A Regal Time with Florence the Zebra: Canada/New England Oct. 17-24

Canada/New England Cruise on the Regal Princess, October 2015

Stay tuned….it’s that time of the year again….Florence the tiny zebra is just back from another Princess adventure. Yup, one of those LOOOOOOONG day by day reviews that are totally indulgent, but what the tiny zebra wants, the tiny zebra gets. Sometimes. When it’s convenient. When it serves our purpose as well.

Will there be pictures you ask? Of course there will be pictures! Flo was at her most photogenic, if not cold, pretty little self. I really need to crochet her a scarf if we ever do this one again.

So it was October. The three of us –DH, myself, and Florence. Taking off on the last Regal Princess Canada/New England itinerary for the season. October 17-24. The non zebraic (I believe I just made up a word) members of our party are mid 50s, new empty nesters (wild cheers and applause in the background) and lovers of travel. We can’t afford a lot of cruises, but DH always likes that new ship smell, so we go on the newest ship we can, and if the newest happens to be in our backyard, as this one was, so be it. If you’re needing some reading to help you get to sleep tonight, join me in my long story. If you’re looking for advice on the drink of the day or the casino or Princess tours, well, you’re out of luck, and I’ll not be (too) hurt if you click out of here.

Marla, thanks for doing a photo review of this tempting itinerary.

Looking forward to it!

Norris

Following. Board her in 41 days!

Maria, another one of your fabulous reviews! Thank you!

Waiting eagerly to read about Florence's adventures!:)

Waiting to hear if you visited any mansions here in Newport...

Wednesday, October 15, 2015 The trip begins.

“Are you crazy?”

“Now why would you do that?”

“Really.”

These were some of the comments we began to get when telling “friends” where our next cruise was taking us. So we stopped. Telling anyone. We just left. Yes, it was time for Florence and her caregivers to sail again. Hoping that we wouldn’t forget her in my purse EVERY single time we went to a new port this time, she began packing (she packs light – one ribbon suffices), and dreaming of the excitement to come.

We are the carry-on ONLY crew, so packing is full of strategy, including, yes, you guessed it, the Excel spreadsheet. I am totally proud to say that after my well-planned rolling and jamming of items in my suitcase was complete, there was still room in my bag for DH’s dress shoes. So ha! I laugh in the face of packing. Florence was mortified to find that the rather bright pink duct tape we used for our Carnival cruise with the whole family last year was still on my suitcases. Really. That is SO last year. Too bad. I like the pink duct tape – it’s homage to my father who started us on the whole cruising thing – though his suitcase would have duct tape, stickers, yarn, and all manner of atrocious accoutrements such that I, his loving daughter, was embarrassed to be seen near it. I now attempt to continue my heritage; at least the handles aren’t repaired with pink denture plastic. But I digress.

And so it was, that on a Wednesday, bright and late (we had an evening music practice AND a Blue Jays game to finish watching), we headed off to the airport hotel in Halifax. Ah, yes, now you dear reader, are also cluing in to why we got the comments that grace the beginning of this epistle……yes, we live an hour and a half out of Halifax. Deal with it. Since the price of a room (and free breakfast and free parking) was less than airport parking we tootled off to the hotel arriving around 10:30 pm. It was time for us to actually be able to enjoy a stay at the hotel instead of previous times when we were robbed of sleep (and free breakfast) because of super early departures.

Florence bounced on the bed, and we enjoyed a swim before retiring for the night, and then SLEEPING IN! OK, the free breakfast isn’t that spectacular but it was decent, and the driver of the shuttle to the airport was kind, without being too perky in the a.m., which we appreciated. My only complaint about this hotel was that NO ONE, absolutely NO ONE, should be allowed to cheerily (and loudly) greet people in the hallway with a hearty “Good Morning!” at 3:00 a.m. Or 4:00 a.m. 5:00 is pushing it.

Once safely at the airport and managing to get through security unscathed and fully clothed, we waited patiently for the Tim Horton’s to open so we could get one last Timmy Donut before heading out into that other country…where who knows what kind of donuts we might have to make do with.

We boarded our tiny plane to Newark and enjoyed a direct flight with no turbulence or incident worth commenting about. We flew United because they are the only way we can get a direct flight and not have to backtrack through Toronto. The tiny plane worked well as we were able to gate check the larger of our two bags. While waiting to retrieve them at the other end of the flight, the first item to be gingerly and tenderly placed in the retrieval area was a guitar case, a sturdy unmarked guitar case. If you don’t grasp the irony of this, you need to watch this ever-so popular music video of a few years ago:

Go on, watch it. I’ll wait for you to get back. It might even help you get to sleep. Or you’ll have the song in your head for the rest of the day. Either way, watch it.

