With Spring coming and summer not far behind, people are beginning to think about summer cruises. One popular option is a cruise to Eastern Canada and New England. A highlight of most such cruises is a call in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Accordingly, this week we are presenting an illustrated look at Halifax from a cruiser passenger perspective.
Why do people cruise to Halifax? For many, it is a convenient way to escape the summer heat that often grips the United States. In the fall, there is the promise of seeing the color of the changing autumn leaves.
Halifax offers both historic and scenic attractions. The area played an important role in the North American colonial period and in the American War for Independence and the years following. It also has significant ties to the Titanic disaster as the recovery efforts were launched from Halifax. All of these are documented in museums and restorations.
As far as scenery, Halifax itself is a small, clean city that surrounds a pretty harbor. There are both modern and historic buildings. Going outside of town, which many cruise passengers do, one is quickly in an area of forests, lakes and rocky coastlines. In places such as Peggy’s Cove, it looks like an idealized maritime landscape painting.
Halifax is famous for its seafood, in particular, lobster. Not surprisingly, there are quite a few restaurants specializing in lobster.
Beyondships’ illustrated look at Halifax is at http://www.beyondships.com/Ports-Halifax
Turning to some items in the news - -
Last week, Celebrity Eclipse left the shipyard in Pappenburg, Germany where she has been under construction and proceeded down the Ems River to Emshaven in the Netherlands. What is particularly noteworthy about this journey is that at its tightest point, there was only two feet of clearance between the ship and the sides of the river and a few inches of water between her bottom and the riverbed. Thousands of spectators turned out to watch the ship’s progress. After completing her fitting out in Emshaven, Eclipse will proceed to Southampton, England for her inaugural ceremonies in late April. She will be based there for her first season offering cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, France and Ireland.
Cunard has announced its 2011-12 offerings. Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer transatlantic crossings and cruises from New York to Canada and the Caribbean and from Southampton to the Atlantic isles and Northern Europe. Queen Victoria will offer cruises from Southampton and from Venice Italy before coming to the US for a series of cruises in the late fall/winter. The new Queen Elizabeth will cruise primarily from Southampton. Included in her schedule will be cruises to the Holyland.
Meanwhile, Princess cruises has announced its 2011 European schedule with seven vessels (Ruby, Crown, Grand, Star, Ocean, Pacific and Emerald Princesses) offering 42 itinerary choices, including seven new routes, with calls at more than 135 ports.
Norwegian Cruise Line has commenced a contest to find the “Epic Star.” Winners will perform on the line’s new ship Norwegian Epic during her inaugural ceremonies in July in New York.. It has also announced that in the winter 2011/2012, Norwegian Star will be based in Tampa, Florida, which is a new seasonal homeport for her.
Why do people cruise to Halifax? For many, it is a convenient way to escape the summer heat that often grips the United States. In the fall, there is the promise of seeing the color of the changing autumn leaves.
Halifax offers both historic and scenic attractions. The area played an important role in the North American colonial period and in the American War for Independence and the years following. It also has significant ties to the Titanic disaster as the recovery efforts were launched from Halifax. All of these are documented in museums and restorations.
As far as scenery, Halifax itself is a small, clean city that surrounds a pretty harbor. There are both modern and historic buildings. Going outside of town, which many cruise passengers do, one is quickly in an area of forests, lakes and rocky coastlines. In places such as Peggy’s Cove, it looks like an idealized maritime landscape painting.
Halifax is famous for its seafood, in particular, lobster. Not surprisingly, there are quite a few restaurants specializing in lobster.
Beyondships’ illustrated look at Halifax is at http://www.beyondships.com/Ports-Halifax
Turning to some items in the news - -
Last week, Celebrity Eclipse left the shipyard in Pappenburg, Germany where she has been under construction and proceeded down the Ems River to Emshaven in the Netherlands. What is particularly noteworthy about this journey is that at its tightest point, there was only two feet of clearance between the ship and the sides of the river and a few inches of water between her bottom and the riverbed. Thousands of spectators turned out to watch the ship’s progress. After completing her fitting out in Emshaven, Eclipse will proceed to Southampton, England for her inaugural ceremonies in late April. She will be based there for her first season offering cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, France and Ireland.
Cunard has announced its 2011-12 offerings. Queen Mary 2 will continue to offer transatlantic crossings and cruises from New York to Canada and the Caribbean and from Southampton to the Atlantic isles and Northern Europe. Queen Victoria will offer cruises from Southampton and from Venice Italy before coming to the US for a series of cruises in the late fall/winter. The new Queen Elizabeth will cruise primarily from Southampton. Included in her schedule will be cruises to the Holyland.
Meanwhile, Princess cruises has announced its 2011 European schedule with seven vessels (Ruby, Crown, Grand, Star, Ocean, Pacific and Emerald Princesses) offering 42 itinerary choices, including seven new routes, with calls at more than 135 ports.
Norwegian Cruise Line has commenced a contest to find the “Epic Star.” Winners will perform on the line’s new ship Norwegian Epic during her inaugural ceremonies in July in New York.. It has also announced that in the winter 2011/2012, Norwegian Star will be based in Tampa, Florida, which is a new seasonal homeport for her.
Carnival Glory has returned to service following an extensive refit. The renovation added several new facilities and features, including a Serenity adults-only retreat, a 270-square-foot Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen, and a Circle “C” facility for 12- to 14- year olds. Eighteen new balconies were also incorporated onto existing ocean view staterooms and a new Mongolian wok venue was added to the casual poolside restaurant. Bow-to-stern Wi-Fi access was added, as well.
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