Itinerary Change

Tonight we head up to Skywalkers to enjoy a drink at the Platinum Elite Lounge.  This is the first time we have been up here this cruise.  It is rather busy but with the added half hour (4:30 to 7:00) helps keep the crowds flowing.  Sometimes there was few spots to sit, but there always seemed to be people coming and going.

While enjoying time with our friends Barb and Craig and a few Floridoras (note we had to pay tax as we were still anchored off Bar Harbor) the Captain came on the speaker with an important announcement.  You always know it is something big when this happens and it is his second one this voyage.

Apparently there is bad weather that could affect our travel to Rhode Island.  For the safety of the ship and the comfort of the passengers the powers that be have decided that it would be better for us to take shelter and overnight in Boston tomorrow.  Note the Captain is not the only person who makes this decision - the bridge staff and head office all have input, and I have to respect that.

So we will arrive in Boston tomorrow morning as scheduled and we will be there overnight.  We will depart Friday and skip Rhode Island and sail as schedule to New York for Saturday.  I am not sure what time all aboard is quite yet for Boston but the Captain promises to update us when needed.

We are dining at our table tonight and our waiters are happy to see us.  Again the food was very good and service was back to top notch.  Sadly again there was no sign of a head waiter/supervisor coming around to say hi and how are things.  Normally we tip the supervisor but obviously that is unlikely this time as I don't even know who that would be. 

There is a One Hits Wonder trivia happening in Explorers (it is packed) and we just catch the back half of it. 

We meander to the Princess theater where Nathaan Phan is performing Comedy Singing Magic - he is multi talented.  This show is a little dry compared to the last one although we love his singing and his magic is phenomenal this show seems to be a lot slower moving compared to the other night where it was joke after joke and a lot of magic.

Again it is a relatively early night - I am actually shocked at how early we have been going to bed.  We have been in bed every night by 11 pm which is a rarity for us, even at home.  But we have been enjoying watching movies and reading and just relaxing.

As I write this in the morning that we have docked in Boston, the Captain has just come on in the cabin and announced that all aboard is 5:30 am tomorrow.  

So we get an overnight in Boston and those party people can stay out all night as long as they are back on board for 5:30.  They are calling for rain and gusts of 40 and 50 knots tonight so I glad he made the decision to stay safe. 

Bar Harbor, Maine

Today is the day we all have to clear immigration first thing.  I know it started very early.  I also know they had quite a few locations for people to go to.  However I don't know how they broke it down.  

We were assigned to Club Fusion.  There was a short queue, but that was for Americans.  We were directed to the right and there was no one.  The agent checked our passports and asked us when we would be leaving the US and we were good to go.  Then a crew member put a small yellow sticker on our medallion to identify that we had gone thru immigration.

Later those stickers would come in handy as crew walked around the ship and if they saw no sticker they asked to make sure you had cleared it already. 

Later in the day when there were a few outstanding that had not cleared there were paged.  And where the medallion comes in handy is they were able to track the few who had not gone thru immigration.  I know the couple I had seen that were approached by a crew member did not speak English but the crew member who did approach them spoke their language and they went right away. 

Thankfully they were able to send people ashore even though not everyone was cleared.

This ship is also using this new tender process that you go and get your tender ticket and then you can wait out in any of the public areas until your number is called.  They call out tender number over the PA system to all public areas.  After a while it gets annoying.   We are sitting in our cabin and every few minutes this is what you hear. 

Note if you are elite or in a suite you are informed to go to Wheelhouse Bar where you are directed to the very next tender.  Although they now call them water shuttles.

We are not going ashore today.  I really hated tendering, and we have been here a few times and I really need a rest day.  Plus Bernie and I are thinking of coming down this way for a visit as a road trip in the near future.

We sit in the International Cafe enjoying our coffees (love that they have almond milk).  We are sitting at a table for four and we have a few people join us as we sit.  Including Susan who we have sailed with before and comes by and says hi and we have a great conversation.

