TLCOhio

WOW!!! What a wonderful and exciting adventure that is upcoming. So many great options to consider at these various locations and ports. What a trip to explore and experience!! If I understand correctly you are sailing on the Celebrity Edge. Right? Hear it is a nice, innovative ship. Larger than Silversea, but offering many very good on-ship options. As detailed below, we did an exciting Sydney to Auckland sailing that offered many very good experiences. You might check if while sailing in Doubtful Sound, they offer an overnight excursion to Queenstown. We did that and loved the chance to see more of the scenic interior of New Zealand's South Island. Also while in Christchurch, they might consider excursion options to do highly-interesting Tranz Alpine Express to the heart of the Southern Alps/Arthur’s Pass National Park. And, also you could super enjoy the exciting jet-boat ride on the scenic Waimakiriri River. Also in Sydney, consider as I did, doing a walk, up, UP, to the top of their famed Harbour Bridge, plus seeing more inside and during a performance at the Sydney Opera House. See some details at: http://www.bridgeclimb.com. Need proof and evidence? See below just a few visual examples. Keep researching and planning. So many, many great potentials. Happy to share more details and suggestions. Also, love Auckland from visiting there twice. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is an example of the great views and experience when at the top of Sydney Harbour Bridge Climb. If I can do it, then everyone can, if you dare!!: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) The Tranz Alpine Express offers a fun and exciting exploration through New Zealand's dramatic South Island.: Doing the jet-boat experience is a super thrill in navigating through these narrow canyons in NZ's scenic South Island. As the second picture proves, my wife loved it!!: When doing the overnight Queenstown excursion, it allows you to see the bridge where bungee jumping was inventing, plus potentials for doing a sailing on a scenic lake to a sheep ranch, visiting cute shops, a mining town, winery, etc. Worth checking it out.:

Appreciate from J.P. these great visuals and the follow-up details related to Quebec City. Winter there "looks" wonderful, but not sure during the time of year, if we need and want more snow, cold and ice. While there in Quebec City, we heard details about how cold it gets there and the large amount of interest snow during their winters. YES, if it's been seven years, you should refurn there to charming and historic Quebec City, especially during the warmer summer and early fall season. Will follow with more visuals to prove and verify the excellent character and style with this first Canada settlement/city. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

From the Wall Street Journal late this afternoon, Royal Caribbean has now drop down below $100 a share. Where are things headed and why? More week's end data tomorrow afternoon. Looking for the background reasons. Any hints or ideas? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate the kind follow-ups. In case there is question as to whether we actually visited Montmorency Falls, below is visual evidence. And this provides also a current picture from yesterday to confirm that I am still alive and not using my old high school picture. Yes, as shown, our weather for was perfect most of yesterday . A little later afternoon rain as we return back into Quebec City, but who can complain in this city and area. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Sorry, but Sainte Anne de Beaupré is not just beautiful, but it is so much, much more!! Very amazing, spectacular and MOVING. Very inspiring!!! We took a tour through the local company Unitour on a larger bus. We left at 10:30 am and returned around 3:30 pm They also have an early afternoon tour. Clearly that would not work with your rather tight and limited time in port. Not good timing by your cruise line. Good suggestion also by LHT28. My suggestions? Try ToursByLocals and try to arrange a Quebec private tour. Our guide we used earlier on Sunday when we first arrived was Djany P. She was totally amazing and so knowledgeable!!! Maybe the best tour guide we have ever used in ALL of our travels around the world. Ask for a custom, early morning tour. Being private, it can start much earlier and be tailored your interests and travel style. In a very limited time, you will learn much from Djany. Hope this helps. Let us know any other questions or needs. Happy to share more. Many additional visuals to come after we can back home, are caught up, etc. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 248,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Nice comment on "my friends took me to La Buche for the onion soup. What made it extra special was that it came with bone marrow." Yes, dined there last night and had their wonderful French Onion Soup. Enjoyed it so very much!!!! Yesterday's travels included visiting Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one of five national shrines in Québec and was late last July a site where Pope Frances performed mass. Below are a couple visuals for this spectacular Catholic location. Also, cute kids playing in the colorful and fast-changing water feature in front of Quebec City's City Hall. Plus, my wife and I are shown in front of their famous waterfall. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Amazon River-Caribbean 2015 adventure live/blog starting in Barbados. Many visuals from this amazing river and Caribbean Islands (Dutch ABC's, St. Barts, Dominica, Grenada, San Juan, etc.). Now at 72,388 views: https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/2076101-live-amazon-river-caribbean-many-pix’s-terryohio/

