Fall Foliage October 2018
DFW to Montreal Friday October 5th
We flew Air Canada, leaving at 10:40. The flight was booked by Viking and the plane was not huge but roomy. Flight was on time, going through customs was efficient with electronic kiosks, and our bags arrived quickly. The line for taxis was really long but moved quickly. Cost was $41 Canadian dollars and took about 30 minutes. Our hotel is Le Petit, a boutique hotel 2 blocks from the pier.
Room was good and front desk super helpful. After settling in, we decided on a early dinner since I had not eaten all day and Greg only had breakfast. We ate at Stash Cafe, a Polish restaurant. Greg had pierogies and I ordered cabbage rolls. Mine was really good and Greg liked his as well.
The restaurant had a very talented piano player and of course there was a new beer for Greg to try.
We went back to the hotel and rested before going to the Basilica Notre Dame for the laser show "Aura". I had read about it online and we prebooked the 8 pm show. The walk to the Basilica was nice with most of the buildings lit up at night.
The doors opened at 7:45 and when we arrived the line was ridiculously long but moved pretty quickly. We had to sit at the back but that didn't affect our view. The show was pretty impressive but only lasted 15 min. Pretty expensive ($45) for such a short event but glad we went. No photos were allowed during the laser show.
After the show we found an ATM across the street and got some Canadian money then started back, looking for a bar to stop and have a drink. Didn't really see anywhere to stop so we asked our desk clerk and he sent us in a different direction to Verses, a hotel bar down the street. Exactly what we were looking for and enjoyed a nightcap before turning in for the night.
Sunday, Oct 6 Montreal
Breakfast was included in our room so we ate at the hotel. It offered very limited selections but we didn't go hungry. After breakfast, we went in search of a souvenir store for a magnet and a t-shirt. Headed back to the hotel after our purchases and finished packing up. We stored our luggage downstairs and walked around the corner to Pointe -a-Calliere Museum, the Archeological and Historical Museum. The museum had nice exhibits, including a tribute to North America's first collector sewer built between 1832 and 1838. The sewer system collected rainwater and wastewater right up until 1989.
The museum signage needed some work. It wasn't obvious where to start and which way to go at intersections. They had a nice Egyptian traveling exhibit, the Queens of Egypt.
After the museum we collected our luggage and walked to the pier, which was only two blocks away. Unlike Venice where lots of people were walking to the pier, we were the only ones. The port worker seemed surprised to see us walking in with suitcases. He checked our passports, chuckled, and sent us on our way. We walked right up to the luggage rack, stepped in line, and were checked in very quickly. Our room was ready so we dropped our hand bags in the room and headed to the buffet. It was much smaller than Azamara's in selections but they had good choices. We visited with the people at the 2 tables behind us that both had Texas ties. I overheard them talking about Midland. One was David Dennis and his wife who used to live in Midland, where he was the principal at Alamo Jr High. After lunch, our suitcases had arrived so we brought them into the room and was about to head out to explore the ship when our steward introduced himself. Willy, from Indonesia, gave us a very thorough room introduction. Probably the most informative steward ever! After his introduction we wandered the ship, taking pictures while the rooms were empty. I think it is the nicest ship we have ever sailed on. Very tastefully decorated.
Since we don't sail until tomorrow, I think most people flew in today and will be arriving later in the day. After our exploration, we went back to our cabin and unpacked. Our room is a Penthouse Veranda room, about 300 sq ft and has plenty of storage space. There weren't many bars open so the only place to get a drink was the Viking Bar on deck 1. Service was prompt and drinks were good. We had preordered the Silver package which is the most reasonable drink package of any cruise line. $19.95 a day. House wine and soft drinks at meals are included in all fares. The Silver package enables you to order different wines and premium liquor drinks. We both had martinis. Found out that Canada will only allow one bar on each flood to be open at a time when in port, so that is why most of the bars were closed. We ate in the MDR, which is called The Restaurant. Several choices and meal was excellent with both of us ordering Diver Scallops. We visited with a couple from Kentucky who had been on this boat 3 other times. They gave a very positive review. After dinner we went to Torshavn and listened to the Viking Band, which is a band from the Philippines. The male lead singer has a really good voice and the drummer is very good. They played a nice variety of music and we stayed until almost 11.
Sunday, Oct 7. Montreal
With our room category, we can order a full breakfast from room service. We chose 8-8:15 and the food arrived right at 8. Order was perfect and eggs cooked correctly. The included tour was Montreal Highlights at 9:30. We met at the gangway at 9, walked right on the bus and was off on our tour quickly. Our guide was Frances.
We started at the Notre-Dame Basilica but could not go in because of Sunday morning mass so I'm glad we went to the laser show on last night. The Basilica was started in 1824.
After the Basilica, Frances pointed out sights in Old Montreal and the entertainment sector as we made our way to Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal. It is a Roman Catholic minor basilica and national shrine on Mount Royal's Westmount Summit. It is Canada's largest church and claims to have one of the largest domes in the world.
The original small oratory ( a small chapel) was built by Brother André, with the help of Brother Abundius, and a few lay friends in 1904.
In 1914, The authorities of the Congregation of Holy Cross approve the construction of what would become the future Basilica but it was not opened until 1956. From the Basilica we could see nice views of Montreal.
On the way back to the port, new sites were pointed out. The colors are beginning to turn.
The tour ended right at noon so we dropped off camera and bags and headed up to eat, choosing the pool grill. They have several options, not just hamburgers and hotdogs and they are cooked while you wait.
The original small oratory ( a small chapel) was built by Brother André, with the help of Brother Abundius, and a few lay friends in 1904.