One thing we have noticed is about half the people we meet on board really lack in conversational skills.  A couple joined us and I must of spoke to them for over a half hour.  Boy oh boy.... I learned almost everything about them.  And it all started when I said good morning and where are you from?  But they did not even ask me one question!  Not one!  Not even where are you from! 

And this is not the first time this has happened.  It does not matter the age, the sex, or their nationality.  People seem to not understand that a proper conversation should be a back and forth.  Not you constantly talking while one listens.  And I am just so darn polite, I just nod.  I swear one time I am going to say something like "is there anything you would like to know about me?"

Does this happen to you too?

So as soon as I could tear myself away from them I did and went upstairs to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery.

Bernie decided he wanted to do a load of wash.  I am not going to say anything.  If he wants to go for it, more power to him.  He states he has pants that he needs to wash and that can not wait for the two day turn around. But this is his thing.  He seems to get an itch whenever he sees dirty clothes.  An itch to wash them.  Hey it comes in handy sometimes.

Laundries are very busy and he manages to secure one, but after it is done he needs to rewash it because the detergent has not dissolved completely, even though it has done a full cycle.  He even was able to get a dryer!  Time to go buy a lottery ticket.

Tonight there is the production show Broadway Ballroom at 6:30 - it was performed yesterday at 7:15 and 9:30.  Smart of them to do three shows and also to state when it will be replayed.

The comedian Scott Wyler performed three shows last night too.

Tonight is Branden and James with a show called "At The Corner of Symphony and Soul" at 7:00, 8:45 and 9:45.  Also Comedy Magic with Nathan Phan is in Princess theater at 8:30 and 9:45 for tonight only as he leaves tomorrow in Boston.

The movie Yesterday was shown on MUTS last night and in the Princess Theater this afternoon.  Bernie is talking about going to it. 

Saint John, New Brunswick

Happy to report that the Captain put the peddle to the metal and we arrived on time into Saint John.  However there was some issue with docking that delayed us and I saw why when I finally got up and saw where we were docked.  We are docked at a pier I have never seen them use (well I know they use it, but I have never docked here).  So I am sure it took a bit more time to secure the ship and to put out the gangways.

Actually glad we are at this spot as there is Anthem of the Seas and the Regal at the "regular" piers and those are large ships with a lot more people.  And when we did finally head along Water Street where the throngs of passengers were heading into town it was like us being salmon swimming up stream.  

With three ships in town this town is inundated with people.  I think the population doubled for the city!

Now we have been here numerous times and even stopped here on our drive across the country so we had no set plans today.  I knew I had to go off and get some pictures.

We also arranged to meet up with Paula who is sailing on the Regal currently.  It was nice to catch up with her as it has been a few years since we met and sailed together.  

After lunch we did go to many of the sites in the downtown area to snap some pictures.  I especially love the market here and if you want a lobster roll I would head here. Although it is less expensive, it is not ideal if you want to sit down and enjoy it.  You may want to find a sit down restaurant for that.  There are some great restaurants all around town.  Go one or two streets uphill from the water to find a better, less crowded spot.

We made the mistake of hitting a spot that I thought would be good but ended up being very poor.  Sadly they had only one person working the entire spot.  She was hostess, server, bus person and cashier and needless to say it meant poor service and the food was not all that great.  So I will not be mentioning it here as I can not recommend it.

The day's weather is outstanding and the colours are not too bad.  They seem to be a little behind Cape Breton Nova Scotia (which was at it's peak about ten days ago).  Glad that guests are getting to see the colours.

After logging 1400 steps we are back on board.  But not after we had a long queue to get back on board.  It did end up moving relatively quickly - maybe 10 minutes.  Here they are asking for picture id to match your medallion at security on land (not ship).  Then the ship's crew are double checking that you are in fact with Caribbean Princess and not Regal Princess. 

