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twangster got a reaction from GoodSmith in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
A first look across the river from the ship. Hard to do it justice in a photograph, the fall color coming into the trees was very pleasant and obvious even from a distance.
The waterfront near the pier is fresh and modern with fountains bubbling up and mist occasionally popping out in other places. Adventure berthed at the best possible location.
I settled into the Viking Crown Lounge where I wrote some of this blog that I posted yesterday. Looking down I saw what appeared to be a tour. Local travel agents I suspect.
Adventure now follows the practice of using your SetSail pass to board the ship. I had my printed SetSail pass in my bag but wanted to see how the app based SetSail pass worked so I used it exclusively. Terminal employees just did a brief "Ok, okay" and no problems. At check in she scanned the barcode on my phone and no issues, I popped right up in the system.
When I boarded the ship, the ship security crew manning the scanning station asked "Where is your boarding pass?" to which I said this is my boarding pass again holding the phone out. "Don't you have it printed?" she asked quizzically. She looked at my phone skeptically and with great hesitation she scanned it and the familiar tone beeped and my picture popped up. I think she was quite surprised. "Welcome aboard".
I only mention that now because the whole 'seapass pass card outside your stateroom' was really freaking out a lot of people. I heard the crew say over and over "it will be outside you cabin" and "you can use your setsail pass to order drinks". Over and over. They begin to announce it ship wide over the PA system.
In the Viking Crown Lounge there were a lot of upset people over this. They couldn't get into the Diamond Lounge without their card to swipe at the door. Apparently this was ruining the entire cruise and we all had been on board for just an hour. Finally someone opened the door and the entire Viking Crown Lounge made a dash for the Diamond Lounge, except for me and one other couple.
For those that don't know, the Diamond Lounge isn't that big and nothing is offered during the day. Happy hour drinks don't kick in until 4:30pm. I found it odd that there were so many people clamoring for lounge access, at noon, on boarding day. More on that later.
Cabins available at 1pm. Making the walk from the aft forward along deck 6 I spotted my bag well down the hall from my cabin. At this point they were just getting the bags to the right floor for delivery by cabin attendants later so I grabbed my bag and rolled it to my cabin.
Interior deck 6 forward, cabin 6535.
This is how SeaPass cards are distributed now. One at the door outside you cabin in an envelope, the rest inside the cabin.
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twangster got a reaction from The Cruise Junkie in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
The walk back to the ship was very pleasant. The rental drop off is within the old city which is elevated above the riverfront, part of what makes the old city a natural fort.
I didn't need to walk uphill to reach the ship but it looked inviting so I did.
Cannons everywhere!
With my detour complete I started down towards the river using a cobblestone street.
Along the way I came across this interesting water feature laid into the sidewalk.
It is excavated slightly so it slopes from the front and water ripples over the pavers with an embedded channel or mini-stream through the middle left to right. Not exactly a waterfall but very nicely done.
Not long before I was at the cruise terminal.
Typical security check upstairs followed by check in area.
The terminal is aft of the ship so it's a bit of a walk through a covered walkway that runs nearly the length of the ship.
This leads to the gangway ramp and eventually to a briefly uncovered section connecting to the ship.
With that I was on board at 11:15am.
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twangster got a reaction from GoodSmith in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
IT'S CRUISE DAY!!!
I awoke... because I left the drapes open and it was beginning to become daylight. In the daylight I could really see the old city walls that were hidden last night.
I immediately spotted a familiar shape in the distance. It's Adventure of the Seas!!!
Soon after I spotted a small ship coming up the river. It came closer, then a tug provided a water cannon salute to the pier. That's the Silversea Silver Wind. I wonder if this is her inaugural call at this port?
Silversea is now part of the Royal Caribbean Cruise Line family.
Today she would berth behind Adventure while she stopped here in Quebec City on her way to Montreal tomorrow.
I consumed more Montreal bagels for breakfast and gathered my things to pack and get ready. Tick tock, tick tock. Did the clock just slow down?
I had a rental car in valet so I figured that would take some time to deal with so I headed down early. I needed to fill up my rental car with gas so shortly after 9am I headed down. In the hotel elevator on the way down I met folks who saw my RC tags and commented that they had just got off the ship, nothing but good things to say. The hotel lobby was packed with guests just arriving from ships.