In 1914, The authorities of the Congregation of Holy Cross approve the construction of what would become the future Basilica but it was not opened until 1956. From the Basilica we could see nice views of Montreal.
On the way back to the port, new sites were pointed out. The colors are beginning to turn.
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| Apartments built for World's Fair, Expo 67 |
The tour ended right at noon so we dropped off camera and bags and headed up to eat, choosing the pool grill. They have several options, not just hamburgers and hotdogs and they are cooked while you wait.
Muster was at 5:15, so we went back to our room and read, heading down for muster at 5:10, finding the halls empty. We waited for a few minutes and then they sent us to the back of The Restaurant. At 5:30 they sounded the alarm and the muster started soon after. It was short and sweet. We went back to the room and watched sail away,
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| Expo 67 |
and changed for dinner and then headed to the Viking Bar for a drink. Piano player Anastacia would be in the foyer every evening providing background music.
Service everywhere was a bit slower tonight and it took awhile to get our drinks. There was a seafood buffet but we figured it would be packed so we opted for the dining room. The people in front of us said it was so crowded that you couldn't find a seat, so we made a good choice. Food was very good tonight but the service was lacking. We didn't get our wine until we had finished our first course, an excellent onion soup. They brought our second course immediately after bringing the soup. That was strange. Main courses were good, I had stirfry scallops and lobster and Greg had Beef Wellington. We both ended with ice cream. The show tonight was a variety of the performers and a toast from the captain, Erik Saabye, after introducing his senior officers. The CD, Jenna Beaudoin
and the Asst CD, Elmer del Fierro,
both sang and had very, very good voices.
Monday, Oct 8. Quebec
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| Champlain |
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| Our Guide |
Next stop was the Plains of Abraham a park now, but historically, the site where the French surrendered to the British in 1759.
We drove by the Parliament Buidling
and the busy Champs-Elysses street and other sites in the Old City.
Saw some nice color.
The bus dropped us back at the ship so we dropped off the camera, ate lunch again at the pool grill where I had excellent ahi tuna streak. Greg had the Poncho Villa Burger and said it did have a bit of spice! After lunch, we took the shuttle back to the Champs-Elysses and wandered the small shops buying our magnet and a couple of other small items.
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| Notre-Dame-des-Victoires Church, started in 1687 |
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| Had to take a picture! |
We attend the port talk on Saquenay then the Cruise Critic Meet and Greet was at 6. It was held in The Kitchen, a small room at the back of the specialty restaurant. There were probably more officers present than cruisers but the officers were very friendly and didn't seem to be in a rush to leave, as is the case on many ships. We talked to one couple from California, and then joined them for dinner in The Restaurant. We had the same waiter as the first night, Simon, and again service was very good as was the meal. Greg and I both had prime rib. The show was a comedian, Noodles, who was pretty good. After the show we went to Torshavn for about an hour to listen to the Viking band.
Tuesday Oct 9. Saquenay
We woke to a dreary rainy day. Our included excursion wasn't until the afternoon so we ate breakfast in The Restaurant. They were very slow in seating people and we waited a bit before someone took our order. We both had eggs Benedict and they were good. We walked to the tourist center which was very small and didn't have many stores. I bought our magnet and went back to the boat. Greg went in search of a pharmacy due to a lot of allergies bothering him and returned quickly with drugs in hand. Said there wasn't a lot to see outside the port so I really didn't miss anything.
We ate a light lunch in the buffet and then left for the included excursion, La Fabuleause Live Stage Show at Théâtre du Palais municipal. Viking Sea was also in port but tendered and this show was held at the same time for both ships. It took a while to get everyone transported to the show. The theater was reported to seat 2000 but supposedly 1500 attended and there weren't many empty seats. We were one of the last busses to arrive so we didn't have to wait long but we were in the back and the seats were very small and uncomfortable. Glad we didn't have the hour wait for the show to start that some people had. The production which is in its 30th year depicts the history of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region and the technical aspects of the show were pretty impressive along with horses, fire, water, cannon shots, farm animals, and fireworks. After we returned to the ship the staff was lined up with Viking Umbrellas so we wouldn't get wet. A nice touch, reminds me of something we would see on Azamara.
We went to the Living Room for a drink before dinner. We were there for 25 minutes before getting a drink. We headed to dinner and the line was very long and when we got to the front of the line was told there was a wait, could be up,to 20 min, we asked if we could share and they said there was one table for 4 available so we asked the couple in line if they would like to join us. Luckily we were seated in the section with Simon so we had great service. The couple, Chris and John, were from Australia and we enjoyed visiting with them. Greg and I both had salmon tartare and pork chops. The theater show tonight Tommy Proulx, a saxophonist, who was really good.
We went to the Living Room for a drink before dinner. We were there for 25 minutes before getting a drink. We headed to dinner and the line was very long and when we got to the front of the line was told there was a wait, could be up,to 20 min, we asked if we could share and they said there was one table for 4 available so we asked the couple in line if they would like to join us. Luckily we were seated in the section with Simon so we had great service. The couple, Chris and John, were from Australia and we enjoyed visiting with them. Greg and I both had salmon tartare and pork chops. The theater show tonight Tommy Proulx, a saxophonist, who was really good.