Once back on board we feel a nap coming on and we fall asleep quite quickly. 

wedge salad

This evening our friends Barb and Craig suggest Planks.  We love Planks and are quick to agree.  For the nominal fee of $12 it is a great deal and the food is very good.  Also because we have a late departure from Saint John we have a lovely view too.

key lime pie - which is off the steamers menu but you can get if at Planks

Oh I tried to order a drink thru the app tonight.  Remember everyone you get a free drink at first to try out the app.  So I thought I would try it out.  

I was up right beside the Calypso Bar right at Mutts.  I was literally sitting on the stool at the bar.  I opened the app and clicked on order a drink and my location showed me at Tradewinds bar.  I corrected it and stated Calypso Bar and chose my drink.  The bartender asked if I wanted a drink and I informed him I had ordered one thru the app.  

But he did not have the order.  And nothing seemed to be happening with the drink I had ordered as you can actually see the progress.  So thankfully I was able to cancel the order and I ordered it again and this time it went thru.  

But it is another strike for the App.  Again this new app appears to have some glitches.  

I did go visit the Medallion hosts and they agreed that there are issues and asked me to make sure the app was updated (which it is).  That is all that can be done.  But still can not see excursion, order future cruise deposits, play games with app as screen comes up blank with a notice to see help desk.  I know others have the same problem and others have not issue - and it appears to not be because of the type of phone as I met someone today with an Android phone that has not problems at all.

So I just go to my browser and access it the old way.

Miscellaneous things:

- The demographics of this voyage seems to be around our age.  Mostly people still working, but a lot of retired too.  A good mix.  Lots of Canadians too.  Not many kids (not surprised) but there is a nice family from Britain with two daughters that we keep running into.  The kids are on break right now.
- We were told on embarkation that laundry could take up to 72 hours but we have put two bags in and both have come back after 48 hours.  We are kind of use to this now as almost every cruise has so many elites that it never is 24 hour turnaround anymore.
- Bernie had no luck getting a firmer pillow so today we went out to Giant Tiger store and bought a cheap pillow that will work fine ($10) and our steward put a pillow case on it and we will just leave it when we leave.
- Love WorldFresh Marketplace (Horizon Court) on this class of ship.  If I can't have the huge buffet layout of the Royal Class this is the next best thing.  So much better than what we experienced on the Star.  Lots of options and love that the outer area of the buffet is easily accessible with desserts, sandwiches etc.  In the morning they serve these great fresh juices.

Halifax

We arrive into Halifax at 9 am and boy is it ever a full house here!  Four ships -- us, a Silversea ship, and Aida ship and our sister the Regal Princess.  But because of this crowding we are relegated to a berth further away (I believe it is pier 31).  This is part of an industrial area and a shuttle bus is required to take us to the main port area where the other three ships are.

Today I quickly get ready as I am heading off on my own at first to meet up with Janice David a friend I first met on my page when we did our first Canada New England Cruise.  Since then our friendship has solidified and we have met up with her and her husband Jim a few times and we certainly keep in touch on line.

We meet at a really cute coffee shop close to the ship called the Wired Monk.  The time flies by as we catch up and talk about a lot - but mainly travel and cruising.  A like minded addicted cruise soul!

We walk back together to the pier where I meet up with Bernie and as I am standing there I see a familiar face.  Well a familiar face to me, but he doesn't really know me.  Eric Ripper - John Ripper's son.  I know John through my page as well and we have talked on line for a long time (another travel addict - see a theme).  

I think Eric was in shock that I recognized him but when I told him who I was and he definitely knows my cruise page.  I filled him in that we were the couple that your parents knew on the Royal when they went to see him (as he was suppose to be on the Royal but got shipped to another ship).

Bernie and I then headed off in search of a Thai Restaurant we had heard about.  You see in Cape Breton it is not that easy to get different ethnic restaurants - the population base just does not warrant it.  So we take off inland (about a half hour walk) to the restaurant and boy was it ever good.  Nothing fancy but it hit the spot.

