reallyitsmema

I would highly recommend doing the mail run ferry with Casco Bay Ferries if you’re looking for something different to do in Portland. We had perfect weather and flat calm seas going out and a little choppy coming back. We went to six harbor islands, some on the way out and way back too. We were at most stops for less than five minutes. One was longer due to the number of people getting off. It is $17pp round trip. Tickets only collected on way out and includes a return whenever you are headed back. Most of the islands were just private residences, though one had a hotel and golf course. Dogs welcome and many people were bringing supplies to their homes in various carts and wagons. One person was even bringing a Tiffany style hanging lamp shade that he was carrying. If there are more than ten people, the captain narrates. Heard lots of history of the islands.

We love this area. We are now waiting for the 10AM mail boat that goes to five of the harbor islands. It is a working mail ferry that also takes up to 400 passengers. Figured it is a cheap harbor cruise.

We are on Serenade out of Boston on a NE/Canada cruise. They do a short fall schedule from Boston every year. We are in 9260, which is a center aft facing balcony. We typically book corners but there were none available. Love the big balconies on the aft.

Good morning from Portland. Lots of lighthouses this morning for @Ocean Boy

Beautiful morning in Bar Harbor.

I just checked my cellular usage since I used a Verizon travel pass while I was in Canada the last two days. I have used 9223372036854776 GB of my 4 GB plan. You think I should be worried?😳😂😇

We are on Serenade now and this is our first time experiencing once a day cabin service as we are only sailing in a balcony this week. We chose morning service and have had no problems at all. Steward leaves two sets of towels as requested. He asks us if we are all set when he sees us in the corridor. Trash has gotten full once on a sea day but not a big deal. We have some glasses piled in the corner of the vanity at the end of the night but that is no different than when we had twice a day service. As far as the price increase, what hasn’t gone up in price these days.

No different than you pointing out your pinnacle status on many posts.

I took that picture while still in bed. 😇 There is a table and chairs to sit at too. Not bad for a balcony cabin.

Years ago I took the CAT ferry from Bar Harbor to Yarmouth and spent a week in Nova Scotia with my Mom. We saw a lot but didn’t do the Cabot Trail. The high speed ferry was a great way to get there. My DH and I have taken the Ne/Canada cruise from Boston a bunch of times but always to Halifax. This was the first time we have been to Sydney. We are getting ready to dock in Halifax right now. Another ship just came in ahead of us.

We had a great day! We rented a car and drove part of the Cabot Trail. Cool weather but perfect for us. Will have to come back again when we can go all the way around.

Good morning from Sydney.

You can’t predict when there’s going to be a storm that might affect you. We are on a ship now too and had some rough seas overnight and the outside deck on deck five is closed due to weather. Just really windy with spray making it slippery. Upper deck still open. We have encountered really rough seas sailing from Cape Liberty in September when there was the remnants of a tropical storm coming up the coast. We have sailed many other months and had no issues. We have sailed Oasis in May and June the last two years with no issues other than really packed with kids and large family groups. No one can predict what will happen. Just come prepared with sea sickness medicine if you are prone to problems.

Thanks! We are on Serenade out of Boston. That picture is actually the new sign outside the newly renamed Crown Lounge. Actually meant to post it on another thread. Oops. 😇

Radiance class isn’t our favorite either but sometimes you take what is closest and easiest. Left house at 10:15. Got checked in at port and sat in chairs for a bit. On ship before 11. Jewel is also in port on a port of call. She is right behind us.

LOL This might be your best method but we find it better to never have your sea pass scanned at all. We easily acquire towels without ever having our pass scanned, whether in a suite or a balcony cabin.

No Hibachi on Anthem and Izumi is tiny!

We enjoyed Wonderland but not sure it is a great choice for a 5 yr old birthday. The venue is smaller and they really didn't have many in costume. I wouldn't do Sorrentos either, that is a very busy venue with lots filling freestyle cups or passing through to Cafe Promenade. I would pick Jamies. That is a larger venue and you could see about bringing decorations that you could coordinate with the restaurant. They have an outside area that isn't used much that might be an option or there are tables that are on the Via that they could set you up. A lot depends on what your daughter likes to eat too.

We have had pool towels left in our suite and if they aren't there, we get them from the suite sun deck area. They are usually just in a basket that you can take them from without checking them out.

I don't like her either but Sifu is driving me crazy! Why does he always talk in the third person? It is so arrogant to talk like that.

That area is supposedly used as a crew smoking area too.

We have booked many GTY cabins but will not book a GTY on Voyager class ships or Freedom class ships because of the aft facing balconies and suites on deck 6 and 7. GTY cabins are not always the bad cabins as some like to claim as we have done a suite GTY and ended up with a 2 bedroom grand suite. To the OP, always good to do a little research on the ship before rolling the dice on a GTY. Quantum class ships also have cabins that a lot of people don't like. They are obstructed balconies on deck 6 that look out at the side of lifeboats or at davits. As you saw from the pictures posted earlier in this thread, you do have a really good view if you stand at the railing but if you sit, you are looking at a lifeboat.

I think you meant suite class perks, not star class perks.