Sue Kersh's Blog - Arcadia to US & Canada

[Dennis The Menace]

Morning all, here's Sue's first update as promised :

Arcadia Cruise to USA and Canada

We arrived at the Ocean terminal at 11:30 am and they had already started checking in priority pax so we were straight through and into the priority lounge for coffee and cake.

We were not there long when we were informed the ship was ready (but not the cabins) and we could proceed through security. I had the honour of being the first passenger of the cruise to board. We went immediately to the Meridian restaurant where the waiters were armed and ready with the champagne. We recognised lots of the crew and our glasses were were kept well topped up. Nice buffet lunch and then the 1 pm announcement to say the cabins were ready.

We did a detour to the spa to book the Hydrotherapy pool package which cost £300 per couple for the 24 night cruise. Whilst there the beautician asked me to be her model for a face massage at 2 pm. She said the treatment would normally cost £150 and I would get it free. I agreed especially as it meant that I would get out of some of the packing. The treatment was very nice and Cally very friendly and chatty. The idea of the treatment was that passengers looking around the spa facility would see it being used. Not a lot of pax looking around and we were only disturbed once during the treatment.

We are in cabin A173 which is a deluxe balcony cabin overlooking the wake. It is much longer than the port or starboard balconies of the same grade and has a large balcony about twice the size of the port or starboard ones. The only disappointment was the depth of one of the wardrobes where the rail runs front to back rather than side to side. Much harder to find clothes and not as much hanging space.

By the time I returned from the spa Garry had done most of the unpacking and was sitting on the balcony in the sun with a drink. Our cabin steward is Renjith ( do you remember him Derek and Meg? He remembers you and sends you his regards. In particular he remembers your cabin door bell. He also remembered us from the Xmas cruise leaving you your welcome on board goody bag. )

We chose Freedom Dining when we booked the cruise and this was confirmed along with a letter explaining our special dietary needs and how the restaurant manager would assist us.

Muster was early at 16:15 and the cabin stewards now check and mark each cabin as clear before muster begins. This is to ensure that everyone attends.

The sailaway was sunny and warm. We didn't go on deck as no need as we could hear everything clearly from our balcony. Aurora followed us out in the distance.

The first night meal was excellent and the good news is that the 'always available' salmon, steak and chicken are back on the menu. The wine waiter discussed the packages available and as usual we opted for the Captains package which is 12 bottles for £200 and includes our fav red wine Billy Billy and our fav White Wine Stoneburns Sauvignon Blanc. Newby the special diet waiter introduced his self and discussed the menu and our requirements. He took our order for the following day before we left.

The entertainment team were in the theatre and introduced themselves giving us a rundown of the daily activities they are involved in. The headliners performed a couple of short numbers to give us a taste of what to expect. We looked in on the Globe where Indigo sky were singing and finished the evening in the Crows Nest where Inspiration were performing. We are very happy to see Inspiration back on Arcadia and performing in the Globe as well as the Crows Nest and the Rising Sun.

When we returned to the cabin the first items from the VIP package had been delivered. Fluffy robes and more slippers to go with the slippers from the peninsular club. All of them are too big and Renjith is going to exchange them for us.

It was quite a bumpy night at sea and the noise from the air con is going to take a while to get used to.

The clocks went back an hour during the early hours and we have 4 more hours to go back before we reach New York on Sunday.

50.8952° N, 1.40194° W

[screwy]

Very nice Sue.....just bring her back intact, we want her in 3 weeks...!

[kaymar]

Thanks as usual for passing this on, Dennis

Sue, turn the aircon off and open the window

Have a good trip. Are the beds comfortable? Like screwy, we get on as you get off on 5th October.

[Suekersh]

Wish we were staying on for the Caribbean one.

Another blog has been sent to Denis.

[screwy]

Wish we were staying on for the Caribbean one.

Another blog has been sent to Denis.

Think you spend enough time on board girl, get back Lancashires missing you..

