Two Year Anniversary, Sailing Away to Canada! - June 10-15, 2012 Day 4 Part 2 09/30

[shippedtosea]

I'm sorry for such a delay. We really love the Olympics and have been glued to our computers! Oops.

Day 3!

After we had toured the museum, we decided to grab something to eat.

We had passed by a fish and chip shop by the water so we headed down there.

DH got fish and chips. DH really doesn't like traditional fish and chips (he usually gets sausage and chips in England) so I'm not sure why he got it. He said it was okay but nothing special.

...and I got Sweet Potato Fries.

I, on the other hand, loved these! They were perfect! The sauce was also a spicy ranch-like dip.

This was DH's drink. I like the bottle!

After our lunch we headed up toward the citadel.

This entertained me

Even if you are not planning on going into the citadel, you really should make the walk up to it. It's so pretty up there and you can see the whole city.

You can even see the ship!

There were lots of locals relaxing on the hill and reading.

We then took a walk down the hill and headed toward the Public Gardens.

This is another place that is completely free - and beautiful! Definitely worth the walk.

In the lake there was a Titanic replica!

I really liked these guys.

 

[shippedtosea]

I love how DH's shirt matches the grass!

Here is a British tree!

We absolutely lucked out....the day was beautiful!

After our nice walk...it was around 2:30 and we wanted to head back to the ship (I wanted to swim!)

We walked down Spring Garden Rd. I had read that it had a lot of shops. We only went in a few, but it was still a nice walk.

This made us laugh.

We also headed into a local pet store. We got our cat Ruby a lobster! Here is her enjoying her toy

We also stopped in this really cute shop. It has novelty toys and sweets, all the way from America!

We then made it down by the water to head back.

Another fun sign!

Unfortunately you couldn't see the full ship:

We then headed back to the ship. It took about 15 minutes to get back on, but it was pretty painless. We headed straight to our room to drop off our bags, and I changed into my swimsuit. I got to swim for about an hour before DH wanted me to get out so we could watch the ship leave.

We walked around taking photos, waiting.

Hello funnel, I missed you today!

 

[shippedtosea]

Then we watched the captain getting ready to sail off!

Look at the send-off we got! It was really special. It was clear Halifax was really excited that Disney was there.

So once we started taking off, it became extremely cold on the ship and would stay that way. Most people started hurrying inside. There would be no night swimming in Canada!

We headed back down towards our room to change for the show and dinner. Soon enough it was time for the show - Villains Tonight!

I was really looking forward to this show. I really love villains...I have to say, it was a bit disappointing, but it was still really good. Just kind of silly.

We then headed to the lobby to meet my favorite duck!

I love his outfit!!! omg he is so cute.

Then we attempted to meet his lady...but the cast member didn't know how to use a camera? and didn't focus so this is the best we got!

 

[shippedtosea]

We then headed to dinner. Tonight - Parrot Cay. Our waiter was very excited to see us, and hear how we liked Halifax. He was right at the door and escorted me to our table. He also got to go out and experience Halifax! I'm glad they can get off at port, it seems unfair especially when its a new place.

So...the night before, I was given a menu to look at for this evening to make sure there was something I could eat. But...I wasn't told I had to order something special and even when our waiter asked if I liked anything...I said no. So I was very confused when we sat down and I was told I couldn't get anything different. So for anyone with dietary restrictions....you have to pre-order food if you don't like the menu options. So...oops....now I really couldn't eat anything. So our wonderful Head Server came over and offered me the Lumiere's menu! This surprised me but made me very happy. If you remember we missed it the first night...so I still got to get what I probably would have ordered!

But first, here is my appetizer from the Parrot Cay menu.
St. Marteen Stack
Grilled Calabaza and Mozzarella with Tomato and Basil Vinaigrette

So this would have to be the first food on the ship that was blah. It was okay but nothing special. I love appetizers...and I really wasn't into this. It was probably because it was cold...and I really wanted something hot, but my choices were not good. If only the Asparagus soup didn't have crab meat!

DH got Jamaican Marinated Chicken Tenderloins
In a Sizzling Spicy Jerk Sauce with a Chunky Bleu Cheese Dressing

This was okay...better then mine but nothing too special. He says he can't remember it...so I guess it wasn't amazing!

So, for my main, I ordered off the Lumiere's menu. Grilled Marinated Tofu, Roasted Zucchini, Eggplant, and Red Peppers
On Israeli Couscous with a Lime-Cilantro Sauce

Unlike my appetizer, this was flavorful and interesting! Everything was cooked nicely and was filling - but not heavy.

For DH's main: Island Spiced Grilled Rib-Eye of Beef
Topped with handmade spiced Butter, Corn on the Cob and Double – baked potato

DH's exact words were "it's nice," so there ya go. I know he said it was better Le Cellier's, where he also had a rib-eye and hated it (which I know is surprising). He said it was very similar but tasted way better.

For our dessert I had Crème Brûlée Cheesecake

So I have been saying forever that I wanted to try Creme Brulee because I've never had it. So, this was the perfect way to enter the world and it was so good! I love cheesecake and this was such a different and awesome way to have cheesecake.

