Live from Navigator—Montreal to NYC—September 20 to October 1,2022

[RachelG]

3 hours ago, gabelle said:

Did you use your phone for the test or did you bring a computer?  We have the same scenario in a couple of weeks and I don't plan to even bring my i-pad!  I have researched several testing sites around Montreal. That's another option.

 

Thanks for all of your info.

USD the iPad but could have done with the iPhone 

[RachelG]

September 20,2022–embarkation in Montreal Quebec

 

We woke up to a very overcast chilly day.  Fog was pretty much the theme.  We ordered the box breakfast, and I ate the protein while George ate the carbs.  Then we set off for hiking at  mont Rayole, the area for which Montreal is named.  

 

We ubered there, and our driver just set us out in the middle of nowhere.  We wandered a bit then found the park headquarters and information.  The information was sketchy, so we wandered some more along with a bunch of other people. Signage at this park is lacking.

 

We eventually wandered up to the viewpoint , but we had wasted so much time wandering, that we had to come down. It was very foggy, so not much view anyway.

 

We caught an Uber back to the hotel to get our luggage then to the port.  There was a lot of construction and detours in the port area , but out driver was good.

 

QuickLy onboard the ship and up to La Veranda for lunch with our friends.  I had forgotten how tight the space in the buffet area is.

 

Soon our CD, Ray Solaire, with whom we have sailed many times, came on overhead and announced suites were all ready.  I unpacked and organized while George worked, talking to clients and lawyers.  A mixed blessing since the time zone is close.

 

Sailaway was at 6, and we met up with our friends in Galileo’s.  Then to dinner in prime 7.  They have refurbished, and the new chairs are great. Easy to move and not heavy.  Dinner was outstanding.  I had clam chowder, which I never order,  it o was cold.  Then shrimp and asparagus.  It was great.  Even George admitted to a good steak.

[RachelG]

The one tree in Canada turning colors.

[jimbri]

8 hours ago, RachelG said:

The one tree in Canada turning colors.

This made me smile.  Our last cruise was in Oct 2019 to Quebec and a few other ports from NYC.  We were so looking forward to the foliage.  Only one small tree had turned and weather was terrible but still had a good time.

[RachelG]

Can’t edit my post above, but the clam chowder in Prime 7 wasn’t cold at all, it was piping hot.  I was cold.  Sometimes my iPad types it’s own ideas.

[1982CruzStart]

Just love following your posts. Have a great trip.  It has been 3 years since our last cruise and am so happy when someone takes the time to bring us along on their vacation. 

[kjbacon]

4 hours ago, RachelG said:

Can’t edit my post above, but the clam chowder in Prime 7 wasn’t cold at all, it was piping hot.  I was cold.  Sometimes my iPad types it’s own ideas.

This gave me a good laugh … when I read your original post, I was surprised that you were so pleased with cold soup 🤣 but reminded myself that everyone likes something different! I’m really enjoying your trip report, thank you.

[claranda]

Thanks for the report so far. It will be interesting for me as we’re doing the same trip in reverse next September. It will be a totally new route for us. We’ve only been to Vancouver/Whistler in Canada and only New York in the US - and all some years ago. I blush to admit that we didn’t enjoy  New York much at all, so this time we’re thinking of flying into Philadelphia for a couple of days and then getting the train up to NY on embarkation day.

[pingpong1]

2 hours ago, claranda said:

Thanks for the report so far. It will be interesting for me as we’re doing the same trip in reverse next September. It will be a totally new route for us. We’ve only been to Vancouver/Whistler in Canada and only New York in the US - and all some years ago. I blush to admit that we didn’t enjoy  New York much at all, so this time we’re thinking of flying into Philadelphia for a couple of days and then getting the train up to NY on embarkation day.

Hi Claranda - No need at all to feel embarrassed!  Many of us "Yanks" don't particularly care for NYC, either.  And it's a city that becoming more "problematic" each day.  We'll be sailing out of NYC in May '23 and our flight will arrive there the afternoon before.  We definitely will not be taking an evening stroll around town before the next morning's departure to the ship.  It will be a limo ride directly from the airport to the hotel, and then dinner/drinks in the hotel before bedtime.  Best Regards.

[irishwitchy]

Ping pong - Not sure why you think NYC  is becoming more problematic every day. I spend quite a bit of time in NYC and love the restaurants,  theatre, people and walking around.   I even take the subway.  This Yank and my whole family, love going to NYC. Hotel dinner, doesn’t sound so exciting in most cases (I can think of a few exceptions). 
 

Last time, I was in Arizona,  I thought the all the housing developments surrounded by walls, was interesting.   This Yank wouldn’t want to live there.  Different strokes for different folks!  
 

