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.
Google photo of wiener schnitzel (looked exactly like what Chuck had)Google photo of baked Cod (very similar to what I had)
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.
Woke up to a gorgeous day in Halifax. No overcast skies this morning. Nothing but blue skies and sunshine.
We enjoyed a Lido breakfast and let the bulk of the passengers disembark at 8:00. Our destination today was the Public Gardens of Halifax, so we were not in any hurry.
Once we did get off the ship, our next decision was whether to walk there or take an Uber. Even though the destination was uphill, we decided to walk. We were definitely not speed-walking. More of a meandering stroll.
We even decided to stop at Bliss Caffeine Bar for a cappuccino for me and an iced tea for Chuck – gave us a little more pep in our step. We didn’t order any pastries because we were still full from breakfast but they looked delicious.
Once we arrived at the Gardens there were several tour groups from the ship already there, so we just started at a different location in the park. The garden also gives free tours with the times listed outside of their little visitor center. Public restrooms are also available. We looked at all the flowers and stopped to watch the ducks. Just a very pleasant morning.
Titanic replica in the pond
We took a different route back to the ship. Though the route was longer, it was easier because we were going downhill. We got back in time for a Lido lunch. The day continued to be warm, so we enjoyed the hot tubs on the Sea View deck, and I even got in a little sun-bathing.
The Casino opened at 4:30 so we spent the pre-dinner time there. Dinner tonight was again in the main dining room. I had the beef brisket and Chuck had the sole. We gave each other some of our meal so we each ended up with surf and turf.
We went to the first set of the Rolling Stone Lounge Band and then went to the Breton Thunder “Unleashed” performance that we missed last week. It was just as good as their “Heritage” performance that we did see.
I called it a night, but Chuck went back to the Casino to play some cards.
We had breakfast in the Lido because we had an early HAL tour today. We were leaving the town of Sydney today and going to the countryside. There was a chance of rain, so we made sure that we packed our raingear in our backpacks.
Start your journey with an introduction to the port of Sydney and a panoramic drive through the historic North End.
Step back in time to 1744 and experience the Fortress of Louisbourg — the largest fortified town outside of Europe. Louisbourg was once a thriving seaport and capital of Île Royale (Cape Breton Island) — the third-busiest harbor in North America and one of France’s key centers of trade and military strength in the New World. Situated along a rocky Atlantic coastline, the site now serves as an exciting and entertaining lesson in Canadian, American, French and British history.
You’ll see a selection of buildings and exhibits as costumed actors re-enact the lives of specific individuals residing here during the pre-siege era. Experience the life of a military officer as you visit the home of Captain and Madame DeGannes. Discuss household duties with the servant in the Engineer’s Residence and discover some tips and tricks for open-hearth cooking (which every domestic cook needs to know, of course). Wander up to the spectacular chapel in the King’s Bastion.
Stop and talk to a soldier about his guard duty, living conditions, security and (most interestingly) diet.
Notes: Arrivals before May 22 are during the Fortress’ low season; guests will have access to the grounds only (no indoor visits). Arrivals from May 22 to June 30 and after September 15 will feature a trio of rotating workshops. Tour requires considerable walking. Terrain includes varied surfaces, including gravel, grass, mud, paved and unpaved paths, steps, stairs, boardwalks, and inclines. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; on cooler days, bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat.
We met on the dock and, once we were checked in, were directed to one of the two busses that were taking people on this excursion. The bus was comfortable, and the sound system was working well so we could hear the guide. Took about an hour to get to the Fortress.
We were given 2 hours at the Fortress. You had the option to stay with the guide or explore the Fortress on your own. We opted to stay with the guide. Without the mic, he was kind of a low-talker so I missed some of his commentary but the signage all over the Fortress was helpful.
We started in the museum that was featuring a 1000-piece Lego replica. The guide told us that it had been on display for quite a while and was popular. However, it was soon to be dismantled because the Legos had been donated by the company and now they wanted their Legos back. Glad we were able to see it.
We enjoyed walking through the various buildings and talking to the re-enactors. Unfortunately, it started raining just at the time they were going to fire the cannon, so we didn’t get to see that happen. The heavy rain lasted for about 20 minutes.
French soldierKing’s BastionThe chapelShackles for prisonersGovernor’s houseTavernEntrance into Fortress from waterLouisbourg Cross
The two hours passed quickly, and we were soon making our way back to the ship. We got back in time for lunch in the Lido. When we got back to the cabin, our disembarkation papers had been delivered. The paper stated that our Mariner benefit would allow us to disembark anytime between 8:00 and 9:30 on Saturday. Because our flight wasn’t until 2:00, we would wait until 9:30.
