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| Montreal Canada |
NCL GEM Cruise Oct 10-18, 2024, New England and Canada
I had a wonderful time on my NCL Cruise. We stayed at the Westin in Montreal for one night. Then, we took a three-and-a-half-hour ride from Montreal to Quebec, where we boarded the NCL Gem for an eight-day cruise.
Flight
WS 8098 economy from Huntsville on 10/10/24 at 5:30 A.M. to Atlanta, arriving at 7:31 A.M.
From Atlanta at 9:00 A.M. on flight WS 6528 to Montreal, Canada at 11:36 A.M.
Day 1: Oct 10, Thursday: Flight to Montreal from Atlanta, Ga
We had to go to the ticket counter in Huntsville because our tickets would not print online.
We went through security, and when we arrived at our gate, they were already loading, and we were in Zone 5.
It took us about 30 minutes, and we were in Atlanta.
We got off the plane, and our next gate was D9.
So, we had to take the tram to Gate D and then use the escalator to go up and down a hallway.
The next zone was 7
We boarded the plane, and there were three of us in our row.
Sitting next to Hubby was a lady from Atlanta, but born in Montreal.
She was going home to visit her family.
We arrived at the Montreal airport.
We were sent to a Keyost machine, which scanned our passport cards and faces, took photographs, and provided us with a printout.
We got into another line where
We were asked why we were in Canada.
We told them we were taking a cruise.
We walked through another area where we gave our prints to the guards.
A lady from NCL met us and escorted us to our taxi, which then took us to our hotel.
Our hotel was at the Westin, room 701.
We checked into our room.
Check-in LE Westin Montreal 270 Saint Antoine Quest Quebec OC H2Y 0A3 check-in 3 P.M. on Oct 10-11
The reservation ship's name is NCL Gem
54192667
Record locator WS SXRIKO
Tickets
WS8098 837-7083676854 WS 6528
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| Cream of Mushroom soup with hot bread |
We walked a couple of blocks to Shnoopi, 388 Rue Notre Dame, where we ordered chicken pesto with homemade cream of mushroom soup, bread, and Hot lemon cilantro tea.
The food was delicious, and the people were very friendly and polite. We spent 36.91.
We stopped at the corner store for a soda and some candy. Couche Tart, we spent $13.86. Then, we returned to the hotel, where we spent time watching TV.
We went to an NCL meeting.
We went to bed early.
I walked 2.97 miles today, 8,279 steps.
Day 2: Friday, Oct 11, Bus Ride from Montreal to Quebec
We had breakfast at Cookie Ste'fanie, Rafrai^chissez-vous!
I ordered a chocolate sweet, and Hubby ate a grilled cheese sandwich.
We walked through the nearby mall, which houses the underground city subway.
We saw the fountain featuring the Amphitrite statue, the wife of Poseidon, the God of the Sea.
We saw several markers: William Molson (1793-1875), the Freeman Hotel Site, the Canadian Bank of Commerce, the 2001 Terrorist Attack,
We came back to our hotel and watched some TV.
We talked to a couple from Indiana.
Everyone loaded onto the bus for a three-and-a-half-hour ride to Quebec to board our ship.
Our Bus number was 811512, and we were scheduled to leave at 10:30 A.M.
The bus took I-20 from Montreal to Quebec. Along the way, we saw many autumn trees, and their colors were beautiful.
Transfer voucher from airport to hotel, Destination North America
105 Cote De La Montagne Quebec QC G1K 4E4
And from the hotel to the port
Ship NCL Gem
Reservation 54192667 5FW
Ocean view room 5506
Latitude 270198931
Arrived at the ship
The check-in boat departs at 4:00 P.M. Check-in time is from 11:30 A.M. to 12:00 P.M.
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| Leaving the port of Quebec, Canada |
We went through the process of boarding our ship, and our group was the last group to board.
Everyone had to process through the mustering before they were allowed to finish boarding.