There. Everyone back now? Our luggage also made it with no damage, so off we went. We easily got tickets for the express bus ($16 each for a one way) to get us to Grand Central Terminal in NYC. This is a great deal, especially if (as we are not) you’re a senior because the price would have been half of that.

The first part was very quick, the last part was not. However, as we had our luggage we exhibited much patience to get to our planned destination (there were many sighs coming out of DH but he denies any impatience on his part). Once unleashed from the horror that is NYC traffic snarls, we happily trotted off on foot, luggage in tow, for just a couple of blocks (yay! we even went the right way!!!!) to our accommodations at the Hampton Inn. After checking in and checking out our 20th floor room, we set out to explore by foot.

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"....the first item to be gingerly and tenderly placed in the retrieval area was a guitar case, a sturdy unmarked guitar case."

OK, that was a funny video. Looking forward to the rest of the review. Thanks for posting.

:D:D:D:D Yes, that was a funny video!! Thanks for the link. Enjoying your review.

Yay! A multimedia cruise reveiw!!!! AND a zebra!

Winning!

great video:)

Florence would like to affix shiny gold star stickers to your homework books Retiringcajun, TracieABD, dickinson, and ar1950! Well done, for watching the video AND telling us that you did. Thank you for your kind comments as well, and we'll get on with the review. It's a shame that work and chores get in the way of this......

Love it, thanks for the review!

Off to the United Nations headquarters first, we successfully pulled off another security checkpoint and had a look around. We are not People of the Tour, so we just did what we could on our own, and were happy with that considering the limited amount of time we had to give NYC this trip. We had been in town last year, doing a lot of other things, so now we were trying to see new sights – as if that would be a problem!

A passerby asked in a hushed voice "what are they doing"...we replied that we didn't know - we left out the part "I think they're mostly playing games on their phones..."

So many restaurants to choose from, we of course chose…..wait for it…..Red Lobster. We love Red Lobster. So does Florence apparently. Well, she loves something about it, or someone......it was a momentary thing, not even a fling.....

We don’t have any in our neck of the woods, so it was kind of a given that we’d be stopping here for an early supper (early for New Yorkers, our bodies were an hour ahead, and stayed that way for the duration of the voyage). Yummmmm….those cheddar biscuits are enough, but the rest of the meal wasn’t half bad either.

We spent time on the red steps to people gawk, and then did some more walking to justify the rather large meal we had just put away. The Hershey store, Macy’s, H&M (not necessarily in that order) and back to our room to rest some pretty tired feet. A little peppermint tea and sleeptime followed.

Grand Central at night.

Friday, October 16 NYC

Well, sleeptime followed after we kept the window open just so we could hear real live actual city noises. We ARE People of the City, but we currently live in a small town, and as nice as that is, there’s something about hearing cars honking, sirens …umm....sirening (wow, 2 made up words in one review), that is just plain exciting for us folks from the sticks. For a time. Then we shut the window so we could sleep.

After a nice breakfast we set out to explore again. We waited until after 9:00 (yeah, we slept in – until 7:00!) to walk over to Grand Central and add the New York subway to our list of Subways We Have Taken. On our way, we walked through the Grand Central Market – wonderful sights and sounds, but a little out of our income bracket. From Coffee Cake to Caviar, it was all there. While DH visited the facilities, I just enjoyed listening to all the sounds of the place. It was like Grand Central Station in there……oh, yeah, it WAS Grand Central. Violins playing, people singing, laughing, yelling….

We got our ticket, after visiting the wrong self-serve machine, and being helped by someone to get our act together, got our tickets, and found our way to the #4 express subway, easily getting on it (much easier than London or St. Petersburg!) and easily getting off – in the right place!!!! I think the hardest part was just convincing ourselves that we were taking the right train (because of course, it would never occur to us to actually ask anyone for help). We actually were just a block or so away from Ground Zero, just like the kind helpful souls on CC said we would be. Imagine. We chose not to go to the museum, but found the memorial pools very moving, and I got teary just being there.

We did visit St. Paul’s Chapel, and spent quality and quantity time there – it was a highlight of my day.