With tummies filled we wander back to the boardwalk and I am back taking a lot of pictures.  I am hoping to get a contract next season for port lecturing for Canada New England and so I busy taking pictures that would be needed for my presentations from a cruise passengers interest.

My real goal today was to get to Pier 21 to go through it again as it is one of my favorite museums.  It is the gateway to Canada where immigrants arriving by ship went through.  Basically Canada's version of the US Ellis Island.  The museum is right beside the port.  In fact you can walk right through the shops at the pier to the end and the museum is right there.

But I was so tired!  I got maybe three hours sleep last night and I knew I needed to have a nap.  So once back on board I crawled into bed and banished Bernie from the cabin (are we the only couple that does that?) as it is not big enough for him to be in and be quiet and for me to get some much needed sleep.  I sometimes wonder how crew do it, especially if they are on different schedules.

After a two hour nap we both get ready for the evening activities.  It starts with the Captain Circle Party (note there will be 3 parties this voyage).  

It was nice to enjoy a drink and see some friends.  There was someone recognized for their 500th day Milestone.  None of the top three were in attendance at this party.  And what I thought was odd was that they did not even mention the top three and their days so I can not report on that.  I know that we are number 6 and 7 most travelled passengers (I am the 6th as I have one extra cruise than Bernie).  

After the party we head down to Explorers where I enjoy one of my new favorite drinks the Aviation made by Johanthan from Peru who was on her last Summer.

Dinner was very yummy tasting and we finished off our wine.  Again no supervisor came around to the tables in our section.  I know we saw others walking around nearby sections but none to ours.  Our waiters seem off their game tonight.  Their section is full and unfortunately is has meant that so has the service.  Last night was phenominal but tonight we ended up leaving the table before even our dinner plates were cleared as we were tired of sitting and didn't want dessert.

Explorer's Lounge is hosting 70s night and we dance up a storm, so much so we need to cool off with a cocktail.  We love the Explorer's bar and wish the newer ships had it.  It is big enough to accommodate a lot of people and the bar is large and then throw in music, dancing or a game show and it is perfect for us.

We attended the show called Comedy Magic of Naathan Phan in the Princess theater.  Again the show was packed.  

Naathan was very very good.  Great singer, quite funny and his magic blew us away.

DuVal the Cruise Director came out at the end to thank everyone and he did announce that they know about the crowding issue in the show and they have listened and they are now going to have three shows whenever they can.  But even better they will not be the shortened versions but the full show but the three shows will be over two nights!  Yeah!  Great work you guys - big should out to Entertainment Director too.

Oh I forgot to mention that the Captain did come on to announce that we would be leaving Halifax late because of the traffic which also meant they couldn't get a pilot at the time we needed so we are leaving an hour late.  This will then mean we may be late tomorrow into St. John.  But he hopes to make up time.

Sydney Sail Away

For sailaway we headed to our friend's cabin and brought a bit of Cape Breton with us.

Of course some Cape Breton music.

We enjoyed a drink and some snacks and pointed out our home as we sailed past.

Tonight we are heading to the dining room for supper.  We rarely choose traditional dining but for this voyage we wanted to have a set table and with second seating being at 7:15 it seemed like a good idea.

Normally we don't like having a set schedule and trust me even 7:15 is hard for us to get to on time and there are often events we want to attend but because of the set dining time we can not be as fluid as we would like.

We have a lovely table for two in the Palm Dining room.  Our waiters seemed shocked to see us.  We explain how we were too tired the first night, then it was Sabatinis, then it was Planks.  But we are here now.

Food was very good.  I had the Thai soup to start, then the scallops for my entree.  All washed down with a delicious bottle of wine.  Well not all of the bottle, we corked the rest for another night.

Was surprised that not a single Supervisor came to visit our table, or any table for that matter in our section.

