose an hour of the day rather than an hours sleep.
After a spot of lunch we listened to a lecture about the Gemini space program.
Then it was time to change for dinner.
Moving down to the Vista Lounge we got seats during the Captain's Circle Elite Event and stayed for tonights show Jim Henson's "Inspired Silliness".
A show consisting of early pre-muppet sketches and songs and dance by the ships entertainers.
It was amusing to watch the latecomers, who thought they were going to put chairs in front of the people who had got in early to get good seats.
The discussion got quite heated and the late arrivals left.
Thursday 12th October 2023
At Sea
Day two at sea, up for breakfast then down to the atrium.
Snagging seats by the window we sat, read and played games for a while.
After a while a pod of dolphins swam past the window.
In celebration of this wildlife veiwing we ordered a cappuccino.
A relaxing afternoon before getting ready for the evening.
Captains cocktail party. A few drinks and a couple of tunes from the band.
Then a chat by the Captain, before heading up for dinner.
"Octoberfest" in the buffet tonight so schnitzel, 4 different wurst, sauerkraut, red cabbage and potato salad.
Then a stroll across the open deck before retiring.
Friday 13th October 2023
At Sea
Day three at sea. After a relaxing night we woke to a calm sea, looking out through our balcony the sea was smooth as glass.
Climbing the stairs to breakfast and fresh air. We sat and enjoyed the view.
After a while we went to the theatre for a talk by Andy Reid MBE.
Talking about his military career, his injury in Afghanistan and his work since.
Very interesting. After a trip around the shops we went back to our cabin.
Shortly after our complimentary afternoon tea arrived. Sandwiches, cakes and scones with cream and jam.
After a shower and change we went down to the Elite lounge for drinks and canapés.
Then strolling along deck 7 to the theatre for tonight's performance.
Stopping in at "Good spirits at sea" for a cocktail, "Vanilla Sky".
We got our drinks in time to get good seats in the theatre.
The show was "Ilia and Oksana" performing a strength and ballence act.
They were very good at what they did.
Getting out of the show we nipped up to the buffet for our evening meal.
We didn't fancy much of what was on offer, so shared a calzone.
Saturday 14th October 2023
At Sea
Sea day four, over halfway home.
We woke late at half eight and after a quick breakfast found seats in the atrium.
With the sun breaking through the cloud the veiw out of the window was nice.
The weather is still fine and with high pressure tracking across the Atlantic with us, looks good for the remainder of our crossing.
After lunch we sat on the pool deck listening to "Adele live in London".
Then down to our room for the Wales-Argentina rugby.
Time for a quick dinner before the Ireland-New Zealand match.
Sunday 15th October 2023
At Sea
Day five. We are getting later every day, probably because of the clock changes.
We dragged ourselves upstairs for breakfast.
Sitting outside as usual woke us up.
Then down to the Piazza for coffee and watch some of our fellow passengers do the Haka with a Kiwi member of the entertainment team.
After a spot of lunch we got seats in the theatre for another performance by the comedian, Jay McGee.
He was just a funny this time. When he finished we had 10 minutes to get up to our room and get the TV on for the England-Fiji rugby.
On the edge of or seats for the last twenty minutrs as Fiji pulled back level.
The end of the cruise is in sight as our disembarkation information arrived in our room.
We are off the ship at 07:25 Tuesday morning.
With the rugby over, it was shower and change for dinner.
After a cocktail, at seven o'clock we got seats for tonights show, "Spotlight Bar".
The show was excelent and even had a singing fish lol. Then it was time for bed.
Monday 16th October 2023
At Sea
Day Six and last full day on board.
Waking early at six o'clock we opened the curtains and saw Bishop Rock lighthouse blinking on the horizon.
By the time we made it up to breakfast, the sun had risen and we could make out the Scilly Isles and Lands End.
When we got down to the atrium, one of the staff asked us if we wanted our usual morning cappuccino. It would be rude to say no. Lol
Time to start packing.
First suitcase packed and ready.
Then time for lunch.
Moving down again to grab a coffee enroute to the theatre for "Crew Voice of the Ocean".
The Voice for staff members. We were given electronic voting pads and the seven crew members performed.
They were from all departments,including a plumber, a printer, a bar tender, a dancer and a young lady from the office.
The young lady from the office won by performing Adele's Rolling in the deep.
She won US$400. Well deserved as she was very good.
Two others got US$150 as runners up.
Finishing off our on board credit by buying some chocolate, we returned to our room to finalise the packing.
In the evening drinks, dinner and a show.
A variety performance, of some of the acts from the last week and the ships singers and dancers.
Then last minute packing our carry off bag, before bed.
Tuesday 17th October 2023
Southampton
Back in the UK. Alarm went off at 05:45.
Up, wash and dressed. Say goodbye to our stateroom steward Dewa.
Climbing the stairs for the last time.
Breakfast outside and more goodbyes to Josmy and.
Then down to deck 5 for disembarkation.
That's 53 decks and 8838 stairs climbed and the same descended.
No lifts were used during the cruise.
Which possibly burnt off the same calories as one coffee and danish.
Off the ship we collected our car and drove the forty minute drive home.
Another fantastic journey completed.