Because the Volendam is a small ship, I thought we would be able to dock at the Old Town port like we did once on the Zaandam. Instead, we were at the industrial port like when we were on the Zuiderdam which is a larger ship. The City did provide shuttle service this time from the industrial port to a couple of different places in Old Town.
We started with a breakfast in the main dining room. Then we walked a mile around the promenade.
It was a pretty day today and lots of people got off of the ship. We didn’t however. We disembark tomorrow and the suitcases needed to be packed. It didn’t take too long. I watched the Clooney and Pitt 2024 movie Wolfs.
We spent the rest of the day enjoying the Sea View area. We said good-bye to the friends we made. Found out they will be on our April cruise from Ft. Lauderdale to Vancouver through the Panama Canal.
Tonight, we had a reservation at the Canaletto. We usually don’t eat at a specialty restaurant on the last night of the cruise but tonight was the only time I could get a reservation earlier than 8:00. It was a delicious dinner. I had the shrimp and lobster puff pastries. Chuck had the beef tenderloin.
We ended the evening in the Casino playing off the casino points we had accumulated. Time to get the bags finalized and out in the hallway.
Another early room service breakfast means another early tour.
The HAL Tour: Parc Nature Pointe-aux-Outardes
ABOUT THE EXCURSION: With six miles of trails, the nature park of Pointe-aux-Outardes offers many great beauties to explore. The park’s mission is to protect and showcase wildlife. Its rich yet fragile ecosystems include many birds of prey and shore, forest and sea birds.
Wander with your guide over majestic sand dunes to contemplate the beauty of the lower estuary and the Rivière aux Outardes as it flows into the immense St Lawrence River. The eight different ecosystems here include dunes, boreal forest, a salt marsh, and a beach.
If time permits, at the end of the guided tour, enjoy some free time staying close to the interpretative center.
Notes: Tour requires approximately one mile of slow walking. Terrain includes flat paths or boardwalks and a flight of stairs.
I was leary when I saw another school bus but this one was much nicer than the last one. Also, this guide handed out headsets, so we were able to hear his commentary. His English was very good. I looked up and saw that this school bus assigns seats.
The ride took about an hour but the guide was very informative.
However, once we got to the park we were met by two young guides. The problem was that we were too big of a group to only go with one guide.
And we found out that one guide was told to take a group on a walk that would go a little over a mile and the other guide was to take a group on a walk that was a little less than a mile. Nobody wanted to leave the “more than a mile” group.
So the guide had to eventually split the group. I am sure the HAL Shore Excursions department was going to hear from the group that ended up in the shorter time frame.
The path was mostly flat through the different ecosystems and the guide stopped often to talk about the importance of the different systems and identify some plants. At different points, he would let us touch, smell, and/or taste different plants. (For the record, I would not taste any of the plants.)
Bundle berriesBundle berries and blue berriesSupposed to be okay to eat – Nope
Part of the path was a boardwalk, and you could walk up a flight of stairs to an overlook to view the marsh area and the St. Lawrence River. He talked about how during the winters the River freezes over and you could walk from one side to the other.
Protected sand dunesHeard a lot of birds. Only saw this one.
It was a pleasant trek. It was a warm day but breezy. I was glad there were no bugs. I was also glad we did not come across the animal that left a lot of scat in several areas on the path. Definitely marking its territory.
We had another one-hour ride back and the guide didn’t give any more information, so I just watched the scenery go by. I’m glad we took this tour and the weather was nice. Wouldn’t have been good if it had been raining.
We came back to the cabin to find birthday wishes from the Captain and the Casino.
It was another dressy night and we went to the Main Dining Room. We each had the beef tenderloin with crabmeat topping which was excellent. The wait staff presented a birthday cake and sang the Philippine birthday song. It was fun.
The HAL singers and dancers show was cancelled for the second night in a row due to technical difficulties. Disappointing because their shows have been very good.
