Boarding and First Day

So boarding at pier 30 goes like this. You can make your way to the port:

- taxi

- uber or left

- princess transfers

- head to pier 22 and there will be shuttles that will take your bag and you and go to the pier.  They run continually.

- or you could walk, which would take at least a half hour but it is level ground but in areas there are cobblestone and not always a sidewalk to walk on.

Check itn was quick and staff were super friendly.  All spoke English and French.  I will add that this is the first time Princess has stopped here and the staff were not up to date on things like people in transfer (those on from last cruise). 

The terminal is new and flows great.  Also free wifi!

Note we had to pick up our medallions here and it was very quick.

Once on board I unpacked and started making my rounds.  So many people to check in with.  Get my schedule, chat with staff re lecture times, meeting cruise staff, shorex etc etc.  Figure out desk hours, where my desk is.

And I help the guests.  Although no guests know who I am, although I had a few who ran into me and were on some of my previous voyages and it was lovely to reconnect.

The ship I believe is close to full.  I don't know the numbers.  There are quite a few families.  It is so lovely to see these groups.  Young and all enjoying Princess and Canada New England.

The staff are amazing!  So patient and helpful.   The first few days are always crazy but they make it work.  

We overnighted in Québec and many got off on the 2nd day.   You could walk to town, again about a half hour.  There was a shuttle again but it drops you off at the end of the swing bridge then you have to walk about a mile to old town.  Of course you can still take a taxi or uber/left.  I do wish the shuttle ran to pier 22 all the time as it was much better for access to the city.  Note if you are not able to walk much you should take a taxi.

Of course ship's tours come right to the pier for pick up.

The pic below is for after you have checked in and there are just shuttles for those wanting to explore Quebec not for check in. 

If you want to walk 

I didn't get off the 2nd day here.  I just had too much to do. I am back a few times this season.

I don't know how often I can put up a blog, but when I know something can be helpful for others I will try and report.

I am on this cruise with my sister.  We celebrate our birthdays me August 4 and Lynette August 8.  She lives in British Columbia and I hadn't seen her since 2018!  

Next Contract - Caribbean Princess

I can formally announce that I will be the Destination Expert onboard the Caribbean Princess for the Canada New England cruises.

From August 4 to October 19.

Also for the amazing Greenland cruise!  

What is great is I have port talks for all our stops but also some interesting enrichment presentations that are reflective of the areas we are visiting.

Care to join us? 

Disembark in New York - And My Reflections on the Voyage

Oh I did not sleep well.  We never sleep well on the last night.  It isn't like we need to be up early (clocks went back an hour to put us on Eastern Time).  We are tired.  And we are just getting off and into our car.

We have been assigned the second walk off with checked bags.  It is soon apparent that there are issues on the pier.  We are told that there are not enough custom agents and that is slowing down the process.  Also bags are delayed as well.

We were scheduled  for 810 but only got off at 845 and bags from colours later than ours were not out and guest had to wait to the side for them to be put out.  Ours were quickly found and we got in the queue for customs.  There were only 3 agents!  Crazy considering how many people are on the ship.  

Our car was right there where we parked it at the terminal.  And we are off!  Traffic is heavy around the port but once we got going we were on our way and quickly on the highway and it was really smooth sailing (or driving).  

We spent the night just outside Portland Maine and had a lovely dinner and I think my eyes were closed at 7:30 pm!  I was concerned I would be wide away at 3, but nope I slept right thru to 7 am.

We wanted to stop at a few shops and buy some things but when we got to Target in New Hampshire and to Walmart in Maine, it was quickly apparent that prices here are expensive.  We are looking at some food items - butter is just a bit cheaper than at home (but with exchange more than home), olive oil, kitchen items, and pharmacy items.  Needless to say we bought hardly nothing.

