Cruising up to Canada on NCL, then back to New York before heading home to Southampton on the QM2
Off the QM2 early and managed to get the ferry from Red Hook, right next to the QM2. by 8 o’clock.
The weather is amazing, it was fairly cool at first but as the day progresses the sun came out and it was quite warm. Walked through the streets dragging our suitcase behind us but it wasn’t a problem fairly straightforward, going from East to West. Foot traffic quite light and our cases had been trimmed down to the bare minimum.
Set the mobile telephone up to receive 3, on our uk mobile network to enable us to do a video link, but not sure if that’s going to be possible because the speed seems fairly slow. In fact one of my Internet connections doesn’t seem to be connecting to my email, it’s just not working. Frustrating, technology that doesn’t work.
Will have to wait and see nearer the time because we’ve got the video call booked for 12.20 but at this rate we’re going to be at the Norwegian Joy by about 11am if not before.
Took the opportunity to pop in to Chase bank to get our US credit cards activated. Might need it on this trip.
Then on towards the port, getting rather warm, in fact getting too warm.
Reach the park which is an area heaving with the homeless and down at heal. Desperate for the loo, so have to use the toilets in the park which to be honest are quite dreadful. it’s a good job I can hold my nose, and avert my eyes from the absolute mess around me.
Walked across the road and into the terminal and there’s already quite a few people waiting to board. Asked one of the stewards if there is anywhere we could take a covid test but she advises that it wasn’t possible to have our own test in the hall, we would have to go outside. She did point out that they did have their own testing facilities available at $75 if necessary. So we headed back out to try and connect. But as l thought, the connection kept dropping, so decided to opt for the NCL test.
On our return to the departures hall it seemed to have filled to overflowing, so we queued and waited our turn. Eventually get to the desk and pass over all our information. Registration came to an abrupt halt when they realised we hadn’t had a Covid test and we were swiftly escorted to the testing centre.
Completed all the documents and then tried to sign into our credit card to pay, which the system kept rejecting as it didn’t recognise our postal code. Well the truth is, they didn’t have the facility to enter letters. US zips being totally numeric.
At one point they said they couldn’t do anything, but luckily for us one of the girls said she would sort it. Which she did.
Test taken, results negative, we returned to the desk.
By this time everyone had bordered, the hall was virtually empty.
Amazing ship the Norwegian joy, although perhaps too large for the elderly and infirm. Saying that, the mix of old and young surprised me, it’s virtually equally split 50-50.
Size wise its similar to the new Royal Caribbean ships, but the layout is so inspiring, bright and airy. No matter what your preferences you are certainly and adequately catered for. From a rustic loft bar serving craft beers to quiet cocktail lounges, to a Beatles nightclub featuring Paul Ringo John & George. If food is your want, you don’t have to go far. The variety available is mind blowing. American diners, Asian, Japanese, steak bar, French bistro, seafood, Texas ribs as well as the standard regular restaurants and buffets.
Excitement comes in all forms, they have the water sports, full sized go carts, laser tags along with shows and music galore.
So far every varied morsel that as passed our lips has been absolutely amazing.
Walk the decks to familiarise ourselves with what’s on offer. Blows your mind after the rather formal ageing product on the QM2.
The first speciality restaurant we visited was the Japanese Teppanyaki restaurant. The noise from the chefs singing, the rattling of their knives and the beating of seasoning tins on the stove‘s was all encompassing. The theatre of cooking at its best. The place was packed to capacity and initially the noise was overwhelming until you joined in, singing with the chefs and other diners. Cocooned in the atmosphere, smells, noise and the splendour of the chefs ability to throw knives and objects through the air. Pallet knives dissected whole raw eggs in mid air, before frying on the enormous griddles with onion and garlic and umpteen other ingredients prior to adding to the fried rice. This was just a preamble before the cooking of the steak and giant shrimps and scallops. Amazing. It also tasted delicious.
