This was a cruise I looked forward to for a long time. While we had a good time, it wasn't one of our best. Because of the Norovirus on the previous sailings, services were very different....some for part of the cruise but some continued for the whole cruise. Never had salt and pepper shakers on the table, library not opened, no bread on the tables, etc. guess I really shouldn't complain...we did not get sick!
I do like the M-Class ships. They are just the right size...not too big. I just hope that Celebrity will maintain them. The Summit is in desperate need of a dry dock. Everything is clean but just very worn.
The color change was nothing like back home. Guess living near the Smokies has spoiled me. The ports were nice but the Fall Folliage was the main draw and it just wasn't that impressive. Quebec is a beautiful city and I would like to spend more time there. Probably, my favorite excursion was to the Bay of Fundy. That was really impressive and our guide, Ryan, was great!
Traveling is becoming more of a challenge. Charlie is having more difficulties and does seem to do better at home although he doesn't see that. He still says he wants to travel. I am going to try to keep the Baltic cruise scheduled for next spring but that will probably be our last big one. It makes me sad to think our traveling days may be coming to an end but then when I think of all the places we have been and things we have seen.....I feel very lucky.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Celebrity Summit
The Summit is a beautiful ship that is in need of some TLC. She is definitely showing her age. Hopefully she will be going in to dry dock soon.
We were very excited to have a FV cabin with the massive balcony...unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate so there was not much chance to enjoy it. I was still able to capture a few beautiful sunsets/sunrises.
How is this for a balcony!!!!
Tom Wopat (Dukes of Hazzard) was one of the entertainers. A bit over the hill!
Guess Rich wasn't interested in the wine tasting
Morning returning to Bayonne
We were very excited to have a FV cabin with the massive balcony...unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate so there was not much chance to enjoy it. I was still able to capture a few beautiful sunsets/sunrises.
How is this for a balcony!!!!
Tom Wopat (Dukes of Hazzard) was one of the entertainers. A bit over the hill!
Guess Rich wasn't interested in the wine tasting
Morning returning to Bayonne
Friday, October 18, 2013
Gaspe, Canada
Wednesday, October 16th
This morning we have booked an all day tour to Gaspe/Perce with a local tour operator
Ken's local Gaspé/Percé guided tours
Private place in Percé for our group for restroom and sitting area at Fleur de Lys hôtel. The scenic road between Gaspé and the tourist town of Percé, is amazing, your guide will provide informations on the Gaspé/Percé area also on it's people and way of life. While in Percé, you will have the choice of spending some free time on your own for shopping or join your guide and seat with him to taste local meal like fish soup, smoked salmon of Percé, Gaspe Lobster roll or any other thing on the menu at our waterfront restaurant La Morutière.
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This was another tender port and the weather was overcast and cold. The scenery was nice but really nothing special. The main draw to this area is the Perce Rock and Bird Island. Unfortunately, we did not have enough people on our tour that wanted to take the boat ride to Bird Island. Most shops in Perce were closed for the year so there was not much else to do.
Water very clear in river. No pollution...
Indian Head Rock Observation Belvedere
Perce Rock
We had a nice lunch and then heading back to Gaspe to return to the Summit. Two sea days back to Bayonne.....ready to start packing up for the trip home. We miss Itsy...guess we are ready to go home!
This morning we have booked an all day tour to Gaspe/Perce with a local tour operator
Ken's local Gaspé/Percé guided tours
Private place in Percé for our group for restroom and sitting area at Fleur de Lys hôtel. The scenic road between Gaspé and the tourist town of Percé, is amazing, your guide will provide informations on the Gaspé/Percé area also on it's people and way of life. While in Percé, you will have the choice of spending some free time on your own for shopping or join your guide and seat with him to taste local meal like fish soup, smoked salmon of Percé, Gaspe Lobster roll or any other thing on the menu at our waterfront restaurant La Morutière.
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This was another tender port and the weather was overcast and cold. The scenery was nice but really nothing special. The main draw to this area is the Perce Rock and Bird Island. Unfortunately, we did not have enough people on our tour that wanted to take the boat ride to Bird Island. Most shops in Perce were closed for the year so there was not much else to do.
Water very clear in river. No pollution...
Indian Head Rock Observation Belvedere
Perce Rock
We had a nice lunch and then heading back to Gaspe to return to the Summit. Two sea days back to Bayonne.....ready to start packing up for the trip home. We miss Itsy...guess we are ready to go home!
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
Quebec City, Quebec
Monday, October 14th
This morning we did not have anything planned so we planned to just wander around and see what we missed yesterday. ......well, that was the plan but the weather was rainy so we just stayed on board.
This afternoon we have a Celebrity Tour booked...the only reason we booked with Celebrity is that this is an afternoon tour and if we are late returning to the ship...it can't leave without us!!
St-Anne-de-Beaupre & Montmorency Falls
Our first stop was at the spectacular Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot cliff, Montmorency Falls are 1.5 times as high as Niagara Falls. The view was breathtaking and we could see the powerful forces of natures as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.
Post card with best view of the falls...