[Dennis The Menace]

Morning Kaymar and all, Sue's next updates as follows:

Hi all,
We needed to splash out on another 24 hour rip off Internet package so these are my first 3 sea days.
1 st of 6 Sea days to New York.

Lots going on around the ship and managed the early morning fitness classes before breakfast in the MDR of eggs Benedict.

The spa was very quiet when I arrived at 9:15. Garry had been and gone as had the other early morning people. I had the hydrotherapy pool to myself as well as the heated beds. Very relaxing just watching the sea pass by.

By the time I returned to the cabin the balcony was in the sun and Garry was making the most of it. I joined him until it was time for Battle of the sexes. There were a lot of passengers in the Rising sun for the quiz, the men beat the ladies by 5 points but a very close run quiz. I don't intend going every day depending on what the weather is like and what else is going on. We have only been on board a short time but have already noticed the difference in the entertainment team on board.

After lunch three of the headliners class taught salsa in the Globe. Again because the weather had deteriorated the class was full, and straight after the Salsa it was a quick dash to the Retreat for a tap dancing class.

The Ocean was beginning to very rough and quite unpleasant at times. We decided on an early dinner but so did everyone else and as I was feeling unwell we didn't want to share a table. We took a pager and had about an hour to wait before being buzzed. Another enjoyable meal but we decided not to go to any of the entertainment as I couldn't wait to get horizontal on my bed.

The clocks go back again tonight leaving 3 more changes before we reach New York.

2nd of 6 sea days to New York

Tuesday.

A very busy morning. Who says sea days are relaxing. I was up early for the Early morning fitness class, then breakfast on balcony in the sun, 9:15 Zumba was being taught by Danny of headliners, then ½ hour in the Spa before Meeting up in East bar with Facebook friends. We had lunch sat in the sun on the balcony and I gave the Battle of the Sexes a swerve in favour of the sun.

First formal night and Marco Pierre White menu of lobster in the dining room.

Captains welcome on board party where we met many officers we recognised from previous cruises. We were well looked after with drinks but after wine with dinner and the Ball later I only had 3 glasses of the bubbles.

Formal night ball was well attended and the dance instructors were excellent hosts. A flautist was performing in the theatre which we thought unusual for formal night as we had expected the Headliners to be on.

3rd sea day to New York

The clocks did not go back overnight and I slept in and missed the early morning exercise classes. (Tut tut). The weather was overcast and drizzling. The Captain warned us that we were likely to cross paths with Tropical storm Ian on our way to The Big Apple.

At 8 am we went to the spa which was like the Marie Celeste. About 15 minutes late some of the staff turned up with no apology just excuses about staff days off. Etc etc. The hot beds were cold as they hadn't been turned on. Not a great start to the day but when I got back to the cabin the sun was out and very hot. Who needs hot beds in the spa much rather have the sun any day.

I had noticed in the horizon that there was another Facebook meet organised for 10 am in the Viceroy room. We went up and put lots more faces to names. We had to apologise and leave before the end as it was the Ligurian lunch at noon.

A very enjoyable lunch hosted by the food and beverage manager, the wine flowed and by the time we returned to the cabin even though the sun was still on the balcony I needed to get horizontal again.

After sleeping the rest of the afternoon away we went down for a light dinner but I really wasn't hungry, however the baramundi was so delicious I really enjoyed it.

Lots going on around the ship again including the headliners Night of a thousand stars in the Paladium.

More when we reach New York on Sunday.

[kaymar]

Morning Kaymar and all, Sue's next updates as follows:

Hi all,
We needed to splash out on another 24 hour rip off Internet package so these are my first 3 sea days.
1 st of 6 Sea days to New York.


3rd sea day to New York

The clocks did not go back overnight and I slept in and missed the early morning exercise classes. (Tut tut). The weather was overcast and drizzling. The Captain warned us that we were likely to cross paths with Tropical storm Ian on our way to The Big Apple.

