Jim_Iain

The trails were a mixture of flat granite, mud, gravel and lots of surface roots. After about a mile we came to a ladder / stairs. I was happy we had no moaners or groaners and everyone stayed up with the guides fast pace.

Now on with the show. We had an 8:15 meeting point in the main lounge. The tenders leave from the terrace outside of the lounge. They had 3 tours today and all of us were on the same tender. The busses were waiting and as soon as the 12 on our tour were loaded we were off. In addition to our group there were 3 Ponant guide/translators. The bird trainer was also with us and a photographer. 30 minutes later we arrived at the Cup and Saucer hiking trail. Small hiccup and the guide was late arriving and due to scheduling issues his assistant was tied up. Off we went and one of the Ponant staff took the rear to help any laggers. The trail is only marked with red dots on trees and a couple ropes. It was advertised as for those of reasonably good physical shape as it was a 6 mile hike on uneven and sometimes steep sections. First off while speaking to the guide, I asked how it got its name. He said early settlers thought it looked like a cup and saucer. The indigenous First Nation thought it looked k like an arrowhead and called it Arrow Head. I chuckled and said Marketing! He laughed and later I heard someone else asked and he replied Marketing. The area is rich in traditional herbal plants and the First Nation still collect and use many of the plants, berries, roots and pine needles for teas and salves.

It really was understated elegance. I loved the Harpist (who was the Captain's Wife at Olympic. To me the destruction of that one of a kind dining room was a fatal error.

I do think back and remember how much Celebrity has changed. Remember they also left those wonderful Cova Chocolates on your pillow at night instead of those waxy little squares.

The wines are listed on the Dinner Menus - They have a Red, White and Rose as well as Champagne. They often have 2 Red's and 2 Whites. I have to see if they are the same or not. As a non-drinker I haven't rally looked.

LOL -- our guide also noted the Largest Lake on the Largest Island on the Largest Lake --- Now that would be a Final Jeopardy Question.

Will be posting shortly as soon as I complete reading the responses.

Couldn't see a thing.... LOL --- It also is only open some nights according to sea conditions. Actually I've never ready anyone who has seen anything.

Thanks - Always god to see you along It is a different experience for sure but as we become more acclimated to the little differences we are liking it more and more. The only thing that we really didn't like is that they seem to rush the dinner service but, I'll have a talk with the server and have him slow it down. When you order your meals you order everything at one time --- including desert. The order is entered on a iPad type device and goes directly to the kitchen. Unlike most dining etiquette they don't wait until your partner is finished before they remove you plate. I'm a very fast eater and Iain is very slow so often he is left eating while I'm sitting with an empty table in front of me. As soon as he finishes his dish the next course is delivered without a pause. Often they also deliver entrees separately when they are completed in the kitchen..

Not a problem. Would have been fun. Milwaukee is one of the most beautiful clean city we have visited. We enjoyed every minute of exploring it.

Tour today. I’m on my own for the day. We only have 15 on our cruise. Perfect side. This one is a mixture of French and English

Last night was beautiful and pleasant at about 70. The views were beautiful as we sailed through narrow canals. This is something a large ship could never do. After dinner we visited the unique Blue Eye for a drink.

Thursday Up early. We arrived Little currents at 7:30 and I have a tour departing at 8:15. There are 3 tours. My tour is right up my alley. Hiking. As the tour is a bit aggressive there is a warning ⛔️ it is like a small group tour. 15 guests on a large tour bus. We were tendered ashore and now waiting. Not for a passenger but for our guide. That’s a new one for me.

The explorer class ships have a unique bar on deck 1 with eyes below sea level.

Another difference. Coffee is via a Nescafé machine but better than Al bacio. Foam is Dry just the way I like. The serve a small dark chocolate with each cup. Remember Cova Cafe and the chocolate you use to get?

Yes. True Guinea Hen. You could tell as the skin has a layer of fat (not as thick as a duck). The fat was nicely rendered and skin crisp. The hen was perfectly cooked , tender and juicy.

We ended up passing on the fudge. I was tempted but finally decided to pass. I almost broke down and got some English Toffee but also resisted.

Dinner tonight I shot pictures of the casual Al fresco dining as well as MDR Salad, cheese and deserts self service MDR We both had the soup, Pate and Guinea foul. I would give all courses a solid 10. Iain has a pet peeve on Celebrity. The have Guinea Foul on the menu but serve a Cornish Hen. This was a real Guinea hen. Yum. For desert I had the Salted Caramel - home made and incredible - I ate it before remembering to take a photo.

Not as much as many lines but more than enough for us. We have been so busy I haven’t listened to a book yet.

Thanks Jazz- I don’t have Ana Amex. My main card is Chase Sapphire Reserve. 3x miles on travel and food. Miles can be transferred to I believe 8 airlines. I currently have a 30% off deal for the month.

No non-alcoholic wine, but not a problem. I’ve mostly been drinking sparkling water. The included wines are drinkable and better than Elegant. The menu lists the wines. They then have an extensive collection of really good wines by the bottle.

I posted the Bar Menu on the other Comparison of Celebrity to Ponant thread - Quick Link to the Bar Menu -

I have to agree. We are staying in an AirBnB for 4 days post cruise so will definitely book Uber or Lyft. I checked the other day and the prices were about C$ 23- 27. We were talking to a couple last night that said they had a Transfer from the Pfister to the Ship by Ponant for $120. They said they felt ripped off after finding it was only about 4 blocks away.

Bar Menu Code Martini Glass Premium No Price - Included drink Package Just Price - not covered and you pay listed amount Unlike Celebrity if you choose a premium item and don’t have a premium you pay the listed amount. *** Price has increased from 20 to 25 Euros

We just departed for Little Rapids. The nice thing of a small ship is you sail really close to land. Lots of birds and wildlife. This afternoon one of the curators gave a lecture on bird watching.