twangster

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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. 

I'll be on a ship, enjoying a cruise.  They'll keep us safe, not worried about it at all.  

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!

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...
 

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...
 

After dinner I used my 3 happy drinks at various bars.  The Diamond lounge was a zoo.  As I stood in line for a drink I overheard speculation there are 85 Pinnacles on board and something like 1,200 Diamonds.  I may attend the top tier event later in the cruise to confirm.
It was beginning to dawn on me why they call this the "Snowbird Migration" cruise.  In my fifties I am one of the youngest on board.  I realized I haven't seen one kid yet.  I'm basically cruising with all of my parents friends and they are all Diamond or higher.
A light rain had set in.  I headed up to deck 12 to see what I could capture.



Time to find a local bar with good local beer.


Calling @mpoole3...

Midnight approaching it was time to head to bed.

Some other ships photos as I returned from my afternoon walk.

Free Sushi in the Promenade!

I knew it was getting dark and wanted to catch some twilight or golden hour city photos despite the rain that was now falling.  Our guide at the Citadell has said rain was moving in.  He was right.




The Viking Star also in port today was making its departure.  It was docked around the corner way past the Citadell.

Yikes, I'm late for my 6pm MTD reservation.  Better get moving.

Finding my way back to the ship is much like in San Juan.  Find the general direction and walk downhill.


Quebec City has a European flair.  Avoid the jet lag and come here instead.








Back to the Chateaux Frontenac.







Found this spot I may revisit once it's dark for a night photo of the ship.


Note to self.  Don't get a balcony on the starboard side.





At this point the Silver Wind was departing on it's way to Montreal tomorrow.

There were two or three motorcoaches at the terminal.  It seems people were still arriving approaching 6pm.  

Once through security transit guests like myself could skip the check in lines.

The waiting area used at this time by off-duty crew checking email and making calls home.

The Citadelle de Quebec was built by the British with the original goal of preventing the French from trying to take this area back.  As it turns out it was a different enemy that tried unsuccessfully twice to take it.  The Americans.   
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains today an active base for the Canadian Armed Forces for the Royal 22e Regiment for French speaking troops.  It also has a museum for over 300 years of military history and is secondary residence for Governor General of Canada.  




Since it is an active base you are required to participate in a guided tour at a cost of $16 CAD or around $13 USD.  
The Dalhousie gate to the old city is the only gate in it's original condition.  Other gates I have taken photos of were modified for automobile traffic.   

This is how the gates really were back in the day, minus the speed bumps.

 
Je Me Souviens is the official motto of the Province of Quebec.  It translates to "I remember" and pay homage to those that served and gave their lives in the defense of Canada.  It's greater meaning includes not forgetting the ancient past and traditions.

This building served as a military hospital.




The Governor General of Canada's second official residence (the first is in the nations capital in Ottawa). 









The Armstrong Gun or cannon was technologically advanced for its day in the 1800s and reaching 2 to 3 miles made it a formidable weapon (for the period).  It's placement here meant they could pick off enemy ships long before the enemy could ever attempt to fire their cannons back.







The tour included a couple of building where we were not allowed to take pictures.




All in all it was a very interesting tour that provides a lot insight into Canada's history.
Leaving the Citadell and I found myself at a familiar gate that I took pictures of during my walk from the hotel the previous evening.

Out into the city I walked along the waterfront in the direction of the Chateaux Frontenac.  There I came across some inviting shops and restaurants set into old stone buildings.  




Fall decorations in place.  Note you can see the bow of the ship between the buildings for reference to location.


The crowds began to thicken.  I must be on the right path.


I was trying to find the Funicular and it looks like I succeeded.

The funicular is $3.50 CAD.  They don't accept credit cards and U.S. cash is taken at par without any exchange rate provided.





The Funicular station at the top.

With that I was at the base of Chateaux Frontenac, a luxury hotel.


Samuel De Champlain who discovered the area for France in the late 1500s.


Wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River.










The Consulate General of the United States:



There is a paved path up the hill or these stairs

The Plains of Abraham where the British defeated the French in 1759 that led to this becoming a British territory.

The paved path up to this area.


The imposing cannon of the Citadell de Quebec.  More on this in the next post.

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...
 

Day 2 - Quebec City
Still in place I woke and worked for a bit.  Around 9:30am I headed to the Windjammer.  My plan was to avoid the peak breakfast crowd. 
Outside was gloomy which resulted in everyone staying on the ship and all of my parent's friends had parked themselves in the Windjammer.  Playing cards, using laptops, talking, a few were eating.
The only seat was at the bar in the Windjammer where a few other's had resorted to eating.  
A scan of the room confirmed my earlier age observation.  I'm a baby on this cruise.  I think I saw some old ladies checking me out.  At least I know I can out run their husband's... walker.  Not sure about scooters, those things can go pretty fast!
I'm glad I spent as much time as I did exploring Quebec City yesterday.  Today wasn't nearly as nice. 

After dinner I used my 3 happy drinks at various bars.  The Diamond lounge was a zoo.  As I stood in line for a drink I overheard speculation there are 85 Pinnacles on board and something like 1,200 Diamonds.  I may attend the top tier event later in the cruise to confirm.
It was beginning to dawn on me why they call this the "Snowbird Migration" cruise.  In my fifties I am one of the youngest on board.  I realized I haven't seen one kid yet.  I'm basically cruising with all of my parents friends and they are all Diamond or higher.
A light rain had set in.  I headed up to deck 12 to see what I could capture.



Time to find a local bar with good local beer.


Calling @mpoole3...