At 8 am we went to the spa which was like the Marie Celeste. About 15 minutes late some of the staff turned up with no apology just excuses about staff days off. Etc etc. The hot beds were cold as they hadn't been turned on. Not a great start to the day but when I got back to the cabin the sun was out and very hot. Who needs hot beds in the spa much rather have the sun any day.

Sue, you're on holiday, girl. Have a lie in!

[david63]

Sue, you're on holiday, girl. Have a lie in!

The number of times Sue goes it's not a holiday, it's a way of life

[qbman1]

I thinks Sue's real holidays are the few days spent at home !

[Dennis The Menace]

Sue's next update :

Sea Days 4 - 6 to New York

Thursday 4th sea day to New York

The sea days seem to be speeding by and all blending into one.
We got confirmation from our TA this morning that our pre reg cruises had all been confirmed with first choice cabins.

I woke in time to do both exercise classes, and just had time to shower, change and have breakfast before the 9:15 Zumba class. Danny certainly put us through our paces today. No more Zumba now until after The American ports.

The Captains announcements were still full of dire warnings of the storm that would be hitting us shortly. The sea was choppy but we sat on the balcony enjoying the hot sun most of the afternoon. When it clouded over I had an hour in spa which was very quiet.

After dinner, we had a drink in East bar before we went to the dancing in the evening but as it was held in the retreat it was extremely quiet and no atmosphere. I suspect that this is because there is no bar in there. We waited for a waiter to show up but in the end Garry had to go back to East bar in search of a drink.

We didn't want to go to the theatre and as the sea was getting rougher so we decided to retreat back to the cabin.

The clocks go back another hour overnight which means we are 3 hours behind the UK.

Friday 5 th sea day to New York

The Captains warnings of the storm from hell came true overnight. It couldn't have been as bad as expected as I managed to sleep through it.
Arcadia obviously coped with it very well.

We awoke to a wet balcony but other than that it was a glorious sunny day and other than leaving it in search of food and the Battle of the sexes quiz I stayed there all day.

The ladies won a round of the Battle of the Sexes but are still slightly behind overall.

It was the 2 nd formal night and another excellent dinner but not Marco's menu.
We went to the theatre to see The Opera Boys who were excellent but they haven't changed their show since we last saw them.

The Formal night Ball was in the Globe and well attended.

Saturday. Final Sea Day

I awoke very early as the clocks went back another hour over night so we now only have one more hour to lose tomorrow morning.
Another Beautiful sunny day but the balcony was full of soot. I looked down and every aft balcony was the same. It looked like there had been a black snow fall.

The cabin stewards soon got it sorted and it is the downside of an aft balcony but having the sun most of the time as well as the extra space certainly makes up for it.

We had another day in the sun reading and relaxing and I didn't even bother with lunch or the Battle of the sexes quiz. The sea has been turning bluer every day and now looks more like the colour the Atlantic is when we are sailing to the Caribbean.

The days pass so quickly and it is hard to believe that it is a week since we left home. This is our last relaxing sea day for a week so we made the most of it.

As it was Saturday we had treated ourselves and booked Ocean Grill for dinner.

We were sat at a table for two by a window and after we had ordered we saw a huge pod of Dolphins leaping through the sea towards the ship. There must have been at least twenty of them. They played in the waves diving under the ship and then leaping out of the water.

We haven't had a bad meal in the Main Dining room all cruise but this one was outstanding. I had Seafood Brochette and it was cooked to perfection. The restaurant was quite busy but there were enough staff on to ensure everyone got excellent service. Garry finished with the special desert Sherry Trifle Wally Ladd, making noises very similar to Sally in the film When Harry met Sally. I was more restrained and had the poached pear Pannacotta.

The headliners performed New York City Rhythms in the theatre. Danny had told us that this show was one that they hadn't performed for quite a while and they had a full day of intense rehearsals and costume checks. That was the reason there had not been a Zumba class.

Tomorrow we finally reach New York at Noon. The sights start at 10 am ish as we will pass Coney Island.

We docked in New York earlier than planned and immigration was a breeze and we were off ship for 12:15 in the first batch of independent passengers.

