Seabourn Pearls

The question is based upon the OPs schedule. He's in Portland from 8am-6pm on a Saturday. He has to drive to NH, ride the train and get back before final boarding.

So, what I'm asking is this: did you find the Cog so enjoyable that, if you had friends in town for just one day (like the OP), you would travel a minimum of 4 hours by car in order to share the experience? Do you regard the Cog Railway trip worth the schlep if you had to go there and back it in just one day?

Actually the only reason that we were looking into the cog railroad is the fact that I have been to Portland, Freeport, Kennebunkport, Kittery, Rockland tons of times since my daughter went to Pharmacy school in Boston. We headed up to Maine many times over the last 6 years so we do have soft spots for many things in your great state.

 

You forgot to mention that Easton is also home to the Crayola factory!

Have you been to Fort Popham? Five Islands Lobster? Reid State Park? Wolfe Neck Woods? Peaks Island? Joshua Chamberlain Museum? Bradbury Mountain? Giant Staircase? Mackerel Cove? Scarborough Marsh? Scratch Bakery? Cold River Vodka? Willard Beach?

Again, tell me about your group...ages, activity levels, interests and anything else pertinent and I will guarantee that I can give you a great day in and around Portland that is fresh, interesting, entertaining and will save you hundreds of dollars.

Where would we be as parents without Crayola Crayons -- and why are they so much better than the crappy crayons from China we get at restaurants?

We did the Cog railway last summer from a short vacation in northern New Hampshire and loved it. The train doesn't really belch that much smoke, the seats are more comfortable than previously discussed, and the view from atop Mount Washington is spectacular (unless there is fog, which is common). There's a new museum up top as well that is worth checking out.

If you had friends in town would you drive to Mt. Washington in the morning, ride the Cog, and race home in the afternoon in time for dinner?

The engine is downhill of the passenger car. It pushes up and breaks on the way down. It's Mt. Washington so the wind is always whipping around in unpredictable ways. The smoke can blow away harmlessly -- or it can be ghastly, blowing right on top of and into the car. Here's a picture from the official cog site. Good times.

http://www.thecog.com/images/gallery/full_head_of_steam.jpg

My bad. I have a warm spot in my heart for NE Pennsylvania as I went to college in scenic Easton, PA (home of Larry Holmes!).

Honestly, September is so beautiful in Portland. You've got 10 hours in port. I implore you not spend 4 or 5 hours racing in a car back and forth to New Hampshire.

If you tell me a little bit about your group and what you like to do I will plot out an awesome half or full day in and around Portland for you -- with or without rental car. Lobster rolls? Light houses? Scenic overlooks? Picnics? Working waterfront? Margaritas and lobster tacos? Children's museum? Playgrounds? Beach time? Caviar importer? Brewery tour? Water Park? Art? Chowder? Shopping? Brow shaping and Makeup? Massage? Doing shots with lobstermen? Whatever you want?

I play in a 45+ baseball league and that Saturday is the Championship Game at Hadlock Field (where the Red Sox' Double A affiliate plays). If we crap out and I'm not playing that day I'll even meet you at the dock and help get you organized and pointed in the right direction.

But for the love of Pete......don't blow the day trying to catch the Cog. It is anticlimactic a stone's throw from your condo. An all day drive....fuhgedaboutit. The only reason to go to New Hampshire is to save $5 on the big Tanqueray or Jameson at the State Liquor Store (tax free). And you've got better deals than that on board in duty free.

I love Portland. And I'm happy to hook you up with some local knowledge. No charge, my friend. Like I said, I've got a warm spot in my heart for Pennsylvania.

I live in Maine. September is my favorite month of the year. Sparkling days. Good chance of seeing 80 degrees during the day, especially early in the month. Evenings start to get cooler. Kids are back in school. Tourist crowds are minimal. September weather is glorious.

However, if fall foliage is what you're after chances are middle October will be best. Coastal areas will turn later and the peak foliage will unveil itself from north to south. If the leaves are a bit green in Massachusetts sail north and look for changes. The maples are the show but the oaks can tell the tale. If the oaks are brown the season has passed. November is too late. Generally speaking the last week of October is way past prime too.

