Saint John New Brunswick, Canada

 



Saint John, New Brunswick (for the Bay of Fundy) 
    
Saint John, Canada's oldest settlement is the gateway to the scenic wonders of New Brunswick. One of Canada's oldest provinces, New Brunswick remains remarkably unspoiled: 85 percent of the province remains unsettled. New Brunswick boasts vast forests, purling streams, gentle hills, rich farmlands, and a spectacular coastline dotted by historic towns. Nature also blessed the area with one of her most astonishing phenomena: the reversing River Rapids. The fierce tides of the Bay of Fundy rise with such force that they actually cause the St. John River to reverse direction and its waters to flow upstream. Saint John's history dates to 1604, when the Sieur de Champlain landed nearby on the feast day of Saint John the Baptist. After the American Revolution, American Loyalists flocked to the area. Saint John became a thriving industrial port. But the catastrophic fire of 1877, declining commerce and decades of neglect gave the town a sad and careworn look for decades. That changed in recent years. Redevelopment of the waterfront and the old district has restored Saint John's charm and its sense of history.
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[Friday, 26 September] to put the clocks forward an hour.    We are thoroughly enjoying the cooked breakfasts.    Don't feel hungry for dinner.    We went down at 9 a.m. to get on the Pink Hop on Hop Off Bus.

The Bus

 
Took the City Route A first, very hilly, beautiful day 21 degrees.   Toured the town not a lot of interest unless we wanted to look at Churches or Museums or go shopping very short route.

The Towns Parks were very nice.

Towns Parks

Got on the B Loop which took us out of town much more interesting.

First lake was the Fisher Lake and the Rockwood Park very pretty.

Fisher Lake

Proceeded across bridge to Fort Howe and saw the Carleton Martello Tower (National Historic Site of Canada. 

Carleton - Martello Tower

Martello Tower

Then caught the next bus to Wolastog Park and Reversing Rapids Falls. 

Margaret at the Falls

There were 120 Steps to the Falls

Bridge above the Rapid Falls

From the top - Road

Saint Johns has the largest tidal system in the world, we had to come in on the tide and go out of the tide in our Boat to Saint Johns.

We went to the falls where the water builds up with the tide and as the tide goes out creates Whirlpools, unfortunately we were a little early, the tide was building up as we left.   We walked to the bottom near the water which was 120 steps and then had to climb back up.

These tides are so powerful (they change a foot a minute!) that they actually reverse the flow of the St. John River.   How does the river go backwards?   The bay is shaped like a tunnel and when the turbulent tides meet the rushing waters of the St John River head on there's no place to go but back upstream.

Autumn colours just coming on Trees



We then caught the next bus back to the ship and walked around some streets before boarding the ship and going through all the procedures on boarding the ship.     We need to show copies of our passports ever time we board the ship and our cards are swiped through a machine.

Margaret with Picaroons

The top of the line Restaurant $25.00 a head is advertising New Zealand Lamb.

The Swimming pools and spa pools are good. 

The ship leaves early today at 4 p.m. because of the tide.

There is 24 New Zealander's on the ship, we have not met any yet.   The drying in the bathroom is excellent.  Something I have noticed is that people are filling thermos Flasks with hot water and take it back to their Cabins for Hot Drinks.    

Portland, Maine

 

Portland was founded in 1632 by the British as a fishing and trading post and named Casco. In 1658 the name was changed to Falmouth and Portland was put on the map in 1786. While Portland's name has changed over the years the essence of the area has not changed. Today, Portland still remains a vibrant fishing and commercial port, Maine's largest city, and its cultural, social and economic capital.

From the renovated Old Port with its brick sidewalks and cobblestone streets to the quaint seaside village of Kennebunkport, the summer home of President George H. Bush, Portland and the surrounding area have something for everyone. Photographers are sure to delight at the photo opportunities including the Portland Head Lighthouse and the picturesque White Mountains on the Cog Railway. Shoppers will enjoy the Old Port and downtown area that feature many unique boutiques, shops, galleries and restaurants. Outdoor enthusiast will surely want to visit the world-renowned outdoor outfitter L.L. Bean® and the many other brand name outlets in nearby Freeport, Maine.
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[Thursday, 25 September]   We had an early rise this morning had to be ready by 7 a.m. for a tour of the Highlights of Portland and Lighthouses.

Lighthouse

A long walk off the boat probably close to a mile before we even reached the buses.     There were many buses waiting to take people on their respective tours.      The one thing we have noticed if you go early on sightseeing tours then you don't have to compete with others when wanting to take photos of things.

The weather was beautiful went through Portland the very pretty seaside town and passed many 2 story nice homes and gardens dating back to the 1920 or before.

This is the Tallest building in Portland


Tallest building in Portland

Stopped at Port William Lighthouse and walked around there.

National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark
American Society of Civil Engineers 1852

Portland Head Light

Portland Head light was the first lighthouse completed and put into service by the Federal Government under the Lighthouse Act of 1789.

Completed 1791 and Designated 2002.



Lighthouse

Nice gardens and places to sit and relax there.

