Quebec City Port - Which One?

Just like my earlier blog about which pier do we go to in Brooklyn.  The same issue arises when talking about Quebec City. 

Quebec City has two cruise piers.  Pier 22 which is right in the lower town - where we use to always dock.  And Pier 30 (Quay 30 in French) which is further away  - and where we now dock.

The port building is huge and is new.  Buses pull right up to the pier.  Taxis and Uber can deliver you right here.  When leaving you can easily call a taxi right from the phone at the base of the escalators that connects you directly to the taxi company.

not far from downtown but further away

Princess operated (in 2023) a free shuttle from the pier to the end of the swing bridge (about 5 minute ride). On the map below it is the blue line.  From terminal to shuttle stop.  You then need to walk about a mile across the bridge - marked in red - to Lower Town.  It is all flat but you can experience cobblestones on many streets in Quebec.

Once in Lower Town you can explore the historic, oldest area of Quebec.  Or take the funicular or stairs up to the Upper Town to Dufferin Terrace, Chateau Frontenac and so many other sites.

Note you can also easily walk right from the ship to Lower or Upper Town.  Takes about a half hour in total and the walk is through some nice park areas.  Note if you are going to Upper Town you will have to climb a steep road.  

And don't forget you can easily grab a taxi or Uber from town back to the ship if necessary.

Hope this helps.  Please share to others.

Cabin For a Guest Entertainer

I keep getting asked.... what is your cabin like?

Well here it is.

I am assigned a guest entertainer cabin.  This cabin on this ship is on deck 4 just forward of the stairs.

I have 2 portholes.

This cabin has a single bed, with a bunk bed above.  Which works for me now as I am on by myself.  Note the upper berth has been folded up and out of the way now.

I do have a fridge and tons of storage.  A huge desk which is so helpful when I have work to do.  

I also have two chairs and a little table.

The bathroom is standard, and does the job.

I get the room serviced every few days.

One thing is this cabin is very very quiet.  On turnaround day I hear nothing.  In fact I try to sleep in that day when so much is happening around the ship.  Something you can never do when you are in a guest cabin.

The tv is small and there is no on demand feature on it like in guest's cabin.  But I rarely turn it on anyways.  Note the newer ships do have the on demand feature in the guest entertainer cabins.

Each ship is different.  I have it confirmed that my next ship the guest entertainers cabin has a queen bed!  Good as my honey is with me then.

Note my views in no way reflect those of Princess.

Barcelona Hotel

Because I am so busy working right now I haven't spent a lot of time planning our Mediterranean/Trans Atlanta cruise.  

Final payment has come and gone.  Flights are booked.  Now we are looking for a hotel for 3 nights.

We have been to Barcelona quite a few times, even spent five days here pre cruise in 2018.  Back then we stayed at a great airbnb.  We usually love staying at airbnb but this time we decided on a hotel.

I needed something simple.  Something with breakfast included, something with transfers too.  I just don't have the time to do the research, and to tell you the truth, I am being a bit lazy for this trip.  

So I put it out to my followers on Facebook for hotel recommendations and I had a ton of great hotels to choose from.  I checked every single one that was mentioned.  Saved most of them for future reference.

When my friend Corrine mentioned where she was staying next week with Neil and Monika's group I had to look into it.  Neil and Monika of Best Dreamy Destinations travel agency, you can find them here, always pick out great spots so I knew I was in good hands.  Plus they are my agents for the cruise.  

Some of my requirements were

- centrally located but not on Las Ramblas (too noisy)

- no tiny room

- shower that is bigger than a time capsule

- early check in option as flight arrives at 730

- luggage storage

- breakfast option

- reasonably priced.... I am retired on a fixed income so had to rule out the $500 a night spots

- close to metro station

- and finally a place that I could cancel and that didn't require payment until my arrival.

I should also add our friends who will be on with us, Jim and Janice found an adorable place, but it was now full. My busy schedule got in the way again.

I secured a room, with breakfast every day, and even added airport pickup for a fair price.  The hotel is 

Sallés Pere IV their website is here.  

And check out this rooftop deck.

Note there are numerous affordable ways to get from the airport to downtown.  Last time we took transit for 4E each.  But this time I am just wanting to be taken care of.

First Day in Quebec With Travel From Airport Info.

After almost no sleep the alarm sounded at 2 am.  I am renowned for not sleeping before any trip.  My mind just wouldn't shut off.  We were on the road just before 3 for the drive to the airport.