My GPS took me to a gas station on the way to the terminal so away I went. That complete, my plan was to drop off my checked bag and head to Hertz to drop off the car and walk to the ship.
Typical cruise ship drop off experience although the local taxi drivers didn't seem to understand the concept. Since I was just dropping bags and not parking I was directed to follow the taxis. I guess with fewer ships compared to Florida these were rookie cab drivers and they had no idea what to do.
I dropped off my luggage and started towards Hertz just 1/2 mile away. How did we do these things before GPS?
The rental car agency represents three companies and they were packed.
That complete I followed my GPS back to the cruise terminal but this time on foot.
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twangster got a reaction from SpeedNoodles in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
From my commanding hotel view of the area (which the picture don't do justice) I had observed a fountain lit up at night and several gates to the old city. I din't have a specific route in mind, I just headed in the direction of the fountain.
They are placed directly in front of the Parliament buildings.
One of many gates to the fort and old Quebec City.
That street I saw looked really inviting so I headed that way. They have heaters setup along the sidewalk to warm folks as they walk along.
Time to contribute to the local economy. I always like to try to a local beer.
St Ambroise IPA. Perfect.
It was getting late to time to find my way back to my hotel.
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twangster got a reaction from GoodSmith in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Day turned to dark but I did enjoy much of the drive in daylight, enough to see the trees beginning to turn into their fall colors. Not nearly at peak, but it must be getting close.
My GPS safely guided me to the Hilton in downtown Quebec City. Like many hotels in major cities you have to pay for parking and valet tends to be the way to go. I was ready to get out of the car after a day of flying and a 3 hour drive. I had used a corporate rate to get a pretty good deal because like many downtown hotels rates can get up there. Not only that it was the Thanksgiving weekend for Canada so rates were already up. I had thought about staying in a hotel out of the city and driving in the next day but I'm glad I stayed downtown.
I was upgraded to a corner room with 270° views.
My room on the 16th floor:
The Brice building on the left has an apartment for the Premier of Quebec on the highest floor. The Chateaux Frontenac is also a dominant structure on the right. They both tower over the rest of the old city below them.
Quebec City is the seat of the Provincial Capitol and I had a great view of Parliament buildings.
Great history in Quebec City which was established in 1608 by the French. Britain would later win the area in a famous battle in the 1700s. In 1867 the Country of Canada was born and Quebec City has remained Canadian since.
Time to hit the streets and walk around a bit.
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twangster got a reaction from IRMO12HD in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Day 0 - Pre-cruise travel to embarkation port
Landing in Montreal (YUL airport) after connecting in New York (JFK airport) and I was on the ground at 4pm. YUL airport is a major international gateway airport for Canada and we arrived on our little regional jet from JFK in the shadow of some much bigger planes from around the world. That meant Canadian customs would be busy, and it was. However they have rows and rows of kiosks where you enter you details, swipe your passport and it went pretty quickly. By 4:30pm I had my luggage and was walking through the parking.
I have a confession to make. My decision to fly into Montreal was somewhat influenced by a desire to get my hands on a favorite of mine - Montreal wood fired sesame seed bagels. After getting my rental car I punched the address into the GPS and within 20 minutes I was spilling sesame seeds all over my rental car. Three down and I hadn't even left the bagel store parking yet.
Day 0 dinner complete and enough left over for breakfast in the morning, I began the nearly 3 hour drive to Quebec City. Word of warning - in the province of Quebec turning right on a red light was illegal for a long time. They have relaxed that but on the island of Montreal it remains illegal to turn right on a red light.
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twangster got a reaction from Lilly in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
I came across this cruise by accident and saw a decent fare for 13 nights on a recently refreshed ship so I had a YOLO moment and booked it.
This is a repositioning cruise, part of Adventure's migration from Bayonne, NJ (her summer home port) to Ft. Lauderdale (her winter home port).