However, the cancellation of the show meant that we were able to get very good seats in the Ocean Bar and stayed for all three sets. They are off tomorrow night so tonight was our last chance to hear them before the cruise ends.
A bartender tipped them off about the birthday and they sang Happy Birthday and the crowd joined in. There was also a couple in there who were celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.
The band played Moon River which was the song that they danced to at their wedding reception. Even though we all liked the slow songs to dance to, we all let them be the only couple on the dance floor for their song. I didn’t see too many dry eyes in the audience when the groom kissed his bride as the song ended.
The evening ended with the “Chocolate Surprise.” Waiters fan out all over the public areas on the ship offering chocolate samples. I’m not one to usually turn down chocolate but even I couldn’t eat all that was being offered. But I tried.
We got back to the room to find that, instead of the usual towel animal, the room stewards had built a birthday cake and left a nice note.
We also found our disembarkation tags, our commemorative tile, and a letter about the Air Canada strike. I’m glad we are flying Delta.
Tomorrow: Quebec City, Quebec
Travel Trivia
The city of Baie-Comeau was founded in 1936 when a paper mill was built by Colonel Robert R. McCormick, who published the Chicago Tribune newspaper.
Located on the St. Lawrence River, the city’s name, Baie-Comeau, honors Napoléon-Alexandre Comeau. However, the name actually came from his father, Antoine-Alexandre Comeau. Antoine worked for the Hudson’s Bay Company and had a camp there. Travelers would call it “the bay of the Comeau camp.”
Five rivers flow through Baie-Comeau: the Manicouagan River, the Amédée River, the Petit-Bras River, the Chasse River, and the English River. These rivers are fed by about thirty lakes.
Baie-Comeau has several French-language public elementary schools. It also has two French-language public high schools. There is one English-language public school that teaches both elementary and high school students.
It was our second tour and our second day for a room service breakfast served promptly at 7:00.
Our HAL tour today: Ile Niapiskau
ABOUT THE EXCURSION: Discover the exceptional beauty of the Mingan Archipelago on a boat trip departing from Havre-Saint-Pierre.
A scenic cruise — an experience in itself — takes you to Ile Niapiskau. You’re accompanied by a Parks Canada heritage presenter, who will lead you back in time to help you understand the amazing geological formations around you. It’s a story that is nearly 500 million years old.
Enjoy an easy-to-moderate walk around Ile Niapiskau where you will see the Dame de Niapisca and the Small Graduating Owl limestone monoliths immortalized by poet Roland Jomphe. There are many in all different shapes and sizes. Each has a name and a story — can you guess them?
After your walk, reboard the boat for the return trip and take time to enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. Keep an eye out for local fauna and flora.
Notes: Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat. Wear sturdy non-skid walking shoes. Duration may vary slightly.
We met on the pier and walked as a group to the boat dock. It was very foggy. Looked like the ship was sitting on clouds.
We arrived at the National Park and were met by two park rangers. We were split into two groups. We got a geology lesson on how the stone structures were formed by sea water and glaciers.
Fossils collected
We then walked a short way through the park as the ranger pointed out some of the natural structures.
Most of the path was a boardwalk but some of it was sand and rocks. They recommended sturdy shoes, and they were not kidding.
We had 1.5 hours on the island and that was plenty of time. The boat came back for us and brought another group of tourists. It was a nice tour, and the day wasn’t as unbearably hot as it was yesterday.
Once we were back at the dock we walked around the port area and found a prayer grotto near the hospital. It was a peaceful area.
The afternoon passed quickly and it was soon time to get ready for the evening. We decided not to go to the Orange Party as it was going to be held in the Crow’s Nest and it is a small venue.
We went to the Casino and then went to the show which featured both the Comedian and the Vocalist. It was a good show.
We have another tour tomorrow, so we called it a night.
Tomorrow: Baie-Comeau, Quebec
The town has a rich history influenced by Indigenous Innu peoples, Acadians, and Quebecers.
