Live (at the time) Review 12 night Canada/New England on Brilliance 10/22/12-11/3/12

[ace1zoe2]

Both the waitress and the dining room supervisor asked if there was something wrong with the food since we didn't eat it all. We both skipped dessert as there just wasn't room for anymore food! I did get a specialty mocha coffee (with a free coupon from my platinum coupon book which could only be used at a specialty restaurant) and ended up taking my wine with me when we left. We were served the silver tray with 4 dipped strawberries and I did eat two of them.

 

 

After dinner we sat in the centrum and people watched for a while. The captains welcome aboard reception was in the Schooner Bar from 7-8 so we strolled in long enough to get a free glass of wine to take to the production show. We stopped on the way thru the casino and donated back our $16 combined payout form the M&M slot pull earlier in the day.

 

 

 

We arrived in the theater around 8:10 and it was already at least 3/4 full. By 8:20-8:25 folks were standing as there was no seating left. The show was "Then & Now" and was actually pretty enjoyable. It was a little slow in the middle but finished up with several Abba songs which we really enjoyed. The show finished up around 9:30 with the CD, Paul Lancaster of London, England, giving instructions for tendering at Gaspe tomorrow.

 

 

Edited January 23, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[ace1zoe2]

I awoke today about 645 am and we were already anchored at Gaspe. By the time I was up & dressed I had already missed the sunrise... Again... I'm going to have to step it up if I'm going to realize my goal of viewing a sunrise.

 

At 7am I was out on the balcony enjoying the beautiful sunshine. We were facing out to sea but I could see land on both sides. The first tender to port was on its way at exactly 7am as scheduled and according to the captain would be a short 10 minute ride to shore.

 

The weather today now calls for a high of 39F with a light wind. I have decided to wear layers on both top & bottom as well as my jacket, scarf & gloves. If I get too warm ill just start peeling away layers.

 

The only organized excursions at the port went to Perce Rock or Forillion National Park and required you to be on that first tender out at 7am at a price of around $100 per person. Last tender back to the ship is at 1pm with a 2pm sail away so this is going to be a short time in port.

 

We've decided to have breakfast onboard then take a tender in to port to look around the area. The main dining room is open for lunch today from 12-1:30 so I'm planning to try to make it there for the tuti salad which I forgot about yesterday on sea day and completely missed. At 2pm there is a guest lecturer in the theater who will giving a talk about the Bay of Fundy and plans are to attend and learn about areas that are coming up on our trip.

 

 

**************************

 

It's been a busy, busy day. We had breakfast in the main dining room and it was much better than the first day we tried it. The service was quick and the table mates were were all nice. I had an omelet and hubby had blueberry pancakes. Afterward we picked up our tender tickets and were on tender 10. They called our number while we were on our way back to the room to get our backpack.

 

The trip was only a 5-10 minute ride to the port where we were welcomed by the town of Gaspe's Ambassadors. They were all over town directing traffic, walking you across the street, giving directions and answering questions. The town offered a shuttle bus (the local school buses) across the bridge and into the edge of town (about 1/2 mile) for $5 per person each way.

 

We enjoyed the walk in to town and then we walked pretty much the entire downtown area in about 2 hours. The trees still had some fall colors and we were able to get some pictures in the leaves.

 

 

 

There were not very many shops but I was able to find a hand painted Santa ornament on a shell by a local artist. Today was a cheap day for us $11 for my ornament was the only money we spent.

 

 

My family always tease me about taking so many pictures of churches... I'm not sure why but I just can't help it... Something about the how the architecture and style differ based on when they were built and what the religion is just fascinates me.

 

 

[ace1zoe2]

More pictures in Gaspe:

 

 

 

 

 

We got back on the ship about 12 and went to the dining room for the tutti salad for lunch. I also had a crab soup which was very good. After lunch I went to the Bay of Fundy talk that lasted maybe 30-45 minutes and was fairly interesting. Hubby stayed in the room and watched some tv. It was much warmer in the afternoon and we spent some time out in the balcony.

 

At 4:45 the C&A Welcome Back Party was held in the Colony Club. There were 1058 C&A members onboard out of 2000 guests. The place was packed. There were passed drinks, fruit drinks, champagne, white & red wine and draft beers served for the entire 45 minutes. There were also tables of appetizers that were set up as self-serve. They recognized the couple onboard with the most cruises (over 100) and they were probably only in their 50's. There were over 500 Gold members, 200+ platinum, 60 or so emerald, the rest were diamond/diamond plus and 6 pinnacle members. It was a fun event and we had a few free drinks so it was worth going to.