After dinner we rushed to Explorer's Lounge to attend the Yes No Game Show.  Yeah I love that game.  I did put my name in and I got chosen.  The bigger issue was trying to find a seat.  The place is very busy.  And this seems to be a problem on board this sailing -- very difficult to find seats at any venue.  People here are really getting out and enjoying everything.  Mind you the weather is too cold to go out and enjoy Mutts or anything outside.

As we were standing near the back searching for something a couple at a table for four removed their items from the extra chairs and said we could join them.  How nice.  Seems they were saving them for their friends who they then checked the app to see that their friends were in the Princess Theater.  So the app was a real positive and helped us get seats in the lounge.

DuVal the cruise director was the one who quizzed me.  And I won!  I lasted past three minutes.  I took the champagne and gave it to the couple who gave us the seats.  I always say you should pay it forward.

Back to the cabin and rest.

Sydney, Nova Scotia

Wow is it ever weird sailing past your home.  Sure we have sailed in and out of Vancouver but we lived a distance inland.  We literally sailed by our home.  We could faintly make out the 2nd floor.  

We docked at 9 am but we are not in a rush to get off.

A coffee is in order.  Bernie grabs some breakfast and we wander off around 11 am.

We did have an issue with our safe.  It stated the battery was low.  We called the front desk and someone from housekeeping came to change but it ended up the batteries were just a little loose.  

What was funny is Captain was walking by when I opened the door (his cabin is nearby) and he said "Vickie what did you break"  I said my safe but you can charge my Medallion for the repair!   Love Captain Marco, so friendly and approachable, and he is always making his presence known.  He is not competing with the cruise director like some Captains, he is professional and serious but still fun.

Once ashore we met up with our nephew who came to bring us two things we forgot.  Bernie's IPod and earphones and my gloves.  Then he drove us to Sobeys so we could pick up some Halloween candy for the crew.

Watch your step from that second floor

We walked back and i was busy taking pictures that could be used in future Port Lectures from a passengers point of view. 

You know.   Walkway to town, shops, Tim Hortons, Casino, statues, etc.  I have recently applied for some Canada New England Destination Expert jobs on a few cruise lines and I want to be prepared.   

There is no port lecturer on this voyage and I really think it is a loss because there is so much interesting history, culture and sites to see that many have no idea.  

While walking around we were searching for Remembrance Day poppies to bring for those on board. We saw a woman with one and asked if she had seen anyone selling them. She had not and as she walked away she ran back and gave us hers to give out onboard. Now that is what is amazing about the people here. Best people. Proud to call myself a Caper.

After about three hours we were back on board.

It was hard to hear guest complaining that there was not much here.  I got a defensive feeling and want to be protective but I know their comments are because of lack on knowledge.

There is so much to see here but you need to be informed and plan accordingly.  If you just get off and walk around you are not seeing much.  And the fact we are here on a Sunday and many shops downtown are closed.  

So if you are ever planning a visit to Sydney make sure to explore.  Visit the Cabot Trail, Baddeck, tour our Coal Mines, enjoy our musical talents, enjoy a craft brew.  Check out our local crafts and amazing seafood.  

Back on board we stopped in to see Simone Smith the assistant Hotel General Manager.  We brought her some All Dressed potato chips and she is now supplied with storm chips.  Yup storm chips.  People here stock up on chips when there is a storm in the forecast.  You hunker down with your storm chips and a cold beer or wine and you are all set.  So hey live like the locals I always say.

We are back on board and Bernie is reading and I am catching up on things.

I need to move as I am in Explorers and trivia is starting in a half hour and they are flocking in and they are eyeing my table with desperation.  So off I go so they can have a comfy couch and table.  

Loving ships!   

First Sea Day

As you already know I was awake very early and enjoyed some time on deck 5 with my latte and was able to write my blog posts.