Day 1 - Quebec City
Day 2 - Quebec City
Day 3 - Sea
Day 4 - Charlottetown, PEI
Day 5 - Sydney, Nova Scotia
Day 6 - Halifax, Nova Scotia
Day 7 - Saint John, New Brunswick
Day 8 - Bar Harbor, Maine
Day 9 - Portland, Maine
Day 10 - Boston, MA
Day 11 - Sea
Day 12 - Sea
Day 13 - Canaveral, FL
Day 14 - Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I had a hard time finding decently price flights with decent times directly into Quebec City so I looked at Montreal and found a much cheaper flight. Adding a car rental and it was still cheaper plus I could fly first class less than coach to Quebec City so I jumped at it.
No excursions booked, just going to wing it and work some days.
This cruise starts with an overnight in place at Quebec City. That is actually a really great way to start because Quebec City is a wonderful old city with great history. While you could fly in days earlier you would have hotel and meals to cover so this way the ship is my hotel and meals are included.
Cruising solo the fact I'll get 26 points in the C&A loyalty program wasn't lost on me. For some folks that takes 3 or 4 cruises to achieve. That also propels me to the point I'll get a glass block on Symphony on my next cruise. YOLO!
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twangster got a reaction from SpeedNoodles in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Day 3 - Midday
Here from near the center of the Gulf of St. Lawrence I wandered around and grabbed some more photos.
Following seas from the 20 knot tail wind makes for very smooth sailing with little wind on the helipad.
There was a request for some Sports Deck photos so here they are. Starting with mini-golf at Adventure Dunes.
This is a two level mini-golf that starts on deck 13 and ends on deck 12.
I talked to the sports deck crew and they don't operate the flowrider or slides below approximately 10°C or 50°F. Since we are right on that bubble they are currently closed. They call to the bridge who advises them on weather and they make a call go/no-go.
Main pool deck.
Time for lunch at Cafe Promenade. Noted a pulled pork BBQ special.
Updated pizza selections.
A couple of turkey sandwiches, a slice of BBQ chicken pizza and a pulled pork BBQ sandwich. All were quite tasty. I'm ready for a nap.
Meanwhile, back in my cabin...
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twangster got a reaction from GoodSmith in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Day 3 - Midday
Here from near the center of the Gulf of St. Lawrence I wandered around and grabbed some more photos.
Following seas from the 20 knot tail wind makes for very smooth sailing with little wind on the helipad.
There was a request for some Sports Deck photos so here they are. Starting with mini-golf at Adventure Dunes.
This is a two level mini-golf that starts on deck 13 and ends on deck 12.
I talked to the sports deck crew and they don't operate the flowrider or slides below approximately 10°C or 50°F. Since we are right on that bubble they are currently closed. They call to the bridge who advises them on weather and they make a call go/no-go.
Main pool deck.
Time for lunch at Cafe Promenade. Noted a pulled pork BBQ special.
Updated pizza selections.
A couple of turkey sandwiches, a slice of BBQ chicken pizza and a pulled pork BBQ sandwich. All were quite tasty. I'm ready for a nap.
Meanwhile, back in my cabin...
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twangster got a reaction from Orange Crush in Industry marketing
As a business traveler who often spends weeks on the road, I can tell that travel expenses adds up fast and a week on the road even at a modest hotel with a corporate limiting meal plan, the cost to be in a hotel and eat 3 meals a day is way up there. I'm not talking lavish take clients to dinner so eat great for free business trips, I'm talking places that are 'meh' but you have to go anyways. Companies today don't tolerate that 'anything goes' travel plan anymore.
With that always in my mind I find great value in cruising. Is it what it was 10 or 20 years ago? No, but neither is airline travel when I could lie down in a empty row of seats on plane and sleep. That just doesn't happen anymore.
While you may see it a room 'up-charge' I work the system to find great deals on rooms to cruise even cheaper. I still enjoy the same amenities and outside of the room no one knows I am in a 4D balcony compared to the big shots who paid more for a 6D balcony.
Yes, times have changed but once you get back into the flow I think you'll find it's still a great vacation experience. Choose to pay more for certain items like drink packages or photo packages or just cruise like you used 10 years ago before they existed.
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twangster got a reaction from accio7 in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Captain's noon announcement - temps of 49° F with a high of 52° F today. Ocean temp. is 48° F. Winds are near 30 mph but from our port aft side so a following wind. Currently 5' swells which I can't feel at all in my cabin.