DH was boring and got the sundae!

Still looks good tho!

After our dinner, we said goodnight to our waiter and headed down the lobby to meet Goofy!

I love his outfit too!

Then we went up to Studio Sea to watch 'Who Wants To Be A Mouseketeer!'

This was a super fun show! We really enjoyed it. Everyone was given a number when they walked in and you could be chosen. I was hoping I didn't get chosen...DH was hoping I did! I will admit I knew every answer but one...I just don't like being the center of attention! It was still really fun.

After our game show, we headed to our room to get some rest...we had adventures in New Brunswick tomorrow!

"Buuuunny....anyone seen a bunny?"

Coming up:

 

[shippedtosea]

I am really enjoying your TR! It is so funny too because my DH and I went on an Alaskan DCL for our anniversary and it was on June 11-18, but the funny part is a lot of our pics are the same type except of the Wonder, Its kind of crazy when I look back at my TR and see the pics again, they are so similar to yours! I really appreciate the navigators and all of your detail as well, I am thinking of taking my Mom on the NYC Canada in September and it's nice to see what adults do on the ships! Thanks so much for posting and I can't wait to read more!

Oh I'm glad your enjoying my tr! Thanks for following along. That's really funny!! Great minds think a like! I really recommend going in September if you can! Such a great cruise and the ports are so beautiful, though Alaska is the one we want next and I heard its really beautiful.

 

[iloverags2]

Awesome weather you had for the day! Your pictures are beautiful! I totally missed your DH's tee matching the grass until you mentioned it...how cool.

We always have to get our kitties and puppy toys when traveling...we feel so guilty leaving them!

 

[AshAlytwins]

Thank you so much for your report!!
DH and I booked the September 12th trip...first without ouDD since they will be back in College!
You have given me many ideas as to what to do in the ports!!
Happy Anniversary!!
Hope you have many many more!
We celebrated our 22nd on our may 25th Magic Cruise!!

 

[HermanTriplets+1]

So, for my main, I ordered off the Lumiere's menu. Grilled Marinated Tofu, Roasted Zucchini, Eggplant, and Red Peppers
On Israeli Couscous with a Lime-Cilantro Sauce

Unlike my appetizer, this was flavorful and interesting! Everything was cooked nicely and was filling - but not heavy.

We liked this dish, too! DS13 is a vegetarian and this was his favorite. The part they ALL liked was the "Israeli Couscous" - DS15 even took a picture of the menu because this amused them so! In Israel, couscous is couscous, and this is called "ptitim"! It is an Israeli invention, created during the early years of Statehood when rice was scarce. The government actually contracted one of the big food companies to invent something that would be a good rice substitute, and it was so popular that it has become a staple here. It is mostly considered "kid food", part of the routine diet of all preschoolers! To see it as a gourmet dish on our beloved Magic was a great event!

 

[shippedtosea]

Awesome weather you had for the day! Your pictures are beautiful! I totally missed your DH's tee matching the grass until you mentioned it...how cool.

We always have to get our kitties and puppy toys when traveling...we feel so guilty leaving them!

I know! We were so lucky! Couldn't have asked for better weather and bluer skies! (DH really loves his blue skies) Haha I took that photo and started laughing...too bad he was wearing something between his shirt and the grass or he could have totally blended in!

Us too! She ended up with two toys...she is spoiled.

Thank you so much for your report!!
DH and I booked the September 12th trip...first without ouDD since they will be back in College!
You have given me many ideas as to what to do in the ports!!
Happy Anniversary!!
Hope you have many many more!
We celebrated our 22nd on our may 25th Magic Cruise!!

omg! so exciting you will have so much fun! I'm glad to help! We did an excursion in St. John so stay tuned!
Thanks so much! Happy 22nd! Thats really great!

We liked this dish, too! DS13 is a vegetarian and this was his favorite. The part they ALL liked was the "Israeli Couscous" - DS15 even took a picture of the menu because this amused them so! In Israel, couscous is couscous, and this is called "ptitim"! It is an Israeli invention, created during the early years of Statehood when rice was scarce. The government actually contracted one of the big food companies to invent something that would be a good rice substitute, and it was so popular that it has become a staple here. It is mostly considered "kid food", part of the routine diet of all preschoolers! To see it as a gourmet dish on our beloved Magic was a great event!

Oh thats really funny. Its one of my favorites...so I guess I'm really a kid at heart..and stomach

 

[jenseib]

Halifax looks like such an amazing port. You got some post card perfect shots too. I also really like the pictures of you around different areas. You should frame some. You look fabulous.

 

[shippedtosea]

Halifax looks like such an amazing port. You got some post card perfect shots too. I also really like the pictures of you around different areas. You should frame some. You look fabulous.

It really is. It was a great port first port, so much to see and we had no time limit. Haha...DH had the dslr that day so lots of me pictures. I believe the next day when I had it there are lots of photos of him! Thanks so much!

 

[MrShiny]

We also ate a fish & chips booth and it was amazing. I think ours was different then yours - ours was right before we went into the maritime museum. Especially like the poutine.

 

[Deemarch]

Loving your trip report! I'm so exciting for ours coming up in 24 Days!