I was sitting at the edge of the IC where Vines begins but found it difficult to concentrate (yes I am one of those people that needs to focus to write and conflicting noises or distractions throw me off).  The canned music from the IC was great but just a few feet away Vines was playing some different canned music.

Okay so I got up and went to sit along the window in the coffee bar area, which is called the Good Spirits Bar.  This is a newly branded bar that offers an experience and interaction with guest with featured drinks.  It is a cool event and is offered for usually two hour periods later in the day.

However it is 6 am and the two tv screens are showing the Good Spirits show and the volume is on and it is interesting to watch but very distracting.  Then you also have the canned music from the Atrium to hear as well.

Personally I would like to hear only one thing and I think hearing the canned music would be more appropriate.  The show can be played later in the day, or with subtitles or just when they have the Good Spirts Bar running.   Again just my opinion.

The staff were very friendly and eager to make sure whatever I needed was met.

I did end up going up to the World Fresh Market Place - now that is a lot to type - for breakfast. I was there early and headed to the omelet station (where Planks is at night) and put what I wanted in my omelet in a cup and handed it over to the cook and given a handheld pager that would identify when my eggs were ready.

It took no time at all (again it was very quiet) and the omelet was ready.  It was huge, I am guessing it was a three egg omelet and should of aksed for a smaller one.  I have learned and will do that next time.

It is the last sailing of Canada New England of the season and it is cold.  6C and windy.   You really need to dress for the occasion. Think Alaska cruise clothes. I suggest layers because once you are on shore you don't need all the clothes but when you are on the seas that wind is harsh.

I do end up walking the Promenade Deck for quite a while and looked for whales.  Others had commented that they had seen some so I was trying to spot one too.  No luck.

I am also enjoying the scenery.  To the port side is North side of the St. Lawrence and it is an area that is quite barren but I have never been to, although like a friend mentioned after seeing so many pine trees you have seen enough - good point Linda.

The South side of the St. Lawrence is the Gaspe region and I really want to explore this area and know that we could easily do a road trip here some time soon.  It is about a ten hour drive from our home.  As I stare out at the area is lovely to see the smaller mountains with a dusting of snow on the top.

We enjoyed lunch in the dining room (they also had a pub lunch happening today too).  We joined another couple for lunch and really enjoyed the food and the company.

Bernie did attend the trivia and joined a team of friends only to find out they are all from Coquitlam BC where we use to live.  Small world!

Since it is quite cold outside, everyone is inside.  It is hard to even find a seat anywhere!  I did take up residence in Club Fusion at the back while Michelle hosted Meringue dance class but once the bingo got underway I had to flee because I was mobbed and I knew they needed the table a lot more than I did.

There is a speedy Sudoku happening in Wheelhouse but when I head there it is so busy, and not by those playing the game but with people reading, playing cards, chatting etc.  So I just decide to leave.

I wander through the Bijoux sale too, just to say I did, but it is the same old same old and I do not buy anything.

Bernie is napping so I am leaving the cabin to him.  I head up to the top deck and sit at the Mix bar and chat with Rocky the bartender that we first met on the Crown back in 2015.  He still makes the best Cosmos.  He introduced me to a couple at the bar and we chatted for awhile about our love of cruising.

I want to touch base a bit on the Medallion.  This is now our 7th cruise with Medallion.  Last summer it was here on the Caribbean but it was just being rolled out.  Then early this year on the Royal it was rolled out and was in full operation by the time we disembarked in May.  But I was quite excited to see how it was now with the new App and having been in operation on here for over a year.

Right now I am very disappointed in the entire system.  f  And trust me it is with a very heavy heart that I am saying this.  But so far it seems worse than it every has been.

Tonight is a formal night, but we are not dressing up.  But we do head down to Vines to enjoy the Captain's speech.  Oh we did run into the Captain a few times today and he remembered us from last year and we were able to catch up with him.  Juan and Victor, he says hi.