Wednesday Oct 10 sea day
We slept in and ordered room service for 9:00. There was a port talk at 11 so we headed down a bit early, hoping to give our steward plenty of time to clean the room but it didn't work! They have the signs that say "make my room" but they don't seem to pay attention and we are at the end of his cabins. Tomorrow, Grespe, is a small port and we will be tendered. They are still predicting snow so it may be an interesting day! After the port talk we came back to the room and sat on our balcony. The sun was shining and it felt very warm sitting outside. The river is wide and the shore can only be seen in the far distance. Willy came and cleaned our room while we sat outside. Since it was a sea day, the MDR was open so we opted to eat lunch there. Service again was pretty slow. The waiter took our order quickly but it took a long time for the soup to come and then long waits between courses. After lunch we went to the store on deck 1 and bought a ship magnet. The stores don't have a huge selection. We went back to the Explorers Lounge and service was much better tonight. After a couple of martinis we headed to dinner a bit earlier, trying to miss the long line. There was a bit of a line but it moved quickly and we were able to request Simon. After we were seated, Pam and her husband passed by and then asked if they could sit at the table next to us. They also knew the couple on the other side of us so we had a pleasant conversation along with a nice meal. We both ordered chateaubriand and it was very tender. After dinner we headed to the theater which was very full, even with showtime still 20 min away. Noodles the comedian was back. I thought he was funnier tonight than the first night. Everyone was laughing, all simple, clean jokes. We went to Torshavn after the show and that venue was packed. The CD, Asst CD, and the singers and dancers all sang with the band. Very entertaining.
Thursday, Oct 11 Gaspe
It was an early morning and blessed with a beautiful sunrise.
Breakfast arrived at 7:15 and we were downstairs in the theater by 7:45 for our included tour, Forillon National Park Panorama. This is a tendered stop and our number for the tender was called right after we arrived in the theater and we walked right on the bus. Our first stop was the Micmac Village Center, which is a reconstruction of a 17th-century Mi'gmaw traditional village and summer camp. We first walked up the hill to see the wigwams, cooking sites, drying stations and listen to a volunteer explain the way of life for the nomadic Mi'gmaw tribe.
We then went back to the visitor center and walked through a small exhibit.
Back on the bus but had to wait for a long time for one lady that somehow joined another tour group. The rest of the tour was driving to the National Park making one short stop for pictures
and then our guide made an extra stop for us to takes pictures of the beautiful hillside of fall foliage.
After dropping us back at the tender station, we walked to the small town. There was only one souvenir type store but we did find a magnet and then stopped at Cafe des Artistes for lunch. We both had the cream of zucchini soup, I had smoked salmon and Greg had a beef sandwich. Food was plentiful and filling.
We returned to the ship. The tender process was quick and easy. The guitarist was playing at 6:15 in the Explorers Lounge so we headed up there at 6. We could not ordered a drink until the ship started moving. Found out it wasn't Montreal's rule of only one bar per deck could be open while in port, instead it was Canada's rule. Silly rule. Guitarist didn't get set up very quickly so we only listened to one song and headed down to dinner. Dinner tonight was lobster night and OMG it was huge!! and good.
We were able to be seated in Simon's section so again we had excellent service. The sommelier is beginning to get to know Greg and mess with him. So far, Greg has tried a different red wine wine each evening. The show tonight was the saxophonist, Tommy Proulx, performing solo. Probably enjoyed his first performance better but it was still very, very good. We ended the night in Torshavn with all the singers participating.
Back on the bus but had to wait for a long time for one lady that somehow joined another tour group. The rest of the tour was driving to the National Park making one short stop for pictures
and then our guide made an extra stop for us to takes pictures of the beautiful hillside of fall foliage.
After dropping us back at the tender station, we walked to the small town. There was only one souvenir type store but we did find a magnet and then stopped at Cafe des Artistes for lunch. We both had the cream of zucchini soup, I had smoked salmon and Greg had a beef sandwich. Food was plentiful and filling.
We returned to the ship. The tender process was quick and easy. The guitarist was playing at 6:15 in the Explorers Lounge so we headed up there at 6. We could not ordered a drink until the ship started moving. Found out it wasn't Montreal's rule of only one bar per deck could be open while in port, instead it was Canada's rule. Silly rule. Guitarist didn't get set up very quickly so we only listened to one song and headed down to dinner. Dinner tonight was lobster night and OMG it was huge!! and good.
We were able to be seated in Simon's section so again we had excellent service. The sommelier is beginning to get to know Greg and mess with him. So far, Greg has tried a different red wine wine each evening. The show tonight was the saxophonist, Tommy Proulx, performing solo. Probably enjoyed his first performance better but it was still very, very good. We ended the night in Torshavn with all the singers participating.
Friday, Oct 12 Sea day sailing St Lawrence Gulf into the Atlantic Ocean
We lost an hour last night and Greg changed his phone and set his alarm but the time reverted back and room service woke us up at 9:15. Then someone came to seal something in the bathroom, so much for a lazy sea day! The seas are angry today and we are rocking and rolling. Luckily I took a bonine last night so no queasy feelings today. We left the room a bit before noon, hoping to get the room cleaned up. Found a seat on deck 2 to read and catch up on emails. The internet is still very sketchy in the room itself but works well in public spaces. I hate to have our phones out all the time but when we leave the room is the only time we can get things to download and send. We went up to the buffet around 1 and ate a light lunch since we are going to a speciality restaurant tonight. Went back to the room and read then cleaned up for dinner. The singers and dancers were singing in the atrium at 4 so we wandered down to listen. They are good but only performed for 20 min. A few minutes later the guitarist set up and played so we stayed until time to go eat. Dinner tonight was in Manfredi's at 6 pm. I had ahi tuna and Greg had saltimbocca. Both were ok but not great. My appetizer, mussels, were good as was Greg's pasta and bean soup. We shared tiramisu for dessert.
