Live from Silver Whisper Quebec to Boston

[crusinbanjo]

Tuesday and more great sunny weather.  The sunset last night was just spectacular, and the sun rise this morning was just as spectacular!  I will post photos when we get home.  
 

Today in Havre St Pierre, Mrs Banjo and I were able to get tickets for the Iles Quarry tour.  It was very very interesting!  We boarded a smaller boat for a 45 minute ride, in the incredibly calm water, we saw some seals and Minky Whales enroute to the island of Iles Quarry.  The island does not have a quarry on it, it is named for quarry as in hunting.  The island is a national park and has an old growth forest along with some arctic landscapes in addition to the limestone rock formations that you seen in the brochure photos.  Our guide was great and very knowledgeable about the environment, plants, and wild live. Then it was back to the ship for another fine lunch in La Terrazza out on the back deck while soaking up more sunshine. Then off on another self guided tour of the town!  Wheeehhh!

 

Thanks Lois for finding us in the lounge at tea time.  It was nice meeting you and we look forward to dinner tomorrow. 
 

ok end of another fabulous day. Time to shower and get ready for more food, can you believe it?

 

more to follow.

[Lois R]

Hi, no sun at all today.......

 

It was a pleasure meeting you both as well😀 

[crusinbanjo]

So, sorry for not posting yesterday.  Yesterday we sailed in the fog until the captain stopped the ship and dropped anchor off the Isle de Madeline.  We could not see anything.  It was as we say in New England, “a super duper pea super”.  From the ship we could not see anything, except fog, but we new the island had to be out there…….somewhere.

 

The Isle de Madeline seems to be in the wrong place, so many ship, we were told, just ran into it and sunk, so they put in a number of lighthouses to try and let ships know they were there.  In any case, the captain knew where to stop and the tender drivers were able to find the harbor. Even through the fog.  The tender ride was about 15 minutes.

 

on Isle de Madeline, Mrs Banjo and I went on the scenic tour of the central island.  First stop, wine tasting.  We tasted 4 different award winning wines made from some odd fruit, including dandelion and arctic cranberry.  It was all pretty tasty and the wine maker was quite the comic salesman.  A few folks bought wines to bring home.  Then it was off to see the lighthouse that was barely visible because of the fog.  Then it was off to visit the beach with the red sandstone cliffs.  This was the best part of the tour, I think we could almost see our ship…… but, of course, the fog.  After that was the most exciting tour through the downtown business district.  We saw all 3, three, traffic lights and stopped at the church that was damaged by the recent hurricane.  All in all the tour was not much of a tour,  but our guide was quite the character and made it an enjoyable diversion.

 

After returning to the ship , it was time to shower and get ready for our planned dinner with Lois.  We met in the bar, as planned and enjoyed  another fabulous dinner of lobster bisque, filet of beef and strawberry Bombe for desert.  Thank you Lois for some great conversation.

 

I have to say again, the ship is in very good condition, the crew has been fabulous, (as expected), the food has been very, very good and   the weather has been absolutely beautiful with seas that are as calm as I have ever seen.
 

Today we are in Charlotte Town, Prince Edward Island.  cloudy weather, but very moderate temps.  Will report on this later, it’s time for lunch.

[CruiserFromMaine]

If you see Lois again, tell her Carl and Ellie said hi! We’ll wave as you go past us from Bar Harbor to Boston. 

[rkacruiser]

5 hours ago, crusinbanjo said:

Will report on this later, it’s time for lunch.

 

I hope you ordered some P.E.I. Mussels.  

[Stumblefoot]

9 hours ago, rkacruiser said:

 

I hope you ordered some P.E.I. Mussels.  

Or, oysters.

[crusinbanjo]

Charlotte Town on PEI is always a good stop. Rain was forecast for the prior night into morning, but it stopped before we docked, so just a cloudy, high humidity day.  Many people were off on tours of the town by horse drawn wagon, others on their was to see the Ann of Green Gables with lobster lunch.  A few brave souls even went off on a walking tour.  Since this is our fourth time on this IT, Mrs Banjo and I opted for our own walking tour of the town.  
 