Wheelhouse is a great spot for a drink and the music is nice too.  We meet up with Luis here after his shift and then decide to head to Planks for supper.

Planks is a barbecue joint and the cost is $12 per person.  Wonderful meal and well worth it.  They also have some unique drinks here too so make sure you check it out.

I do not think the waiter was very happy that we showed up fifteen minutes before they were scheduled to close at 9:00.  But the service was quite good.



By the time we are finished dinner it is 10 pm and we see that David Moore the Crooners player is doing a show in Explorers.  OMG we have not seen him since forever.  Boy has he been with Princess a long time.  I think the first time we ever met him was on the Dawn Princess around 20 years ago!  He made us laugh then and he still makes us laugh now.  He will normally be performing in Crooners nightly.

It was a lovely day, and very relaxing and trust me we will need it as we have a lot of port days in a row now.

Sail Away and Sabatinis

First I must apologize I don't have my keyboard for typing as it is in the cabin.  So I am using the on screen keyboard which can be a pain.  So ignore errors.

Second I am writing this Saturday morning at 5:57 am.  Woke up early and crawled out of bed and scurried down to International Cafe for my coffee and catch up with the blog.  And who do i run into but Juan, a waiter we have known since his first contract.  He was just as surprised to see me as I was him.  Big hugs and he is excited to share that it is his last sailing before going home.

Okay back to yesterday.

Muster was called at 4:15 on day 2.  Feels odd as normally it is day one, but we overnighted here in Quebec.  I don't think we have ever had this happen before.

Of course I was pretty sure our Muster was Princess theater but when Bernie met up with me he said no, we are in the Casino.  He checked the map on the back of the door and he was sure it was the casino.   

We sat there and then he started having doubts and I commented that normally it is the Princess Theatre.  So we proceeded to Princess Theatre, and yup that is our station.  

How often has that happened to you?  Of course when we had cruise cards it showed our muster station, now you really need to check your cabin door prior.

Once the drill was done we head to the cabin to done our coats as it is cold once we are out on the open waters.

But once up on the sky and lido deck we are disappointed that there is no sailaway party, just canned music.  Mind you there were maybe only a couple hundred people out there so it probably did not warrant a party.  

Again the second day sailaway does make it loose a bit of it's luster and excitement of boarding and having sailaway right away. 

Sailaway from Quebec is beautiful.  The land on both sides studded by a burst of colourful trees.  

Ils Orleans is in our way.  So we head to the south of it.  Thankfully we get to see Montmorency falls which is just 12 km east of downtown.  There are some great tours to both of these places that are well worth a visit, especially if you are in Quebec for a few days or are interested in nature.

Before dinner we head to the shops to see some friends.  Valaria from Italy and Kylle for South Africa are now Retail manager and assistant retail manager.  So proud of them.  We make sure to connect with them soon and maybe a meal.

Tonight we are dining at Sabatinis.  The Caribbean has the new menu, one of our favorites.

Sadly I left my camera in the cabin, so no pictures.  However, I have written about dining with the new menu numerous times and you can find them here.

The food was wonderful.  And dining with our friends Barb and Craig made it extra special.  There is nothing better than good friends and we are really blessed.

Sadly the server was a bit of an issue.  We asked for a wine list and he gave us a paper that had Sabatini featured wines.  The list was minimal with only a handful of wines.  We tried to order wine but was told they did not have it in stock.  Okay.  We had to ask for the full wine list.   We choose something and try to order it but he really wants us to try this other wine.  We finally agree to his wine just to please him.  And truthfully it was very very good and a good recommendation.

He provided us with his recommendations but was surprised he did not mention the salad/soup course.  But we did order the pear citrus salad, and when we did he said he would bring it as our second course.  Okay.  My salad tasted great, but many of the leaves of lettuce were not very appealing and should not have been served.  But my friend's salad seemed okay.

