On the Map: Our Canadian Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas (with Slideshow)
Narration provided by Wondervox.
By Mark McNease
We just got back from our third cruise to Canada, this time on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas. We were joined by our friend Michael, who often cruises with us in his own cabin.
I have a great aversion to flying, so we take ships that leave out of Bayonne (NJ) or New York. Someday we’ll want an itinerary that requires the added hassle of a plane flight, but not quite yet.
I love sailing to Canada. It should be called something else, since we stopped in Boston, Portland, and Bar Harbor first, then on to Halifax, and finally Saint John. It had a bit of a whirlwind feel to it, with the first four ports done in four days.
Boston
Our first stop was on Saturday, with a day in Boston. We were able to visit our friend, Larry, who lives there, and do some walking. It was a rainy day, so we decided to see a movie (and we’re already familiar with the city). We went to see Taylor Swift’s Eras Concert film, and I was astonished at her talent as a performer, business woman, and cultural colossus.
My husband Frank went to college in Boston, at Northeastern, and has a long history there. We’ve visited as recently as last spring, staying at the amazing Verb Hotel. Another nice thing about Boston is its ferry to Provincetown, MA, where we have an August timeshare. It makes it easy for our friend to spend a week in P-town with us.
Boston is a must-see city, full of amazing sights and activities. The landmark Freedom Trail offers 16 historic sites that tell the story of the American Revolution. The trail includes Paul Revere’s House, Faneuil Hall Marketplace, and the USS Constitution Museum.
Sports lovers have a lot of Boston teams to choose from. Fans can see the Red Sox at Fenway Park, or check out a Celtics or Bruins match at the TD Garden.
If culture and art are your focus, take a stroll through one of several world-class museums like the Museum of Fine Arts, or Harvard Art Museums. If theater is more your speed, there are always plays being performed throughout town at places like The Wilbur Theatre and Cutler Majestic Theater.
Portland
This was our third trip to Portland. It’s one of my favorite stops. This is a vibrant coastal city with a mix of attractions and activities to fill your time. From the beautiful harbor to a bustling downtown, Portland offers something for everyone. The Old Port district’s filled with small, independent shops and restaurants, and I can’t seem to go there without buying a sweatshirt or coffee cup, my usual travel memorabilia. And don’t forget the seafood! We waited an hour for a table at Highroller Lobster Co., but it was worth every last butter bit of it.
The city also has a wide selection of historical sites, including Fort Allen Park along the Eastern Promenade, and Cape Elizabeth Lighthouse in nearby South Portland. We’ve also enjoyed a trolley tour, with guides who make very good entertainers to talk about the city and its history.
Bar Harbor
Often pronounced Bah Habah, this is one of the most delightful stops on the cruise. The ship anchors out from the port, so you have to take tenders in. It’s a wonderful small city that caters well to the cruise ship passengers. You can arrange boat tours, walking tours, trolley tours, or just stroll up the hill along all the shops and restaurants. One of the stores I enjoyed most was Sherman’s Bookstore (with locations in Portland and Bar Harbor). I saw a lot of self-published authors’ books on the shelves and appreciate that kind of support from a bookstore.
Halifax
Halifax is a big city masquerading as a small one. This time we had the pleasure of meeting up with fellow author and new friend Bruce W. Bishop who lives there. We had lunch at Ristorante a Mano, followed by a tour around the city generously given to us by Bruce, who also works at a part-time tour guide.
Halifax is recognized for its beautiful harbor, waterfront views and culture. It’s the provincial capital of Nova Scotia (New Scotland), and a major economic hub in the region. Unsurprisingly, it’s become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada.
Founded in 1749, Halifax has survived two large-scale military attacks over the centuries. The city was heavily damaged during a major explosion of a British ammunition ship in 1917.
Halifax is also known for its lively festivals throughout the year. Every summer there are street parties for Canada Day and Natal Day as well as music festivals like Evolve Festival and Pop Explosion Music Festival that showcase local talent. The winter months bring outdoor ice skating rinks for family fun or romantic dates while downtown offers plenty of bars and restaurants with live entertainment options.
Saint John
And finally, Saint John. I can’t say there’s all that much to do here, or perhaps we’ve just done what we wanted to. It’s a much smaller city than Halifax, but it’s a delightful stop before heading home. Food, souvenirs, and a fond farewell as we sailed back to New Jersey.
Now that I’m (mostly) retired, and Frank has been for several years, we’re upping our cruising game next year. We have a cruise in January to the Caribbean (on the Anthem, one of our favorite ships), and in May we’re boarding the Symphony, just for the experience of being on the second largest vessel currently sailing.
Cruising is my favorite way to vacation, at least for the long ones. I also love our short two-day getaways, but if we’re going to be gone for nine nights or more, it might as well be on a ship!
And now … it’s time to recover from another wonderful cruise.
Copyright MadeMark Publishing