Saturday Oct 13. Halifax
View from our balcony.
We had booked HOHO bus for the morning and Peggy's Cove for the afternoon but after attending the Halifax port talk we decided to change to The Best of Halifax which was an all day tour. After room service we met in the MDR at 10 for our tour. Tour was quickly announced and we headed to bus 24, which was only half filled. Our guide Alex
and driver Roy, did a good job. First stop was Peggy's Cove which was about 45 minutes away. The drive was pretty with lots of fall colors to see. Peggy's Cove's claim to fame is the Peggy Cove Lighthouse which is often photographed and a must stop on the Lighthouse tour. The surf was really pounding due to hurricane Michael that had now reached the NE.
After walking aroud and taking plenty of pictures in the quaint fishing village, we headed to a family owned Maple Ridge Farm.
The owner gave us a 10 minute lesson in how the trees are tapped and the syrup is made.
Of course, there was time for buying maple products. We were treated to more fall foliage as we traveled to and from the maple farm.
Next stop was the Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 passengers from the Titantic are buried. Halifax was the closest port and boats were sent but it took over 2 hours to reach the site so it became a recovery mission instead of a rescue mission.
After the cemetery visit we were off to lunch at Steak and Stein where we had a very good bowl of seafood chowder with a choice of gingerbread or bread pudding. We took one of each with the bread pudding the best choice by far.
With a full belly, we were off to the Public Gardens. This park is one of 2 Victorian Gardens in Canada, the other being the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Not quite as impressive as Butchart Gardens but nice gardens. Alex walked through with us, giving us good information.
Our last stop was a drive through through Citadel Hill, first built in 1749 with four additions through the years. While never attacked, the Citadel was the keystone to defence of the strategically important Halifax Harbour and its Royal Navy Dockyard. The bus then returned us to the port and we were one of the last passengers back on board.
We had booked HOHO bus for the morning and Peggy's Cove for the afternoon but after attending the Halifax port talk we decided to change to The Best of Halifax which was an all day tour. After room service we met in the MDR at 10 for our tour. Tour was quickly announced and we headed to bus 24, which was only half filled. Our guide Alex
and driver Roy, did a good job. First stop was Peggy's Cove which was about 45 minutes away. The drive was pretty with lots of fall colors to see. Peggy's Cove's claim to fame is the Peggy Cove Lighthouse which is often photographed and a must stop on the Lighthouse tour. The surf was really pounding due to hurricane Michael that had now reached the NE.
After walking aroud and taking plenty of pictures in the quaint fishing village, we headed to a family owned Maple Ridge Farm.
The owner gave us a 10 minute lesson in how the trees are tapped and the syrup is made.
Of course, there was time for buying maple products. We were treated to more fall foliage as we traveled to and from the maple farm.
Next stop was the Fairview Lawn Cemetery where 121 passengers from the Titantic are buried. Halifax was the closest port and boats were sent but it took over 2 hours to reach the site so it became a recovery mission instead of a rescue mission.
After the cemetery visit we were off to lunch at Steak and Stein where we had a very good bowl of seafood chowder with a choice of gingerbread or bread pudding. We took one of each with the bread pudding the best choice by far.
With a full belly, we were off to the Public Gardens. This park is one of 2 Victorian Gardens in Canada, the other being the famous Butchart Gardens in Victoria. Not quite as impressive as Butchart Gardens but nice gardens. Alex walked through with us, giving us good information.
Our last stop was a drive through through Citadel Hill, first built in 1749 with four additions through the years. While never attacked, the Citadel was the keystone to defence of the strategically important Halifax Harbour and its Royal Navy Dockyard. The bus then returned us to the port and we were one of the last passengers back on board.
After changing clothes, we went to Explorers Lounge for a drink and the dinner in the MDR. Because of our late arrival back, we ate late and had no problem being seated in Simon's section. We missed the theater show but it was a concert pianist, so not terribly disappointed.
Sunday, Oct 14th Sea Day. Halifax to Boston
Truly lazy day. We slept in, attended the talk on the Revolutionary War with lecturer Nute O. Nesse, ate lunch at the Pool Grill, read, watched the musicians at 4:00 present a very nice concert, then attended a very good talk on the War of 1812 by the lecturer Richard Sanders. We had reservations at Manifred's for 6:30. Dinner was good but I'm not sure it is superior to the MDR, but better than the first night and service was excellent. What is different on Viking, there is no charge for the specialty restaurants so no bill is presented, so no extra tip is expected. Reservations are hard to get because you can make reservations before boarding, based on your room level. By the time we could make reservations, only early and late times were available. After dinner, we went to the theater. The singers and dancers presented their first production of the cruise, Songs from the Las Vegas Strips. They are definitely one of the most talented groups we have seen on a cruise ship.
Monday, Oct 15 Boston
US requires everyone to show their passports in person before going ashore. They started at 7 for early shore excursions and at 8 called for the rest of us to come down. The process went quickly. We were to meet outside the port exit for our excursion at 9:45 and went straight to bus 17 for our Concord, Lexington and Cambridge excursion. Our guide was Linda with bus driver Sue.
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| Linda |
including childhood home of Louisa May Alcott. After moving twenty-two times in nearly thirty years, the Alcotts finally found their most permanent home at Orchard House, where they lived from 1858 until 1877. The house is most noted for being where Louisa May Alcott wrote her classic, Little Women, in 1868 at a "shelf desk" her father built especially for her.
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| Orchard House |
We stopped at the Old North Bridge, spanning the Concord river, where "the shot heard around the world" took place. It was a very scenic location.