After all that walking, a nap was in order. Luckily, we woke up in time for happy hour. So tonight, we decided to eat in the main dining room. There was a longer line to get in the dining room that I had seen in a long time. However, the line moved quickly. We were seated at the same table for two as the other night. I enjoyed my meal of eggplant parmigiagna and Chuck enjoyed his baked cod but the wait time between courses seemed excessive tonight. (Again, I forgot to take a photo).
The Rolling Stone Lounge Band had the night off and the HAL singers and dancers were performing on the main stage, so we spent more time in the Casino. Seemed like others had the same idea as the machines were ringing and beeping tonight.
Because we were not arriving at the port of Sydney until 11:00, the ship offered a variety of things to do this morning. Most people were planning to go to the “Ask the Captain” seminar in the World Stage. They are interesting presentations but I was more interested in going to the Future Cruise Consultant’s presentation on … wait for it … future cruises.
Once I watched her presentation, I went down to her desk to sign up for a consultation for that afternoon.
When I went back to the cabin, I saw a sign in the hallway indicating the bow was open. I had heard no announcement about it, but I got my camera and headed out.
The Captain doesn’t open the bow often. However, today was a beautiful day and it would be nice to see Sydney come into view. I was shocked when I went out and realized I was the only person out there. I maintained that status for about 15 minutes when others started to arrive. I know there must not have been any loudspeaker announcement because other times (especially in the Panama Canal) the bow is very crowded if it gets opened.
Once I had finished taking photos, I went inside and found Chuck at the Sea View area and we got a Lido lunch. We let the big rush of people disembark before we made our way off the ship.
The last time we were in Sydney our walk was interrupted by a big protest march by some union workers.
Today we finished that walk in the historic district. We spent about an hour walking the few blocks and admiring the architecture and yard art.
When we came back to the ship, Chuck decided he would like to try the hot tubs and pool. I needed to get to my appointment with the Future Cruise Consultant. I was a little early but the couple in front of me finished up and she called me next. We talked for a while, and I ended up booking two cruises for 2026. Yay!
Wasn’t long before it was time to get ready for our Canaletto dinner. We both stuck to our favorites – Chuck with the meatball appetizer and ossobuco for the main course and me with tiger shrimp appetizer and rack of lamb. We split some gelato for dessert. As always, we enjoyed our meal there.
By the time we finished the meal, we had sailed away from Sydney and the Casino was opened. Some people are so ready for it to open; they will go sit in front of their favorite machine 30 minutes before just to be sure no one else gets it. We’ve not done that, but we might if we ever won really big on one of the machines.
We went to the 9:00 show of the comedian John Wing. We both thought he had a very funny show. I described it to people as PG.
Performance on America’s Got Talent – 2o13
Once it was over, I called it a night and Chuck went back to the Casino to play some cards.
We had to set our clocks one hour forward last night. I was glad we didn’t have early plans for this morning. They also announced we would not have to have any face-to-face Canadian customs inspection. Yay!
We took the opportunity to have breakfast in the Main Dining Room. We were seated with a couple from Canada and a couple from Georgia. We had an enjoyable conversation. I like eating breakfast in the main dining room if I don’t have to be somewhere quickly.
Once we exited the ship, we decided to spend the day on the Hop-On / Hop-Off bus. However, what we failed to realize, until we saw them, was that there were two other ships in port today and many of their passengers were in line for the HOHO busses too. It was also very cloudy and threatening rain.
We still hopped on the bus but decided just to stay on for the whole route which took about 90 minutes. Since we would be back to Halifax next week, I hoped that the weather would be better then, and we could go to one or two of the sites we saw on the trip today.
It was a double-decker bus, and we were on the top deck. It was covered so I wasn’t concerned about getting rained on. It was kind of stuffy, so I was able to lower the window a little for a breeze. However, I had to contend with tree limbs trying to poke through and smack my head.
We enjoyed listening to the driver give the history of Halifax. He spent quite a bit of time talking about the Halifax explosion of 1917. He had relatives who lost their lives in that explosion. Of course, no tour of Halifax would be complete without a discussion of the Titanic.
Once we got back to the ship, we had some lunch in the Lido and then relaxed in the Sea View area. Stayed overcast but never started raining.
Time passed quickly and we were ready for our first dinner in the Main Dining Room. I was surprised the line was as long as it was. I was glad it moved quickly.