Yesterday included visiting Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one of five national shrines in Québec and was late last July a site where Pope Frances performed mass. Below are a couple visuals for this spectacular Catholic location. Also, cute kids playing in the colorful and fast-changing water feature in front of Quebec City's City Hall. Plus, my wife and I are shown in front of their famous waterfall. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Still super enjoying Quebec City and Canada. Heading back later this afternoon. Yesterday included visiting Île d'Orléans, Montmorency Falls that’s 30 metres higher than Niagara Falls and Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, the oldest pilgrimage site north of Mexico. Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré is one of five national shrines in Québec and was late last July a site where Pope Frances performed mass. Below are a couple visuals for this spectacular Catholic location. Also, cute kids playing in the in water feature in front of Quebec City's City Hall. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Just a quick update that we are super continuing to enjoy Quebec City and Canada. Very nice weather yesterday, sunny and low 70'sF. The people, charm, history and character continue to amaze. More exploring today. Heading back home Thursday afternoon. Continued good food and nice visuals, including below of what is considered the most photographed hotel in the world. See their funicular below? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate your planning and prep for your time to explore Quebec City before starting your cruise. Let me know any questions. Will have more share. Wonderful city!! From our first full day in Quebec City, we continue to LOVE the character and charm here. Need proof? See below. Still have two and a half days left so we can be really in-depth for exploring and experiencing the history in this city that goes way, way back to the early 1600's. Talk about a Time Machine!! Any added tips suggestions to share for experiencing Quebec City? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is their Quebec Parliament Building with this charming fountain fronting it.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Did an amazing, special collection at their Museum of Art centered around the famed British designer Alexander McQueen. His fashions are displayed in connection with historic art to reflect his unique and pioneering style. Amazing collection that ties in with so much history and innovation. He not only did dresses, but unique hair covering, shoes, etc. Fascinating and stimulating display that was well worth seeing!: Here are just few more visual samples from yesterday, including at a fun market in their Arts District, their famed Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel and a tasty dinner last night. Lots of interesting architecture here!:

From our first full day in Quebec City, we continue to LOVE the character and charm here. Need proof? See below. Still have two and a half days left so we can be really in-depth for exploring and experiencing the history in this city that goes way, way back to the early 1600's. Talk about a Time Machine!! Any added tips suggestions to share for experiencing Quebec City? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is their Quebec Parliament Building with this charming fountain fronting it.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Did an amazing, special collection at their Museum of Art centered around the famed British designer Alexander McQueen. His fashions are displayed in connection with historic art to reflect his unique and pioneering style. Amazing collection that ties in with so much history and innovation. He not only did dresses, but unique hair covering, shoes, etc. Fascinating and stimulating display that was well worth seeing!: Here are just few more visual samples from yesterday, including at a fun market in their Arts District, their famed Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel and a tasty dinner last night. Lots of interesting architecture here!:

Wonderful, fun visual humor from mysty and rojaan19. Keeping each day upbeat and exciting is important. The Silver Shadow has departed Quebec City. Didn't stay up to watch her scheduled departure at 11 pm. Plus, it was dark and the lighting challenging to see much then from our hotel window in the Old City. From our first full day in Quebec City, we continue to LOVE the character and charm here. Need proof? See below. Still have two and a half days left so we can be really in-depth for exploring and experiencing the history in this city that goes way, way back to the early 1600's. Talk about a Time Machine!! Any added tips suggestions to share for experiencing Quebec City? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is their Quebec Parliament Building with this charming fountain fronting it.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) Did an amazing, special collection at their Museum of Art centered around the famed British designer Alexander McQueen. His fashions are displayed in connection with historic art to reflect his unique and pioneering style. Amazing collection that ties in with so much history and innovation. He not only did dresses, but unique hair covering, shoes, etc. Fascinating and stimulating display that was well worth seeing!: Here are just few more visual samples from yesterday, including at a fun market in their Arts District, their famed Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac Hotel and a tasty dinner last night. Lots of interesting architecture here!:

From our hotel room in Quebec City's historic area this morning, we were lucky enough to have a view of the Silver Shadow. Here's that photo image with some of the buildings shown. The sail-away is later this evening. Good luck to those on board. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this above tip. We've arrived!! Below is a small sampling as to what can be seen and experienced in this historic city of Quebec City with so much going back to the early 1600's, its walled old city, cobblestoned streets and much more. For those visiting, Quebec City is a location meriting added time as there is so much charm and character here. Below is only a small, tiny sampling for our first afternoon here. Much of the history is about the French vs. the British. Lots of military, architecture, culture, etc., differences and contrasts here that makes everything so interesting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is a small sampling for the architecture, fun, sights in and around Quebec City. Notice the flowers? They are spectacular!! Great, amazing gardens and buildings. Many shopping and dining options.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Below is a small sampling as to what can be seen and experienced in this historic city of Quebec City with so much going back to the early 1600's, its walled old city, cobblestoned streets and much more. For those visiting, Quebec City is a location meriting added time as there is so much charm and character here. Below is only a small, tiny sampling for our first afternoon here. Much of the history is about the French vs. the British. Lots of military, architecture, culture, etc., differences and contrasts here that makes everything so interesting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is a small sampling for the architecture, fun, sights in and around Quebec City. Notice the flowers? They are spectacular!! Great, amazing gardens and buildings. Many shopping and dining options.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

Appreciate the nice follow-ups. Below is a small sampling as to what can be seen and experienced in this historic city with so much going back to the early 1600's, its walled old city, cobblestoned streets and much more. For those coming in on the Silver Shadow (or departing), Quebec City is a location meriting added time as there is so much charm and character here. Below is only a small, tiny sampling for our first afternoon here. Much of the history is about the French vs. the British. Lots of military, architecture, culture, etc., differences and contrasts here that makes everything so interesting. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/ Here is a small sampling for the architecture, fun, sights in and around Quebec City. Notice the flowers? They are spectacular!! Great, amazing gardens and buildings. Many shopping and dining options.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!)

The Silver Shadow has arrived in Quebec City. We came in by airline mid-day. A little before the scheduled 5 pm time, I captured this below visual of the Silversea ship after it had docked in the marina area near the historic parts of this super charming city. More tomorrow from Quebec. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

As I promised (or threatened), below are a few of my favorites from our late last summer, first-time exploring in and around the Canada Maritimes. Super enjoyed these areas, the great food, charming people, interesting culture, fascinating history, etc. Many more visuals and details from this area can been seen via the link provided below. Hope this brings back memories and/or previews for those planning to visit this highly scenic part of Canada. Yes, they have lobster and excellent seafood!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums In and around Halifax, here are two of the potential sights and locations to explore and enjoy. This includes Peggy's Cove and Halifax's historic Citadel.: (Open your screen/viewer wider to see these visuals larger/better!) With record high and low tides, this Bay of Fundy location allowed us to walk on the floor of the ocean at Hopewell's Rocks.: What is better for exploring these coastal areas than having a bagpiper leading the way for our group?: Visiting Anne of Green Gables author's home and inspiration.: While on the famed Cabot Trail, here is just one sample for the dramatic, scenic coastal areas.:

Great follow-ups above from marys350 and GTJ. All sounds wonderful and very good. Definitely want to ride the funicular railway, enjoy the cobblestone streets, etc. For that suggested dining location, their website says: "The restaurant Aux Anciens Canadiens is located in La Maison Jacquet, reputed to be the oldest house in Quebec City and one of the oldest in the province. It was erected in 1675!" Nice looking menu at a price that might be possible. At the Philadelphia airport now, early this morning, getting ready to board and fly to Quebec City. Noticed last night that the Silversea Silver Shadow will be in Quebec City, arriving later today/Aug. 13, at 5 pm, departing tomorrow late evening from wharf 30. It will be docked to north of the historic Old Town. This same Silversea ship will be back Sept. 5 & 25. Plus, Oct. 15 & Nov. 4, 2023. Now seems to be the start of the major cruise season for this historic city. Anyone doing upcoming (or has done previously) these St. Lawrence and Canada Maritimes sailings? Might post a few great memories from last summer in those charming areas of eastern Canada. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 248,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate the great follow-ups from Dr. Ron and Lois. Wonderful and tasty visuals!!! Makes me hungry for such tasty treats. At the airport now, super early this morning, getting ready to board and fly to Philadelphia, then to Quebec City. Noticed last night that the Silver Shadow will be in Quebec City, arriving later today/Aug. 13, at 5 pm, departing tomorrow late evening from wharf 30. It will be docked to north of the historic Old Town. This same Silversea ship will be back Sept. 5 & 25. Plus, Oct. 15 & Nov. 4, 2023. Anyone from The Cooler doing (or has done) these SS St. Lawrence sailings? THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Norway Coast/Fjords/Arctic Circle cruise from Copenhagen, July 2010, to the top of Europe. Scenic visuals with key tips. Live/blog at 248,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1172051-livesilver-cloud-norway-coastfjords-july-1-16-reports/

