Friday, August 8, 2025
Having been here before, we had no pressing plans so we were able to start our day enjoying our coffees and a Lido breakfast.
We arrived in Halifax at 10:00 a.m. but ship clearance took almost an hour. The Cruise Director kept asking us over the intercom to not crowd the hallways or the gangway area but people did it anyway. We stayed on the Sea View deck until we could see the first rush of people finally make their way off.
We chose not to walk uphill into the City as we have done on previous trips. This time we ambled down the boardwalk admiring all the new high-rise buildings that have been completed since our last visit. They have stores and restaurants at the boardwalk level and condos on the upper floors. I bet the view and prices are spectacular. I couldn’t figure out where their parking was though.
It was such a nice day, the boardwalk was crowded with kids playing in the different kid zones, people dog-walking, and others shopping and eating. We made our way down to a little kiosk called BeaverTails. I wanted to try one of their pastries as I had heard others talk about how good they are.
I ordered the apple pie beavertail. It basically was a flat funnel cake with apple pie filling and cinnamon on top (shaped like a beavertail). Of course it was delicious but so messy. I should have ordered the beaver bites – donut holes with different flavored drizzles. Maybe next time.
After that indulgence, Chuck was ready for a nap. Luckily, the boardwalk was equipped with hammocks and chairs.
After getting back to the ship, we spent the sunny afternoon back on the Sea View deck. One annoying thing about being in a Canadian port. There is a rule that only one bar per deck can be open. The Sea View deck bar was closed so if you ordered any type of drink – alcoholic or not – the servers had to go all the way to the middle of the ship to the Lido bar to get the order filled. The Lido pool area is nice, but it was so much more pleasant on the Sea View. The Sea View Bar can’t open until we are back out at sea. This situation will be present for the entire cruise. I just don’t see the logic behind this rule.
We opted for an early dinner in the main dining room. I had the cod and Chuck had the veal cutlet. It looked a lot like their wiener schnitzel. I liked the cod. Chuck said the cutlet was tough. I failed to get any photos.
Once we left Halifax, the Casino opened, and Chuck played cards while I attended the show Crossroads by the HAL singers and dancers. They sang everything from Dolly Parton to Neil Diamond. I really enjoyed it.
We ended the night with the last set of the Ocean Bar Band.
Tomorrow: Sea Day