We both had clam chowder. I had the spaghetti alle vongole for my main course. Chuck had the beef short ribs. We each had carrot cake for dessert.
Google photo – I ate my dinner before thinking about a photo
After spending time in the Casino, we went to the 9:00 show of Breton Thunder. They are a Nova Scotia band, and we thought they were excellent. I think their sound was a lot like Kentucky Bluegrass.
Once it was over, we went to the last set of the Rolling Stone Lounge band. It was called the “Summer of Love,” and they played songs from Janis Joplin, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Jimi Hendrix. Good for listening – not great for dancing.
Once they finished, we called it a night. I was happy to see our laundry had been returned.
Watched the sail away from Halifax in the Ocean Bar while listening to Cat. We had dinner in the main dining room again. I had the roasted chicken, and Chuck had the baby back ribs. I gave him some chicken in an exchange for a rib. Both were very good.
Rose’ Sangria
The Ocean Bar Band had the night off so we played some slots until time for the Comedian – Kelly MacFarland from Boston. I really laughed hard (even snorted once) at her routine, and it’s been a long time since I’ve seen a ship’s comedian so funny.
After the show, Chuck found a spot at the poker table and I came back to finish my photos.
Woke up at 7:30 again. Went for coffee and latte. I went outside just in time to see the pilot boat pulling aside to direct us into Sydney.
We had breakfast in the main dining room again. I typically get a small cranberry juice and then purchase a large fresh-squeezed orange juice. I drink these instead of coffee here. Today, our waiter got confused on what I ordered and mixed the two juices. Cran-Orange – not great but not bad. I also chose a new breakfast item – passion fruit yogurt – to try. It was very chewy with so much granola.
We were docked and cleared at 9:30. We left the ship about 10:00 and picked up a walking map at the information both. We toured the historical area and were able to go inside the St George church – oldest Anglican Church.
Street ArtStill piles of dirty snow in different places
We then headed to the shopping district and ran into another large protest group. There was also one in Halifax but this one seemed to have more people. Public Service Alliance of Canada appear to be on strike.
We turned to the waterfront area and walked the boardwalk back to the ship. We browsed shops and the craft market. We had our picture made by the giant violin.
We ate lunch in the Lido, and I came back to the room to work on photos. Chuck took a nap.
At five minutes to all-aboard time (5:00), I watched two HAL tour busses come wheeling in “hot” to let off tour groups. I could see shore excursion personnel talking on walk-in talkie- it’s now five minutes after five and then the last tour bus comes in just poking along – no worries. Once they got the passengers hustled aboard, the ship’s engines immediately fired up. Time to go. Time to get ready for the evening.
We were early for our reservation, so we played some slots. Chuck chose the halibut. I chose filet mignon. We shared our entrees so we could both have surf and turf. We split an order of lobster mac n’ cheese.
After dinner, we went to the world stage. Tonight’s performance was a husband and wife singer/guitarist team. They specialized in songs that featured exceptional guitar work- ex. Jimmy Hendrix. We both thought the guitar-playing was excellent.
After the show was over, we went to the rock and roll set of the Ocean Bar band. Since we had no guided tour in Halifax, we were not worried about getting to the room early. We danced the night away.
I was surprised that it was only 7:30 when I woke up and that was with setting the clock forward. We had time to go to the main dining room for breakfast.
The officials cleared the ship at 9:15 a.m. We left the ship at 10:00 a.m.
In 2022, we took a tour to the Bay of Fundy and other sites outside of Halifax. With the sun out and the temperature pleasant today, the day appeared to be nice for a walk around Halifax.
We stopped at the information desk in the port and the attendant drew us a route to the Citadel and the public gardens. She said to be sure to stop in the public library as it had excellent panoramic views from the top floor.
Halifax is very hilly, and we got quite a workout making our way to the Citadel. The city is an interesting mixture of both old and new architecture. There was a lot of construction going on – most of it appeared to be new condos.
We did stop in the public library, and I was very impressed. It was very modern and spacious with five floors, two coffee shops, and a roof top garden. Their selection of books was immense. The tourism attendant was correct: the view was amazing from the roof top garden.
By the time we made it to the Citadel, we decided we were too tired to go further uphill to the public gardens.
We headed back down to the waterfront and walked the waterfront path back to the ship. Once we arrived back at the pier, I checked my Fitbit. We had only walked 4 miles total, but the hills were a challenge.
If we are ever fortunate enough to come back to Halifax again, maybe we’ll take the hop-on, hop-off bus and go to the public gardens and out to the Titanic graveyard.