Following that, we wandered off and visited Century 21, a department store, not the real estate company we have in Canada……I restrained myself and only purchased one item. That’s the plight of the carry-on only community – very few souvenirs. We walked down Wall Street, pulled Florence away from the Bull statue and didn’t let her have a photo op there since everyone ELSE was doing the same thing (mind you, without zebras) and the picture would just have been of a crowd of people.

We stopped in at the former U.S. Customs House that is now a museum. We really just needed a restroom break, and it was free to get in, so get in we did, though it was the first time we’ve ever had to go through security just to use a restroom. And get a drink of water. Onward and outward, we walked to Battery Park and stopped for a snack before walking along the harbour front and back to the subway, and then back to our room to regroup and retread the feet.

(Florence photobombs the statue of liberty)

Refreshed and renewed after some hot chocolate, we snatched a peek inside the Chrysler building, which was just on the next block, because our Top 10 NYC book said we should. So we did. We’re very obedient like that.

Off to Rockefeller Centre – I have yet to get to the Top of the Rock – last time we were around it was too foggy, and this time we were just trying to do so many other things! (Not to mention Florence’s fear of heights.) We visited Saks just because you can’t be right outside Saks and not go inside! We browsed until I found the $2500 ladies’ vest and since it wouldn’t have fit in my luggage (it actually would have I think – we could have ditched DH’s shoes…) we left it there. We returned to the Rock to get a piece of amazing pizza to share as our pre dinner appetizer. A few other photo stops like the skating rink and St. Pat’s and then off to supper. After a relaxing dinner (Olive Garden for the curious) we meandered again, and sat on the red steps again, and got more free samples at the Hershey store.

Here are some tips we learned for walking in New York City. Perhaps they will help someone and if you have other recommendations, please feel free to add them – this is the interactive part of the review – you can’t all just sit there and read – I’m looking for more gold star participation.

1. While walking, do not turn around to look at other things while still walking in a forward direction (the lady in front of us just about took out a poor woman with a baby when she turned and seemingly forgot all about the large pizza box she was holding).

2. While walking, look up from your cell phone. Do not assume everyone else is looking at you. (We enjoyed trying to see how close we could get to people who were doing this very thing as they crossed streets)

3. Do not STOP in the middle of the road.

4. Do not STOP in the subway after getting off the train, or before getting on. There is a rhythm to this procedure, and this was the only time I heard any disgruntled comments (that’s my political correctness coming out) from New Yorkers.

5. Do not STOP in the middle of the sidewalk – guess what – there are people behind you!

Another trip review by blunoser2 and Florence. You have me hooked already. I am looking forward to the rest of your report.

Safe travels, SilverBird

Phew, I'm tired after reading this post[emoji33] Y'all did a lot in one day!!

Can't stop reading so will follow along. Please continue. Good review. No. VERY good review. 👍

Sent from my SM-G7102 using Tapatalk

Florence was a little upset that I didn't include a few more pics of her adventures in New York City, so before we all embark here are a few last shots of our whirlwind walk through the city!

She needed to show you that she was brave enough to come on the subway with us. She's really just a smalltown zebra.

such a flagrant disregard for Prince Philip. Always the mocking zebra. Her way of say nyah nyah nyah nyah nyah. (It works if you say it outloud. )

On this trip I found the sculptured images in each city we visited very powerful. This one was the top of the list for me in NYC.

WE ARE CANADIAN.

And with that, I'll get ready to embark.

Wonderful NYC shots! Glad your small town Florence was brave enough to go on the subway:D

Love Hampton Inns. Would you mind sharing the one you stayed at in NYC? Have to get it in gear and get our next visit planned!

Thank you!

Melissa

This past trip we stayed at Hampton Inn - United Nations - I think it's East 43rd st. We've stayed at 2 other Hampton Inns - one nearer the Empire State Building, and one nearer Times Square - I can't remember the address of those. All were excellent - but their prices vary widely. Each time we picked the lowest priced of the 3 and each time a different one has been a LOT less than the others. No consistency in the prices but the quality is all as good as you'd expect. The rooms are pretty small, but there's only 8 to a floor because the building is so narrow! Hope that helps a little.

This past trip we stayed at Hampton Inn - United Nations - I think it's East 43rd st. We've stayed at 2 other Hampton Inns - one nearer the Empire State Building, and one nearer Times Square - I can't remember the address of those. All were excellent - but their prices vary widely. Each time we picked the lowest priced of the 3 and each time a different one has been a LOT less than the others. No consistency in the prices but the quality is all as good as you'd expect. The rooms are pretty small, but there's only 8 to a floor because the building is so narrow! Hope that helps a little.