He did address our future rendezvous with tropical storm Michael (what it will be when we come closest). Based on predictions we will be 150 nm from the storm and that will occur after our day in Halifax. Keep in mind that Michael will lose a lot of it's strength as it crosses land. It won't be a hurricane when it approaches nearest to Adventure. It will be a very different storm compared to what it is right now.
Based on predictions and the wind-field that the NHC is forecasting, winds will be 5-10 miles per hour, possibly 10-20 miles per hour. That's not a concern, right now we have 30 mile per hour winds.
I expect we will have some swell to deal with. I'm not overly concerned with that based on current predictions.
The only question is forecast prediction. This far out and after a collision with land, the storm could track differently than predicted. Only time will tell but I trust in that they will keep us safe even if we have a bumpy ride for a short spell.
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twangster got a reaction from Lovetocruise2002 in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Captain's noon announcement - temps of 49° F with a high of 52° F today. Ocean temp. is 48° F. Winds are near 30 mph but from our port aft side so a following wind. Currently 5' swells which I can't feel at all in my cabin.
He did address our future rendezvous with tropical storm Michael (what it will be when we come closest). Based on predictions we will be 150 nm from the storm and that will occur after our day in Halifax. Keep in mind that Michael will lose a lot of it's strength as it crosses land. It won't be a hurricane when it approaches nearest to Adventure. It will be a very different storm compared to what it is right now.
Based on predictions and the wind-field that the NHC is forecasting, winds will be 5-10 miles per hour, possibly 10-20 miles per hour. That's not a concern, right now we have 30 mile per hour winds.
I expect we will have some swell to deal with. I'm not overly concerned with that based on current predictions.
The only question is forecast prediction. This far out and after a collision with land, the storm could track differently than predicted. Only time will tell but I trust in that they will keep us safe even if we have a bumpy ride for a short spell.
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twangster got a reaction from monctonguy in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Just when you thought strange creatures are the figments of imagination of the mad, I've been saved! There is a child on board! I'm guessing 10ish. I'm not the youngest! Woo-Hoo! It was a M&Ms moment... "He does exist!"
Although this does mean I won't have the water slides to myself...
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twangster got a reaction from GoodSmith in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Elevator upgrades are underway. They are manufactured by Kone, a big name in the elevator industry. They have Kone employees on board doing the upgrades. I saw this on Mariner a few weeks ago as well.
Old elevator signs are being replaced.
New indicators are bigger and easier to read. My guess is that there is more to this upgrade than just signage. I'm betting old control systems are being modernized and newer controls will allow intelligent adaptations to respond to peak times and other such things.
Spotted a ship in the distance. It's the Oceania Insignia out of New York.
There is also some work being done on the ping pong tables.
Slides and flowrider are closed despite the cruise compass times listing them as open. It is pretty cold out there.
Despite the cool temperature it's a beautiful day.
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twangster got a reaction from cruiselife in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Elevator upgrades are underway. They are manufactured by Kone, a big name in the elevator industry. They have Kone employees on board doing the upgrades. I saw this on Mariner a few weeks ago as well.
Old elevator signs are being replaced.
New indicators are bigger and easier to read. My guess is that there is more to this upgrade than just signage. I'm betting old control systems are being modernized and newer controls will allow intelligent adaptations to respond to peak times and other such things.
Spotted a ship in the distance. It's the Oceania Insignia out of New York.
There is also some work being done on the ping pong tables.
Slides and flowrider are closed despite the cruise compass times listing them as open. It is pretty cold out there.
Despite the cool temperature it's a beautiful day.
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twangster reacted to Sweety in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
This is on my bucket list. Maybe my retirement cruise in 4.5 years.
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twangster reacted to Traveler in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
From the alignment of the cannons I understand they still afraid all those big cruise ships might be a camouflage for American army troops that will storm the city and will force them to speak English ?.
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twangster got a reaction from cruiselife in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Day 2 - Dinner
Here is the MDR menu
I had an overseas work call so I missed my MTD reservation (again). To the Windjammer! British Night.
I went with Fish and Chips and a Cottage Pie (I skipped lunch). The Sheppard's Pie looked good and tempting but I resisted. Bangers and Mash also available as well as several other British style items.