Necessary Lobster Roll

Our ferry from Bar Harbor is at 3 pm and we have to be there by 2 pm.  Once again we had to do the ArriveCan App before getting on (which we had done).  We are given another declaration form (3rd one of the trip - first for Halifax, one for St. John's and now our final one).  

We are on board around 210 and get a seat at the back and settle in.  I guess everyone got on in time as we left about 15 minutes early.  The ride was a bit bumpier today with swells.  Many people were buying motion sickness pills from the store (one tablet for $5 US).  We had not issue.

We live only two hours from Yarmouth NS and we are home by 9:45 pm.

Overall it has been an amazing trip.  So utterly stunning.  But my reflections are:

• Bring appropriate clothes.  Layers are key.  If you are not use to cooler climates bring more!  So many people complained it was cold.  Yup that is how it is in Greenland.
• The ports are not huge in Greenland.  Don't expect Diamonds International, Del Sol, tons of souvenir shops.  The ship's population is double what is in the port.  Their infrastructure isn't designed for tourists galore.  Enjoy the scenery!
• Shore excursions sell out quickly and there are not many of them.  Sign up for them as soon as you can to guarantee a spot.
• It got very crowded indoors and difficult to find a quite space.  This was due to the weather conditions forcing everyone in.  It is good to be aware that this could happen.
• Also food products will age - for example bananas by the end of the cruise were harder to find and if you did they were getting old.  Because of the cruise length and the itinerary it was not possible to bring on provisions in Greenland.   
• This itinerary naturally draws an older crowd.  First they have the time to do a longer cruise and they can afford it.  There were a handful of people under 18 but not many.  Average age I would guess was 70.  Nothing wrong with that but don't expect the dining room busy after 8, or the disco for that matter.  By 10 pm the ship was a ghost town.  

I know my lectures were well attended.  Guests stopped me all over the ship, numerous times a day, and even on shore to say lovely things.  I am hoping I am back for next year - looks like I will.

Thanks for following us on our journey.  

Remember my views and words in no way reflect the views of Princess.

Newfoundland and The Last Days of The Cruise

I am sorry.  Like so many times in the past as the cruise comes to end my interested and motivation in writing my blog dwindles.  Also it just feels like with so many sea days I really don't have anything to say or it feels so repetitive and I wonder who really cares that I slept in, that I ate breakfast, blah blah blah.

But I am a blogger and I need to write what has been happening.

For St. John's we really didn't do much.  Originally we were going to go and see friends and spend the day with them.  However they are heading out on an European cruise next week and with a higher risk of getting Covid on board lately I just didn't want to risk exposing them and their trip being derailed.  So we postponed.  

The weather was beautiful and hot!  So many things to do within walking distance of the ship.  Water street (which is one block up from the pier) is closed on Sundays to cars - pedestrian only.  Lots of restaurants, bars, shops have spilled out onto the streets.  Great spot to just people watch.

One thing worth noting.  Make sure you are out on deck for sail in thru the channel, it is spectacular.  At minimum you must be out on deck for sail away.  Because it is a Sunday the Newfoundlanders lined the street and as we pulled away we heard car horns beeping away as our send off.  They locals climbed Signal Hill and were all over the mountain!  Waving!  So special.  In all my sail always from all over the world I don't think I have seen such a wonderful send off.  

The next two sea days were rather quiet.  The weather was great and after 10 days of cold weather and being forced indoors because of it, it was good to see that people were being able to enjoy the outdoors.

We really laid low.  We watched a few movies, we read a lot and I caught up on my sleep.  

No matter how long a trip is, when we know we have to go home soon, we are ready to go home.  I am anxiously awaiting my garden.

Two Sea Days Heading Down to Newfoundland

picture taken in Halifax but this is how quiet it was today

After two port days I know we are ready for a sea day.  I believe the guests are too.  Unfortunately the weather is misty and does not make sitting out very comfortable.

I did try to sit on a bench under cover to watch Bohemian Rhapsody under the stars - correction under the clouds, but just too cool and damp.  