I notice you're in Western Massachusetts. You can do the Cog at your leisure anytime. Why would you try to cram a round trip to the White Mountains of New Hampshire during your 10 hour layover in Portland, Maine? Portland is a fantastic town with a ton of cool sites, attractions, bars and restaurants. If you really must be on the move hitch a ride on one of the Casco Bay Ferries. You can go to Peaks Island and rent golf carts for $50 for the day. Grab a great lunch at the Inn on Peaks and cruise around the island stopping wherever you please. Lots of little beaches and coves to explore. You'll save all the stress and hundreds of dollars. Or grab the bailey Island ferry if it's still in season (and a flask) and go have lunch at Cook's Lobster House. Casco Bay scenery both ways is free.

I've done the Cog railway because we were at Mount Washington for a family reunion. It isn't especially fun or exciting. It's a beat up old train with hard wooden seats that spews black, choking smoke as it sputters up a steep incline towards the top of a mountain. A complete waste of time.

But to drive there and back in one day and spend $500 or $1,000 or more to clank up a hill in an ossified relic I'd say you have completely lost your mind.

Don't do it. You'll thank me.

Portland is a cool city. There is a ton to see and do. If I had one day in Portland you'd have to hit me over the head with a 2x4 to get me on a tour bus to outlet shopping in Freeport or down to the lighthouse in Cape Elizabeth (you'll see Portland Head Light on the way in or out anyway).

Portland is still a fishing town and the waterfront is where work happens. A lot of fishermen are in and out of Becky's Diner, which is a half mile walk south of the pier. You'll see a good chunk of the waterfront taking that walk along Commercial Street and you'll start to get a flavor for Portland as you make that trip. On the way you'll see Browne Trading which is one of the biggest purveyors of caviar in the US. Worth a look inside if it's open.

Portland is an incredible food town. Portland Lobster Co. on Commercial is a good place for a lobster roll and a beer in a watery setting. To me lobster is best eaten near water and is a good bet for in town. Most New Englanders shy away from the typical rip and dip. We'd rather eat a lobster roll (make sure the bun is grilled with plenty of buttah) or, when the weather turns, lobster stew. Eventide is an oyster and seafood joint that is kind of the hot thing in town at the moment.

You might pop into Harbor Fish Market which is where a lot of local people and restaurants buy their fish. They've got a great logo and their t-shirts and cookbook are great souvenirs. Its wet and fishy but it's a clean and the smell is unmistakably the Atlantic ocean. Nearby on the wharf is J's Oyster Bar which caters to a hard drinking cross section of working locals.

The Old Port is a mix of touristy stuff and some great shops. You'll have to sift through it to see what appeals to you but it's got the requisite crooked cobblestone alleys and pocket parks. You'll find a lot of locals at Bard Coffee at Post Office Square. Starbucks is across the street. Across the park the strawberry chipotle margarita at Sonny's will put a hop in your step (they also have a killer Cuban sandwich). There's a brow and makeup studio called Studio Heleni hidden above Starbucks. The lady who runs it also works out of The Carlyle in NYC where I'm told she has a big celebrity following. You'll find that kind of person hidden all over Maine. If you're a Christmas decorator the square has a Christmas store that is packed -- and I mean jam packed -- with all kinds of ornaments and other decorations.

There's a lot of great architecture and views to be had. Walk up to the Eastern Promenade for a commanding view of Casco Bay looking north. The West End, also uphill, is studded with amazing old mansions.

One of my beefs with cruising is the level of hand holding it can condition its aficionados to expect. One of the joys of travel is discovery. Portland is a safe and walkable city. Go explore it. Talk to people. Ask questions. You'll find something wonderful.

We punted a February cruise on Silhouette last year because airfare to Miami and FLL was $500+ pp and the schedules were terrible. This was Feb. vacation week. Fares on either side of our dates were about $300.

Really??? After a day of travelling in planes that were too small filled with people that were too sweaty, it gave me a good laugh! :D

It is funny.

From a tax avoidance perspective, just wondering if anybody has any experience writing off all or part of the cost of their cruise? I was wondering about course offerings in the iLounge that could be classified as a business expense. Anyone? Anyone? Beuhler?

I agree. Are you saying that Celebrity should enforce the dress code for both men and women, as many, many women are not in formal or cocktail attire on formal night?

