PORTS
OF CALL THOUGHTS:
With
the exception of Quebec City which I visited in 1967 all of
these ports of call are new to me.
We
stop at Halifax on both legs of the cruise.
Portland
Maine is our first stop and it is also my
birthday – that will be celebrated with some of the others cruisers
with a dinner party in one of the main dining rooms – there a some
other cruisers who also have birthdays etc among my Cruise Critic
friends.
There
is a fair amount to see in the town and if I do an excursion it will
likely be to see Kennebunkport – where the Bush family have one of
their estates. There is also a lighthouse tour that interests me.
Halifax
– This is also our first Canadian port of call so some Customs and
Immigration inspection is required- is a great walking city with lots
of history fairly close by – the Citadel is a short walk away. Much
of what I decide to do here will depend on the weather – I want to
get out to Peggy's Cove so might do a tour to there and then walk the
City. The Hop on Hop off bus doesn't get good reviews so probably
won't take it – will have the advantage on the return portion to
see what I miss on this leg – that could include the Titanic
cemetery.
Charlottetown
is our first tender port as there is another ship in town. While
there are a good number of ship's excursions none offer all that I
want to see – most concentrate on Anne of Green Gables and Avalone
which doesn't interest me.
I
will probably rent a car here – being in Canada it is much easier
and less hassle that in non – Canadian ports.
My
intended route will take me to PEI National Park and its parks,
beaches and lighthouses – will visit Cavendish and then head for
Summerside and see the Confederation Bridge and return to
Charlottetown and spend the remainder of the time walking the town
and seeing the history. Will likely use my TA to arrange the car
rental.
Gaspesie
– this will likely be a ship's excursion – possibly the best of
Gaspe and Forillon National Park although that one is pretty pricey
so might just do a walking or hiking tour in the Park and explore the
town with the remaining time – while seeing the Perce rock is
desirable I won't be able to fit it and the Park in during the visit.
Saguenay
– I believe we actually dock in La Baie which is part of the
Greater Saguenay area – my interest here lies in an ships' either
walking or hiking tour of Saguenay National Park as you get to see
some of the fjord.
Quebec
City –
this the turn around point on this back to back cruise and a City I
am very much hoping to enjoy – I will go out to Montmorency Falls –
either by bus or taxi – it's only a few miles from town and then
return and take in as much of the old town as time permits – there
is a 5km broadwalk with lots to explore and then up to the upper town
and explore until I drop for tomorrow is a sea day.
Cornerbrook
– there is really only one real good place to visit and that is
Gros Morne National Park – it is a good 90 minute each way but is
on my must do list – it is also expensive - $179.00 but I can't
find any tours that go out that way – likely all reserved by the
cruise line and their customers.
Sydney
– this is another tender port – there are some good ship's tour
but I might also decide to rent a car here as well – choice is
between seeing Fortress of Louisborg – or seeing some of Cape
Breton and Bras d'or Lakes and the Alexander Bell museum – I lend
towards the latter.
Halifax
– will do what I missed or weather caused me to miss.
Saint
John –
the number one thing here is the Bay of Fundy tides and seeing the
Reversing Falls – the latter are near the cruise dock so will do
either first thing or before re boarding the ship – Saint John has
lots of history right in the downtown core – whether I see the
tides or Hopewell Rocks will depend on the weather and whether I want
to spend 2 – 3 hours on a bus.
Bar
Harbour –
this is our last stop – it is a tender port and our point of
re-entry to the US – the main attraction here is Acadia National
Park – there are Hop on Hop off buses – shuttles etc – it is
also a good biking location – Cadillac Mt is the high point –
will likely do some of this as a DIY day – lots of interesting
things in the town.
There
you have my thoughts at the moment of what I might do at each of the
ports.
Cheers!