Due to the hurricane that ran up through the Caribbean, America and continued on into Canada our trip to Charlottetown and Sydney were cancelled. Instead we arrived in Corner Brook Newfoundland.
What a magnificent passage, passed spectacular scenery. Small enclaves dotted along the coastline. Magical.
The ship moved slowly into port. Say port, it was just a cargo dock with a few wooden cabins dotted along the quayside which have been turned into tourist shops.
The people are very pleasant. We walked around the lake, although parts of it were closed due to work in progress. Ran into Quite a few passengers mainly Americans from the ship, who had become disoriented and totally lost. So we helped them back on the right track, back to our hotel on the water, a safe abode.
Once they had the ship in their sights we left them to their own devices and headed to the town centre. Four buildings, comprising of the town hall, museum, couple of shops and a library. The latter providing internet access. So we spent 15 minutes catching up. Mainly removing old emails, nothing of any consequence. Just offers selling more NCL cruises.
Two days of listening to the eerie sound of the ships foghorn. Mist clings to the Marie Celeste as we head for our next port.
Everyone is downstairs enjoying the various activities as we stretch our legs on the running track.
Relaxing day reading walking, playing cards, then chatting to John and Claire before heading down for a shower.
Went to Cagney’s steak restaurant, a posh and expensive restaurant. Yet it didn’t have the quiet sophistication of a refined restaurant. Nevertheless it did have a wireless to die for with prices to match. $27 for a glass of wine.
So pleased I took my own craft IPA in with me. Although the price didn’t seem to put off people splashing out on bottles and glasses of wine. What did amaze me was tge number of guests who once finished, simply walked away leaving half full glasses of wine on the table.
The food was excellent.
The smallest steak was a 16oz rib eye, so we decided to order one between us along with a plate of shrimp and a Caesar salad.
The rib-eye was so soft and juicy, just melted in the mouth. And the flavour, truly beautiful.
The server pushed me into having a pudding, a deep dish apple pie with cream and ice cream. Too much. Paid for it afterwards with a bloated extended over full stomach to drag around with me for the rest of the evening.
Met four lovely ladies from the Deep South playing Mexican Train. A beautiful small travel set with numbers instead of dots.
We didn’t need asking twice to join them. Super time had by all. Will be looking out for them in the future.
Wednesday 28th September 2023
Awake in Halifax and it’s still thick fog, so we have breakfast and wait for it to clear.
Our Indonesian barman keeps us occupied talking about his home, religion and life at home. His money is sent home to keep his three children at school. Typical of most of the crew, trying to support their children by giving them a better education with more opportunities. He’s Judith’s new best friend. When ever he sees us he sidles over for a chat.
Eventually the fog lifted and we headed out along the timber clad Broadwalk.
The Cruise sip Mein Schmidt was in alongside us, full of Germans. so it was great to be free of the 7000 to 10,000 other cruise passengers and head over the water. The Norwegian joy holds over 5000, from all accounts it’s running with only 3000, possibly due to the fact that there has to have area set aside for Covid infections and the need to isolate
Caught the local ferry over to Davenport . A small community across the water. The fog had completely lifted by now and the temperature was high enough to shed our puffer jackets. Popped into the bank to get some cash. Needed it to get back on the ferry, then followed the town circular route through old timber clad houses and over the canal that was once used to generate a pulley system to drag Railfreight up the hill from the port.
After a good and interesting walk we headed back to the ferry, partaking in a fresh cookie, washed down with a glorious freshly made black coffee.
When back on the mainland we walk through the network of old and Rene acted buildings, visiting art galleries and the odd shops. Then onto the wide broad walk back to the ship.
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On board we visit the local (name of a bar and restaurant that is located around the atrium)for a beer and burger, well that’s my choice. Judith Ops for a large glass of Argentinian white wine with her burger.
It’s amazing to watch the other cruisers from our prominent central island viewing position. Many of whom are on the rotund side. And l’m being kind with that description. They are not just overweight, they are enormous, possibly to the point of being morbidly obese. Obscene really. But it’s not surprising when you see the bucket loads of food they consume.
