Maasdam May 19 Part 2

[Gunters Oma]

We have departed Montreal - cruising down the St. Lawrence - passing little villages, stretches of green and occasional commercial/portage area - still so much to see - but we have now showered and changed into "smart" casual attire. Well - maybe not all smart - I think the DH's shirt was barely carrying a C average when I bought it! We make our way to the dining room…Table 136, a table for two. Perfect!

 

I will digress for one paragraph to introduce our travel buddy - Gunter! (See Avatar.) He is a friendly, curious little lion cub - who does not know he is not real! He loves flowers, trees, having his picture taken, and making people smile. Okay…eye-rolling may begin now……:rolleyes: :rolleyes: :rolleyes: I have a couple of Gunter stories you might like and if I can manage to insert a picture - you might be surprised who was more than willing to have a snapshot with him. Many people would smile, wave and talk to him. Some of the crew would high-five him. Gunter was one happy cubbie!

 

The three of us are comfortably settled in. We meet our servers - Danu, our waiter, and Suparta, the asst waiter. Suparta was charming…always smiling and quick to clear the dishes. Danu is the consummate professional. We were so lucky to have him. He was friendly and helpful. After a few nights he knew what we liked and contributed to our selection…particularly since one member of our party (ummm - that would be me) is picky - unless it's made of chocolate!:p Danu's suggestions were always right! If he said, I would like it - I did and when he gave me that occasional eyebrow raise - I usually didn't care for it. He would quickly replace it with something delicious. I think (but don't know) he already had it at the station! I cannot say enough about these two - but they truly contributed to our cruising pleasure!

 

After dinner we headed to the Rembrandt Lounge for the show. The Maasdam cast did a few songs. Now - no disrespect intended - this is not Broadway. But the young people could sing and dance with great energy and were very entertaining. Elliott Maxx's take on shipboard life was also right on. Most of us were laughing and shaking our heads in agreement.

We strolled outside to watch the lights on the shore and noticed a little nip in the air. The weather was changing! Back inside we headed to the Explorer Lounge, a three piece grouping…piano, violin and bass, were playing both classical and popular (for the violin) music. Here is another hint - The Explorer's lounge has a tray of the MOST delicious chocolates! Yes, indeed! Decaf and Bailey's for me and beer for DH and a true unwinding to the beautiful music.

 

For those of you concerned that we are dragging that baby lion around 'til all hours of the night! Do not worry…he was safely in the cabin playing with the towel animal of the day! We joined him. We were tired and the bed was comfortable. Our routine - I filled out the room service card, DH dialed in (well, there was no dial, but…) the wake-up call.

 

DAY TWO - QUEBEC CITY

Breakfast arrived at 5:50AM - Wake-up call at six. We decided our plan before the cruise…up early to watch the Maasdam enter whatever port and watch the sunrise. Also because we were on the lower promenade…we thought we had the biggest veranda on the ship just steps away from our door! Part of the plan was to take the breakfast tray to the teak chairs and sip our coffee as we glided into port. Uh…right! The sky was gray and cloudy…the sun was unavailable, the winds were brisk (Force 5 at 6:15AM - 46 degrees)

 

We snapped a few pics as the Maasdam kicked in her side thrusters and docked. Got some great shots of the Frontenac and the harbor. The dining room didn't open until 7:30AM. Up to the Lido - breakfast we good. The omelet man will make your omelet exactly like you want it…he really will.

 

Back to the cabin to bundle up - Gunter wanted to wear his yellow slicker because he sensed that rain was on its way - we headed out for our excursion "Old and New Quebec". We were very happy with our choice. Our guide was knowledgeable and spoke perfect English. We watched and listened through the streets of Lower Quebec…up the winding street to Upper Quebec.

 

We had a twenty minutes to explore "Place D'Armes"… Hotel Frontenac - Dufferine Terrace - The Governor's Walk - The Basilica.

The wind had increased…as had the clouds…rain was in our immediate forecast. We, however, are tough travelers!!!! We did explore…okay - so the pace was quick, but - I did get a picture from the Governor's Walk of the Maasdam quietly waiting for our return and another of the archeological dig next to the Hotel Frontenac and of course, a picture of the Frontenac up close. A really fast walk around the area and inside the hotel to take in the grandeur and the warmth.

 

On the bus again - we headed through New Quebec. We were able to see even more than expected because we had to detour around the Parliament Building. The area was cordoned off for the starting point of a motorcycle event. We proceeded on the Grand Allee…the longest street in Quebec City…to the Plains of Abraham. This is also known as the National Battlefield Park but locals call it the Plains of Abraham after Abraham Martin - who originally owned most of the land. Again - our guide had great knowledge and stories of the battle fought here.

 

We highly recommend this tour as an overview of Quebec City. Take it early and you will have the rest of the day (weather permitting) to see the things that interested you the most.

 

We are now onboard again…trying to warm up! It is blustery, cold and low and behold a few snowflakes are intermingled with the rain. Sitting in the Crow's Nest - watching the folks outside fight the weather - we decided to change our plans and enjoy the ship for the afternoon. A leisurely lunch and back to the Crow's Nest. DH is reading - I’m watching the snowflakes. It's been 12 years since I have seen snow - I am happy to be snug and warm as they flitter past.

 

This was a perfect time to the tour the ship and admire the various forms of artwork. From the sculpture (Gunter had his picture take with the monkey - look for the monkey!) to the fabulous Steven Card paintings to prints in the hallways - do take time to walk about and take it all in! We started at one end of the Lido and crisscrossed our way to the lower promenade.

 

5:40PM Winds from NE - Force 9 (strong gale)

 

Dinner was casual - we showered and changed clothes - Gunter doesn't shower he just changed his outfit. DH had venison; prime rib for me - both were excellent. Gunter doesn't eat - he usually stuffed!;)

 

Off to the Lounge for the show --- The Maasdam crew did a good great job! A short stop at the casino..it doesn't take long to lose $10.00! Then over to the Explorer Lounge for some soothing music with our nightcap.

More later…Sagueney River - Meet & Greet - Pinnacle for Lunch

[grannynurse]

Hi Gunter's Oma,

I keep wanting to call you Gunter's granny. I love your style. Especially liked your grading of your DH's shirt. He sounds like mine.

I'm really enjoying this. You know someone else on this board wrote a book about his cruise adventures. It's called "What time is the Midnight Buffet".

Think about a second career, and I'm waiting for more.

Thank you,

GN

[hammybee]

Curious ....where was Gunther born and how old is the little guy?

[sail7seas]

Loving your reports....eager for more!! Thanks for sharing your wonderful Maasdam cruise with us.

 

[Old As Dirt Mom]

Gunter's Oma, I hope one day to cruise with you, Gunter, and Gunter's Opa.:) Dank u wel (thank you very much) for a wonderful review.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Wonderful!!

[Gunters Oma]

For all the kind words on all three threads -- I thank you! I am glad you like it! I am touched! :)

 

May there be as much pleasure in the reading as there is in the writing.

 

Jayne

 

 

PS - I am posting this on all the threads - so if you get a sense of de ja vue...well...