After this stop we headed to Cambridge and the Harvard Campus. We were supposed to have free time here but Linda offered to walk us around.
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| Library |
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| Where the Harvard Lampoon is written |
We had a few minutes of free time at the end of the tour and managed to get shirts for the kids and our magnet.
Next stop was lunch back in Boston at Durkin Park Restaurant where we had a very good meal of clam chowder, scrod with mashed potatoes and vegetables and apple pie with ice cream. All was very, very tasty.
After lunch we headed back to the bus for a long drive through Boston with lots of look left, look right but hard to see what she was pointing out. We did make one stop and walked to the top of a hill to see a couple of sights.
Wish we could have spent more time in Lexington and Concord and a lot less time riding the bus through downtown Boston. We arrived back to the ship at 5:15. After showering, we had a drink in the Explorers Lounge and dinner in the MDR. No problem being seated in Simon's section and the restaurant was not busy at all, probably due to being in Boston overnight. Tonight's special was clam chowder, lobster roll and Boston Creme Pie and we both ordered the special. After dinner, we attended the show in the theater, concert pianist, Garin Bader who was very talented.
Tuesday, October 16 Boston
We opted to have breakfast in MDR this morning and service was much better. Our tour today was the Freedom Trail. We boarded the bus and the tour started at the top of Beacon Hill. The bus was divided into two groups and we went with Steve. The Quiet Boxes again did not work, they cut out all the time and you had to be within 5 feet of the guide. Our tour started at Beacon Hill and the Massachusetts State House or New State Building, built in 1795, and is the state capitol buidling.
After leaving Beacon Hill, we walked past Boston Common,
heading to Granary Burying Ground, not the oldest cemetery, only the third oldest founded in 1660, and contains the remains of many famous American Revolutionary heros. Along with Massachusetts governors, mayors and clergymen, we saw the graves of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine; Paul Revere; James Otis (Otis elevators), Revolutionary orator and lawyer; and five victims of the Boston Massacre.
Near the center of the cemetery, a 25-foot-tall obelisk commemorates the tomb of Benjamin Franklin’s parents.
Our next stop was Old City Hall, built in the French Second Empire Style and is on the site of the Boston Latin School which Benjamin Franklin attended and noted by a statue.
There is also a statue of Josiah Quincy III, Boston's second mayor. Faneuil Hall was next. Faneuil Hall has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1743 and still used today. It was the site of several speeches by Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others encouraging independence from Great Britain. Now it is part of Boston National Historical Park and a well-known stop on the Freedom Trail. It is sometimes referred to as "the Cradle of Liberty". We were able to walk upstairs to see the meeting room.
Across from Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market. Quincy Market is a historic market complex and was constructed in 1824–26 and named in honor of Mayor Josiah Quincy, who organized its construction without any tax or debt. The market is a designated National Historic Landmark and Boston Landmark, significant as one of the largest market complexes built in the United States in the first half of the 19th century.
We took a long walk to see the home of Paul Revere, a 3 story colonial home built in 1768.
We then passed a statue of Paul Revere
on our walk to Old North Church, the oldest standing church in Boston. "One if by land, two if by sea" signal is said to have been senn from here by hanging the lanterns from the steeple. This phrase is related to Paul Revere's midnight ride, of April 18, 1775, which preceded the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution.
We then returned to Faneuil Hall where we had about 20 minutes. Greg and I bought a snack and sat in the square and listened to the street musician. The bus took us straight back to the ship and we sailed away soon after. There were several lighthouses as we sailed out of Boston and were treated to a beautiful sunset later that evening.
We ate early In order to attend the entertainment opportunities. Dinner again in the MDR with Simon. I had my third meal of lobster, Lobster Thermidor tonight.
Good, but not as good, as the lobster on the first night. The show in the theater was a production show. Again, very talented singer and dancers.
After leaving Beacon Hill, we walked past Boston Common,
heading to Granary Burying Ground, not the oldest cemetery, only the third oldest founded in 1660, and contains the remains of many famous American Revolutionary heros. Along with Massachusetts governors, mayors and clergymen, we saw the graves of three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine; Paul Revere; James Otis (Otis elevators), Revolutionary orator and lawyer; and five victims of the Boston Massacre.
Near the center of the cemetery, a 25-foot-tall obelisk commemorates the tomb of Benjamin Franklin’s parents.
Our next stop was Old City Hall, built in the French Second Empire Style and is on the site of the Boston Latin School which Benjamin Franklin attended and noted by a statue.
There is also a statue of Josiah Quincy III, Boston's second mayor. Faneuil Hall was next. Faneuil Hall has been a marketplace and a meeting hall since 1743 and still used today. It was the site of several speeches by Samuel Adams, James Otis, and others encouraging independence from Great Britain. Now it is part of Boston National Historical Park and a well-known stop on the Freedom Trail. It is sometimes referred to as "the Cradle of Liberty". We were able to walk upstairs to see the meeting room.
Interior of Faneuil Hall
Across from Faneuil Hall is Quincy Market. Quincy Market is a historic market complex and was constructed in 1824–26 and named in honor of Mayor Josiah Quincy, who organized its construction without any tax or debt. The market is a designated National Historic Landmark and Boston Landmark, significant as one of the largest market complexes built in the United States in the first half of the 19th century.
We took a long walk to see the home of Paul Revere, a 3 story colonial home built in 1768.
We then passed a statue of Paul Revere
on our walk to Old North Church, the oldest standing church in Boston. "One if by land, two if by sea" signal is said to have been senn from here by hanging the lanterns from the steeple. This phrase is related to Paul Revere's midnight ride, of April 18, 1775, which preceded the Battles of Lexington and Concord during the American Revolution.