Home to Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve: This park is a highlight of the region, featuring over 40 islands and islets known for their unique limestone formations, often referred to as “flowerpots.” These formations have been sculpted by the sea over thousands of years and are home to diverse wildlife, including seals and seabirds.
The waters surrounding Havre-Saint-Pierre are prime whale-watching territory. Visitors can often see various species of whales, including belugas and minke whales.
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)
So, I am trying to get ready for our last dressy night and as I was drying my hair, I heard a pop. Both the hair dryer and the makeup mirror suddenly quit working. I called Guest Services, waited on hold for 15 minutes, and then gave up. Sigh. I used my flat iron to finish my hair. I was glad my hair was short.
I saw the room steward as I was leaving for dinner and told him about the problem. He said he would call the electrician.
The main dining room was very busy. We shared a table with a couple from New York and one couple from Oregon. I chose the duck and Chuck had the sole.
HAL was hosting a second Orange Party of the trip because today was the King of Netherland’s birthday. We chose not to go because it wasn’t going to start until 9:30 and we had an early and long tour in Quebec. Chuck wanted to play some cards. I bought a hot chocolate and went to the room to read.
There was a knock on the cabin door at 8:30. The electrician was there to check the outlet. He confirmed it was now working and said a fuse had blown.
I set the alarm for 7:00 a.m. but I was up at 6:15. I got us some coffee and then breakfast was delivered at 7:45. We watched the sail-in to Quebec City. We were finally having a beautiful sunny day.
We were supposed to be able to get off the ship at 9:00 but the Cruise Director came over the loudspeaker and said they were still trying to get the gangway in place and please don’t come to the gangway area. He said he would make an announcement when it would be okay to disembark.
Our HAL tour was supposed to begin at 9:30. At 9:15, we went to the 5th floor to look out the port side to see how they were coming with the gangway. Much to our surprise, the gangway was set, and people were streaming off. We headed to the gangway, got in the line, and were just about off when the Cruise Director came back on the loudspeaker and said we could go to the gangway now. Faster communication between the personnel at the gangway and the CD would have been nice. By the time we got on the bus, it was 3/4 full. Sigh.
The HAL tour we were on today was called: The Best of Quebec and Countryside with Lunch.
The tour description: Learn the fascinating history of Québec as you are whisked back in time to relive the city’s 400-year legacy, followed by a journey along the St-Lawrence River to the Beaupré Coast. This is one of the most picturesque areas of the Province of Québec.
You will first visit the Ste-Anne-de-Beaupré Shrine, where popular belief holds that Ste-Anne saved numerous shipwreck victims off Cap Tourmente. If time permits, you will stop at the family-run Albert Gilles Copper Museum to view the amazing works of the artisan who created the copper doors of the Basilica.
As you make your way back to Québec City, you’ll stop at Montmorency Falls. Cascading down a 272-foot cliff, the falls are 1.5 times higher than Niagara Falls. See the powerful forces of nature as the water of the Montmorency River roars down the cliff to eventually meet with the St Lawrence River.
Inside the fortress walls of Old Québec, you will discover the strength and beauty of the cradle of French culture in North America. This city is a remarkable mélange of Amerindian, French and British heritage, evident in its narrow cobblestone streets, stone gates and ramparts. Stop at Dufferin Terrace and the Château Frontenac Hotel — Québec’s most famous landmark — for panoramic views over the Old City, the Lower Town, the St Lawrence River and the surrounding countryside.
Notes:The Best of Québec & Countryside is a comprehensive tour. If you purchase this tour, you should not purchase Countryside of Québec or Historic & Modern Québec, as they visit many of the same attractions.
Our guide today was a history professor from the University of Quebec who grew up in Minnesota. He was very informative and entertaining. He said we brought good luck. A couple of weeks ago there was still snow piled up and the weather today was the nicest they had experienced since October.
