Final report

       Total distance sailed: 8,891 nautical miles (10,224.65 statute miles or 16,448.35 kilometers)
                                                                          35 days (15 sea days)

Ports of call

Boston , Massachusetts (USA)

Bar Harbor, Maine  (USA)
Sydney, Nova Scotia (Canada) 
Corner Brook, Newfoundland (Canada)
Red Bay, Labrador (UNESCO) (Canada)
Qaqortoq , (Greenland)
Reykjavik (Iceland)
Alesund (Norway)
Eidfjord (Norway)
Rotterdam (Netherlands)
Dublin (Ireland)
Douglas, Isle of Man (UK)
Belfast, N. Ireland (UK)
Akureyri (Iceland)
Isafjordur (Iceland) 
Nanortalik (Greenland)
St. John's. Newfoundland/Labrador (Canada)
Halifax, Nova Scotia (Canada)
Boston, Massachusetts (USA)

Seas, Sounds, Fjords, Rivers, Oceans
Atlantic Ocean
North Atlantic
St. Lawrence Channel
 Straits of Belle Isle
Labrador Sea
Denmark Strait
Norwegian Sea
North Sea
Straits of Dover
English Channel
Celtic Sea
Irish Sea
Hardanger Fjord
Eidfjord
Prince Christian Sound
Belfast Lough
Eyafjordutr
Isafjardardjup
Skutdelsfjordur

Places other than port of call
Lexington and Concord (USA)
Baddeck, Cape Breton Island (Canada)
Gos Marne National Park (UNESCO) (Canada)
Hraunfossar (Iceland)
Thingvellir (UNESCO) (Iceland)
Gullfoss and Geysir (Iceland)
Giskey and Goday Islands (Norway)
Voringfossen (Norway)
Delft and Hague {Scheveningen} (Netherlands)
Kinderdijk (UNESCO) (Netherlands)
Malahide and Howth (Ireland)
Cregnesh (Isle of Man, UK)
Carnlough and Giants Causeway (UNESCO) (N. Ireland)
Grimsy (Iceland)
Tingyeri or Pingyeri (UNESCO), Dynjandi, Sudureyri (Iceland)
Mahone Bay and Lunenburg (UNESCO), Nova Scotia (Canada)


 

 

Boston and Home

Day 35

Boston, Massachusetts USA

A beautiful morning again and we made an early entrance to Boston Harbor, tying up at 0615. We had a farewell breakfast with several friends in the Pinnacle then went our ways. All guests had to make a face to passport check with immigration officials in the showroom. Then we went back to the Neptune to sit with friends and await our disembarkation call. Our stateroom has already been cleaned and made ready for the arrival of the new guests as the ship sails later today.

At 0930 our group is called and we joined the mass exodus funneling out of the ship. We found our bags waiting for us and went through customs in a flash, then out to the street to search for the service we engaged to ship our luggage home. A shuttle bus took us to Logan Int'l airport to await our flight to Minneapolis. While in the airport we bumped into several friends from the ship. When we boarded the plane at 1445 we found 6 other friends. This was a long day but we finally walked in the door at home at 9pm. End of story.

Please report any discrepancies in the information provided in this blog or any broken links.

Final day at sea

Day 34

At Sea toward USA

This day began with low seas, clear sky and warm temperature. Port side deck watch today should be easy. Breakfasted with friends in the Pinnacle Grill. Final packing is done today as we have to have our luggage packed, ticketed and placed in the hallway this evening.

This also is the day we give a little extra gratuity to those in the beverage, dining, concierge and cabin services who made the trip so much better. Holland America has a “No tipping necessary” policy for each guest is charged a little over $13 apiece per day to cover tips for the service crew, though we and many others give a little more recognition to those crew whose service was exceptional. Today is also the day to thank the crew and say our good-byes. Being in contact with several of the crew for so many days built friendships and so departing at the end of a long voyage can get emotional for both crew and guests. Plenty of hugs go around.

We threw a pizza party at 3pm in the Neptune Lounge for all guests on our deck. Champagne, pizza, sparkling water, soft drinks and lots of laughter made a fine mix. Email addresses and business cards were exchanged. Many good friendships were made this trip.

Gede and Agus, our cabin stewards and new friends

Noon report: 42º 55.52'N, 067º 10.68'W. Speed 10.3 knots. Course 255º. Depth 780'. Temperature 64ºF/ 18ºC. Wind NW at 14 knots (force 4), Apparent wind off the starboard bow at 21 knots. Humidity 74%. Distance from Halifax 204 nm. Distance to Boston 177 nm. Total voyage 8,714 nm. Sunrise 0644. Sunset 2017. (going to miss this info?)