Appreciate these great suggestions and the follow-up from Linda and Gary in the UK. Excellent. We might also get some rain while there, so we will have to consider how the "logistics" goes for getting around there if we have to dodge the drops from heaven. Keep it coming!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate these great suggestions and follow-up from super traveler J.P. Excellent, as always. Dining at Auberge Saint-Antoine looks excellent, but it is priced at that higher level, too. So far, I have not won the Mega Millions Lottery. We might also get some rain while there, so we will have to consider how the "logistics" goes for getting around there if we have to dodge the drops from heaven. Keep it coming!! THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this great, quick follow-up from Keith. What did most of those experienced, previous Crystal crew members do to sustain themselves during the long shut-down, Covid period? Very challenging for those affected by this difficult period. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio

Appreciate this helpful comment and follow-up from our knowledgeable Greece expert. When doing Athens, most also includes some of the great, nearby islands. This profile might be of interest. From the London/UK Telegraph yesterday, they had this headline: “40 of the best Greek island hotels for 2023" with this sub-headline: "Gaze upon glittering sea views, seek out local tavernas for long, lazy lunches and soak up the sunshine at these island retreats.” Here are some of their reporting highlights by Heidi Fuller-Love: “Imagine golden beaches lapped by a balmy turquoise sea, feet-in-the-water tavernas where you can sup on Ouzo and tiny traditional villages where daily life is serenaded by the click of komboloi worry beads or the chirp of crickets, and you’ll understand why Greece’s sun-dazzled islands are a magnet for UK travellers. From family favourite Corfu or Crete to sultry Santorini’s sugar-white villages teetering above that celebrated volcanic caldera, to traffic-free Hydra’s art galleries and boho vibe, each Greek island (and there are 227 inhabited ones) has its own unique charm.” Here are a couple key locations we have visited and enjoyed: "Rhodes’ Unesco heritage-classed old town – with its fortress walls built by the Knights Templar and narrow cobbled streets lined with medieval inns – is truly unique (it was once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World). Cinderella of the Cyclades, Mykonos was once one of Greece’s poorest islands until it was ‘discovered’ in the 1960’s by shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis and his wife, former First Lady Jackie Kennedy." Full story at: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/europe/greece/articles/the-best-greek-island-hotels/ THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Sydney to NZ/Auckland Adventure, live/blog 2014 sampling/details with many exciting visuals and key highlights. On page 23, post #571, see a complete index for all of the pictures, postings. Now at 244,893 views. https://boards.cruisecritic.com/topic/1896175-solstice-live-australianzhawaii-many-pix’s-jan-20-feb-3/

Hi, Keith! Just catching up today on your wonderful adventures. Love the excellent food and port visuals. Love Lisbon so much with its great history, architecture, charm and character. Wonderful to hear your sailing excitement continues. Headed to a first-time visit tomorrow to Quebec City, but will catch up more later in the week. Maybe you mentioned this earlier, but is the ship full? Rough percentage of staff with past Crystal sailing experience, versus those new to that line? Glad to hear the quality and excitement has returned to the New Chrystal. THANKS! Enjoy! Terry in Ohio Late Summer 2022, many scenic visuals and details from Canada Maritimes doing Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Cape Breton Island, etc., via a Tauck land tour. Visual Summary: www.flickr.com/photos/196555480@N08/albums