The antipasta of bread with the roasted pepper dip was delivered, but we were trying to clear up the whole wine issue and had not tasted the bread.  When our server came back he commented that we should eat the bread!  Was quite insistent.  Okay....

Our server saw we were enjoying the wine and he smartly suggested the wine tasting.  But we told him thanks but no.  He then suggested the Super Tuscan wine tasting which we agreed is lovely but we had a conflict on the day it was scheduled as it is the same time as the Most Travelled Guest luncheon.  But he was insistent about the date, explaining it is a sea day.  I finally got frustrated and told him to stop talking and listen, we already had plans at that time.

Now I will say the service improved and he did get the hint we were frustrated.  His recommendations were bang on.  The food was very good too.

The supervisor for Sabatinis was lovely and friendly and she gave us even more suggestions for wine.

However if we go back we will make sure to have a different waiter.

Shout out to Deb of Deb's Day blog.   If you don't follow her blogs make sure to check it out here.  She had sent me some coupon books via the mail and we used the coupon for two for one dining on embarkation day.   Although this morning I saw that we were charged two $25 fees, but believe one of the charges will come off later when it gets reconciled.  We have had this happen many times before, and will ensure it comes off later.   But again this should be charged initially correctly as it only causes confusion for the guests and i am sure many visits to the front desk with inquiries.

After a wonderful dinner and full bellies we are content and so happy to be back on board.

Comedian Scott Wyder performed but the shows were too early and by the time dinner was finished the show had already started.  We have seen him before.  He is quite funny.

We have been sailing Princess for 22 years now, 91 cruises and over 800 days and it feels great to be 'home'.  Especially when I run into crew I was not expecting to see.

Quebec

We wake up rested and ready to take on the day.

I wanted to touch base on the Medallion.  Yes I can actually get in my cabin with it.  You may remember that on my last two cruise it was never allowing me to open the cabin.

I did download the new app and was excited that it encompasses the four separate apps that we use to have to use. But using it is not very fluid.  Doesn't flow.  Now I am quite techie and found I was searching for the options.

Then I wanted to add our friends to my contacts.  But to do that you have to go into Ocean Compass and what do they want me to do?  But download the Ocean Compass App!  Gee I had just deleted that app when I downloaded the newest app that was suppose to replace all the others.

So I open the newly downloaded app and then try to add my friends.  There now is a search function for us to find our friends by name.  You still have to have them approve you.  You can even opt out of them tracking you with the wayward function.

Also finding your bill is not the best either.  When you choose to see your account it downloads a pdf file.  I hate that.  So I just went back into my browser and logged in to Medallion.net there and checked out our account.

So far I do like it, especially being able to have my cabin door unlock.  I like the option of knowing where Bernie is on board.  But sadly I find it is really lacking and needs improvement.

So back to our day.  We grab a light breakfast and head ashore.

Walk to one of our favorite coffee shops and enjoy a coffee drink and pastry.  Some shopping and lots of walking.  I stop in and buy some wine (there was no issue bringing it back on - they didn't even say anything).

Here is a list of the tours

Make sure you check out the National Park's tours.  Really inexpensive and very good.  They have a kiosk right at Dufferin Terrace right beside the Chateau Frontenac.

it is just before Halloween and check out this cool display

View of the ship from Dufferin Place

In front of Chateau Frontenac

A unique poutine ad Le Chic Shac

We meet up with Barb and Craig for lunch at Le Chic Shac restaurant.  Great food!

After wandering around for four hours we head back for the ship.

I should say we are in an inside cabin forward.  We have a lovely cabin steward Larry, and the cabin looks lovely.  Bed is very comfortable, although Bernie hates the pillows and it seems we can not find an alternative, but we are working on it.

Bernie realized he forgot his ipod and earphones.  But hey we are sailing into Sydney on Sunday so we are having our nephew deliver it to the ship.  Now that is handy.

Stay tuned for sail away and dinner in Sabatinis.