We then returned to Faneuil Hall where we had about 20 minutes. Greg and I bought a snack and sat in the square and listened to the street musician. The bus took us straight back to the ship and we sailed away soon after. There were several lighthouses as we sailed out of Boston and were treated to a beautiful sunset later that evening.
We ate early In order to attend the entertainment opportunities. Dinner again in the MDR with Simon. I had my third meal of lobster, Lobster Thermidor tonight.
Good, but not as good, as the lobster on the first night. The show in the theater was a production show. Again, very talented singer and dancers.
Wednesday Oct 17 sailing into NY
Room service a little before 9 as the NY skyline was coming into view. The Statue of Liberty was going to be on the other side so we went down to deck 2 to watch. Shocked that there weren’t other passengers out on deck, only a handful of crew. We had a great view of the statue.
We then went back to the room to watch the sail past Manhattan and into the port. We were blessed with a sunny day.
After docking we ate at the pool grill and then to the meeting place for our tour, NY by land and sea. Our tour director was hilarious, originally from Alabama. He was quick and had a story for everything, keeping us laughing for the whole tour. We arrived at the port at 2:45 for the 3:45 departure. Finally free time on an excursion and there was no where to go except to the bathroom. We wandered the pier and sat and people watched, then went to get in line about 3:15. They started boarding at 3:30. We headed up stairs to the open deck. The boat held a lot of people, our tour was the biggest of the day, and we didn’t fill a third of the boat. It was a one hour tour by the statue, Ellis Island and then the Manhattan skyline.
After the boat ride we had a guided tour through town. Guide did a better job of pointing out buildings and sites. We arrived back at the port at 6 but there was a long line going through security to get back on the boat. We changed clothes and went to dinner in the MDR. Service and food were excellent again and we said our goodbyes to Simon, Ardel, and hostess Courtney. We went back to the room, changed clothes, putting the suitcases out by 10. The Viking Band was playing in Torshavn. When we walked in, we were the only people in the lounge. A few more drifted in but the ship was very empty. We called it a night at 11 but enjoyed the night view of NYC for a few moments.
We then went back to the room to watch the sail past Manhattan and into the port. We were blessed with a sunny day.
After docking we ate at the pool grill and then to the meeting place for our tour, NY by land and sea. Our tour director was hilarious, originally from Alabama. He was quick and had a story for everything, keeping us laughing for the whole tour. We arrived at the port at 2:45 for the 3:45 departure. Finally free time on an excursion and there was no where to go except to the bathroom. We wandered the pier and sat and people watched, then went to get in line about 3:15. They started boarding at 3:30. We headed up stairs to the open deck. The boat held a lot of people, our tour was the biggest of the day, and we didn’t fill a third of the boat. It was a one hour tour by the statue, Ellis Island and then the Manhattan skyline.
After the boat ride we had a guided tour through town. Guide did a better job of pointing out buildings and sites. We arrived back at the port at 6 but there was a long line going through security to get back on the boat. We changed clothes and went to dinner in the MDR. Service and food were excellent again and we said our goodbyes to Simon, Ardel, and hostess Courtney. We went back to the room, changed clothes, putting the suitcases out by 10. The Viking Band was playing in Torshavn. When we walked in, we were the only people in the lounge. A few more drifted in but the ship was very empty. We called it a night at 11 but enjoyed the night view of NYC for a few moments.
Thursday, Oct 18. NYC
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| Our view! |
We met our guide for the day, Remo,
from Tours By Locals at 11:30 and we were off for our “Off the beaten path” tour. Greenwich Village, Soho, Little Italy, China Town, and then Times Square, ending in front of Macy’s.
At the end of the tour we walked down to Madison Square Garden and Penn Train Station and then back to our hotel room.
We talked to the Concierge about a restaurant recommendation and she suggested Mercato, a family owned Italian restaurant not too far from the hotel. She said we wouldn’t need reservations. Glad we went early, don’t think we would have been seated if we had gone later. Food was excellent. Great recommendation!
After dinner we headed to Steven Sondheim Theater to see Beautiful. We had great seats, 4th row on the left. Beautiful did not disappoint, it was awesome. After the show we wandered back to our hotel enjoying
Times Square at night.
Friday, October 19 NYC
Breakfast was included in our hotel so we ate downstairs and met our guide Gary Dennis at 9. We booked Gary through Tours By Local and he was awesome.
We started in Times Square visiting several theaters, giving us a lot of history on the different theaters and the rise and fall of Broadway in NYC.
We then visited Rockefeller Plaza, walking through NBC studio building, saw where the Christmas tree is placed, the skating rink,
then to St Patrick’s Cathedral. No events were going on, so we were able to walk through the beautiful church. Stained glass was really nice.
Subway time and a stop at Central Park. Before walking through the park, Gary pointed out the apartment building, The Dakota, where John Lennon lived and was killed.
We walked for awhile through the park,
heading to the fountain, Angel of the Waters in Bethesda Terrace. Angel of the Waters was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1868 and dedicated in 1873.
Onward to Bow Bridge which is the first cast iron bridge in the Park and the 2nd oldest in America. The bridge was built between 1859 and 1862 and is named for its shape, similar to the bow of an archer or violinist. The bridge connects Cherry HIll with the woodland of the Ramble.
Back on the subway, our destination the 911 Memorial. We exited and walked through the Oculus or shopping mall. The design by Spanish architest Santiago Calatrave was inspired by the image of a dove being released from a child's hand. It is very white, furturistic and creates an air of solitude.