I think Ma Bell in the post prior to yours struck the right tone. Customs should be observed, especially when clearly delineated by Celebrity (or whomever is your host for the evening). I have a wife and daughter which means I have more practice taking rather than issuing orders. My wife worked for the Governor of California so her sense of protocol and propriety is well honed. She would never be under dressed for an event at which formal attire is requested let alone defined.

As for the gentlemen who believe a tuxedo is a relic of some forgotten past, the dress code gives you plenty of options so long as they are, to paraphrase Henry Ford, black or navy (or perhaps forest green or dung brown if that's your preference). My point was you might consider a tux because they tend to be flattering and your lovely lady may respond to your sartorial splendor with a decidedly hands on approach -- assuming that's something that interests you at least as much as the end cut slab of prime rib, a second lobster tail or yet another Bud Light. Moreover, these days you can get a decent tux with a nice lightweight wool fabric for less than you'd spend in a few hours at a Saigon brothel.

The choice is yours. I was just making a suggestion since, in western culture, formal attire has a specific meaning.

I was on a flight last month and a woman in my row actually started clipping her toe nails. Her flippin' toe nails!

Now, I'm not an old fuddy duddy. I went to college in the 80's and did some things. But when I watch a funeral from some hell hole in the Middle East or get to a four way stop in Tortola or fly domestically with toe nail shrapnel bouncing off tray tables I'm reminded that it's customs, mores and generally accepted standards of civilized behavior that keep a culture from descending into oblivion. After all, it's called a society. It only works when the community agrees to be bound by certain rules and obligations.

So, yes, enforce the dress code. Let other cruise lines cater to slobs and sloths. Besides, gentlemen, we look cool in a tux. Its a rakish addition to an already sexy atmosphere and it invariably adds horsepower to one's social agenda. Why would you punt the opportunity to be dashing and debonnair like Bond? You're on a cruise. Live it up.

I'm sorry but this sounds absurdly childish to me. You had an amazing time for six days but your cruise was ruined in its entirety because on the 7th day Celebrity neglected to have singing waiters bring you a small cake? Seriously?

Actually, grizzly bears love Led Zeppelin but they hate ABBA. But bald eagles are the reverse. In nature, just like cruising -- and life in general -- you can't please everyone. And yes, please put a stop to all the sarcasm.

Cruise Trail........you are completely insane. Thanks.

Bring a case of water bottles with the plastic torn and maybe one or two taken out. They will most likely flag the water for inspection. Then put a handful of other smuggled plastic bottles cleverly concealed in your checked baggage. You'll slide through. Just remember: pigs get slaughtered. Show some restraint.

I'm also wondering how the ship's crew is likely to view the free drinks package? Is it positive-neutral-negative to the tips they can expect from a given customer on a given voyage?

I'm wondering if passengers who get the drinks package for free imbibe smaller quantities than passengers who pay for it? I'm sure I'd drink more if I shelled out the cash so as to procure fair value. But when the drinks package is a freebie I've paid nothing and have nothing to lose. I'd be interested in hearing the personal experience of others, particularly those for whom both scenarios -- perk and paid -- apply. I'd be especially pleased if our anecdotal data backed up my hypothesis thereby encouraging Celebrity to roll out my all time favorite 1-2-3 Go promotion again soon.

we have 9200 in August.

 

can not wait to try it. worried about the motion.

No motion issues. Our steward let us take a look around the corner cabins and suites. They are totally rad.

did those flags bother your vision?

They only fly the pennants in port. Certainly they are in the field of vision but, no, they didn't bother me in the slightest. Frankly, they add to the nautical flavor of the experience.

In march 2013 on the Glory and we saw one of these Rooms. The one which holds 4 people has a lot of room and the windows are spectacular! Very big windows and not just one window for the room for 4. The price is as much as a guaranteed balcony. Your child will love the views. The cabin we saw had a big l-shaped sectional.

Here's a shot of the view from 9199 looking across the bow at the Boston skyline. The room was sensational.

I like math but there's a limit. The package is worth it to me because my wife and I can order anything at anytime and not care. That peace of mind makes vacation fun. Then again, when they give you the package for free how can you go wrong?

I can't imagine dropping $100 to sit in one place all day with an ipad. Golden handcuffs. I'd be super self-conscious in there, too. "Hey, look at the dumb ass who rented an alcove! Bwahahahahahaha...."

Get rid of 'em.