This is my own personal view l hasten to add. I’m aware that certain countries favour large men. It’s a sign of wealth and power, and definitely a ticket to an early and premature death.
It’s no wonder that cruise lines now have defibrillators positioned on every deck as a precaution for the inevitable. It won’t be long before they have a gurney positioned just out of sight at each food outlet.
The cruise lines are trying to move towards a healthier more eco-and sustainable position. But I can categorically say that they are definitely losing the battle, due entirely to the demand of the oversized, hungry and definitely wasteful cruiser out of New York.
29th Thursday.
The Sun is up although the cold wind is blowing a gale. Walk the decks to get a little exercise in between the visits to the buffet. The breakfasts are truly amazing, Asian and Indian along with the usual. But more than that is the types of French toast, pancakes, waffles and every type of bread and danish along with croissants, pan au Chocolate, roast ham, bacon, different types of sausages, eggs cooked any way, omelette stations, porridge, grits, cereals, freshly cut fruit, berries and nuts. In fact the choice is just unbelievable. And it wasn’t packed, no barging or pushing, possibly due to its size and the duplication of service areas. Truly amazing, Cunard could do with visiting the food service on board the Joy, it could learn a few things.
St Johns looked very boring as we sailed into port, but how wrong could we be.
Old buildings throughout the centre, and the quality of shops and restaurants were truly inspirational.
There must be some wealthy people around here to actually fill them. Walked up and down the road and leafy avenues admittedly as you got further away from the centre the condition of the older houses and properties deteriorated quite dramatically. Nevertheless very attractive.
They also treated us to a spectacular fireworks display as we left the port. We didn’t know anything about it, but the four ladies who we were meeting on a regular basis for cards and Mexican train told us about it. Watched from the comfort of the panoramic lounge at the front through the double height windows. A true spectacle.
The ladies, from the deep South, all widows, explained a new card game, hands and feet. similar card game to canasta, but with six packs of cards. Really interesting. All six packs are placed face down in the centre scattered with a bowl in the centre for discards.
Pick up 22 cards each and split into 2 x 11 packs. Play with the first 11 which is the head and the second 11 feet can only be used once the first 11 of been put down.
Friday 30th
Sunny spells, rather overcast and 11° so a bit chilly.
Sitting in the observation lounge looking out over a calm sea as we slowly make our way back to America and the city of Portland.
Observation lounge is an app name as it is an excellent place to observe the full cross-section of humanity pass before your eyes. Lolling heads of the elderly as they drift away, in total oblivion to the involuntary actions of the tongue protruding from the corner of their mouths. Others delving with a digital into the depths of their dentures, and then attempt to dislodge some of the detritus accumulated from the earlier gorging. Baby elephants, with clothes expanding to busting as they lumber into position on the loungers. The seats cringe under the pressure, distorting to take on the shape of the host.
It seems that this is the area to be seen in, although seating is limited and the air and flow of people vying for a seat is non-ending. It’s not just views that people hanker for, it’s also the constant supply Of nibbles including big gooey cakes and of course alcohol. Not that you see any obsessive drinkers, cocktails seem to flow on a regular basis throughout the day, starting with Mimosa (we call them Bucks Fizz )and of course the delicious bloody Mary.
as we get closer to port the incessant noise increases as each group jockeys for a position with the best view.
Is nearing lunch so alcohol consumption has come to a crescendo , staff are running from bar to table , trays full of cocktails, Harvey wall banger is, screwdrivers, heavy and orange juice and strong liquor. And a concoction of cream, Baileys, vodka and Kahlúa, topped with chocolate, called appropriately a Mudslide.
Can’t understand the cruise ship arrival and departure times. Saint Johns we don’t arrive until 12:30 pm, get off about 1 pm then the ship departs at midnight. The following day we arrive in Portland at midday. We had planned to get off the bus to L.L. Bean only to discover that we need to go through US immigration. And it seems that our time for going through the system isn’t until 4.30 in the afternoon. Bizarre to say the least.