Edited January 23, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[ace1zoe2]

From that event we went straight to dinner at 5:30. Renold & Emre were in excellent form tonight. Within 20 minutes we'd already been served bread, water, appetizers and the entrees were on their way. We both chose the jalapeño potato soup for starters and it was terrific. Hubby ordered the dusted tilapia and I chose the pasta with shrimp, scallops, mussels and red sauce.

 

 

 

Both of us enjoyed our meal but it wasn't our favorite so far. For dessert hubby had the BBB & I had the chocolate trilogy. Our waiter also brought hubby ice cream since he had it previously. It was way too much dessert. We were done with dinner in less than an hour. The table for two is working out great.

 

 

 

 

 

Around 7pm we went to the Solarium and got in the hot tub for about 30 minutes and then came back to the room for the night. I uploaded my pictures to the iPad and did some journaling.

 

Tomorrow we will be in Charlottestown, Prince Edward Island. We have rented a car at Budget for the day for $28.67 and plan to do a drive around the island.

[The Big Booper]

Really enjoying your photos. Brings back good memories up until Monday night when our son E-Mailed us about The Tree.

 

We usually wore matching tee shirts in the daytime.

 

We had online albums on Webshots but they closed down. How do you like Photobucket?

[cruisefromct]

Brings back wonderful memories as I was also on this cruise.

 

Lisa

[ace1zoe2]

Brings back wonderful memories as I was also on this cruise.

 

Lisa

 

Glad you are enjoying the review!

[ace1zoe2]

Really enjoying your photos. Brings back good memories up until Monday night when our son E-Mailed us about The Tree.

 

We usually wore matching tee shirts in the daytime.

 

We had online albums on Webshots but they closed down. How do you like Photobucket?

 

 

I've never used a photo hosting service before but it seems pretty easy. I'm already at 56% of the free hosting limit with the pictures I've posted so far. I have a feeling I will end up having to pay or cut way back on the pictures.

 

Thanks again for following along on "our" trip.

[critterchick]

Glad you are enjoying the review!

 

I am, too! I love taking pictures of churches as well - I just love all the different architectural features we find. And there's nothing like a nice fall day in the Northeast part of North America.

[Just The 3 Of Us]

Cindy - not sure if you remember us, we sailed with you and Charlie on the Adventure last March... We had such wonderful time meeting everyone on our roll call. It was one of my favorite cruises (agree with you totally that the Southern Caribbean islands are the best).

Anyway, just wanted to say hi. Absolutely enjoying your review - fantastic job, great details and the pictures are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

Our next cruise will be on the Oasis of the Seas - it will be about the ship rather than the itinerary this time and travelling with friends - CAN'T WAIT!

 

Barb (& Mark)

[ace1zoe2]

Cindy - not sure if you remember us, we sailed with you and Charlie on the Adventure last March... We had such wonderful time meeting everyone on our roll call. It was one of my favorite cruises (agree with you totally that the Southern Caribbean islands are the best).

 

Anyway, just wanted to say hi. Absolutely enjoying your review - fantastic job, great details and the pictures are amazing!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

 

Our next cruise will be on the Oasis of the Seas - it will be about the ship rather than the itinerary this time and travelling with friends - CAN'T WAIT!

 

Barb (& Mark)

 

 

Hi Barb!

 

Yes I remember your screen name... didn't we do an excursion or two together? That was a great cruise, just wished I wouldn't have had all the stuff going on back home at the time.

 

Thanks so much for reading my review. I appreciate the encouragement and kind words.

 

OASIS? I'm still afraid to go that big. The largest we've done is Voyager class and I feel overwhelmed. I think I'd be lost the entire time on Oasis. Someday I'm going to try out Freedom class. My oldest daughter is moving to Florida in June so that will give us an excuse to cruise from there sometime.

 

Nice to hear from you. Maybe we'll see you onboard another cruise in the future. Happy Sails!

[lah66]

Barb, How are you? Our cruise was the best, wasnt it? We had such a great time meeting all of you. We were just talking about the trip and for the life of me, I could not remember the couples name...he was a really tall, very funny Brit and she was the sweetest Grandmother type you ever wnted to meet...I think they were from Canada...Cindy, do you remember their names? I wanted to add it to my scrapbook...On a side note Barb, I have lost 20 lbs and have a goal to lose 15 more before our cruise in March....thanks for your words of encouragement...it really has been easy but I am taking it really slow!!!