Prior to leaving the ship Mrs Banjo wanted to do a bit of laundry, since the self laundry was close bye, I took all of the items that we don’t send out and got them into the washing machine.  I don’t know how, but when I started the machine, it locked into a 3 hour wash cycle.  Mrs Banjo was not to happy with me! But, what could I do?  So, what to do? I decided we could do a two & a half hour walking tour, return to the ship, transfer the cloths to the dryer, and have lunch, while the cloths dry.  After lunch, folded  and went back out to finish our planned tour.  It all worked out, but I don’t think I will ever live it down!  I think we have the cleanest underwear on board.  That’s my story and I’m sticking to it!

 

The Confederation House, after 6 years of reconstruction, was still not complete, (can you believe that !).  I am so glad we got to see the inside prior to the start of construction, because the last 2 times we were here, we thought it would be complete.  The nice lady in the knit shop across the way said she was told it will be completed for NEXT year. Oh well.  
 

As we normally do, we stopped to see all the historical churches, the Kirk of Saint James was of particular interest because it is a little less known, but still quite beautiful.  A nice lady was very happy to see us and gave us some insights to the history of the Kirk.  I don’t think any of the walking tours went out that far, so they all missed a hidden gem.  The rest of our tour included the 1929 American La France fire engine parked outside the firehouse and a look at the historic homes along the waterfront.  
 

Dinner was quiet and delightful, just Mrs Banjo and myself. The halibut and scallop was very good and as usual, our waiter was helpful and pleasant.  The seas became rough for a time overnight, but calmed as we approached Sydney.

 

great weather today in Sydney, will report on activities later.

 

[OUTinMinnesota]

1 hour ago, crusinbanjo said:

Charlotte Town on PEI is always a good stop...

 

 ...Prior to leaving the ship Mrs Banjo wanted to do a bit of laundry, since the self laundry was close bye, I took all of the items that we don’t send out and got them into the washing machine.  I don’t know how, but when I started the machine, it locked into a 3 hour wash cycle.  Mrs Banjo was not to happy with me! ...

 

Thanks for the updates you've been posting!  

 

The laundromat you used...  was it  "Downtown Convenience & Laundromat"? 

If not, can you remember the name/location of the one you & Mrs. Banjo used?

[crusinbanjo]

1 minute ago, OUTinMinnesota said:

 

Thanks for the updates you've been posting!  

 

The laundromat you used...  was it  "Downtown Convenience & Laundromat"? 

If not, can you remember the name/location of the one you & Mrs. Banjo used?

No, it was the self laundry on the ship…….  I probably should have used the one downtown…….  I’m never going to live this one down, I just know it!

[Host Jazzbeau]

47 minutes ago, crusinbanjo said:

No, it was the self laundry on the ship…….  I probably should have used the one downtown…….  I’m never going to live this one down, I just know it!

In your defense, I related your story to my DW (who has recently used the free laundromat on Azamara) and she said these machines are covered in buttons whose function is not obvious. And of course the more familiar someone is with their machine at home, but more confusing a different machine will be.  [She always sets our washing machine and dishwasher for the shortest cycle possible, but notes that with each new machine the minimum time keeps going up.  The clothes don't get any cleaner, it just takes longer...]

[gnome12]

Can I be a picky Canadian here. The name is Charlottetown (one word not two).

[jollyjones]

 

When I'm staying somewhere where the washing machine is not easy to understand (eg on a ship or in a rented apartment) - and it's particularly true of European machines - I google the make and model number which is usually visible somewhere on the machine and read an instruction manual.

Perfectly easy, makes using the machine a breeze instead of trial and annoying error.

I'm a scientist, I like to have answers!

 

 

Edited October 29, 2022 by jollyjones

[crusinbanjo]

After leaving Charlottetown, and enjoying a spectacular sunset, the seas kicked up overnight, just to remind us that we were not on a small river or lake.  Through the night, the ship rocked and rolled, but we didn’t mind, as it started late and ended as we approached Sydney.  
 

At the risk of sounding like a broken record,  the weather in Sydney, although somewhat cold in the am, did not disappoint!  More sunshine.  As far as Autumn colors, they are pretty much all gone, but the towns are pleasant.  The locals are still very welcoming, even though the season is essentially over.  
 

