Sunday
First off, here’s a map of our cruise route except there is one correction – our cruise stopped in Halifax, not in Lunenburg:
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So today we are supposed to be anchored at Cap-Aux-Meules Island in L’Îles de la Madelaine, Quebec. Alas, it was not meant to be. We awoke to still fairly smooth seas but 25-35 knot winds and icy snow. Not good for anchoring. Definitely not good for tendering. So, port call cancelled. Today we will be comfortable at sea instead of freezing on a tour that was supposed to include a stop at a lighthouse, an oyster farm (with free samples), and a winery (again with free samples). Le Barbocheux Artisanal winery would have been interesting. It’s bagosse variety is often called the beer of the Islands, but it is really a traditional home-brewed wine.
This is what it looks like at our suite garden area, shared with three other explorer suites (click to enlarge to really see the snow):
So we spent the day on board eating, drinking, napping, reading, and watching the weather. The outside decks are closed because of the weather, but it’s comfy inside and the seas are not rough at all. I will finish my book today and start a new one. Here’s where we spent much of the day:
Someone asked in a comment how far out to see we cruised between ports. I can’t answer exactly, but we are far enough out to be in international waters and far enough out so that there is normally no land in sight. International waters is important for cruise ships selling booze and gifts on board. It’s also important on most ships for on-board casinos, but Viking has no casinos. When in Canada on the St. Lawrence River, a cruise ship is only allowed to have one bar open on each deck. That’s not a big deal for a small ship like Viking (with just 378 passengers).
We had burgers and fries for lunch at The Grill in the World Cafe. Dinner tonight was also in the World Cafe.
Back again tomorrow which will be a planned sea/river day as we enter the St. Lawrence River and head toward Quebec City.
So sorry about the weather and the snow. The suite garden photos say it all. Not snowing here right now but will be later. What a shame to have missed the port call at Cap-Aux-Meules, especially the free wine and oysters. I know how much you love oysters. Hopefully you’ll have better weather heading down the St. Lawrence.
Elaine looks very cozy in that comfy chair. Why no fire in the fireplace?
We were up there 2 years ago. Edge of the world. Gotta love sea food! Best lobster a mussels this side of Brussels!
You are going to love the ride through the St. Lawrence. The Thousand Islands before Quebec is like the Caribbean but with no salt water. Love the Canadian light houses! So scenic. Sent my ski suit to the cleaners. I should have come up there. Dang…so flat. Nice review! Glad you got books.
This is our third or maybe fourth cruise along the St Lawrence. Lobster is available almost every night on the ship. Alas, neither Elaine nor I are lobster fans. Speaking of skiing, I skied at Mont-Sainte-Anne near Quebec in 1963 while visiting for the Quebec Winter Carnival.