 

Cindy, This has been such a great thorough review with such terrific pictures...Mike really wanted to do this itin this fall and I think your pictures have persuaded me to agree with him! Old churches are my favorite! I do not think I have ever read a review for this itin, so Thanks again!

[ace1zoe2]

I have lost 20 lbs and have a goal to lose 15 more before our cruise in March....thanks for your words of encouragement...it really has been easy but I am taking it really slow!!!

 

Good for you Laurie! That's a great accomplishment. Charlie & I are both trying to lose 20# by the end of May when we go to Alaska.

 

Sorry I don't recall the names of the other people you are talking about. Hopefully someone will spur our memories.

[ace1zoe2]

I woke up this morning way before my alarm went off... I think it was 7:05 local time (5:05am at home, I'm not even sure there is a 5:05am at home! I've never seen it.). Hubby was still snoozing away but I just felt the need to get up & get going. Sunrise was due at 7:46am so I jumped in the shower and dressed.

 

I'm almost 49 years old and have NEVER witnessed a sunrise in my entire lifetime... It's on my bucket list. I was determined to see it during this cruise.

 

By the time I was dressed and to the balcony I thought I had already missed it as it was pretty light outside but it was only 7:30. I almost got upset with myself but as time got closer to 7:46 I realized that it hadn't happened yet & I was truly going to see my first sunrise!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was amazing, absolutely awe-inspiring! I took probably 20 pictures as the sun come up from the edge of the ocean and worked its way thru a cloud and into the sky...UNBELIEVABLE! Check one off the bucket list...

[ace1zoe2]

On the way in to the port this is the lighthouse we saw

 

 

And the amazing colors in the landscape:

 

 

At 8:15 we headed to the WJ for breakfast. It was a port day and it was crowded with pretty much no seats available so we ended up in the outside section at a dirty table. Another couple ended up sitting with us and we had a nice chat. Around 9am we headed back to the room to grab our camera and backpack.

 

We were the first ones down to deck 2 to disembark and walked off the ship and thru the terminal at 10am.

 

 

 

There were a few shops set up inside and nice clean bathrooms available. The terminal also provided FREE wifi so lots of cruisers as well as crew members were getting set up at tables to check email, news and Skype with family.

 

We had a car rented from Budget which was probably about a mile away (20 minute walk for us). I had heard that they would have shuttles at the pier throughout the day but didn't want to stand there waiting on them to fill it up so we chose to walk instead. We arrived about 9:15 and were on our way by 9:25.

[ace1zoe2]

We did a scenic drive clockwise up the coast to Victoria by the Sea and on to Borden-Carleton, Stanley Bridge and Cavendish.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is Confederation Bridge which is an 8 mile long curved bridge and is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered waters:

 

Edited January 24, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[ace1zoe2]

We had planned to go onto North Rustico and to the National Park, however we ended up having a flat near Kensington and decided to go on back to Charlottetown and look around there.

 

The risk you take doing a self guided driving tour, however we'd still choose to do it again. Luckily there was a driveway nearby that was level that we were able to pull in to change the tire. Hubby had us back on the road in less than 15 minutes.

 

 

 

These lobster traps were just stacked up sitting by the road. Thought they were pretty cool since we've never seen any before:

 

 

And yet again, another church

 

 

Guess our travels north and on to Green Gables will have to wait for next time. The Anne of Green Gables Store in Charlottetown was as close as we got:

 

 

We had a late lunch at A & W which we don't have in our area of Texas and I had never eaten there so we tried it out. We both had chipotle chicken sandwiches and they were good.

 

Afterwards we turned in the rental car and walked back thru town stopping for a few pictures and to purchase a PEI Christmas ornament.

 

Another beautiful church in downtown:

 

Edited January 24, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[ace1zoe2]

My PEI Christmas ornaments:

 

 

 

About 3:30 we headed back towards the ship and stopped for a time in the terminal to take advantage of the free wifi. I guess ignorance is bliss, but we just heard about the impending storm Sandy aka Frankenstorm that was brewing in the Atlantic. We were back on the ship at 4:30 and went by the room to watch the news on CNN to hear about the storm.