Thank you, Marla, for the information!

Look forward to reading more of Florence's adventures!

Melissa

More Florence, please!!!

We need more of her stripy fabulousness!

I know dear reader, you thought I might never get here. I hope everyone’s been sleeping well? I aim to please. After all that walking we couldn’t stay awake to watch any baseball, but had a pretty good rest and the feet were more or less back to normal by morning’s arrival. Breakfast – I was a good girl and had my oatmeal. Don’t ask me what else I had.

Time for packing and relaxing before heading out to Red Hook Terminal in Brooklyn to our awaiting cruise. The thing is, where do you prefer to wait? Hotel or cruise terminal? We actually tried watched home improvement shows for a bit, and then decided it was definitely better to wait at the pier than in our room so after checking out we were able to hail a taxi. Well, we didn’t actually hail it, there just happened to be people being dropped off at our hotel, and we grabbed it, politely of course, warm seats and all. A woman with an SUV was trying to sell us on a $65 drive to the terminal, but we opted for the taxi and ended up paying, with tip, $50. It was a slow ride there – not so much because of traffic, but construction, so we were in a tunnel getting a little claustrophobic for a long time – there were more than a few restless sighs from the DH. However, in spite of the snail-like pace, we soon saw the literal light at the end of the tunnel and eventually arrived at the terminal where things there proceeded quickly, efficiently and smoothly.

This was our first cruise as Platinums, so after getting through security, we found the priority line (thanks to CC people for making it look like I knew where I was going all along), got checked in quickly, were ushered to the platinum/elite/suite lounge where we finished filling out customs forms (I feel like we were always filling out customs declarations on this trip!) and then we politely (because we ARE Canadians) waited as the Suite passengers, then the Elite passengers, and finally us poor platinums were accepted to make our way on board. (It’s kind of like graduating from junior high into high school….) We arrived at the terminal around 11:30 and were on board by 11:50. Score.

This was the first time we were on a Princess ship where we couldn’t go to our room immediately. Insert pouty face here. Not because I was upset about not going to my room first. I was perturbed about having stated with the utmost confidence to DH that we didn’t have to worry about our smaller carry-on being heavy as, after all this wasn’t Carnival, and we’d be able to drop it off in our room instead of schlepping around the ship with it. I know I’m wrong a lot, but it still stings. Some of the decks were clear to go into, but our beloved Baja was still closed off to the general public with a sign saying “available by 1:00”.

So we hauled ourselves up to Horizon court and found consolation in the age old way - food. We had an hour to eat…er….wait, so we ate. For an hour. Well, not quite an hour. But it was leisurely and I do not recall feeling the least bit hungry when done. It wasn’t crowded or chaotic and since we were on the Royal last year, the huge buffet was a bit familiar, though still more than a tad overwhelming at first inspection. I think the trick is to pretend there’s only one section available and just shut one’s eyes to the rest. It’s a survival thing. I never completely got the hang of that though, always just HAD to see EVERYTHING. I mean, I did exhibit a fair bit of restraint – I only had 3 desserts. What could I do? Is that a cheesecake? And a crème Brule…..and ooooh is that warm peach cobbler? They were all calling my name and to shut them up I ate ‘em.

(Florence photobombs the Statue of Liberty yet again.)

Now that it was safe to proceed to our room at 1:00, we did so and our luggage was already there jumping up and down excited to see us. We jumped up and down together, so sweet was our reunion and did a quick unpack not needing nearly all the space there was. This was our first time trying an inside stateroom, and we really actually enjoyed it. We have had balconies and oceanviews before but usually just reserved insides for the peasants…er…kids. This time, we didn’t figure we’d be spending a whole lot of time sunning on the balcony, so it seemed as good a time as any to try it out. It was one of those new-fangled sideways configured insides.

Here’s another tip – if you ever feel that the quarters are cramped on board, just have a New York City hotel room first, and they don’t seem nearly as small. Not that we’re complaining about our New York City hotel room, it was just cozier than similar rooms of the same chain of hotels up north. Where there’s more room. Inside and outside. Anyway, all that to say that we had loads of room for everything – 7 empty drawers attest to that, several empty shelves in the cupboard and empty open shelving. We did however use all 28 hangers. Yeah, I actually counted them. (I’m the one who counts the number of carrot slices as I’m chopping at home too….you can deal with that however you like. My family does. )

(I don't know how she keeps getting in all the pictures.....even the skyline isn't safe.)