LOBSTER ROLL AND BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS!

 Monday, September 26, 2022

Enchanted Princess/Boston Harbor, Massachusetts

70s, sunshine—warm

 Last night after dinner, we went to the Princess Theater for Rock Opera.   The stage setting was terrific and the performers were outstanding.  Cruise ship shows have always been good, but now the shows have reached a new level with extraordinary lighting effects, multiple level stages that move up and down, and sophisticated sound systems. We had good seats near the front. The two songs I liked the best were Aerosmith/Stephen Tyler’s “Dream On.”  The vocalist was very good and I am sure this is not an easy song. I was so hoping that he would reach the high note like Tyler, but he did not.  The other song was “Sounds of Silence.”  I was hoping it would be done like Disturbed did it, but no. Their version was a little like Disturbed, but not quite.  I am so pleased that TK feels like going to the shows again!

Today we reached Boston Harbor at 10 a.m. Our only plan was to Uber to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. We have been to Boston many times so this plan suited us well.  From the port TK ordered an Uber and off we rode.

TK and Faneuil Hall

Faneuil Hall was a large market building that served as a meeting place for the Patriots on the eve of the American Revolution. The Stamp Act, the Boston Massacre, the tea crisis, and other grievances with the British were all held at Faneuil Hall between 1764 and 1775.  

 

Today it is part of Boston National Historical Park and oh how it bustles!  There were lots of people strolling through the many shops and food stops inside and out of Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market. Any kind of food was available, seafood, Mexican, Asian, Greek, pizza, vegan and organic, gelato, pastry, and so much more.  Street musicians played-whether guitar or violin-outside to please the crowds. 

Quincy Market

The following are not the best photos, but they should give you an idea of how busy Quincy Market is and how crowded!

 After a short walk to the harbor, we returned to Quincy Market, found a table (there were very few tables), and TK was off to find his Boston lobster roll.  This time he got a lobster roll, a small bowl of chowder, and a soda for $35.  He said this lobster roll was about the same as yesterday. Instead of mayonnaise it had butter drizzled on it.

TK's lobster roll 

While he ate, I ran off and found spanakopita for me ($10).  The spanakopita was delicious, creamy, without overdoing the spinach. I do like phyllo!

not Janie's Spanakopita

 Even though the Enchanted Princess does not depart till 7:30 p.m. tonight, we got an Uber and returned to the ship.  It was a very nice day in Boston.  

Dinner tonight with Sergei. Sergei was our server last night, too, and he is not very gregarious, but he is sure efficient.  Tomorrow I will take a photo of the dining room. It is quite formal, white tabelcloths, and for every course the tableware is changed to suit what one is eating. TK has had latte or cappucino every evening--he has the coffee package as well as the soda package.

TK tried to get a Princess tour for St. John's after dinner, but the tours are sold out!  This is a lesson we are learning for our cruise in November in the Meditteranean. We have made arrangements for Barcelona, Toulon, Kotor (Montenegro), Genoa, Rome, Pompeii, Florence, and Gibraltar, but not yet for Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu (Greece), Sicily, Corsica, and Santa Cruz de Tenerife (Spain), so we need to take care of that as soon as we return home.  

As we learned today, not all areas we would like to visit are within walking distance of the port!   Some of our plans for the Mediterranean are private tours, but it takes a lot to arrange those. I have arranged the one in Rome (with Rome in Limo) because I wanted to see the Catacombs, visit early Christian sites, and have lunch, but when you do that you have to find others (who you have never met) who want to do the same thing. Fortunately, two other couples were interested and now we are set in Rome. I really want to do a Game of Thrones tour on Dubrovnik, but I need to gear my brain up for arranging that one.  We use the Cruise Critic site's roll call for our ship and date to find those like-minded people. 

Tonight's show was a comedian, Carlos Oscar. He was funny but a little on the edge with some jokes.

TK's Takes: The Starbucks was out of Boston souvenir mugs. Taking the Uber was easy-about $15 each way and the cars were very nice. The Toyota Highlander had the rearview mirror camera, first we have seen.  Lots of pigeons and the seagulls were three times the size of the pigeons. "About the biggest I have ever seen."  

LOBSTER ROLL AND NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND!

 Sunday, September 25, 2022

Enchanted Princess/Newport, Rhode Island

Low 70s, cloudy to sunshine—fine walking weather

This morning I did not feel well at all and did not want to get up. Of course, TK was out and about getting his favorite coffee, showering, and dressed, not necessarily in that order. I dragged myself out of bed and thought, oh my gosh, my age is catching up with me now and how am I ever going to make it through Europe next month. Even coffee could not make me think of anything else but more sleep.  I forced myself through the morning routine and by 9:30 a.m. we were aboard the shuttle to Newport. Bed still beckoned.

 At the port we picked up some information about the area and headed for a “free” trolley that would take us on a 40-minute tour of the mansions and the Cliff Walk.  In the middle of this ride I started feeling better and soon realized it was the Bonine that had caused my sluggishness, thank goodness!

The mansions are absolutely amazing, and I cannot imagine living in one (I would sure like to try though!).  There is just one after another all along the coast in this area, one bigger than the next. Most represent the Gilded Age in America. 

Marble House, one of the most opulent of the Gilded Age

cottages, was built for Alva and William Vanderbilt to announce the 

family's rise to the pinnacle of high society.