More from New York later.

[Happydays]

As usual a good report, looking forward to your views on NY as we shall be there on Friday.

[Dennis The Menace]

Monday in New York

We awoke to torrential rain and a very dark threatening sky.

I breakfasted in the main dining as it opened early at 7 pm to cater for the early trips. The news was that another 5 bombs had been found in New Jersey. Obama is due to visit the World Trade Centre today so there will be lots of police around the city again.

We don't generally book trips through P & O preferring to do our own thing and the chaos today reminded me why. We were supposed to leave at 9:15 am but it was 10am before we set off. Total disorganisation from the walkie talkies transmitting gibberish, the coaches not being allowed to park where they were expected to, no room in the theatre for all of the passengers on trips and the torrential rain which showed no sign of letting up didn't help. On the plus side we saw so much last night that today I will be quite happy staying dry in the huge department stores.

When we finally boarded our coach it was not as new as last nights tour and no WI FI on board. I managed to pick up a few minutes of wifi from one of the Acadamy coaches parked next to us.

The tour guide realised after about ½ hour of being stuck in traffic trying to reach the Central Park that it would be a good idea to change the itinerary round and go to the Rockefeller first. This still took an hour to get to from the ship. We were given 2 hours in this area to shop or visit the top of the Rock or the Empire State Building. I was so pleased that we had done the Empire State Building last night as there would have been no view at all today. We had our waterproof jackets on and set off in search of St Patrick's and shopping.

St Patrick's was amazing. Sky scrapers had been built around it but it's beauty shone out amongst the glass monstrosities. The inside was huge and so perfectly clean. Everything gleamed. I am not religious but I thoroughly enjoyed the tranquility of the church. Being out of the rain for a while was a bonus as well.

Our first shop was Saks. Garry's eyes watered at the prices and cringed every time I showed an interest in anything. There were about twice as many staff as customers and the customers there were like us and just being nosey. Next was the Guess shop and the handbags. One jumped out at me screaming buy me and when Garry saw it was buy one and get one half price he joined in the search for a second one.

When we came out of there it was still teeming down and only 15 minutes before we had to be back at the meeting point so we made a quick call at McD s for a comfort break and a coffee before setting forth to the meeting point. So sign of the coach or our tour guide, a few fellow passengers but nowhere near a coach full. After a while we realised that the road had been cordoned off and no traffic was being allowed down or up it. We set off in search of the coach and finally located the tour guide who was frantically searching for his passengers. If he had been at the arranged meeting point he could have gathered everyone together and escorted them to the coach. That was obviously too easy. We had no stickers for him to identify us as these had not been given out and he was just wandering around looking for someone who recognised him. It took at least 20 minutes after the allotted meeting time for him to get everyone accounted for. One passenger gave up and told him that he was making his own way back to the ship.

Our next stop was close to the 9/11 memorial . It was very moving. Every person who had lost their life were commemorated by their names being inscribed into the black marble which surrounded the waterfall memorial. Trees had been planted around and it was very peaceful.

We found Century 21 which is similar to a huge TKMax with overpriced designer goods selling at 65% off their retail price. Much was still overpriced but they were doing a good trade.

We found a cafe and bar close to the meeting point and stayed there until it was time to meet the coach. The rain hadn't stopped all day for more than a few minutes and the thought of getting even wetter at our next stop at Central Park did not appeal at all. It turned out we were not on our own and the driver and tour guide agreed to do a drop off close to the port for anyone who wanted to return to the ship and about 75% of the coach did exactly that. Central Park will have to wait for our next visit here.

Back on board we dropped our purchases in the cabin and headed straight for the spa. After an hour in there and a G & T back in the cabin I began to feel less exhausted, but relieved that we had decided to have room service on our balcony instead of dressing for dinner.

There isn't a great choice in the room service menu but the tomato soup and Pepperoni Pizza sufficed, washed down with a bottle of Rosé wine.