Of course this makes all the indoor public areas very very busy.  Impossible to find a quiet spot.  Even Skywalkers is busy and people are playing cards and for me to be able to write and read I need quiet.  Oh and sitting in the International Cafe is impossible.  I think I maybe have gotten a seat once or twice.  They are hugely coveted.  Of course this is all because the weather is not conducive sitting outside.  Another itinerary that is warmer would be completely different.

picture taken in Halifax but this is how quiet it was today

Also today the Captain came onto the Public Address and into the cabins this morning.  You know it is important.  Covid cases have been rising and they are asking guests to be diligent.  Wash your hands, wear a mask and report to medical if you have symptoms.  

I have noticed more are wearing masks in public.  Note too that everyone on the sailing is fully vaccinated and boosted.  It was required because of the length of the voyage.

I have been careful, but so many guests have been chatting with me without masks so I have brought my own supply of tests and have tested every few days.  So far, all negative and I feel great.

I have my Newfoundland presentation today at 1 pm.  It requires a few props and logistics so I have to take more time getting ready.  I am sure it will be busy.

Qaqortoq Greenland

After so much sleep yesterday I wake at 6 am and read for a bit before quietly getting dressed and heading up for a coffee and breakfast at 7 am.

We are at anchor in a beautiful bay. It is overcast with a light drizzle.  Crew are setting up all the lounge chairs on the open deck.  Always amazes me how they set them all up every morning and take them down every evening. 

 

The World Fresh Marketplace (which is way too long a name to type out) is actually rather busy for 7 am.  I am sure a lot of people have early tours.

At 730 am we have received clearance and tenders, ummm sorry water shuttles. are ready.  Elites are directed to Explorers Lounge for priority tickets.  Everyone else goes to island dining room to get tender tickets.  I am use to them handing out numbered tickets but here they give you a ticket with a nautical name.  Coral, dolphin, mermaid, seahorse.  So when they call out what tenders are ready they say "all those holding starfish tickets proceed to the tender".  Cute but personally I think numbers are better, then I know where I stand in the queue. 

For those wanting to stay on board the day is packed with activities, plus the ship will be quiet.

People on line, have been asking me how is the wifi.  Well we are in a zone where the medallion is not getting a good signal from the satellites.  This pretty much started the first sea day after Sydney and continues.  It got a bit better once we arrived in Greenland but not great.  If you plan to sail just take note that you will be without wifi for a week or so.  

Even once we were in Greenland getting a cell signal was not easy either and really not worth it.  

I also was not able to find free wifi ashore yesterday, we will see today.  Note - I can report that once again I couldn't find any wifi.  Maybe a restaurant or bar would have it but we didn't go to either.

We board the tender around 930.  It is definitely quieter today, at least now.  I think not as many are going ashore.  It is cool, but not raining, and overcast.  

Tender ride was not long maybe 15 minutes but boarding and waiting to unload is where it takes time.  I say give yourself an hour if you are to meet a tour ashore,

It is definitely bigger here than yesterday.  More people and more homes.  But it is not flat it is on the side of a mountain so walking away from the pier be prepared to climb.

Tourist Office

Locals selling handicrafts

The tourist office is right at the pier.  A few more items inside but don't expect much.  In fact magnets are a hot commodity and there were 3 left with Greenland on them, and a bunch that didn't say Greenland.  They were $11 US each.  

Not many souvenir shops and the stores that are open don't really carry souvenirs but you can find some lovely local crafts.  Also many set up tables selling bead work, pictures, knitted items.  

We climb the mountainside walking around the homes.  Cool looking colourful homes.  Beautiful views.  Note there are no sidewalks so be careful.   There is also a bus and numerous bus stops but no idea where it goes.

first grocery store

We came across two grocery stores, a police station, a quaint church and a few museums.

the church

the second grocery store

After a few hours we join the queue to return to the ship which is not as long, but it is still early.