After a Lido lunch, the rest of the afternoon was spent reading and relaxing on the balcony. I believe a little chair dozing was also involved.
Travel Trivia
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The first permanent European settlement in the region was on the Halifax Peninsula. The establishment of the Town of Halifax, named after the 2nd Earl of Halifax.
December 1917 saw one of the greatest disasters in Canadian history, when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship carrying munitions, collided with the Belgian Relief vessel SS Imo in “The Narrows” between upper Halifax Harbour and Bedford Basin. The resulting explosion, the Halifax Explosion, devastated the Richmond District of Halifax, killing approximately 2,000 people and injuring nearly 9,000 others. The blast was the largest artificial explosion before the development of nuclear weapons.
According to National Geographic, the world’s largest recorded lobster was a 44-pounder caught off the coast in 1977. It was believed by scientists to be at least 100 years old.
The Old Town Clock, a famous landmark, has been keeping time since 1803.
Halifax is closer to Dublin, Ireland than it is to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The Fairview Lawn Cemetery has the world’s largest collective group of graves from the Titanic tragedy.
Location of the first official rules for ice hockey.
Went to the Ocean Bar to listen to the piano player and then made our way to the main dining room. It was more crowded than I had seen all trip and I knew it was because of tonight’s menu.
To expedite getting a table, we agreed to share a table for six. It was definitely a Gala menu tonight – lobster tail and filet mignon. I noticed that the filet was smaller than I have seen before, but I didn’t have a problem with the size. Both were delicious and I did not feel stuffed at the end of the meal. If you feel like you can eat more, you are always welcome to order more than one plate.
After dinner, we made our way to the Piano Bar. The piano bar singer was still quarantined with Covid, so the Cruise Director Glen had been persuaded to perform in her absence. There was already a big crowd waiting for him, even bigger than any she has drawn.
Cruise Director Glen introducing an act on the main stageCruise Director Glen at the piano
He even distributed lyrics to the songs he was going to play so we could sing along. He was very good and got several rousing rounds of applause.
We ended the night listening to the last set of the Ocean Bar band. When we got back, we had another towel animal.
I was up at 5:00 and breakfast was delivered at 6:00. We had a private tour today from 8:30 – 3:00 with two other couples. The name of the company was Halifax Tour Guys, and the name of the tour was Tour #5 – Grand Pre, Minas Basin, Valley Look Off, and Halls Harbor. The tour description –
This tour is a 6-7 hour tour of the Minas Basin and the Bay of Fundy. Please remember that this is your tour, and you can stop when and where you wish. We endeavor to show you as much as possible in the time allowed, but due to Cruise Ship departure times you may not see everything listed in the following. Our Company policy is to have our guests back at your pier one hour before you ship leaves. The drive to this area of our Province takes about one hour from your cruise ship and about one hour and twenty minutes to return to your cruise ship.
We include in this tour Grand Pre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where in 1755 the Acadians were expelled from the Province by the British. Visit the Deportation Cross site where the ships waited for the Acadians, many of those deported would never return to their homes. From the View Park on Old Post Road you can gaze over the 1,300 hectares of farm fields, marshes and dyke lands that comprise the landscape of Grand Pre. Tour the Grand Pre Interpretation Center, see and learn the history, beginning with a state-of-the-art cinematic display in the hull of a Deportation Ship.
Throughout the modern building l’Acadie is illuminated with intricate models, regional artwork, interpretive displays and unearthed artifacts. See some of the earliest examples of the use of European technology in Nova Scotia and discover what became of these extraordinary people, who built dykes that turned salt marshes into rich farmland. Enter the picturesque garden grounds, see the French Willows, Old Well, Victorian Gardens, Blacksmith Shop. and Herbin Cross. Then visit the legendary Statue of Evangeline made famous by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s poem. Finish your visit with the Memorial Church, where famous paintings from Claude Picard and a stained-glass masterpiece by Terry Smith-Lamothe celebrates the culture and courage of the Acadians.
Before we leave the area, a shore drive away is Evangeline Beach with a stunning view of Blomidon Ridge. Take a walk at low tide or go for a swim at high tide. Watch the highest tide in the world, up to fifty-four feet, and see amazing birds like plovers and eagles. After the beach we can stop for lunch at the Evangeline Café, or at Grand Pre Winery for some wine tasting, a possible tour of the vineyards depending on timing and/or lunch at their restaurant.