We ate lunch in the Garden Cafe. I got Mack & Chees, fish, chicken, green beans, and red Cabbage cabbage juice.
When we finished eating, we went to our room to leave our backpacks.
We went to the ship's upper deck to watch it leave port.
As we were leaving Quebec, the sun was setting. We saw waterfalls, houses, buildings, and mountains filled with autumn trees.
Everyone was filled with excitement and joy as we left Quebec.
Our dinner plans were at 5:30 at Cagney's, so we headed to the dining room.
I ordered shrimp scampi, Scallops, potatoes, and raspberry crème brûlée.
It had been a long day, so we spent the evening watching TV at our cabin.
I walked 2.92 miles and 8,018 Steps today.
Day 3: Saturday, Oct 12, Sea Day aboard the NCL Gem
We had breakfast in the Garden Cafe, where I ordered an omelet and French Toast.
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| Breakfast: French toast, bacon, omelet |
We walked to level 7 for a shore excursion, but they didn't open until 9
So, I went outside and walked along the walking trail.
I went back to the shore excursion desk to see if there were any openings for Anne of Green Gables, but
No openings.
Hubby and I watched several game shows.
We ate lunch in the Garden cafe.
I got a hamburger patty with chips, cheese dip, and guacamole.
A dessert and some juice.
We watched some more game shows and took a walk around the ship.
We ate dinner in the Pacific Dining Room.
I ordered fried flounder and a chocolate Moose.
We were going to a show, but my stomach was hurting, so we went to our cabin.
The ocean was turbulent.
So, I took a seasick pill.
Today, I walked 3.26 miles and 8,742 steps.
Day 4: Sunday, Oct 13, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, 1–8 P.M.
Shore excursion CHAG5611 Charlottetown PEI Let's take a selfie.
Meet on the Pier Ashore in the Terminal Building, Meeting Time 13:45, Ticket # 1179648 for 4 1/2 hours
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| Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |
We ate breakfast at O'Sheehan's, where I ordered French Toast and a banana.
We
We ate lunch in the Garden Cafe, where I ordered a fish cake, Shrimp, fries, and cake.
After lunch, we met our group in the Terminal Building and began our journey touring Prince Edward Island.
Some of the markers we saw along the way.
Railway Brass Shop, The Bishop's Place, Statue and Marker of Angus Bernard MacEachern, St Dunstan's (Churches), Cutting Edge Design (Park).
At the Museum and Heritage Beaconsfield Historic House, we saw Beaconsfield Historic House, The Bog and Beyond, Fred Shepard, Robert "Allie" Hennessey, West End Rangers, The Shepherds, The Ryans, Robert Allen Shepheard, Black Lives Matter, Charlie Harrison Ryan, George Godfrey, Myrtle "Dolly" Gallant, Black Islanders, Big Donald,(Bell), Evolution of Queen Square, Province House, Edward Whelan, Colonel John Hamilton Gray, Edward Palmer, Thomas Heath Haviland, George Coles, Andrew Archibald MacDonald, William Henry Pope, Charlottetown and Quebec Conferences of 1864, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island Memorial Fountain, New Foundland, War Memorial, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Pub Politics, Where the Money was, Harold Arrival...of the Circus, Building links between Capitals between Canadians, Survey of the Gulf and River St Lawrence, The Charlottetown Conference 1861, Charlottetown Fames, Flames, and Glory, Charlottetown the Early Years, Prince Edward Island Delegates to the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, Welcome"The Spirit of Peace and Friendship, Canadian Mercant Navy, Quebec, The Hillsborough River, The Shaw's Hotel, The Lobster Trap Lounge, and Under Prohibition.