Actually, the crime rate is lower in NYC than Philly and Phoenix.  I would go to all three for different reasons.  

Edited September 22, 2022 by irishwitchy
Added posters name

[RachelG]

September 21, 2022–Quebec City, Quebec

 

After a great sleep, we awoke as the ship was docking.  It was chilly, still in the 50s and overcast, but not raining.  I tried to be optimistic regarding the weather and applied sunscreen.

 

Our walking and tasting tour for here had been cancelled a few months ago, due to “operational issues”.  The problem was that all the other tours in which we were remotely interested were full.  We waitlisted one, but it did not clear, so onto plan C.  

 

George and I have been to Quebec City a few times previously.  It is our 2nd favorite city in Canada (with Vancouver being number one), and it is a great walking city which is what we like.  So we were off on our own.

 

We walked all over, through the old town and up the stairs to the terraces by Chateau Frontenac, along the esplanade to the plains of Abraham and citadel then along on top of the fortifications.  There were beautiful views on all sides.  The trees aren’t really turning yet, but it should be great for color in about 2 weeks.  

 

We headed for a pizza place highly touted on TripAdvisor, LaPizzaio, and it did not disappoint.  It is a tiny place with really good salads and thin crust pizza.  We split a Caesar salad, then had margarita pizza and a pizza with black olives, sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese.  We were stuffed.  

 

We took a leisurely walk back to the port and ship.  George wanted a postprandial nap.  We rested until trivia at 4:30, where we won by a landslide.

 

Pre dinner drinks in Galileo’s with Ray.  He is such an interesting guy and kept us well entertained.  Then dinner in Sette Mare.  It was way too much food.  It is so easy to over eat in that venue, but so good.  I had a bunch of appetizers and pasta with shrimp.  George had lamb chops, and he did not think much of them.  Lamb is tricky—sometimes you just get one with an off flavor.

 

George went to the casino where he did well for the second night in a row.  I am waiting for the ax to fall.

 

I went to the show.  Last night I skipped as it was a lecture about the St Lawrence seaway—really?  How is that after dinner entertainment?

 

At any rate, tonight was a proper show.  World Rhythms.  It was a mixed bag.  I loved the Spanish and Irish parts as well as the Filipino, but the India and Africa parts were pretty much lost on me.  That being said,  performers are very talented and gave a great effort.

[GOARMY]

RachelG:

 

When you have the opportunity, extend a BIG "How do you dooooooo!" to CD Ray Solaire from Jim and Sue, Redmond, WA. 

 

It has been our good fortune to have traveled with him on several (Pre COVID) Navigator segments.  Had a wonderful dinner with him most-recently in 2018 at Compass Rose while enroute from L.A. to NYC.   

 

Hopefully--Ray will be aboard Navigator this coming May when we board at NYC for a B/t/B winding back up at NYC.  

 

GOARMY!

 

 

 

 

[Aloha 1]

Is Ray the CD who has performed for the late HRH Elizabeth?

[RachelG]

15 minutes ago, Aloha 1 said:

Is Ray the CD who has performed for the late HRH Elizabeth?

Yes

[claranda]

Just being picky…but it is/was Her Majesty; HRH is the next step down, the one denied to Harry and Meghan! But let’s NOT start on about them…..🤑

[ON cruiser]

Thanks for taking the time to share your trip--it is a pleasure to read your reports. Born in Montreal, I am also pleased that you enjoyed your visit there. The restaurants in Montreal that you review I look forward to trying in future. Thanks for the good ideas!

 

Glad the Navigator is in good shape, and that for the most part you are enjoying the dining. It is encouraging as we are doing the "Miami-Montreal" cruise in May 2023 (before that, however, we are on Splendor from Barcelona to Miami this November).  

 

Wishing you continued smooth seas and interesting ports of call. 

 

[GOARMY]

Certainly wish everyone on-board smooth seas.  Reviewed the latest weather reports.  A hurricane of significant (historic) proportion(s) is heading toward the Maritimes.  Having been in the tail-end of one of these more than several years ago while en route from New York to Bermuda--

 

secure everything in your Suite that could come loose, passengers included.  

 

Stay safe.  Keep us updated if this situation deteriorates requiring significant changes in itinerary and Ports of Call.  

 

GOARMY!

 

  

[wcsdkqh]

Depending on timing, I suspect this itinerary will change significantly due to the powerful storm due to hit the maritimes this weekend. Good luck!