After a very rainy gloomy day we were surprised that the clouds cleared and a bright orange sky replaced the dark rain filled clouds. We were treated to an amazing sunset. Then the lights of New Yorks high rise buildings once again lit up the night sky.

We departed at about 8:45 pm and the sail out was even more spectacular than the sail in. We stayed on the balcony and watched each iconic site come into view then gradually fade away until New York was just a string of lights in the distance.

I was so looking forward to visiting New York and maybe I had built it up so much in my expectations that the reality didn't quite match up. Some of the sites we saw were memorable and spectacular but the downside was that there were so many cars and people and so much noise and trash.

Tomorrow we are in Newport which is a tender port

[melsea]

Sue
Great report. Shame about the rain, which in any port will make place not such a bright one. We did a similar cruise back in 2013 so I am looking forward to hearing your thoughts and insight of the enjoyable & lovely places you will be visiting.
We were last in NY in January this year and I had decided to use the Subway that time which was by far the quickest way to get around, it's a lot safer than it used to be and fairly easy to use. I guess for me since I grew up in London it's a bit like home from home. We are visiting NY again in November when we sail there on QM2 so looking forward to that.
Hope you have dried out now.
Keep safe.
Melsea

[Dennis The Menace]

Tuesday - Newport Rhode Island

After our long days in New York we both slept well and didn't wake until almost 7a.m. The forecast was for sunny weather but we woke to rain.
It soon cleared and by 8 am the sun was beginning to break through the clouds.
The views were amazing. It looked so peaceful and clean after frenetic New York. Lots of money here looking at the amount of yachts in the harbour.

Quite a few trips on offer here but we had decided to DIY and as it is a tender port, Garry went for the tender tickets as the desk opened expecting long queues but there wasn't and we were sent straight down to embark the tender.

It was a short distance to the tender dock but took a long time due to the amount of boats here and the snail pace speed restrictions in the harbour.

We were there to early for the shops or historic sites to be open so made our way to the tourist info. A huge building with lots of friendly staff, the best bathroom facilities we have come across in America, and free hi speed wifi.

We left there to wander around Newport which has lots of historic buildings dating back to 1639, but it is quite small and the shops mainly catered for the boating fraternity although there were some delightful individual shops. It started teeming down with rain so after sheltering for a while we made a dash for the pub. Another amazing place full of yachting memorabilia, very friendly staff and the girl that served us originated in Cornwall.

When we left the ship our view was of a stunning bridge but when we returned the Captain had very kindly turned the ship around so that we not only had a view of the Fort but also the sun was full on the balcony. The rain clouds had disappeared and clear skies as far as we could see.

We were due to leave at 4pm but due to a medical emergency a poorly passenger had to be disembarked so it was much later before we actually departed.

It was our 3rd formal night which is unusual for a port day. The entertainment in the theatre didn't inspire us, so, after dinner we returned to the cabin for a while with the intention of going to the formal ball. We never actually made it. These hectic port days certainly zap our energy.

Tomorrow we have a full day in Boston. We arrive at 10am and leave at 8:30.

[Dennis The Menace]

Boston

A very scenic sail into the largest city of Massachusetts and New England which is located in a magnificent natural harbour.
We were docked next to the huge busy airport and could watch the planes taking off and landing.

Around the port is 'New Boston' which is very built up with skyscrapers filling every available place.

We arrived at 10am and caught the shuttle bus which dropped us off at the Quincy Market area. The driver was very informative and pointed out the boats that were used for transporting the tea. The celebrated Tea Party took place when 60 locals disguised as Mohawks hurled 342 crates of tea into the harbour in protest at the exorbitant tax.

We followed directions and arrived at Quincy Market which was built in 1826. It has been restored and has three separate buildings, housing speciality food shops, as well as craft stalls and individual shops selling clothes and jewellery, arts and crafts.

We walked through the centre building which on the lower floor were mainly international take away food stalls. It was full of Japanese tourists eating from these places.
The higher floor housed the upmarket clothes area and was very ornate.
The other two buildings were the crafts and arty shops and the seafood restaurants.

