Friday, August 30, 2024
The last time we were in Quebec, we were on the Zaandam which is a smaller ship than the Zuiderdam. The Zaandam was able to dock right at the city center within a short walking distance of the Old City. The Zuiderdam had to be a few miles away at an industrial port. The port offered a shuttle to the Museum of Civilization.
Our destination was the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. The last time we took a tour of Quebec, we got to see a lot of places. However, we only drove by this famous hotel.
I wanted to see the inside and decided to take one of the hour tours that are offered by various companies. So, we took an Uber directly to the hotel. The meeting place was on the Dufferin Terrace in front of the hotel.
Tour Description: Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City – With a grand perch in the heart of the Old City, the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is among Québec City’s most iconic and historic places—and you don’t have to be a guest to check out the interior. Join a guide in period costume for a tour that explores the outside and inside of the grand chateau, and learn about the landmark’s history, architecture, and colorful characters.
The day was gorgeous – sunny and hot. We got there about 45 minutes before the start of the tour. We sat in the shade and watched the action on the river. The Volendam, the sister ship of the Zaandam, was docked at the City Center. Lucky her.
Our guide arrived right on time and we ended up with about 15 people in our group. He was funny and very knowledgeable.
He talked about its history while we were outside and then he was able to show us some of the public rooms inside. The hotel was very busy. We may have thought it was expensive to stay there but apparently many people didn’t share that view.
I especially liked the last story that talked about a couple who spent their honeymoon there, walked down the split staircase, each made a wish, and kissed when they both got to the bottom of the staircases. They never told each other their wish until they celebrated their 60th anniversary when they came back to the hotel. He encouraged each person to walk down the staircases, make a wish, and then come back to the hotel. Of course, Chuck and I emulated the couple in the story and took separate staircases, met at the bottom and kissed. We have not told each other our wish.
Once the tour was over, we took another Uber back to the ship. It was still so warm that Chuck actually got into the pool. I got into the hot tubs, but I thought the pool was too cool.
It was soon time to get ready for our second Pinnacle Grill dinner. Tonight, I ordered the Lobster Bisque and Halibut. Chuck ordered the crab cakes again and Beef Tenderloin with Lobster Dumplings. I had the Creme Brulee for dessert. He had some vanilla ice cream.
Because we were docked in Quebec City overnight, the Casino was closed. We participated in the Music Trivia: Songs of the 80’s. You have to know the song title and the artist. Three other people let us join them. We did okay but didn’t win. We went to the second comedy show of John Wing. We listened to one set of the Rolling Stone Lounge Band and then called it a night.
Tomorrow: Quebec City, Quebec (Disembarkation/Embarkation)