Views from bridge over falls
Duke of Kent's summer home at Montmorency Falls.
View of falls from highway
Bridal Falls
We then drove along the St. Lawrence River to the world-renowned shrine of St-Anne-de-Beaupre. With over 1.5 million visitors and pilgrims making their way to the shrine each year, St-Anne has become one of the most important Catholic sites in North America.
Located along the famous Beaupre Coast and the St. Lawrence River, our journey took us along the Chemin de Roy (King's Road). Built in 1724, the route was the first road in Canada suitable for vehicle traffic.
St-Anne-de-Beaupre..... Built in gothic style, the most prominent structure is the Basilica. The impressive cross-shaped building is covered with granite and lighted by over 200 stained glass windows.
The sun came out as we got to St.-Anne-de-Beaupre giving us a glorious visit to a beautiful place! Best color we have seen for the entire trip.
This morning we did not have anything planned so we planned to just wander around and see what we missed yesterday. ......well, that was the plan but the weather was rainy so we just stayed on board.
This afternoon we have a Celebrity Tour booked...the only reason we booked with Celebrity is that this is an afternoon tour and if we are late returning to the ship...it can't leave without us!!
St-Anne-de-Beaupre & Montmorency Falls
Our first stop was at the spectacular Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot cliff, Montmorency Falls are 1.5 times as high as Niagara Falls. The view was breathtaking and we could see the powerful forces of natures as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St. Lawrence River.
Post card with best view of the falls...
Views from bridge over falls
Duke of Kent's summer home at Montmorency Falls.
View of falls from highway
Bridal Falls
We then drove along the St. Lawrence River to the world-renowned shrine of St-Anne-de-Beaupre. With over 1.5 million visitors and pilgrims making their way to the shrine each year, St-Anne has become one of the most important Catholic sites in North America.
Located along the famous Beaupre Coast and the St. Lawrence River, our journey took us along the Chemin de Roy (King's Road). Built in 1724, the route was the first road in Canada suitable for vehicle traffic.
St-Anne-de-Beaupre..... Built in gothic style, the most prominent structure is the Basilica. The impressive cross-shaped building is covered with granite and lighted by over 200 stained glass windows.
The sun came out as we got to St.-Anne-de-Beaupre giving us a glorious visit to a beautiful place! Best color we have seen for the entire trip.
Quebec City, Quebec
Sunday, October, 13th
This morning we have arranged a walking tour of Old Quebec arranged thru Voir Quebec. Since our pick up will be in Lower Town, we will have to walk up hill. Hopefully, this tour will give us a good over view of Quebec so we know where we want to check out later.
Take time to discover Old Quebec's history, architecture and culture.
The Grand Tour is an English-only walking tour of Old Quebec which leads you from the Lower to the Upper Town at a leisurely pace in the company of a seasoned Quebec guide from Tours Voir Quebec. Its content is such that people travelling on their own, in small groups or Quebec City dwellers will enjoy The Grand Tour.
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Early morning arriving in Quebec....Chateau Frontanec
Meeting our guide for our walking tour....she was very good!
Finally a little color
Petit-Champlain fresco
Breakneck staircase to Upper Town
City hall decorated for Holloween
Birthplace of Cirque de Soleil
Otto the donkey
Irish Wolfhound
Boardwalk in front of Chateau Frontanec
Chateau Frontanec
City Gate
The Citadel
Squirrel fattened up for winter
Parliament House
Tourny Fountain a gift from LaMaison Simons
This afternoon, we have a reservation at Aux Anciens Canadiens. Charlie really wanted to dine off the ship.
Good food!!!!
Looking up at the Funicular
Riding down on the Funicular
Even though the day was overcast, we had a good day. Quebec is a beautiful city and would be worthy of a longer visit.
This morning we have arranged a walking tour of Old Quebec arranged thru Voir Quebec. Since our pick up will be in Lower Town, we will have to walk up hill. Hopefully, this tour will give us a good over view of Quebec so we know where we want to check out later.
Take time to discover Old Quebec's history, architecture and culture.
The Grand Tour is an English-only walking tour of Old Quebec which leads you from the Lower to the Upper Town at a leisurely pace in the company of a seasoned Quebec guide from Tours Voir Quebec. Its content is such that people travelling on their own, in small groups or Quebec City dwellers will enjoy The Grand Tour.
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Early morning arriving in Quebec....Chateau Frontanec
Meeting our guide for our walking tour....she was very good!
Finally a little color
Petit-Champlain fresco
Breakneck staircase to Upper Town
City hall decorated for Holloween
Birthplace of Cirque de Soleil
Otto the donkey
Irish Wolfhound
Boardwalk in front of Chateau Frontanec
Chateau Frontanec
City Gate
The Citadel
Squirrel fattened up for winter
Parliament House
Tourny Fountain a gift from LaMaison Simons
This afternoon, we have a reservation at Aux Anciens Canadiens. Charlie really wanted to dine off the ship.
Good food!!!!
Looking up at the Funicular
Riding down on the Funicular
Even though the day was overcast, we had a good day. Quebec is a beautiful city and would be worthy of a longer visit.
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