In the end managed to get off in the first wave and caught the bus over to L.L. Bean about a 30 minute drive from Portland.
The drive was interesting, initially tracing the coast line, then heading inland through the marshes and wetlands. Great fishing area if you have a boat.
Then through attractive small white washed wooden villages before arriving at Freeport.
The home of LL Beam, the hunting, fishing and anything to with the outdoors super store. In fact the town hosts all the other main brands of walking and climbing clothing. A real Mecca for the outdoorsman or women.
There must have been a festival of some kind, it was chocker with tourists. A tented village had been erected selling all local produce, including the local maple syrup. Live music was bellowing out around the place and the sweet aroma of popcorn cooking floats through the air.
Had a brilliant time, although with parity between pound and the dollar, cloths were cheaper in the UK.
Most of the well know brands also had factory shops, but most merchandise had been brought in especially. Poor quality and limited sizes, either small or xxxL. Nevertheless still interesting to see the different styles from those found in Europe.
Did treat myself to a new fly box and a few fly’s.
On the subject of the pounds value abroad.
We have Liz Truss to thank for that. We have been watching BBC World News, and all the experts say that the Conservatives will be thrown out. The world has no confidence in the moves which the government have made to tackle the problems. A total lack of confidence in the methodology used by the PM to fund the hand outs.
Realistically how will any government cope with this problem only a few months ago Labourer said the government needed to hand out the cash. Now they have performed a total U-turn. The pound is going to be worth less and less and perhaps the bank will step in again and increase the interest rate to try and level it out. But both the government and the Bank of England are working against one another at present. It makes you wonder what the Conservative party members were thinking of when they chose her. Just trying to protect their own assets.
Anyway back to LL Beam an amazing hunting and shooting shop It makes me a little jealous. This part of the US is full of wilderness, as lots of the US are. Most outdoor sports are fairly easily accessible. Boats are relatively cheap and the gear is inexpensive. So much to choose from the choice is amazing. Although totally geared for the 4x4 enthusiast, the camping gear and accessories are bulky and heavy. And why not. If you have vehicles that are spacious and made for the terrain, and at the same time have comfortable gear.
Only down side is the lack of gun controls and the likelihood of being shot by a untrained red neck full of beer.
October, a new month and a new port, Boston.
In bright and early and as per usual it’s raining. Judith is suffering from a cold, so a lazy breakfast before we walk into the centre.
Decided to head for Chinatown for a change. We had seen most of the other areas on previous visits.
Once there we wondered why we had bothered, it was a dirty smelly unkempt area. Just made up of restaurants falling apart at the seams with garbage piling up in the gutter, a real slum. No real character nothing like Chinatown in other parts of the world. Very disappointing.
Then into the theatre area and a mixture of old buildings overshadowed by giant new skyscrapers.
The park in the centre was a lovely green oasis, yet occupied by meths and drug users. Quite threatening. A common theme that’s seems to be running through all cities around the world these days. Homeless people being drawn into substance abuse to obliterate their circumstances they find themselves in.
Walked back through the central green spaces of the freedom trail which ultimately leads down into dockland. This has been totally developed since we last visited in 2019. It seems that this is the new hip centre for shopping and entertaining. Busy with the young affluent set, a real contrast to the the old tired centre.
As we walk back to the boat there was an enormous area housing an event. Thousands of young things were queueing to get into the tented village. Think it was their October fest. State troopers were out in force directing traffic and people, while security guards were checking ID. Presumably to ensure they were over 21, the minimum age for drinking alcohol. It was heaving, a real buzz.
Back on board with only just enough time to shower and change f before our visit to the Asian Pacific restaurant. What a treat. Everything is prepared and cooked to order. You have an iPad on the table to view all the various dishes available. Most are shared dishes and you choose from various sections. Sushi, handheld, grills, sharing finger food, noodles , rice dishes, Dumplings, and to finish the so called Sugar Pump. decadent gooey sweets. In fact all our favourites to choose from. Well with the exception of the sweets.