Our evening was the usual.  Pre dinner cocktails, dinner in Palm dining room.  We never make reservations as there just are none for 2 so we just show up around 730 and we are easily accommodated.  Most quests on board eat early so after 730 no issue, or at least not an issue in Palm dining room.

After dinner we attend a top five trivia where again we have fun but don't come close to winning.

I have had lovely comments from so many guests who recognize me from my lectures.  I have been so pleased and my heart is full of so much love.  

It has been a great cruise.  

Nanortalik Greenland

After an amazing sleep we wake to a beautiful sight - land!  It has been 5 days at sea and we are ready to set foot on solid land.  Then the sound - announcement that tenders are ready (they now call them water shuttles).

We are not in a rush.  We get breakfast, shower, do a few errands and gather our stuff.

Water shuttle tickets are handed out and then you wait for your group to be called.  We waited around 15 minutes at 10:30 for our group to be called.  

We choose to sit at the top deck on the tender.  It is around 9 degrees, no wind, and no rain.  Yes cool, but if you are dressed appropriately you will be fine.  Plus you can get some very cool pictures.  Tender ride is 20 minutes plus loading and unloading.

Icebergs dot the landscape.  They are stunning.

The town is not big.  You can easily walk around the entire place if you can manage slight hills.

People come here for the scenery.  Don't expect a lot.  There is a grocery store, a fish store, a few clothing shops, a hotel, a bar, an outdoor museum, a sports field/complex, a church, a community hall and a tourist bureau.

We have no plans today but to walk around.  First thing is Bernie wants to put his feet in the water.  Crazy, I know. But he insists and he admits it is cold!  But worth it.

We walk around town maneuvering around road work that is happening.  Be prepared, there are not a lot of public washrooms.  You will find one at the tourist bureau, the church, the community hall and the bar.  I am sure there may be more but I did not find them.

Community Center

Fish Store

Grocery Store

If you are looking for shopping, well there is the grocery store.  The tourist bureau had a few things.  Some locals set up a table or lay their things out on a piece of wood to entice passing tourists to buy.  Prices were in US as well as Euro and Krona.  Note there are not a lot of places to buy souvenirs.

The church has a performance by the choir every hour.  Price is $14 and includes coffee and cake/biscuits (the coffee/cake is served at community hall).  We decide to attend.  The performance was around a half hour and all sung in Inotutuk.... quite enjoyable.  We make our way to the community hall for our coffee and biscuits.  In all was it worth $14, yeah I would say yes and no.  Pricey but everything here is more expensive, and I know that the monies will be put to good use in the community.

We walk all over, climbing over boulders, enjoying the birds that fly and swoop down to lead us along.

Now check out this great soccer field.  Artificial turf, I am sure growing grass here for 10 months a year would be difficult.  But man I couldn't play here, I would be distracted by that view.

We have worked up a thirst.  The restaurant/bar is a big blue building.  The bar is like any in any small town.  Bernie gets two pints of local beer.  Cost - a whopping $14.50 US each.  But it was good.

We walk to the other side of town and get some nice pictures.  In all we walk over 15,000 steps.  

On our way back we run into Dominique and together we explore a bit more before deciding it is time to get in the queue for the tender back.  

The Water Shuttle is over by the red building, we are at the back of the queue

us at the front of the queue looking back at the long line!

The line is huge, winding down the street!  We join it and slowly make our way to towards the pier.  Chatting with the people in the queue.  It takes about an hour to get to the front of the line.  Crew have hot chocolate and cookies for us  Thankfully it is not rainy.  

Back on board we grab some food from the buffet. A light snack as it is 430 and we have not really eaten since breakfast other than the biscuit and coffee.

My intention was to watch sailaway but I am tired.  Soon I am fast asleep.  We both decide a quiet evening in is what we need.  We watch a movie, we order a light meal from room service later and have a night that we needed.