Some of the stores we saw were: cows, Cool.as.a.moose, Sobey Family Theatre, Charlottetown Library, Victoria Row, Crow's Nest, Immeuble Hon. George Coles Building, The Bank of Nova Scotia, Scotiabank, The Mack, The Holman Grand Hotel, Subway, BMO Bank of Montreal, KC Clothing, Amelia's, Ann of Green Gable Chocolates, Canton Cafe, Kettle Black, The Island Retro & Bar, Authentic Neapolitan Pizzeria, Fresh Sea Food at Merchantman, Peake's Quay Restaurant and Bar,
We stopped at several churches, including the All Souls Chapel and St Dunstan's Cathedral.
Along the way, we saw several scarecrows scattered throughout the town, as well as beautiful flower gardens, homes, stores, buildings, and Churches.
We stopped to take several pictures and learn the techniques for taking photos.
We stopped at the Anne of Green Gables store for a special treat and to purchase some candy.
Our tour ended back at the pier. I stopped to take several more pictures before heading back to the ship.
Don't remember what we had for dinner.
It was a long day with lots of walking, so we spent the rest of the day relaxing.
Today, I walked 5.19 miles and 14,136 steps.
Day 5: Monday, Oct 14, Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, 9–5 P.M.
Today, we ate breakfast in the Grand Pacific dining room.
I ordered French toast, cranberry juice, and a banana.
We played a trivia game.
We did not buy a shore excursion for Sydney.
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| The Big Fiddle Joan Harriss Cruise Pavilion, Sydney, Nova Scotia |
It was an overcast day.
We did get off the ship and walked through the port mall.
My husband found a seat and played with his phone, while I went outside to take a walk.
I walked through Marine's Park, where I saw the marker "The lifeline is firm, thanks to the Merchant Navy" and the statue alongside it.
I also saw a Canadian Merchant Navy Marine Anchor standing beside a large rock.
I saw several pigeons and Mallard ducks.
I walked to the St George Anglican Church in 1785 and went inside.
There were two women taking donations. (Admission by donations)
Several markers were located on the outside of the building, including one for Provincial Heritage Property and another for Saint George's Church Royal Foundation (1765), Sydney's oldest building, which was erected by the Vestry.
Inside were pictures of the King and Queen of England.
It began to rain, so I headed back to the port mall.
Hubby and I came back to the ship.
We ate lunch in the Garden Cafe.
I ate Mac & cheese, red cabbage, Cabbagengers, Greek salad, custard, and sugar-free cheesecake.
We both took a nap and watched a movie on TV.
We ate dinner in the Magenta Restaurant.
I ordered a NEW YORK strip steak, French fries, Caesar salad, and carrot cake with water.
We went back to the room to watch TV.
Today, I walked 3.04 miles and 8,338 steps.
Day 6: Tuesday, Oct 15, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 8–5 P.M.
Shore Excursion HALN63 BEST OF HALIFAX & PEGGYS COVE 9:30–4:40 P.M.
Breakfast in Garden Gate
I ate French toast, a muffin with cream cheese, and cranberry juice.
We met in the theater Stardust at 7:30 A.M. for our shore excursion.
There were 34 people on our bus.
Our bus driver was Geoff, and the tour director was Adina.
We rode on bus 4.
We left around 8:30 A.M. and returned by 2:30 P.M.
We rode through Halifax, and our tour guide shared some history about the city with us.
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| Peggy's Cove and Lighthouse |
She gave us some safety information as we approached Peggy's Cove.
Do not get too close to the edge; the rocks were slippery.
We walked around, taking photos, and then walked through the gift shop.
We rode into Halifax to Kempster's for lunch.
We were served a lobster roll, a salad, and a blueberry pie. We sat with a couple from Chicago.
We loaded back on the bus and rode to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site.
We walked through the Citadel Museum and Fort.
I took several photos of the town and the markers.
Halifax Citadel, Fortress Halifax, The Saluting Battery, The View from the Citadel, The Convoys, The Halifax Explosion, The Reading Project, The Acadians on George Island, Citadel Hill, and The Jamaican Maroons.
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| The guard at the Citadel, Halifax, Nova Scotia |
We loaded back on the bus and rode to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.