Next the fountains.
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| Bradford pear tree that survived 911 |
Our last stop, via the subway, was Grand Central Station. We spent quite a bit of time here, Gary pointing out several interesting rooms and history.
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| Our guide Gary |
Gary left us here and we stayed at the station to eat lunch. The restaurants are all local establishments. We chose The Oyster Bar and Restaurant and it did not disappoint. I had New England clam chowder and Greg had Manhattan. We shared an order of blue point oysters and fried calamari. Every thing tasted very good but the oysters were extra special good.
We walked back to the hotel and did something very unusual, we both fell asleep! We left for the Gershwin Theater for Wicked. Wicked certainly lived up to all the wonderful reviews.
After the show we stopped for Pizza at Joe’s, recommended by our guide yesterday, Remo.
Saturday, October 20. NYC to Niagara Falls
We checked out of the hotel a little before 9, grabbed a taxi to Hertz Rental. Taxi driver wasn’t happy about the short drive but it was too far to walk with large suitcases. It took longer to get the car than it should have but everyone was friendly and we were off. We only had a few blocks until we were out of downtown and headed through the Lincoln Tunnel. Half way through the tunnel, the low tire light comes on and back left tire is down to 19 lbs of pressure. Fingers crossed that we would make it out of the tunnel and we did. Pulled into the first station we could find and aired up the tire. It wasn’t long before it started losing air so we pulled off in East Stroudsburg, PA, and found Marvis Discount Tire. They said they could look at it but it would be an hour. An hour turned into 2.5 hours, the tire had a slash in it and had to be replaced. After a phone call to Hertz, they agreed to replace the tire. We walked to the old train station and ate lunch at Trackside Station Grill and Bar. Service was excellent and food was good. The town was quaint, very clean, and everyone was super friendly.
We were off but lost a lot of time. We ran into rain most of the rest of the trip, temperature falling from mid 50’s to high 40’s.
Countryside was pretty but we didn’t start seeing fall foliage until right before losing the sun. The last 2 hours was slow going on the 2 lane roads with rain and poor visibility. We crossed into Canada at Peace Bridge with a bit of wait but not too bad. We were glad to see the Marriott Hotel. When we drove in there were cars everywhere, it looked like a convention had just arrived but we walked right up to the reception desk and was helped immediately. After getting to the room we immediately opened the window to see our view of the falls. Pretty impressive!
After settling in, we walked across the street to eat at Tony Ramas. Another good meal. We came back to the room and enjoyed watching the Falls with the colors changing. Our room is huge, especially after the Hampton in NYC. We have a gas fireplace and two chairs that face the window, so you can just sit and watch the Falls. A huge jacuzzi tub too.
We were off but lost a lot of time. We ran into rain most of the rest of the trip, temperature falling from mid 50’s to high 40’s.
Countryside was pretty but we didn’t start seeing fall foliage until right before losing the sun. The last 2 hours was slow going on the 2 lane roads with rain and poor visibility. We crossed into Canada at Peace Bridge with a bit of wait but not too bad. We were glad to see the Marriott Hotel. When we drove in there were cars everywhere, it looked like a convention had just arrived but we walked right up to the reception desk and was helped immediately. After getting to the room we immediately opened the window to see our view of the falls. Pretty impressive!
After settling in, we walked across the street to eat at Tony Ramas. Another good meal. We came back to the room and enjoyed watching the Falls with the colors changing. Our room is huge, especially after the Hampton in NYC. We have a gas fireplace and two chairs that face the window, so you can just sit and watch the Falls. A huge jacuzzi tub too.
Sunday, Oct 21st. Niagara Falls
Totally lazy this morning and slept in, skipping breakfast. We went down and picked up 2 passes for We-Go busses, which were complimentary with our room. We waited about 25 minutes for the blue bus, which took us to the visitor center. We walked around taking pictures
then went to the entrance of “behind the Falls”. We had bought tickets online so we went in but were sent back to get paper tickets. So, don’t bother buying the online tickets because you still have to wait in line. No line today but I would have been upset if it had been a busy day. Oh well, we were given our yellow slickers and off. Greg’s comment, “Is this all there is?” View here wasn’t any better than other observation points.
We ate lunch at Elements, the restaurant in the Visitor’s Center. Way too much food, OMG the serving size was huge!! Food was very good, especially the soup.
We then walked to the boat ride.
This time our online tickets let us go straight to the entrance. We walked down the ramp, was given our red slicker and walked on the boat. We were a small group so no problem getting a good spot for pictures. We chose to go to the back on the top level and it proved to be a good spot. his excursion was worth the time and money and we stayed pretty dry.
The bus stop was right across the street so we headed there. The bus came quickly this time and we saw a good bit of the town before going back to the hotel. Dinner tonight was at Morton's Steakhouse. We had reservations for 7:30 so we had plenty of time to change clothes and sit and enjoy the falls from our room.
Dinner was very good but man it was expensive. I didn't order the baked potato with my steak because it was $11. We each had a small salad and steak with no sides and two rounds of wines each, over $250. But, it was good.
then went to the entrance of “behind the Falls”. We had bought tickets online so we went in but were sent back to get paper tickets. So, don’t bother buying the online tickets because you still have to wait in line. No line today but I would have been upset if it had been a busy day. Oh well, we were given our yellow slickers and off. Greg’s comment, “Is this all there is?” View here wasn’t any better than other observation points.
We ate lunch at Elements, the restaurant in the Visitor’s Center. Way too much food, OMG the serving size was huge!! Food was very good, especially the soup.