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Day 33

Monday

Halifax, Nova Scotia aka, New Scotland (Canada)

The approach to Halifax harbor, the second largest harbor in the world, was made under clear sky with light sea and warm breeze. This port was settled in 1749 and has made its' mark in history with (among many other things) the graves of many Titanic victims, serving as the origination point for many trans-Atlantic convoys of both world wars, and the great explosion of 1917.

After coming in through the narrows we passed the battery/fortress island on our left, made a great U-turn and pulled up to the cruise ship terminal, securing at about 0730 starboard side to town, our side to the channel and the battery island. A piper appeared and played a few tunes while we were snugging up to the pier.

Soon after tying up we joined the shore stampede down to the gangway and out to the street to meet our guide Donna. Our new friend Foghorn Barb was on the same trip. Our trip today took us along the south shore heading westerly. On the drive I noticed RV's and campgrounds so made a mental note to perhaps come here by RV some summer and explore more.

Our first stop was in the town of Mahone Bay (settled 1754) which sits on the end of a bay. Although tempted by a grocery store and a hardware store, we just poked around in a local shop then walked a few blocks along main street before having to dash back to the bus. This town reminded us of Bayfield and Nisswa. During the summer this town is alive with shopping, casual dining on seafood specialties, boating and music events.

On we went to the larger town (pop. About 2300) of Lunenburg and hit the pavement at the top of a hill for a walking tour of historic buildings. Some buildings, which are private homes, date back to the 1700's. The St. John's Anglican Church (1753, 1872, 1892, 2001 ) is a fascinating structure added on to and rebuilt a few times, most recently restored after a great fire in 2001. This church is now a UNESCO site and is on the National Historical Register and part of the Provincial Heritage program.

The Academy

Lennox Inn B&B 1791

St. Johns

Interior of St. Johns

A short walk down the street took us past more old houses with fascinating architecture and colorful paint jobs. These old homes reflect the wealth brought by the successful seafaring industry of the 19^th and early 20^th century. At the bottom of the hill was the harbor, once home to the famed schooner Bluenose, the likeness of which is on the Canadian 10 cent coin. A replica, the Bluenose II was in harbor today, having just returned from a trip up north. She is the symbol of Nova Scotia and its ambassador to sea ports. She leads the parade of tall whips when they gather in Atlantic Canada.

After traipsing aboard I visited with a couple of the crew and briefly examined the equipment, running and standing rigging as well as eyeing the condition of everything. She is in beautiful condition.

the Bluenose

The schooner Bowdoin

looking back at the waterfront from across the bay

another example of interesting architecture

With our friend Barbara we munching down on lobster rolls and lobster tacos there on the wharf outside the museum and in front of these great sailing vessels. Back on the bus and a scenic trip back to Halifax. We trooped aboard at 1540, 10 minutes late but before absolute-be-on-board-or-the-ship-leaves time. 1600 The piper was playing a farewell salute and we slipped from the pier. Tied up ahead of us was the Holland America ship MS Veendam and as we passed her the ships exchanged long blasts from their horns. Decks of both ships were lined with waving passengers.

new bridge and nearby coast guard vessels

Noon report: I didn't get the position, other than we were tied up at the cruise ship terminal in Halifax. At 1630 the temperature was at 72. Humidity at 96%. Sunsets at 2007. We have 379 nm to go to our final port, Boston. Total distance this voyage is at 8,514 nm.

Sea Day

Day 32

 enroute Halifax, NS

August 21st

After rounding Newfoundland on the SW corner last night, we headed WSW. Fine weather. On getting up this morning I had to reset my cameras and my watch for there was another ½ hour time change. The temperature outside is more moderate this morning; something like 60ºF at 6 am.

Taking advantage of a sea day, more suitcases were packed in anticipation of the end of the voyage. My morning lecture on the great fire of Halifax was interrupted by the ships PA calling a “Bright Star on cabin 1081”, which is a dire medical emergency. Scuttlebutt has it this was a drill and the announcement was “Light Star.” (Practice medical emergency.) Lunched poolside today and watched a whale spouting. Early afternoon watch portside.

Immediately after the 2:30 musical show in the showroom, there was a stampede for the dining room where the great cupcake extravaganza was held. Imagine a couple of hundred senior citizens heading for the cupcakes.

Noon report: 45º 36.81'N, 057º 13.87'W. Speek 16 knots. Depth 1196'. Course 251º. Temp 64ºF. Wind S at 18 knots (5), Humidity 79%. Sunrise 0557. Sunset 1945. Distance from St. Johns 266nm. To Halifax 289nm. Total voyage 8,226nm.

St. Johns, Newfoundland and Labrador

Day 31

Aug 20

St. Johns began in the 1500s around a protected harbor. A fortress still stands above the entrance. The main industry is still tied to fishing.