We walked through the museum, where we saw several mini-boats:
Guysborough, The Garbage Barge, can be particularly grumpy, but it never keeps him from helping to keep the Big Harbor clean.
Kingston, The Great Ocean Tug and Salvage Company,
Pearl, the pilot boat, supervised the movement of ships in and out of the harbor.
The dispatcher oversees the operations of the Great Ocean Tug & Salvage Company, which is based at the location where all the tugs are stationed. He gives the tugs their assignments.
Hank is constantly filled with energy and enthusiasm. He's the littlest and sometimes can't wait to be more significant.
Theodore greeted us every day with a smile and was everybody's friend.
He always thinks things out and treats others with respect.
George could not read his sign.
Kulu, The Canoe is a remarkable story of a man who is fond of mysterious Islands.
Carla, the Coal Cabin Cruiser, is a spunky pleasure boat that sometimes gets into trouble.
Filmore and his identical twin, Phillip, cross the same spot in the harbor.
Dorothy Dory lives outside the big Harbor in Ceilidh's Cove. She is always excited to hear Theodore tell her about his adventures.
Barrington Barge looks forward to working with Theodore because he always takes the curious barge the long way.
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| Maritime Museum Acadia Ship |
My husband and I walked outside to see some of the larger ships.
One was the Acadia, and the other was the KIBI.
Outside were markers of:
Welcome to the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, CCS Acadia, Charles Doucette, Harry Foster, The Battle of the Atlantic, Gertrude Ritchie, Bradford Magazine Explosion, VE-DAY, Returning, Entertainment, Harry Wolfe, Juno, Mona Parsons, Allan Bundy,
We loaded onto the bus and were taken to the port.
Everything was closed inside the port.
Everyone had to be on the ship by 2:20, and it was scheduled to depart at 3:00 P.M.
A storm was approaching Montreal.
The waves pounded the boat, causing it to rock and roll.
I had to take something to calm my tummy.
I had dinner at the Magenta Restaurant, where I ordered tomato and cream cheese on bread, baked cod with spinach, and potatoes.
For dessert, I ordered a Chocolate cake.
After dinner, we attended the '70s show and "Meet the Crewe."
We got a couple of diet drinks from the bar and took them to our room.
We ate lunch on our excursion. We sat next to a couple from Chicago.
The woman said I have relatives living in Kansas that we like to visit.
We sat next to a couple from Wisconsin during dinner.
Today, I walked 3.67 miles, 9,882 steps.
Day 7: Wednesday, October 16, Portland, Maine, 11:00 A.M.–8:00 P.M.
PWMN46 The White Mountain by Conway Scenic Railroad & Bus 11:30–7 P.M.
Dock time was 11–8 P.M.
We had breakfast in the Garden Cafe.
I got French Toast with blueberries and Cool Whip.
Everyone in our group will meet at Stardust Theater.
We will be entering the US from Canada.
Once we pass through Customs, we will board a bus for New Hampshire and ride the Conway Scenic Train.
Our bus stopped in Conway for a brief shopping break. I bought a Boggin, and my Hubby purchased a Mountain Dew.
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| The Burning Bush Conway, New Hampshire |
We walked around Conway and went through the Train depot and the train cars.
The bus will take us to Crawford to ride the train to White Mountain and back.
The mountains were covered in multi-colored trees.
We were told the history of the mountains.
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| Our train 216 and Traveling Car |
The top of the mountain was covered in a blanket of white snow.
On the train, we were served lunch. We had a ham and cheese sandwich with chips, a cookie, and a box of raisins. We were also given a bottle of water to drink.
I walked to the back of the train to take pictures of the scene behind us.
I talked to a young man and the train conductor as we watched the mountains disappear behind us.
It was dark when we arrived at the ship, and a full moon was visible.
For dinner, I ordered fried flounder and creamed potatoes. For dessert, I ordered a chocolate éclair with Ice cream.
Today, I walked 3.05 miles and 8,428 steps.