The bus was okay, but the seats were narrow and the space between rows was like an airplane – tight. The sound system was excellent.
Our first stop was a short walking tour of Old Quebec. The guide said that you could find many English-speaking people in this part of Quebec City but get further away – French would be all that you would hear or see.
We were following the St. Lawrence River to our next stop. There seemed to be thousands of snow geese all along the banks.
Our next stop was Montmorency Falls. He said the Falls were wider than Niagra but not as tall. He encouraged us to walk up the path to the base of the Falls or we could stay on the boardwalk and view it. We opted to go to the base but found the path closed off. He later said the officials told him that they closed it because the water was rising, and they were afraid it would flood the path. Since we could see other people were walking on the path, that explanation was a little weird. We viewed the Falls a while and then went to the Visitor Center for a bathroom break and a cup of coffee.
We then traveled down the Royal Road – created in the 18th Century to link Montreal and Quebec – to our next destination. It was a very narrow and winding road and our guide said some of the land we passed had been in the same families for centuries.
Our stop was Ste Anne’s Basilica. He said that Ste Anne was said to have saved shipwreck victims and healed thousands of people during her life through prayer. The Basilica holds masses every day to accommodate all the people who make a pilgrimage here from all over the world. We got there at noon just as a mass was finishing and the bells were tolling.
The Basilica was impressive – granite structure, handmade copper doors, mosaic floors, walls and ceilings of hand-laid tiny tiles. The ceiling depicted the complete life cycle of Ste. Anne.
Even the lower level of the Basilica (to hold the overflow of people at mass) was ornate.
The shrine itself is said to hold the arm bone of Ste. Anne.
We had ample time to tour the Basilica and its grounds. We didn’t have time to visit the copper museum. However, the guide said that it was still run by the descendants of the copper artist who created the doors and should be visited if we ever come back to Quebec.
Our next stop was a restaurant for lunch. I never know what to expect when the tour advertises lunch. Will it be sandwiches or a complete meal? Today, I was hoping that the lunch would include poutine, but it did not.
However, we were squeezed into several long picnic type tables. We started with a very good vegetable soup. Then, we had a choice of either chicken or salmon, both of which came with a large portion of vegetables. The meal finished with a light purple dessert – I thought it tasted like blueberry mixed with Cool Whip. Your choices for drink – water, tea, or cola. You could purchase wine. One woman ordered a glass of wine and was very disappointed with the amount she received for the price she paid.
I thought it was a good meal but just kind of an ordinary meal you could get on the ship. We spent a long time for lunch so they could get everyone served. May want to rethink the tour. Shorten the tour time and just include a snack of some sort (hint – poutine).
After lunch, we went to Upper Quebec and stopped at the Parliament building. The building had statues of famous Canadians on the front.
We then walked over closer to the walled portion of the city and the guide talked about the Battle of the Plains of Abraham where the French lost to the English.
It was now time to go back to the ship. I was disappointed that we didn’t get to stop at the Chateau. We only drove by it.
They had us back to ship right on the dot at 4:30 which was the all-aboard.
I thought the tour was okay. The guide was very good. You could tell he loved his adopted city. I would have liked to have had more time in Old Quebec with a stop at the Chateau and less time at lunch.
Now, it was time to do some more packing and get ready for our last evening on board.
Travel Trivia
Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
The Algonquian people had originally named the area Kébec, an Algonquin word meaning “where the river narrows”, because the Saint Lawrence River narrows proximate to the promontory of Quebec and its Cape Diamant.
Quebec City is one of the oldest European settlements in North America and the only fortified city north of Mexico whose walls still exist. It is also the second-largest city in the province after Montreal.
Almost 73% of the world’s maple syrup comes from Quebec.
Quebec remains the oldest community in North America that speaks French.
Quebec is home to the Cathedral-Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec. This is an important part of the Old Town UNESCO Site. It’s also one of the oldest Roman Catholic properties north of Florida.