 

At 5:30 we headed to dinner in the dining room. Again, Emre & Renold we in top form and service was excellent. Renold recommended a spinach, feta & sundried tomato pastry in a bushamel sauce... Not something I would have chosen for myself but I took his recommendation and it was incredible.

 

 

 

Hubby had the shrimp cocktail

 

 

and we both ordered Steak Dianne for dinner. It was a strip steak with a brandy sauce and sautéed mushrooms. Not the best steak but was good.

 

 

I skipped dessert and had a cup of hot tea, while hubby had a Blueberry Torte. I got a cheese plate to go for later.

 

 

 

The show tonight was a female singer and we decided to skip it since tomorrow is an early port day beginning at 7am. Today was day 8 of our 16 day trip so there's still lots more to come.

Edited January 24, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[The Big Booper]

We stayed in town and did the three criss-crossing HoHo bus tour, three different runs that cover the whole town. We were impressed by this port stop and bought some ice cream and ate it standing outside the store in 50 degree weather along with several dozen other people. Unusual flavors and names.

 

I had never heard of that long bridge until your review and photo.

 

I really have to get the memory cards out of the camera bag and just bulk load them onto a computer so we can compare notes.

[ace1zoe2]

I really have to get the memory cards out of the camera bag and just bulk load them onto a computer so we can compare notes.

 

Luckily I transferred all my pictures (from 2 different cameras) on to my iPad at the end of each day & put them in to albums by the name of the port stop or sea day 1, 2 etc.

 

Otherwise, I'd never remember where all the pictures were taken. I think I also took well over 1200 pictures during the 16 day trip.

 

Wish I would have gotten to the review earlier as I'm having a hard time recalling names (for instance I had to look up the name & length of the bridge). I just remembered you couldn't see the other side. It's also a two lane toll bridge that once you're on. there's no getting off & it's like $38.

[emilygrace]

We did a ship's tour to this bridge (and Victoria by the Sea, which I thought was very charming) so we got the whole rundown on the building of the bridge and all the statistics. It connects PEI to New Brunswick and our tour bus actually took us across it to the NB side where we stopped for photos. And yes, it's pricey to cross it, so it's not exactly a commuter bridge!

[ace1zoe2]

Day 9, Sydney, Nova Scotia

 

I ordered room service for breakfast this morning. Just granola, yogurt and pastry to be delivered between 6:30-7:00. I set the alarm for 6:15 and ended up turning it off when room service called to say that breakfast was on its way. Once it was delivered, hubby headed to the WJ to eat his breakfast. WJ opened at 6:30 this morning to accommodate a 7:00 disembarkation time. Hubby was back by 7:15 and we called Budget at 7:30 to request pick up at 8am since that is what time the office opened.

 

The office was 2 miles away and definitely further than I wanted to walk, We left the ship from deck two and went straight to the parking lot where the budget shuttle had just pulled in, we got inside and the lady took us straight to the office without waiting for the van to fill up. When we arrived there we 3 people in front of us but it still only took 15 minutes max and we were in our car & on the way. We received a nice size 4 door Chevy Impala and had prepaid $28 for the day. We had originally planned to go to the Fortress of Louisbourg but at the last minute decided to drive part of the Cabot Trail instead. The rental place gave us a map and marked the way and told us when we should turn around to head back. There is not enough time to do entire trail due to the limited time in port.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was a campground we passed:

 

We left the rental place at 8:15 and drove to exit 11 where we took the Englishtown Ferry across St Anne's Bay. The ferry is a small cable drawn ferry that holds about 12 cars & crosses the bay about every 5 minutes the cost was $5.25.

 

 

We went through St Anne's, Indian Brook, Wreck Cove, Cape Smokey, ingonish, Neil's Harbor before turning around to head back. There were some amazing colors & landscapes along the way.

Edited January 25, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[ace1zoe2]

Views along the Cabot Trail:

 

Englishtown Ferry:

 

 

Driving on to the ferry:

 

 

Looking across the bay:

 

 

A place I wouldn't mind living:

 

 

Another church along the way:

 

[ace1zoe2]

We have green or brown trees in Texas & never see these kind of colors, so we couldn't believe our eyes. You just cannot imagine it in you're mind, you definitely need to see this in person:

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 25, 2013 by ace1zoe2

[ace1zoe2]

More scenic views:

 

 

 

 

 

Edited January 25, 2013 by ace1zoe2