Day 8:Thursday, Oct 17, Bar Harbor, Maine 8–5 P.M.
Acadia National Park & Lobster Bake 9:00–12:30 P.M.
Dock time was 8–5 P.M.
We had breakfast at Garden Cafe.
I ordered French toast with blackberry and blueberry and Cool Whip.
I took pictures of the sunrise.
We went to the theater to wait for our excursion to be called.
There were 100 of us, two buses of people.
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| Acadia Park, Bar Harbor, Maine |
We rode through Acadia Park, stopping at several locations throughout the park.
We saw the Sound of the Sea, once a Busy Waterfront, a Hot Line to Europe, and Icy Depths.
Many famous and rich people lived or vacationed here.
Martha Stewart, Stephen King, the Rockefellers, and many Moores.
We ate lunch at the Regency Hotel in Bar Harbor.
 Blueberry Pie |
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| Lunch: Lobster, corn, and potatoes |
We ate baked lobster, accompanied by baked potatoes and corn.
For dessert, we had blueberry pie.
We were brought back to the port.
Hubby sat at the pier while I walked along the cliffs along the waterfront in front of the Bar Harbor Inn.
I saw several markers in and around Agamont Park.
Bar Harbor, Maine: The Museum in the Street Village Center Tour,
Agamont Park and Early Artist #27,
Arrivals by Sea Vocation Maritime #26
Shore Path circa 1881
The Reading Room at the Bar Harbor Inn #24
Balance Rock and the Ice Age #23
Grant Park Map
Bar Harbor Inn Gazebo
Men & Women who Served in the Armed Forces
We took the Windjammer ferry back to the ship around 1:30 P.M.
We had a beautiful Sunset.
I worked on my journal.
Dinner: Asian Shrimp and Creme pudding
We watched TV and went to bed.
Today, I walked 3.45 miles and 9,555 steps.
Day 8: Friday, Oct 18, Boston, Massachusetts, dock and fly home
Flight home
Reference code SXRIKO
Gate 315 seats 19 A & B Group 8
AA4530 ECONOMY from Boston at 12:41 P.M. to Washington at 2:33 P.M.
Traveling home from (AA4481)Washington, DC (4:58 P.M.) Arrived Huntsville (6:08 P.M.)Gate 16D Group 8, seats 19 A & C.
We had breakfast at the Garden Cafe: my usual French toast with blackberries and Cool Whip.
After breakfast, we walked back to our cabin for our luggage.
We waited for the ship to get clearance for the passengers flying out of Boston to leave.
We boarded the Intercourse Shoreside bus 4813, which took us to the airport. Transport #54192667.
We got checked in and headed to gate B15, awaiting our flight.
I worked on my pictures until it was time to board the aircraft.
We flew from Boston, Massachusetts, to Washington, D.C., and had lunch at Guy's Burger and Fries at Washington Dulles International Airport.
We boarded American Airlines and flew from Washington, DC, to Huntsville, Alabama.
We arrived around 6:10 P.M. after a turbulent ride, which we experienced during a storm near Huntsville.
I stopped to take several pictures of the artwork at the airport.
We collected our luggage and headed for our car.
We stopped at Taco Bell for Dinner, where I ordered a couple of soft chicken tacos. We stopped at Aldi's in Athens for some groceries.
After another long day, we were both ready for bed.
Today, I walked 3.7 miles, 9,991 steps.
We had a wonderful time on our NCL Cruise. We stayed at the Westin in Montreal for one night. Then, we took a three-and-a-half ride from Montreal to Quebec, where we boarded the NCL Gem for 8 days.
Flight
WS 8098 economy from Huntsville on 10/10/24 at 5:30 A.M. to Atlanta, arriving at 7:31 A.M.
From Atlanta at 9:00 A.M. on flight WS 6528 to Montreal, Canada at 11:36 A.M.
We met people from Chicago, Montana, Indiana, and Georgia. Some of these people we ate with, had excursions, or met on the ship.