 

[shippedtosea]

We also ate a fish & chips booth and it was amazing. I think ours was different then yours - ours was right before we went into the maritime museum. Especially like the poutine.

Yeah there were a couple down there. All smelt amazing

Loving your trip report! I'm so exciting for ours coming up in 24 Days!

Thanks! Oh so exciting! We were down by the pier last weekend and got to see her! Made me homesick though

 

[pklein09]

We just came back from our Canadian cruise on Friday. I wanted to read about the ports from a first person perspective before leaving and ran across your trip report. We didn't have anything in particular planned...we have 4 kids and most of the excursions start to get pricey when you multiply the cost times 6. We walked to the Citadel from the ship, which pretty darn near wiped all of us out. It also didn't help that there was a time change the night before. In any case, when we got to the Citadel, I asked how to get to the Public Gardens. It was the only thing I purposely wanted to do in Halifax because of the beautiful pictures in your trip report. We all agreed that the Gardens were beautiful. DS11 took the most beautiful pictures of their dahlia garden. He also loved the ducks and geese.

I look forward to reading the rest of your adventure!

 

[shippedtosea]

We just came back from our Canadian cruise on Friday. I wanted to read about the ports from a first person perspective before leaving and ran across your trip report. We didn't have anything in particular planned...we have 4 kids and most of the excursions start to get pricey when you multiply the cost times 6. We walked to the Citadel from the ship, which pretty darn near wiped all of us out. It also didn't help that there was a time change the night before. In any case, when we got to the Citadel, I asked how to get to the Public Gardens. It was the only thing I purposely wanted to do in Halifax because of the beautiful pictures in your trip report. We all agreed that the Gardens were beautiful. DS11 took the most beautiful pictures of their dahlia garden. He also loved the ducks and geese.

I look forward to reading the rest of your adventure!

I'm so glad my report helped you! I'm so sorry I didn't have a chance to do my New Brunswick day before you left (soon I promise!!) i'm happy you liked the gardens! They were really a highlight for us of the trip as well!

 

[Michellynn]

Absolutely LOVE, love, LOVE, your trip report.! Your photos are fantastic and I'm really getting a feel for what to expect. We are going on the 9/7 cruise.

We Only have the HOHO booked for halifax so I was glad to see how enjoyable exploring on your own was for you.

Looking forward to seeing how your day was in saint John.

 

[ScooterL]

We are also doing the final Canada cruise in September, so I'm looking forward to reading the rest of your trip report - you've given me lots of good ideas for Halifax. We also will be walking it rather than taking an excursion.

 

[shippedtosea]

I'm a terrible slacker, I'm sorry! The Olympics are over and all our photos are edited! So lets get back on track.



Day 4

Navigator

Today is New Brunswick! We got up nice and early and headed down to Parrot Cay for breakfast.



This buffet was far better then Topsiders! There was much more choice, and it was a lot more interesting. Just for veggie information...the baked beans have meat in them. It took me a very long time to get this answer.

This was my first plate. It was all super yummy. Omelet was way better then Lumiere's. The potatoes were awesome. They should really get rid of those terrible McDonalds hash browns and replace them with these! Oh, and I love biscuits...yum.



…and I forgot DH's again. I'm really bad at remembering to take photos at breakfast...guess I'm too excited.



We then went upstairs to look around!

Hello New Brunswick!

DH made sure Duffy was all ready for the night! Can you guess whats coming?!

So then we headed down to the Buena Vista Theater to meet up for our excursion. We signed in and got our character and sticker. We got Jasmine! There were lots of guys in our group happily wearing Jasmine stickers.

We were doing the St Martins and Bay of Fundy Excursion



We were ushered out of the theater, and duly followed our Jasmine paddle off the boat.

We piled onto our bus. We ended up in a very small bus with a very...interesting guide. She was very strange and got distracted easily. Our first stop was a small market. We had about an hour. We headed in, and the first booth we noticed was a book stall. They had laid out a bunch of Disney books to welcome us! One immediately caught our eye, a vintage Disney book with tons of stories. It is from the 70s and probably would cost a hundred dollars here. It was $10! So of course we bought it! I also got some local coffee which was very good.



We had about an hour, but DH was worried we'd be late so we headed back early and went to the bus.



After the market we went to the reversing falls. I'm not even going to try and explain it, click here for the Wikipedia.



It was very pretty but we never actually got to see them actually reversing.

 

[shippedtosea]

We walked around enjoying the view and then were ushered back on the bus. We got onto the highway and drove for about an hour. The guide told us some local facts while we drove.

First view of the Bay of Fundy.

So now we come to the part of the excursion that I think was unnecessary. They took us to a diner to get clam chowder, veggie soup or chicken strips. The food was meh, but we only had 1 hour at the bay...and you really needed the full hour. So forget the soup! We really wish we had skipped the food and went straight down to the shore. So we scarfed down the food and we headed down to the beach.

It was so beautiful and amazing. Everywhere we walked is underwater half of the time. Which is pretty remarkable. Click here to read the Wikipedia about it!

It was such a nice day as well. A little cool, but not too bad.

DH in the cave. This was the first cave you see.