We heard a brass band playing and saw the new recruits of the Police Acadamy being inspected before marching into Faneuil Hall. It appeared to be a passing out parade for the recruits.

We settled on lunch sat in the sun and ordered clam chowder and huge shrimps which were served with a spicy sauce.
We set off again for more exploring but the heat got the better of us and we ended up in Cheers Bar. As we were ordering two friends from the ship joined us and one drink led to another. The brew was Samuel Adams and very strong. The ship had a tour to the brewery but I think sat in Cheers drinking it beats finding out how it is made.

I hadn't quite realised just how strong it was until we got up to leave and the pavement kept moving. By the shuttle bus stop there was a 7-11 store where we stocked up on Schweppes tonic.

When we returned to the ship the sun was on the balcony and I managed to sleep off the affects of the afternoon beers before it was time to get ready for dinner.

The entertainment was the same vocalist as last night in the Theatre. The reports at breakfast were not inspiring and many walked out of the theatre. We decided again to give it a miss and after a light dinner in the dining room we headed back to the balcony to watch the sailaway with a bottle of wine.

Next port is Portland and our last American Port of call.

Maine lobster will be my lunch tomorrow.

[CaroleF]

Fantastic reports, thank you. Really like to do that cruise one day. Loved Boston when we were there - not on a cruise though.

Carole

[qbman1]

Sounds brilliant. Definitely one on our list to do when I am not tied to a desk !

[Raybosailor]

Clam Chowder ? Maine Lobster ? and I was reading this earlier before I had breakfast.
Enjoying your review Sue have a good day in Portland.

[Suekersh]

Now in Saint John's New Brunswick.Canada. Raining like stair rods. Too wet and gloomy to do anything other than the shops. Wanted to go and see the reversing falls but high tide isn't until 6 pm after we have sailed. So wet that we are squeaking. Going back to the ship now for a hot shower and some soup.

[kaymar]

Bad luck, Sue - it really has been pretty mixed for you, hasn't it? I seem to remember that it poured down when we were in St John's. Bar Harbour was lovely though - are you calling there? The lobster is excellent.

If you have a moment, could you do me a favour, pop down to D78 and ask whoever is in there to make sure they leave it neat and tidy with no nasty smells or anything.

Enjoy the rest of your cruise and we'll give you a wave on the M40. We will be on the coach from the Tickled Trout as you are on your way home.

[Dennis The Menace]

Portland Maine

Another very scenic sail in this morning. Glorious sunny weather although less heat in the sun the further North we sail. The Captain announced only 16 degrees but it felt warmer than that. He did say it would rise to 26 degrees later in the day.

We were docked for 9 am but we didn't get off until after 10am.
It was a very long walk to get to the end of the walkway and then the same again to get to the port entrance. Many of the elderly and infirm struggled. The port had provided 2 golf carts from the end of the walkway to the port gates but they only took 4 pax at a time.

We called into the tourist info for a map which wasn't really necessary as it is such a small town. Whilst there we told them that we were intending to have a lobster lunch and were thinking of a particular restaurant. He suggested a different one saying it's not as luxurious but the lobster is the best in town. It was worth stopping by for the local knowledge.

The locals had set up stalls selling various crafts all along the route to the old port town. They were all very friendly and it took a while to get past them all. The Old Port was charming with a Victorian district of shops and restaurants in restored communal buildings. One of locks told us it was the 1st day of Autumn and that it was abnormal to be as hot as it was. Within a week the trees lining the road would have lost their leaves. They were already turning reddy brown at the edges of the leaves.

We made our way around the town and ended up back at the seafront. It was so hot by this time that we stopped off for a drink and air con at a Commercial pub. Very male orientated but we were made to feel welcome and the Wi Fi was very fast. Definitely the least expensive round of drinks of the cruise.

We found the Porthole the restaurant that had been recommended and had a beer sat outside soaking up the atmosphere and watching the fishing boats coming in with their catches.