Mrs Banjo and I, as I have said earlier, have done this IT many times because it is a great getaway for us and this time, in particular, it got us back into the mindset of cruising and travel after an almost three year hiatus due to Covid.  It feels good to be cruising again.  Our day in Sydney, like many of the previous was spent on a self guided walking tour.  Mostly we don’t even need a map for this town and we re-explored Sydney’s first Catholic Church, the Jost House, (the first general store), the Cossit House, the Episcopal church and the heritage museum, all before lunch.  Then it was just walk and shop until our legs were ready to fall off before returning to the ship.

 

I have to say, the offered SS tour on this IT are not very inspiring, maybe it is because we are very familiar with the towns, but the listed tours, and the tours we participated in were not the best.  One tour we took some years ago, (on a different cruise line), that was fabulous out of Sydney was the Coal Miner’s tour.  This tour took us to a real coal mine where we met retired coal miners who took us deep into the mine to explain and show us what coal mining was.  Coal mining, as you may know, was a big part of the economy here, and it helped fuel the steel industry that was the life of Sydney for many years. Anyway, that tour I would have payed extra for.

 

After returning to the ship, something kind of funny happened.  Mrs Banjo and I don’t require much attention from the cabin service, or butler.  We just appreciate the clean room and towels.  Today, it seems like the butler doesn’t feel like he is doing enough for us!  We don’t use room service,  and most tasks, we simply do ourselves.  Well today the butler appeared at our door and wanted to know why he had not done anything for us and kept asking if he could do this, or that.  Finally, I felt guilty so we agreed that he would bring us some caviar and canopies.  He returned with quite a spread and a bottle of champagne as well. I hope we have not insulted the man by not asking for much, it seems to me that he is plenty busy.

 

on our departure from Sydney, we were advised by the tour director, Katerina, that the seas would be rough, well they were, for about an hour, before it was smooth sailing overnight and into Halifax harbor.  
 

Tonight we dined in La Terraza, I must say, the food was ok, but the atmosphere and staff didn’t seem up to the task.  On this cruise, the best meals and service we have seen is in the restaurant!  The other venues, where reservations are required, we’re not nearly as good, IMHO.  I’m not slamming La Terraza, they do a great job at breakfast and lunch, we just feel the dining room has been better.
 

Sadly, only two more days and our first Post Covid cruise will be ending in Boston.  This has been a totally positive and enjoyable trip.  There are a few things I might change, if I were in charge, but I’ll save them for the post cruise review.  Right now, I am going to enjoy Halifax!

Edited October 29, 2022 by crusinbanjo

[crusinbanjo]

Cruising into Halifax, we were treated to the sight of the newest US Super Carrier, the Gerald Ford.  What a sight to behold and a magnificent ship.  She was fully outfitted with F-18’s, helicopters, and Intruders all on deck.  As the captain brought the Whisper to it’s berth, our suite, once docked, had a great view of the carrier.

 

Broken record time….. the weather was perfect, bright sun, comfortable  temps.  Mrs Banjo and I did what we have done at every stop, we went off walking.  Down the boardwalk, the up the hill to the Citadel.  The Citadel is an 1800’s fort built to defend the city and harbor of Halifax.  
 

Halifax harbor is important today, but in the 18th and 19th century, it was even more important to the British as a supply port that remained ice free through the Canadian winters. It needed to be defended, and even through WWl &  WWll the port of Halifax was a staging point for convoys destined for the front.  The Citadel was so impressive, and combined with the other harbor defenses, Halifax has never been attacked.

 

we toured the Citadel until the noon cannon was fired, another impressive sight.  After that we continued our walking tour to include the old burial grounds and the cemetery where bodies from the Titanic are buried.  Continuing on we stoped into a few of the churches that are open for viewing, the first Governor’s house and back down to the boardwalk to the Titanic Museum.
 

Finally a stop at the Farmers Market.  The market was moved since our last visit to a location next door to where the Whisper was berthed.  the market is a combination of products for the locals, groceries, fresh fruit & veggies, etc, gift shop for cruisers and cooked food stalls, (kind of like food trucks, but in the market).  So much good stuff.