Gardens at the Lighthouse

I met Captain Hook for Leo

When we were walking back to the ship we went passed lots of stalls.




Also there was a lot of craft shops which were excellent.  There was this fence with all Love Locks attached to it.    Very impressive.   There were also a lot of Restaurants and Ice Cream Shops.

Portland



Fence with Love Locks

Returned around 10.00 a.m. to the Ship went abroad through security again and had a cup of tea and went to cabin to get Ipad and Notebook and then off to Starbucks to send this.

Went to our cabin when we arrived back, and then went and had a cup of tea, and went to tea early as we wanted to watch some entertainment.     We went to the Michelangelo Restaurant for tea,     We sat with a couple from New Mexico and a couple from out of Los Angeles.   The couple from Los Angeles have done many cruises mostly with the Princess Group.

We first of all watched the violinist do his recital with the pianist who is excellent.     The violinist is
doing a tour of Australia and New Zealand in the next 2 years.    We watched Krill (Russian Acrobatic Performer doing balancing acts on moving pipes.   This is the same performer with the cube. 

Balancing on Pipes

We then watched the Show Time Performers singing and dancing.  By this time it was 11 p.m. and today was going to be a shorter day as we had to put the clocks forward as we were going into Canada.

Boston, Massachusetts

 

Hailed as the "Cradle of American Independence," Boston is filled with historic sites. Boston was America's first great city. In the 19th century, Boston was rightly described as the "Athens of America." Today this city of 800,000 retains its vitality, combining historic districts with revitalized urban centers while remaining faithful to its venerable roots. It is a city every American should visit at least once. Follow the Freedom Trail along three of the most historic miles in the country. See the site of the Boston Tea Party, trace the route of Paul Revere's famous ride, and stand on the bridge where Minutemen fired "the shot heard 'round the world." In the old Charleston Navy Yard you can see the USS Constitution, the nation's oldest commissioned warship.
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[Wednesday, 24 September]

 Another good day weather wise but getting a bit colder in the afternoon.

Not as early rise this morning, as boat did not arrive in port at Boston until 10 a.m.

We had planned a Hop on Hop Off  Bus Tour of Boston.

Boston Trolley Bus and Margaret

After Breakfast we went and followed up on excursions that we had received from them that were unavailable (3 excursions).

First one to queue in line at 7.45 a.m. They were opening the office at 8 a.m. By the time they opened up at least 6 people were waiting and more were arriving. We sorted out the excursions for the rest of the boat trip (sometimes having to leave a lot early than we had asked for). We had the same girl serve us this time as we had had previously. Very helpful girl and was from Manchester and signs on for 6 months and then goes home for a break and then signs up again for another stint. They work very long hours.

Made our way to leave ship, having our room cards scanned and photo taken and then proceeded off ship to where our Trolley Bus was leaving from.  Handed in our tickets and were issued with green stickers advising our Trolley Bus colour.

Points of interest on our Bus Trip were The Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, Faneuil Hall, the Old State House, Boston Common and Public Garden - home to the famous Swan Boats, Trinity Church, Beacon Hill, the Cheers Bar, Fenway Park, the Prudential Centre and Centre and Copley Square and the Quincy Market.   We did a full circuit which took 2 hours.

State Capitol

Our first stop was at Quincy Market and Faneuil Hall.  There were many shops and long food hall with lots of ethnic food available and dining experiences.  There were lots and lots of people there.

Boston from the Ship first thing in the morning

Boston

Margaret at Quincy Market

Quincy Market

We then asked if there was any free internet in this area and were advised that Starbucks had free internet. We were astounded by the number of people there just sitting and typing and doing work in their cafe.  I ordered a cup of coffee and had this while updating the blog and checking on emails.

We did not see a McDonalds there at all and have not seen a KFC in USA.

Hopped on the Trolley Bus and returned to Ship and then recommenced the loop again. Saw the Red Sox's Stadium the oldest pro Baseball Stadium in USA. Crossed the Boston Marathon finish line and saw the place where the Bombing took place.

Red Sox's Stadium

Saw the replicas of the Boats involved in the Boston Tea Party.  

Boston Teapot

Botanical Gardens

There was a large area called Freedom Gardens where individuals were issued with a plot which they could plant what ever they liked. If they did not care for it they lost the rights to it, and there is a waiting list for gardens.

Freedom Gardens

President Truman asked all towns in USA to have one after the Second World War.

Saw the Restaurant where JFK proposed to Jacky-O. Photos in the windows.

There was a street with terraced housing on both sides, one side was a lot more expensive than the other owing to not getting much sun on one side.










Stopped at Cheers Pub from the TV Show.

Cheers Restaurant and Gift Shop

Returned to Ship and commenced procedures again. All bags have to be x-rayed and body scanned. I have trouble every time with this because of my knees, and are taken aside and rescanned.

The Sea has been very calm and hopefully it carries on. Had a cup of tea and then will have a shower for tea and shows.

We had a early tea and went to a show.

A violinist who has been on cruise ships for 11 years and does around 35 cruise ships a year. His rendition of Danny Boy and Fiddler on the Roof were superb.