We travel through the Town of Wolfville, which is situated in the Northwestern portion of Nova Scotia, along the shores of the Minas Basin which is part of the Bay of Fundy and is the home of Acadia University. The Town is separated from the Minas Basin by agricultural dykes which were built by Acadians in the 17th century. Wolfville experiences the Bay of Fundy’s record setting tides each day as water fills and drains from the Wolfville Harbour, which is the world’s smallest harbor.
From Wolfville we make our way along the Minas Basin, stopping if you wish at Fox Hill Farm, a sixth-generation family farm nestled in the lush fields of Port Williams Nova Scotia, is home to Fox Hill Cheese House. They plant the seed, grow the grass, milk their Holstein and Jersey cows, and use the finest, freshest quality milk in their own processing facility. Fox Hill Cheese House produces many varieties of savory cheese, natural yogurt, luscious gelato, and pasteurized non-homogenized milk in glass bottles.
We travel across the Wellington Dyke to Kingsport Beach, which is across the Minas Basin from Evangeline Beach. Then we travel up the North Mountain to enjoy the view from the Look Off where you can see for a hundred miles on a clear day. From the Look Off we travel to Halls Harbor for a closer look at Bay of Fundy, home to the highest tides in the world. Here you can enjoy a fresh lobster lunch on the wharf next to the Bay of Fundy. All tours have full narrative and many stops for any photographs you wish to take, plus any additional requests you might have if time allows.
Chuck and I had never been to Halifax, but the other two couples had. They were not interested in a city tour, but we all agreed that we would like to see the Bay of Fundy, so it was arranged. We didn’t really have to worry about getting back to the ship since all aboard was not until 10:30.
However, one of the couples only wanted the tour to be six hours and not seven so we knew we would not be able to see everything that the tour described.
We all walked off the ship together at 8:30. The tour operator met us at the exit point and introduced us to our driver for the day. We were in a passenger van. One couple was in the very back seat, three of us were in the middle, and Chuck rode up front with the driver.
I had an inkling that the narration part was not going to be great because he had no speaker and, with the noise of the highway driving, the couple in the back could not hear him well. He had to repeat himself quite often.
I thought the countryside scenery was lovely. The towns we traveled through were very quaint. I did learn some things about the Acadians that I did not know. We were not able to time the Bay of Fundy to see any tidal action, but it was a nice view. However, there seemed to be more driving time than stopping time.
First stop – Birthplace of Hockey
Pond was an oval shapeDucks are replaced by skaters in the Winter
Second stop – Acadian Deportation Site
Next – Evangeline Beach
Next – The Look Off -Minas Basin
Next – Halls Harbor
Bonus – Bald Eagles
First there was twoThen there was one
We did not stop for a full lunch but did stop at a diner recommended by the driver for a piece of pie. Most of us ordered the apple pie but one person ordered a piece of chocolate pie, and one ordered a piece of lemon meringue. We all agreed that the pie was as good as he described.
Even though we did not stop at the Interpretive Center or the Farm, the sites we saw were very nice but, as I said, there was a lot of driving between the sites. If we ever find ourselves in Halifax again, I think we will just take the HOHO bus around the city.
We got back to the ship at 3:00. Chuck and I considered walking along the pier area. Instead, since the fog was long gone and the sun was out, we decided to enjoy drinks on the balcony and watch the boats and jet skis. I had hoped to see the seal that Chuck saw this morning, but I guess with all the boating activity, the seal made itself scarce.
The time passed pleasantly, and it was soon time to get ready for the evening.
FLOWERS OF HALIFAX
Travel Trivia
Halifax, Nova Scotia
The first permanent European settlement in the region was on the Halifax Peninsula. The establishment of the Town of Halifax, named after the 2nd Earl of Halifax.
December 1917 saw one of the greatest disasters in Canadian history, when the SS Mont-Blanc, a French cargo ship carrying munitions, collided with the Belgian Relief vessel SS Imo in “The Narrows” between upper Halifax Harbour and Bedford Basin. The resulting explosion, the Halifax Explosion, devastated the Richmond District of Halifax, killing approximately 2,000 people and injuring nearly 9,000 others. The blast was the largest artificial explosion before the development of nuclear weapons.
According to National Geographic, the world’s largest recorded lobster was a 44-pounder caught off the coast in 1977. It was believed by scientists to be at least 100 years old.
The Old Town Clock, a famous landmark, has been keeping time since 1803.
Halifax is closer to Dublin, Ireland than it is to Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
The Fairview Lawn Cemetery has the world’s largest collective group of graves from the Titanic tragedy.
Location of the first official rules for ice hockey
*Trivia provided by Wikipedia and Holland America documents