In other news the whole Viking Crown Lounge was the Diamond Lounge. Oddly they were still asking to see cards to enter the Diamond Lounge while the temporary bar on the dance floor of the VCL was open for anyone to walk up to. I guess they figured there are so many D/D+ why not?
Seating was hard to come by so off to the pub.
Entertainment was not inspiring me tonight. The pub was about to become karaoke. Viking Crown was still recovering from the Diamond Crush game. Trivia in the Schooner Bar. Comedian is my mother's age and last night targeted my mother's age group with her jokes. I'm sure in 20 years I'll be rolling on the floor, but not tonight.
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twangster got a reaction from Skigoofy in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Just when you thought strange creatures are the figments of imagination of the mad, I've been saved! There is a child on board! I'm guessing 10ish. I'm not the youngest! Woo-Hoo! It was a M&Ms moment... "He does exist!"
Although this does mean I won't have the water slides to myself...
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twangster got a reaction from accio7 in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Elevator upgrades are underway. They are manufactured by Kone, a big name in the elevator industry. They have Kone employees on board doing the upgrades. I saw this on Mariner a few weeks ago as well.
Old elevator signs are being replaced.
New indicators are bigger and easier to read. My guess is that there is more to this upgrade than just signage. I'm betting old control systems are being modernized and newer controls will allow intelligent adaptations to respond to peak times and other such things.
Spotted a ship in the distance. It's the Oceania Insignia out of New York.
There is also some work being done on the ping pong tables.
Slides and flowrider are closed despite the cruise compass times listing them as open. It is pretty cold out there.
Despite the cool temperature it's a beautiful day.
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twangster got a reaction from Guy Gadwa in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Elevator upgrades are underway. They are manufactured by Kone, a big name in the elevator industry. They have Kone employees on board doing the upgrades. I saw this on Mariner a few weeks ago as well.
Old elevator signs are being replaced.
New indicators are bigger and easier to read. My guess is that there is more to this upgrade than just signage. I'm betting old control systems are being modernized and newer controls will allow intelligent adaptations to respond to peak times and other such things.
Spotted a ship in the distance. It's the Oceania Insignia out of New York.
There is also some work being done on the ping pong tables.
Slides and flowrider are closed despite the cruise compass times listing them as open. It is pretty cold out there.
Despite the cool temperature it's a beautiful day.
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twangster got a reaction from GoodSmith in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Day 3 - Sea Day
Our progress so far has us entering the Gulf of St Lawrence and beginning to make the turn South-East.
At 22.5 knots we have to be pretty near full speed ahead. The ship is very smooth though.
I noticed on the card left with the D+ Champagne the voyage number is 888. I wonder if this is the 888th sailing of Adventure?
We changed times last night, we are now on Atlantic time.
The Northern shore of the Gaspe Bay Peninsula.
Voom is non-existent. I've ventured up to the Viking Crown Lounge to eek out a small 3G signal from the tip of Quebec to write this.
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twangster got a reaction from The Cruise Junkie in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Just when you thought strange creatures are the figments of imagination of the mad, I've been saved! There is a child on board! I'm guessing 10ish. I'm not the youngest! Woo-Hoo! It was a M&Ms moment... "He does exist!"
Although this does mean I won't have the water slides to myself...
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twangster got a reaction from accio7 in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
The issue is that the ship might not cross the line of the time zone boundary at 2am exactly. In this case the Province of Quebec which extends East above parts of Newfoundland is in the Eastern time zone while Nova Scotia (somewhat South and partly West of our position) is in the Atlantic time zone. Time zones do not follow absolute North-South lines.
If I let technology figure this out my phone would think Eastern time is appropriate based on cell signal from Quebec. Yet the ship is on Atlantic time. For this reason I manually put my phone onto the ship time.
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twangster got a reaction from Boston Babe in Adventure OTS, 13 Night Snowbird Migration Quebec to Ft. Lauderdale Oct. 8, 2018
Just when you thought strange creatures are the figments of imagination of the mad, I've been saved! There is a child on board! I'm guessing 10ish. I'm not the youngest! Woo-Hoo! It was a M&Ms moment... "He does exist!"
Although this does mean I won't have the water slides to myself...