Chose giant shrimp sushi, Ramen noodles with pork bell, shrimp pad Thai and some delicious grilled lamb chops. Delicate slices of best end of lamb cooked with a sticky sauce. Melted in the mouth. And the burst of flavour. Tremendous.
The whole experience was so good, we headed back the following day for another dinner.
There was an early morning mist in the air as we docked in New York. From around 3 am the captain had been using his side boosters to offset the strong winds. After a while you forgot all about it and went back to sleep.
We had a leisurely breakfast and headed off the ship at 9:30, all the mad rush had subsided, a very easy disembarkation. Especially as the inbound inspections by border control had already taken place in Portland.
Our hotel was in the old Tudor village. A Gothic style high-rise close to the United Nations on the East side of Manhattan. The Westgate was very comfortable, large bedrooms with all the facilities you could ever wish for.
On the way to the hotel we past the theatre showing Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. On the off chance popped in and managed to get two tickets at $159 each in the orchestra pit.
In different circumstances it could’ve been a noisy seat selection, what with sharing with the violins and cellist's, but the only noise came from the multitude of excited children shouting and screaming whilst munching through bucket loads of popcorn.
The show was dramatic 3 1/2 hours long, and very atmospheric with spectacular effects.
Judith fancies the Michael Jackson musical when we next visit. From all accounts it’s exceedingly good, will just have to wait and see how it pans out.
There is a real buzz around the place as we head back to the hotel at midnight. It’s New York after all, but it seems noisier and a hell of a lot dirtier than I remember from previous visits. Could be an age thing, mine not New York’s.
My underlying impression is the lingering heady smell of wacky baccy as you walk through the thronging overfilled streets of suited people with ear implants talking to themselves and the continuous backdrop of car horns, reminiscent of Delhi. Not surprising when you consider that all the Uber drivers come from India. And once again the amount of rubbish clogging up the gutters and of course the rising number of poor souls sleeping rough on the streets, taking protection from the elements with any available sheet of cardboard or odd scrap of plastic. A desperate state of affairs with no sign of it getting better in the near future.
The most starting observation was the price of eating out in Manhattan. The average price per person runs at a staggering $50-$100 for dinner, and that’s not anywhere special plus on top of that there is drink and of course 20% tax and a further 20% tip. So you need deep pockets.
Fortunately if you take a trip north to Harlem or south, or a ferry ride to Staten Island you can find restaurants that serve entrées at about $12. And you always have China town.
Yet saying that, New York is spell binding, the never ending skyline, the hustle and bustle. The smells of hotdogs on street corners, the mixture of cultures and architecture, hidden gems around every corner. It’s vibrant and exciting and a feast for the senses. Love it. Can’t wait to get back.
First few days back on board are quite an eye-opener, in a push to fill cabins they have people that are definitely Ill at ease with the formality of the ship. Especially the dress code. Shorts and a T for dinner, It’s a great shame.
Soon get back into the routine of the old girl.
As per usual the speakers are amazing. Great subject matter, the Somme, filming of Dunkirk, Lord Nelson and more importantly his affair with lady Hamilton, and her origins. Fantastic insight. The filming of the titanic, Hollywood legends and one of the best talks was about the history of Lawrence of Arabia.
Musical entertainment was far better than normal. They seem to have updated the shows with people who can really sing and dance.
And extra performances from a Broadway cast. Even were invited to a private viewing. Amazing.
But what was more amazing than anything else was the meeting of old friends. We hadn’t seen them for at least 20 years, and we just bumped into them in the Queens Ballroom. Two days before we landed in Southampton.
Managed to have a catch-up, although would have preferred a little longer. They were staying on till Germany, then heading down to Vienna before returning back to the states. Will have to visit when we spend more time in the US.
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