Last night we had some rolling to help us sleep and the morning came with low, almost flat seas and no white caps, with a cloudy sky and cool moderate temperature. During the wee hours of the morning the ships time was set back another ½ hour. Easy enough when the cabin clock adjusts itself for the time changes, but each change means I have to adjust manually my watch, main camera, video cam, pocket camera and pocket video camera.

A little after 9am I spotted dolphins straight out abeam and headed in an opposite direction of our course. Following a lecture on the golden age of ocean liners we began entering St. Johns Harbor.

Passing through the narrow rocky bluff entrance, beneath the fortress, the harbor opened up before us in a left jog. There we moved slowly, edged to a pier and at 1115 secured, starboard side to town, bow up harbor. From the port side the view was of the narrow part of the harbor with a fueling station opposite us, a view of the fishing boat harbor to the left, boatyards to the right. A trip up one deck to an outside upper deck showed the starboard side view, which shows a walk off port right in the city. Within a block are shops, restaurants, pubs and so on. 

entering the harbor

to the left of our berth

fishing fleet

view from our cabin while tied up

The city is built on a hillside with the main shopping areas one block on a street parallel to the harbor. Within 6 blocks is “The Rooms” which houses the Provincial Archives, and art gallery and a fine museum; the main display at the museum now is on the Newfoundland soldiers of WWI and the heavy casualties they suffered.

With 16 others we boarded a school bus and bounced up the hill to offload by a large old wood church. When the city burned in 1892, this church survived. Next to it is the old British Commissary and stables. Across a large green and flowered lawn stands the Government House, home for the Lt. Governor and the residence for the Queen when she comes to visit. On the edge of the grounds is the

headquarters and stables complex for the mounted police of St. Johns. Their Percherons are magnificent beasts. After nosing around the Government House we were led of the street to gaze at another government building (a parliament house), then a short walk to the Basilica of St. John. Down the street to walk past the Cathedral of St. John (Anglican). More downhill walking and we arrived at the building that houses the Supreme Court of Newfoundland & Labrador. The site of the hanging tree is still open for viewing, now without a gallows. All of this along with a running commentary on the history and culture of St. Johns brought up the suggestion of food so we were led to an alleyway, just right there, and released from the group, a proper number of which formed an invasion force and we stormed the Duke of Duckworth pub. Fish 'n chips washed down with the local ale rejuvenated the spirit and fortified us for a walk down the main street to check out local artwork and clothing. Finally back to the ship at 5.

a memorial to the soldiers WWI

colored houses are typical

The old church

The Lt. Governors House

the reception hall to Government House,

more colorful houses

The ship departed at 8pm and the sun was setting over the hills and the city as we steamed out of the harbor.

The fortress still overlooks the entrance

downtown and a wharf

homes along the harbor

looking back on departure

The noon report: 47º 33.80'N, 052º 42.33'W. Secured to pier. Temp 57ºF/14ºC. Wind 7. Humidity 60%. Sunrise 0604, sunset 2003. Distance to next port: 547 nm. Total voyage 7,980 miles. 

 

Atlantic Ocean; Greenland to Newfoundland

Day 30

19 August

We are tearing along SSE under cloudy sky and cool temperature. At least are are not being chased by a Nor'easter. I have port side whale watch from late morning to early afternoon.

At 0930 this morning the Court of Neptune came together and presented shipmates John and Foghorn Barb with star mariner medallions representing the four points of the globe, latitude and longitude, the (sometimes) shimmery surface of the sea and the ice, the smoked salmon served every day in the Neptune Lounge,accompanied by the official blue ribbons of Holland America Lines (because, well, we are traveling on HAL) and in the center a photo of the MS Rotterdam. While many others aboard trooped forward for the second shift of the “frequent floaters recognition”, to nod at the ship's officers (who have successfully avoided the deck 7 guests this trip), swill free wine and champagne then stampede back to the dining room for Hazelnut Mousse, these two worthy Friends of Neptune received the greatest recognition by friends. Both recipients sported their magnificent medallions all day.

At 1115, just after going on watch, I spotted a whale broaching and spouting aft of amidships port side. At 1205 three pods of dolphins arcing up and down passed by. All of these were heading on an opposite course of the ship. The packing has begun in our cabin, putting into cases the clothing of the North which will not be needed for the next days.

The noon report: 53º 58.17'N, 049º 12.64'W. Course 199º, Speed 17.7 knots. Depth 12,270'. Wind W at 3 knots. Temperature 50ºF, 10ºC, Humidity 66%. Seas 1-2'. Distance from Nanortalik Greenland is 393 nm, to next port is 409 nm. Total distance this voyage is 7,569 nautical miles.