 

ok about a 5 mile hike in all, my feet are getting tired, so back to our floating home for a shower, a drink and another fabulous dinner in the restaurant with some new friends.  
 

We ran into Lois again in the bar, the night before she was on stage with the captain and cruise director to receive her 100 days cruising award…… and the free laundry.  (I wonder why she put out 7 bags of laundry the next morning…….hmmmmm?).  Anyway, it was pretty cool and well deserved.

 

smooth sailing again tonight, tomorrow it is Bahhhh Haaabah.  Will report again on our final stop before disembarking in Boston 

[crusinbanjo]

P.S.  I’ll post pictures when I’m back home with high speed internet.

[Lois R]

Ouch, 7 bags? LOL....

2 bags total😀

[CruiserFromMaine]

Hi @Lois R! Sorry you’re not stopping in Portland! Hope you’re having a nice cruise! And I’m glad you got your 100 days recognition too. 

Edited October 30, 2022 by CruiserFromMaine

[crusinbanjo]

31 minutes ago, Lois R said:

Ouch, 7 bags? LOL....

2 bags total😀

I think the other 5 imaginary bags were from other cabins, (who are jealous),  trying to glam on !  Haha. 

[CruiserFromMaine]

@crusinbanjo We saw the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier while cruising into Halifax in 2017. 

[Lois R]

Good morning, we are in Boston and The Banjo's have disembarked. The sun is shining and hope they have a safe trip home. It was a pleasure to meet them. 

Tomorrow we go to Newport and then I disembark in NYC.

Haven't decided if I will do review when I get home or not. I will say I have had lovely time😀

[Lois R]

16 hours ago, CruiserFromMaine said:

Hi @Lois R! Sorry you’re not stopping in Portland! Hope you’re having a nice cruise! And I’m glad you got your 100 days recognition too. 

Hi Carl, hope you and Ellie are both doing well😀

[rkacruiser]

9 hours ago, CruiserFromMaine said:

@crusinbanjo We saw the USS Eisenhower aircraft carrier while cruising into Halifax in 2017. 

 

Before 9/11, on some week-ends in Norfolk, the USN would host public tours of some of the fleet at dock.  I had the opportunity to visit the USS Harry S. Truman while she was still being prepared to enter service.  These beautiful vessels are something to behold when one sees them.  They are truly awesome when one is able to be aboard for awhile.  

[bobolz]

Hi Lois 

 

im so glad you are enjoying your cruise. Would you recommend taking this cruise later in October vs earlier? I thought our itinerary dating  would have been better in last 2 weeks of September and although we had mild weather in NYC, Newport, Boston and Halifax, and Quebec, we unfortunately were derailed by hurricane Fiona and ended up missing a lot of ports. And the foliage was really only peaking in Quebec, it was beautiful when we flew out on October 2.
 

although we were on the outer rings of the storm , the ride was not too bad. Was curious how the whisper sailed in these waters in late October. 
 

I may consider this trip again since we missed so much, but was curious how your timing was compared to mine in regards to foliage, weather/temperatures , and wave activity.

 

thanks in advance for any feedback! Continue to enjoy!

 

liz

 

 

[CruiserFromMaine]

@bobolz Timing the peak of foliage is tough, especially a few months out. Many variables such as a wet or dry summer, warm or cool summer. Also we’ve had some years with great foliage almost at peak, then a big storm cones through and blows many leaves off. Big difference between timing in Quebec vs Boston too. Along the New England coast, probably second or third week of October is your best bet. 

[crusinbanjo]

2 hours ago, CruiserFromMaine said:

@bobolz Timing the peak of foliage is tough, especially a few months out. Many variables such as a wet or dry summer, warm or cool summer. Also we’ve had some years with great foliage almost at peak, then a big storm cones through and blows many leaves off. Big difference between timing in Quebec vs Boston too. Along the New England coast, probably second or third week of October is your best bet. 

I would agree.  Peak color was 2 weeks prior to this cruise.  Although we did still have some color, it was well past the peak.