The shrimp starter and then twin lobsters were as amazing as promised by the tourist office. The restaurant was exceptionally busy and the staff run off their feet, but they were very friendly and kept everyone happy.

Feeling stuffed and a bit wobbly after another two Samuel Adams beers we made our way back to the ship and sat on the balcony enjoying the view. It is a very busy harbour with small boats and yachts but it is the first time I had seen a bus driving through the water. I thought I was seeing things but no it was a land and sea tour bus. We also watched a sea eagle sitting on the ships ropes eyeing up its snacks.

We had pre dinner drinks in East bar watching the sunset. Some passengers were taking photos outside but soon came in saying how cold it was. This was our last American port of call and probably our last hot day. Sundresses can be packed away now and Jeans, jumpers and fleeces will be the dress code tomorrow.

The clocks go forward an hour overnight and tomorrow will be our first visit to Canada.

[melsea]

Hi Sue
All sounds good even if the weather is not playing the game.
Quick question, did you have to get a Canadian Visa for this trip as I have just learnt that visitors now need a passport but I think it's different for cruisers. It's only 7 dollars anyway.
Look forward to hearing more.
Melsea

[Dennis The Menace]

Saint John's New Brunswick.

There was no scenic sail in this morning. The hour went forward during the early hours of the morning and it was still dark as we entered the port. As the sun rose there were clear skies and it didn't look like the forecast for rain was going to be right.

As I went down to breakfast the clouds gathered and the rain started. It got worse as the morning went on and we decided that we would have to change our plans. I really wanted to see the reversing falls but decided it would have to wait until the next time we visit here.

We donned fleeces and rain jackets and left the ship. The tide was very high and we had to leave via a walk way as the gangways were too steep, by the time we returned the ship it was so low that we could walk straight on board on deck 3. The area is famous as the home of the worlds highest tides with a difference of 28 feet between high and low tide.

There was free WI Fi in the port area and information available as well as different tours being available including the Big Pink bus tour. None were doing much business because of the dreadful weather. It wasn't just the very wet rain but the mist as well. It just seemed pointless doing any sightseeing tours unless the weather improved. Of course the passengers who had booked with P & O didn't have a choice other than to lose their money.

There was a huge marquee full of craft stalls selling lots of local delicacies and handcrafted jewellery and knit wear. We spent some time in there chatting to the locals who were all very friendly. We were hoping that the rain would stop but it just became heavier.

We knew that the shopping centre and town market was a 5 minute dash so decided to go for it, but by the time we got there we were dripping wet along with everyone else. Spirits were high but it was very disappointing. The locals kept apologising to us about the weather but always added on how nice it was yesterday. Like we REALLY want to know that.

By midday we realised there was no chance of it clearing in time to do any trip away from the city centre so we headed back to the ship with another look round the craft market.

The tide was significantly lower than when we left the ship blue queue to get back on was quite long. It started after the passport control area, then a gap outside before starting again under the canopy. No one was stood in the rain waiting to get back on board.

Once back at the cabin I couldn't wait to get out of my wet clothes. I was soaked through everything and dripping everywhere. The balcony looked more like a swimming pool.

Sail away was at about 5 pm and yes finally the clouds cleared and we saw blue skies.

This not an attractive port as it is very industrialised but the countryside around it is supposed to be stunning. We will have to visit here again to check that out.

We ate in Sindhu and had a very enjoyable meal to end a disappointing day.

[melsea]

Hi Sue
All sounds good even if the weather is not playing the game.
Quick question, did you have to get a Canadian Visa for this trip as I have just learnt that visitors now need a visa but I think it's different for cruisers. It's only 7 dollars anyway.
Look forward to hearing more.
Melsea

[melsea]

Oops I was trying to edit my post as I realised I made a mistake.

Anyway, such a shame about St.Johns, it's a lovely place away from the port. I didn't do the pink bus as P&O had the monopoly on it so couldn't get it cheaper. Ended up literally outside the port where locals were driving smaller buses and were taking people on a 2 hour tour for 20$ which included the reversing falls. We did this trip in 2013.