[Sunprince]

Hey Rachel,  per Marine Traffic the Navigator is heading to Baie Comeau tomorrow (not a great port), but I would suspect the captain is holding there to avoid the hurricane?  Guessing Corner Brook is a no go for Saturday. Any updates on itinerary?  We are at our second home in Nova Scotia and the forecast calls for a potential Cat 2 landfall in Eastern NS, with the storm moving into the Gulf of St Lawrence Saturday. It is not looking good…sorry for the bad news, but I would rather be on a ship that can avoid the worst of the storm than being on land facing a direct hit! 

Edited September 23, 2022 by Sunprince

[cookiersmom]

Looking forward to your report.  We board on October 1 for the trip back to Montreal. Positive thoughts for you in avoiding the worst of Fiona!  

 

One little question.  We are college football fans.  Is there anywhere on board to watch the games?  

 

Thanks 

 

[RachelG]

September 22, 2022–Saguenay Quebec 

 

Saguenay isn’t really a town per se, but rather an area at to end of a fjord with several small towns and villages.  We had been here before on a bright sunny warm day, and it was spectacular.  

 

Contrast to today—cold, dark, and damp with 77%chance of rain.  It looked like that could happen at any moment.  We were supposed to be at a dock, but last night, they announced it would be a tender port, so there is that too.

 

Our tour was to depart at 7:30–Hiking in Saguenay park.  We had done this previously and liked it enough to want to repeat.  We rode in a school bus to the park-about a 40 minute drive,  which took longer due to road construction, with the road winding through dense evergreen and deciduous forest punctuated by small villages.

 

The park is very long and narrow along the fjord with trails and opportunities for kayaking.  When we were here before, the guide made us stay right with him, but this time, he was willing to just tell us when to be back at the bus and let us do our own thing.  Those who wanted to move more slowly could hike with him though.

 

George and I took off on a trail though the forest that climbed up alongside the fjord.  It had been raining,but the trail was hard packed dirt and rough cut granite steps, so not muddy.  And my new hiking shoes have great traction, so I didn’t feel worried about falling on the wet stones.

 

We moved pretty quickly upward, stopping to take pictures at a few scenic overlooks and a little waterfall.  George saw a grouse really closeup.  There were a few squirrels, but not a lot of other wildlife.  Some trees were turning, but few.  After an hour we arrived at the high lookout, and for about 30 seconds, the clouds lifted, and the sun was out.  Really beautiful.  

 

I didn’t want to the “that person” late for the bus, so I made George turn around and hike back, even though I knew coming down would be quicker than going up.  Good thing we got our pics on the way up, because a huge fog bank rolled in, and for a little while, we couldn’t see more than about 20 feet up the trail.  

 

We rode back to town, and it had gotten much colder with a sharp wind.  But our guide had told me about a treat that I couldn’t miss—chocolate covered blueberries, so we set out in search of these delicacies.  The town is small but has some cute shops.  The church was open for those who wanted to visit.  We were able to find a store with the blueberries, but also a lot of other delicious looking foods, so we left with a big sack full of goodies.

 

The space at the dock was now occupied by a huge NCL ship—guess that is why we got bumped.  While we waited for the tender, George pulled out the blueberries to sample—oh, so good.

 

Back onboard, he decided we should eat at the pool grill.  I thought this was a terrible idea as it was really cold and windy, but they brought me a thick wool blanket, and I ate hot soup, so not too bad.

 

We were fixing to go to trivia when the captain came on overhead in the suites with an announcement.  Never a good sign.  Apparently hurricane Fiona is headed straight towards us, so we are going to have to skip stops at Corner Brook and Sydney, but tomorrow, instead of a sea day, we will stop at Baie Comeau Quebec, a port which has never had a Regent ship.  This should be interesting.  Then 2 sea days to follow.  I am disappointed about the two ports we are missing, but at least, they have attempted to made some lemonade out of lemons.

 

We had a 2nd place finish at trivia with very difficult questions.

 

We cruised through the fjord with granite bluffs and forest on both sides.  Very scenic, but too cold to stay outside for long.  Pretty soon we came along the famous Virgin Mary of Saguenay statue perched high up on the ridge.  Ray did an excellent narration of how this statue came to be there.  

 

Dinner was at the Main dining room and was excellent.  I started with pork dumplings, then had cod with peas and potatoes.  George had salad and pork chop.  All excellent.  We both finished with ice cream-mine the sugar free coffee which is imo one of the best ever.

 

Entertainment was a comedian who was actually very funny.  I laughed a lot.

 

 

 

[RachelG]

A few pics from Quebec City

[RachelG]

Just now, RachelG said:

A few pics from Quebec City

Don’t know why the last one is upside down or how to fix it

[RachelG]

Incredible Quebec City pizzas. Very low carb

[RachelG]

Saguenay pics