The show went for about an hour and the theatre was full.

Watched a performer who had a pipe cube about 2 metres square which he spun around his body and over his head and through his legs at great speed.

Then went to a disco in another bar where we watched a game show, then a disco and then returned to our cabin as we have an early rise tomorrow morning.

Newport, Rhode Island

In the 19th century, Newport was America's Versailles. It was here that the great merchant princes and robber barons of the Gilded Age erected the elaborate summerhouses they so ingenuously dubbed "cottages." At the height of its splendor, a Newport season was a giddy whirl of grand fêtes, yacht races and elaborate beach picnics for assorted Vanderbilts, Astors and Morgans. Today, it is the privileged traveler who marvels at the splendor of great mansions like The Breakers, The Elms, or Rosecliff. Gone are the days when "Tessie" Oelrichs, one of Newport's fabled hostesses, had 12 skeleton ships anchored offshore and dramatically lit for her legendary "White Ball."
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[Tuesday, 23 September] Had wake up call at 6 a.m. went to Deck 15 at top for Buffet Breakfast, everything possible available, weather beautiful.

Went through disembarkment procedure, boarded tender boat for our Trip to Newport (Rhode Island)


Tender Boat

Went on 2 hour Bus Trip through along coastline where America defended the Americas Cup for over 100 years.


Bus

Proceeded through very stately Homes where Jackie Onassis parents home was as well as President Ike Eisenhower and JFK had retreats while President.

At Newport also is the International Tennis Hall of Fame & Museum.

Many of the Homes are valued in the 10 million bracket.

Margaret at Wharf

Bill at the Wharf

Homes

Lovely Bay

Homes

On return to wharf went for a walk and returned to Tender Boat about 12.00 to take us to the Cruise Ship.

Walking around the Wharf after Bus trip

Margaret asked porters who attend too rooms how to distinguish between one side of the boat to the other when trying to find our cabin. Our side has red stripe carpet and even numbers only. We have a Exit in black or dark blue outside our cabin which also helps.

Carpet in the Corridor outside our Cabin

Our post Box outside our Cabin

Corridors

Got home and down load some photos and had a rest and Bill went for a swim and spa, both had Ice cream. Bill had a bit of Pizza for lunch.

Got ready for tea and went to a up mark restaurant. Sat with a two couples a Canadian Retired Farmer and a Texan.

Meals were superb.

Went to Theatre and watched singers and dancers and pyro display. Very nice.

Heard some jazz music and found the area and watched this show, and waited to watch it again.
Great musicians.

Excellent Musicians



  







Cruise - Ruby Princess

Our Cruise starts today.

Our Cruise

Ruby Princess

New York City (Manhattan or Brooklyn), New York

A leading global city, New York exerts a powerful influence over worldwide commerce, finance, culture and fashion, and entertainment. The city consists of five boroughs and an intricate patchwork of neighbourhoods. Some of these include Lower Manhattan and the New York Stock Exchange, Battery Park and South Street Seaport, Chinatown, trendy SoHo and Greenwich Village, along with Little Italy, the flat Iron District and Gramercy Park. Famous Central Park covers 843 acres of paths, ponds, lakes and green space within the asphalt jungle. Many districts and landmarks have become well-known to outsiders. Nearly 170 languages are spoken in the city and over 35% of its population was born outside the United States.
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This morning [Monday, 22 September] we had a quiet  morning and finished our packing and went to the foyer at 12.00 p.m. to wait for our Sedan which had been arranged in New Zealand and paid for, of which we had confirmed on our arrival in New York.

Hotel Foyer in New York

Waiting for the Limo

Outside our Hotel in New York

Limo arrived and we informed the driver that we needed to go to the Brooklyn Wharf to catch the Princess Cruise. 

He took us to the Manhattan Wharf, we realised it was not the pier for our Cruise Ship, he refused to take us to Brooklyn Wharf unless we paid him $30.00 US Dollars.    We had no choice but to pay.  House of Travel will be hearing about this.    His English was very limited and he did not know how to get to get to Brooklyn Pier.  Spoke to his Boss on the phone but got no satisfaction.    Finally arrived at Brooklyn Pier and started the embarkment process.

First reporting in and getting name tags for our suitcases, and then filling in forms re colds etc. and then lined up and waited our turn to see the attendant.   We were given our cards to our cabin of which are scanned before departure and return and our photo taken.

Proceeded abroad to find our location of cabin and deck with some difficulty.  



Cabin with Port window

We have necessary papers put in a holder outside the cabin each day of where we are and what is happening on the ship.

Unpacked and went to explore.  Huge ship booked an excusion to Newport and Boston, some excursions are very expensive.

All people had to attend Life raft drill with their life jackets from their rooms.  If you did not attend this session you were advised to attend another session.   All cabin cards were scanned at this point of time. 

We went for a Buffet tea on the top deck (15).       Had people from Canada sit with us at our table.

 

Centre of Boat

Manhattan in the Back ground when leaving port

Manhattan from the Ship

Ship and one of the swimming pools

On one of the decks 

Another swimming pool

Taken from the Ship