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| A new beer |
We then walked to the boat ride.
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| American falls |
This time our online tickets let us go straight to the entrance. We walked down the ramp, was given our red slicker and walked on the boat. We were a small group so no problem getting a good spot for pictures. We chose to go to the back on the top level and it proved to be a good spot. his excursion was worth the time and money and we stayed pretty dry.
The bus stop was right across the street so we headed there. The bus came quickly this time and we saw a good bit of the town before going back to the hotel. Dinner tonight was at Morton's Steakhouse. We had reservations for 7:30 so we had plenty of time to change clothes and sit and enjoy the falls from our room.
Dinner was very good but man it was expensive. I didn't order the baked potato with my steak because it was $11. We each had a small salad and steak with no sides and two rounds of wines each, over $250. But, it was good.
Monday, October 22nd. Niagara Falls to Cooperstown
We got up and moving early so we would have plenty of time to wander through the Finger Lake region. The area is known for its Riesling wine and Greg had saved an article from Travel and Leisure about wineries in the Finger Lake Region so we were in search of wine. It was only 10:30 but what the heck, we stopped at Ravines winery just outside of Geneva. They had 5 different Rieslings to try and wine is being shipped home.
We stopped at the Visitor Center in Geneva and took pictures of Seneca Lake and picked up a map showing all the wineries around the lakes.
We took a road less traveled route and stumbled on a second winery, Boundary Breaker, and I had 6 choices and Greg tasted 3 red wines. More wine is being shipped!! This wine ended up being my favorite/
We continued on the road, stopping at a restaurant, Danos Heuriger, suggested in the Travel and Leisure article. The restaurant featured Viennese food. We both order a cup of Goulash with spatzle and we shared a sausage sampler plate. Good recommendation.
We continued the drive through small communities to Cooperstown. Scenery was pretty, with some color, but not as much as we had hoped. Staying tonight at the Holiday Inn Express and again the room is really big.
We stopped at the Visitor Center in Geneva and took pictures of Seneca Lake and picked up a map showing all the wineries around the lakes.
We took a road less traveled route and stumbled on a second winery, Boundary Breaker, and I had 6 choices and Greg tasted 3 red wines. More wine is being shipped!! This wine ended up being my favorite/
We continued on the road, stopping at a restaurant, Danos Heuriger, suggested in the Travel and Leisure article. The restaurant featured Viennese food. We both order a cup of Goulash with spatzle and we shared a sausage sampler plate. Good recommendation.
We continued the drive through small communities to Cooperstown. Scenery was pretty, with some color, but not as much as we had hoped. Staying tonight at the Holiday Inn Express and again the room is really big.
After settling in, we ate at Upstate Bar and Grill. Not many patrons but the food was good and our server very attentive. Good dining choice!
Tuesday, October 23. Cooperstown
After breakfast downstairs in the hotel, we headed to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Cooperstown is small, quaint and picturesque village. Hard to imagine it handling the summer tourists. The museum was not busy at all. They stamp your hand so you can come and go all day. We arrived around 9:30, watched the 15 min introductory film, and visited floors 2 and 3 before lunch.
The guy at the front desk suggested Cooley’s, an Irish pub around the corner. Didn’t have to twist Greg’s arm! Not sure why it was Irish, soup of the day was Italian wedding soup, and the only Irish offering was Guinness but food was plentiful and good. I had a Rueben and Greg ordered wings.
After lunch we completed our museum tour on the first floor where the gallery of plaques is located. After spending money in the gift shop, we stopped at a shop down the street and spent more money.
We saw a sign for Fenimore Art Museum and learned that Fenimore Cooper grew up here and his father founded the town. We drove around the country side, seeing some fall colors and very pretty settings. We did find the museum but it was closing in 30 min so we just drove by. We were impressed with the number of really large, impressive homes that appear to be rather old but in beautiful shape today.
Dinner tonight was at Nicoletta’s. Really nice restaurant and good food. Starvation starts Thursday after 3 weeks of fine dining.
The guy at the front desk suggested Cooley’s, an Irish pub around the corner. Didn’t have to twist Greg’s arm! Not sure why it was Irish, soup of the day was Italian wedding soup, and the only Irish offering was Guinness but food was plentiful and good. I had a Rueben and Greg ordered wings.
After lunch we completed our museum tour on the first floor where the gallery of plaques is located. After spending money in the gift shop, we stopped at a shop down the street and spent more money.
We saw a sign for Fenimore Art Museum and learned that Fenimore Cooper grew up here and his father founded the town. We drove around the country side, seeing some fall colors and very pretty settings. We did find the museum but it was closing in 30 min so we just drove by. We were impressed with the number of really large, impressive homes that appear to be rather old but in beautiful shape today.
Dinner tonight was at Nicoletta’s. Really nice restaurant and good food. Starvation starts Thursday after 3 weeks of fine dining.
Wed October 24th. Cooperstown to JFK to DFW
When we checked in, we found out the plane is no longer leaving at 6. It is leaving at 3, so we were up early and on our way. Traffic was pretty heavy and we saw some crazy drivers, even in the countryside. We also saw more fall colors than we had seen since Canada.
When we checked in, we found out the plane is no longer leaving at 6. It is leaving at 3, so we were up early and on our way. Traffic was pretty heavy and we saw some crazy drivers, even in the countryside. We also saw more fall colors than we had seen since Canada.
Made it to JFK. Ladies at Hertz were super friendly and took us straight to the terminal because of the tire damage earlier in the trip. No hassle flight and arrived in Dallas on time. Nice end to a great trip.