Midnight approaching it was time to head to bed.

Out into the city I walked along the waterfront in the direction of the Chateaux Frontenac.  There I came across some inviting shops and restaurants set into old stone buildings.  




Fall decorations in place.  Note you can see the bow of the ship between the buildings for reference to location.


The crowds began to thicken.  I must be on the right path.


I was trying to find the Funicular and it looks like I succeeded.

The funicular is $3.50 CAD.  They don't accept credit cards and U.S. cash is taken at par without any exchange rate provided.





The Funicular station at the top.

With that I was at the base of Chateaux Frontenac, a luxury hotel.


Samuel De Champlain who discovered the area for France in the late 1500s.


Wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River.










The Consulate General of the United States:



There is a paved path up the hill or these stairs

The Plains of Abraham where the British defeated the French in 1759 that led to this becoming a British territory.

The paved path up to this area.


The imposing cannon of the Citadell de Quebec.  More on this in the next post.

Dinner in the My Time Dining room.  
I'm not sure I'll do this for all 13 nights, but here is the day one menu.

Caesar Salad:

Prime Rib

I got the evil eye from a Pinnacle (proudly wearing his pin) who apparently didn't like me taking pictures of my food.  He raised his arms in the air for at least a minute and glared at me.  Oh well...
No dessert.  I can't do 13 nights of desserts.

Some other ships photos as I returned from my afternoon walk.

Free Sushi in the Promenade!

I knew it was getting dark and wanted to catch some twilight or golden hour city photos despite the rain that was now falling.  Our guide at the Citadell has said rain was moving in.  He was right.




The Viking Star also in port today was making its departure.  It was docked around the corner way past the Citadell.

Yikes, I'm late for my 6pm MTD reservation.  Better get moving.

Here is something new, at least for me.

A free day of Voom Surf and Stream if a full voyage plan is purchased onboard on boarding day.

Finding my way back to the ship is much like in San Juan.  Find the general direction and walk downhill.


Quebec City has a European flair.  Avoid the jet lag and come here instead.








Back to the Chateaux Frontenac.







Found this spot I may revisit once it's dark for a night photo of the ship.


Note to self.  Don't get a balcony on the starboard side.





At this point the Silver Wind was departing on it's way to Montreal tomorrow.

There were two or three motorcoaches at the terminal.  It seems people were still arriving approaching 6pm.  

Once through security transit guests like myself could skip the check in lines.

The waiting area used at this time by off-duty crew checking email and making calls home.

The Citadelle de Quebec was built by the British with the original goal of preventing the French from trying to take this area back.  As it turns out it was a different enemy that tried unsuccessfully twice to take it.  The Americans.   
It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and remains today an active base for the Canadian Armed Forces for the Royal 22e Regiment for French speaking troops.  It also has a museum for over 300 years of military history and is secondary residence for Governor General of Canada.  




Since it is an active base you are required to participate in a guided tour at a cost of $16 CAD or around $13 USD.  
The Dalhousie gate to the old city is the only gate in it's original condition.  Other gates I have taken photos of were modified for automobile traffic.   

This is how the gates really were back in the day, minus the speed bumps.

 
Je Me Souviens is the official motto of the Province of Quebec.  It translates to "I remember" and pay homage to those that served and gave their lives in the defense of Canada.  It's greater meaning includes not forgetting the ancient past and traditions.

This building served as a military hospital.




The Governor General of Canada's second official residence (the first is in the nations capital in Ottawa). 









The Armstrong Gun or cannon was technologically advanced for its day in the 1800s and reaching 2 to 3 miles made it a formidable weapon (for the period).  It's placement here meant they could pick off enemy ships long before the enemy could ever attempt to fire their cannons back.







The tour included a couple of building where we were not allowed to take pictures.




All in all it was a very interesting tour that provides a lot insight into Canada's history.
Leaving the Citadell and I found myself at a familiar gate that I took pictures of during my walk from the hotel the previous evening.

Out into the city I walked along the waterfront in the direction of the Chateaux Frontenac.  There I came across some inviting shops and restaurants set into old stone buildings.  




Fall decorations in place.  Note you can see the bow of the ship between the buildings for reference to location.


The crowds began to thicken.  I must be on the right path.


I was trying to find the Funicular and it looks like I succeeded.

The funicular is $3.50 CAD.  They don't accept credit cards and U.S. cash is taken at par without any exchange rate provided.





The Funicular station at the top.

With that I was at the base of Chateaux Frontenac, a luxury hotel.


Samuel De Champlain who discovered the area for France in the late 1500s.


Wonderful views of the St. Lawrence River.










The Consulate General of the United States:



There is a paved path up the hill or these stairs

The Plains of Abraham where the British defeated the French in 1759 that led to this becoming a British territory.

The paved path up to this area.


The imposing cannon of the Citadell de Quebec.  More on this in the next post.

Day 2 - Quebec City
Still in place I woke and worked for a bit.  Around 9:30am I headed to the Windjammer.  My plan was to avoid the peak breakfast crowd. 
Outside was gloomy which resulted in everyone staying on the ship and all of my parent's friends had parked themselves in the Windjammer.  Playing cards, using laptops, talking, a few were eating.
The only seat was at the bar in the Windjammer where a few other's had resorted to eating.  
A scan of the room confirmed my earlier age observation.  I'm a baby on this cruise.  I think I saw some old ladies checking me out.  At least I know I can out run their husband's... walker.  Not sure about scooters, those things can go pretty fast!
I'm glad I spent as much time as I did exploring Quebec City yesterday.  Today wasn't nearly as nice.