Flights went smoothly.  First plane was so small that almost all carryon roller bags had to be checked as they don't fit in the overhead compartments.  So I had to pull out my laptop, hard drive and put in knapsack.  I can manage without my clothes if my bag goes elsewhere but laptop is necessary for my lectures.

A short flight to Montreal then a 1,5 hour layover before my very short flight to Quebec,

Thankfully both my suitcase and carryon were there when I got to Quebec. Although my android airtags gave me peace of mind as I checked their location and knew they were nearby.  Definitely worth getting for peace of mind.

Although princess had transfers for me to a hotel and a nights accommodation I told them I did not require it and would stay with my sister at her airbnb.

After collecting my bags I went out looking for transport to Vieux Quebec.

I originally was going to do Uber but when I pulled it up and saw the price of $74 I quickly closed the app and decided on a taxi.

For those of you coming into Quebec, there was an information booth right outside baggage claim and they assisted guests with info.  Note there was also a Princess table set up for those on ship's transfers.

The taxi stand is at the other end of the terminal, but there was no wait.

Taxis are regulated and travel from airport to the city is a fixed price of $41.50 and they take debit and credit cards.

Once at her airbnb and big hugs I was able to have a good nap that left me refreshed and ready for the day.

It is raining off and on.  But still warm so a light rain jacket worked.  

The first thing I needed to figure out was how to get to the ship.

Normally the ship docks right in town at pier 22.  But today it docked at pier 30 which is further away and more industrial.  

So I had a few questions.  Do we check in at pier 30 or pier 22?  Do we need to take a shuttle to the ship from the terminal?  Can we walk back and forth from pier 30 to town or is the shuttle mandatory?  

The ship is overnighting in quebec.  All guests get off tomorrow the 4th and we board, then we have another overnight and leave at 5 on the 5th.  

I did see guests walking to the area with blue circle and catching a shuttle bus.  Lines were long.

We walked over to the cruise terminal to see if I can ask anyone but it was all locked up and no one was there.  I may head out early tomorrow to ask at the cruise terminal, where to go for check in.

In the meantime I took my sister Linette and her husband Al on their own private tour of the city showing them lower town and the sites.  Then we walked all around upper town and found a spot for dinner called shakers.

It was a lovely day and night and was topped off with fireworks.  

Booking EZ Air for Mediterranean Cruise

After booking the Enchanted Mediterranean cruise we now had to look at one way flights to Barcelona.

We did are usual search engines (all incognito) and was shocked at the prices.  

Now everything has gone up.  Anyone visiting a grocery store lately will agree.  But flights!

In 2018 we flew one way to Barcelona (actually one flight to London for a few days then quick jump to Barcelona) and we paid $350 Canadian TOTAL for the flights.

Now we are looking at $900 to $1100 Canadian, and even higher!  And these are just economy seats.

We then thought, why not check EZ Air.

I have used EZ Air on numerous occasions with good results.  Sometimes it is a great deal, sometimes it isn't.  When it isn't I book my own flight.

Biggest downside with booking EZ Air is Princess is booking your flight.  So if there is an issue, you have to go thru Princess.  And everyone knows how many flight changes there have been since the restart with flights.  If a flight gets altered I have to let Princess know and they have to contact the airlines.  

But this time it was worth it.  We got a 3 leg flight (all were pretty much 3 legs) Halifax, Toronto, London and then Barcelona for $800 Canadian each.

Now there are lots of good things about EZ Air too.  Princess will get you to ship if a situation arises with flights.  

Also I don't have to pay for these flights until final payment is due.  This gives me the opportunity to keep watching flights and if something better (routing, time or price) comes up I can change or even cancel EZ Air and book myself.

In the end, I am so glad I have something locked in and booked at a decent price.

Now time to book a hotel.  

Caribbean Anyone - Contract for the Winter

I can now confirm my winter contract. I will be on the Enchanted Princess in the Caribbean starting December 8, 2023 to March 27, 2024.  (edited June 19, contract until March 27 now - edited June 8 - Contract is now until Feb 16, 2024)

We are both excited to be heading back to the Caribbean and beaches, snorkeling, amazing foods, great sites and connecting with the guests so I can make their time in the port the best it can be.

The itineraries are 10 day cycles with Fort Lauderdale as the home port. You can book as a ten day or combine two legs as a back to back to make 20 days!  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.