Designed by Richard Morris--500,000 cubic feet of marble and 

a ballroom covered in gold leaf

And a few more mansiions I would like to imagine living in:

 

We returned to Newport and walked along the area—lots of quaint shops and restaurants.  TK has noted that he wants to try lobster roll at every stop, so we were looking at places for that. The travel kiosk at the port told us the best lobster rolls were available at the food truck right next to the kiosk. We kept this in mind.

a Newport street

Benjamin's Bar and Restaurant

Benjamin's was the only place that showed prices on the menu posted outside 

Before I knew it, TK ordered his lobster roll ($20) and did not get me one. He shared two bites with me and it was heavenly.  He did purchase it at the kiosk, which turned out to be the Newport Lobster Shack, run by a fishermen's co-op. The water shuttle arrived and 

we went back to the ship. No lobster roll for me yet.

TK's lobster roll!

When we returned to the ship via water shuttle, TK opted for the top deck. He got these great photos that I had requested:

Imagine my surprise when I saw this beauty. It is the SSV Oliver Hazard Perry, the Rhode Island flagship. It measures just about 208 ft long with a 38 ft beam and is a three masted square-rigged tall ship. Built in 2015, the Oliver Hazard Perry is the first ocean-going full-rigged ship to be built in the United States in 110 years. It is named for the young Rhode Island hero of the Battle of Lake Erie who on September 10, 1813 wrote, “We have met the enemy and they are ours…” It is docked just off of Fort Adams, a former United States Army post in Newport, Rhode Island that was established on July 4, 1799 as a First System coastal fortification, named for President John Adams who was in office at the time. Its first commander was Captain John Henry who was later instrumental in starting the War of 1812. The current Fort Adams was built 1824–57 under the Third System of coastal forts; it is part of Fort Adams State Park today.

 

Enchanted Princess

TK snapped this photo on the top deck of the water shuttle.  This is still considered the maiden voyage year of the Enchanted Princess.  It was built in 2020, but because of Covid, it did not sail till November 1, 2021. 

1083 ft.long

217 ft. high

126 ft. beam

19 decks

3660 guest capacity

1346 crew members

3 main dining rooms.

Last night we learned there are 2900 Americans on board, and the ship is not full, with about 3200 passengers.

TK's Takes: Formal night on cruise ships is going by the way side. Some people were wearing jeans to in the dining room, once taboo. The weather has been nice so far. Starbucks in Newport closed at 11:30 a.m. so we couldn't get a souvenir mug.

ALL ABOARD FOR NEWPORT, RHODE ISLAND!

 

Saturday, September 24, 2022

New York City/At Sea

 Saturday, September 24, 2022

New York City/At Sea

 As I write, we are sailing toward Newport, Rhode Island.  We left our hotel at 5:00 a.m. to drive to Globe Airport Parking, not far.  Soon we were on the way to the airport to catch our 7:30 a.m. flight on American Air to NYC.  After a very long wait at Starbucks for a coffee run in the airport, we boarded the plane.  After an incident on the flight from Charlotte to Erie in April (where I learned what “under the seat” baggage REALLY meant on a small plane), I unloaded my big camera and laptop into a “string” backpack—there is no way I am leaving them to luggage handlers at the gate. They took my now empty carryon, and I boarded the plane without incident.  The backpack idea was not bad at all, and I can certainly do that from the airport gate area onto the plane and off again.

We were told by the pilot that there was turbulence and so we were going to land at LaGuardia early. What that really meant I do not know, but by 8:40 a.m. we were off the plane.

TK makes these travel arrangements, and he is VERY good at it.  We knew we needed to go to “K” level to meet our driver—TK had received a text.  We arrived at “K,” saw the black Toyota Sienna. The driver asked if I was Mary, reply-yes, even though I don’t like being called that. Bags were loaded into the van, and we were headed out of the area when TK got a phone call from a driver who asked where we were. Turned out, we were in the wrong Toyota Sienna.  The current van was taking us to a Carnival ship!  He turned around, and we found our driver and “Mary” and her husband waiting for us.  I don’t know, maybe “Mary” had a better stateroom on the Carnival ship, but I am glad this mini almost fiasco ended well.

 We were surprised there were no security checks as we drove into the port area-in the Florida ports we must show photo ID at a gate to enter the port area.  Soon we were at the Enchanted Princess with just a little wait time to board.

a glorious sunrise in Pittsburgh

Manhattan from the Enchanted Princess

The Statue of Liberty watches over our ship!

 

Cruise Terminal: entry to Women's Restroom

On this cruise, we are in an inside stateroom (Baha 411), because it was an inexpensive way to have one more cruise before our November travels and now we will be “Elite” class passengers. That means we will have free Wi-fi, laundry, and other amenities that TK wants.  TK picked this specific room based on its size and layout. It is much better that the inside cabin on the Norwegian Epic, with more than enough storage space, great lighting, and a comfy bed. 

the bed

across from the bed, ample space

\

closet

across from the closet--there is another set of shelves right next to these

sink

It did not take long to unpack, giving us plenty of time to reacquaint ourselves with the Enchanted, a ship we were just on in April.  We decided to take 2 Bonine tablets a piece because we were apprehensive about the effects of the hurricane.

lemon cream pie

raspberry something

After dinner of fried chicken and the best sugar free lemon cheese pie, we went to the evening’s show in the Princess Theater, Travis Turpin, vocal impressionist with skills on the guitar. He was a great performer.  On our cruise in April we did not go to one show, so I was impressed that TK wanted to go.

By this time, I could barely stay awake, and we immediately went back to the cabin and to bed.   

TK's Takes: The flight was smooth, as well as boarding the ship. No waves. The Internet lounge personnel were helpful in seeting up our "medallions" and Internet

 

 

 

 

GROVE CITY, MOON TOWNSHIP, AND FRIEND DONNA!

 Pittsburgh Airport Courtyard by Marriott

Friday, September  23, 2022 

Packed and ready to go, we left Erie about 9 a.m. and headed for...Grove City Outlet Mall. And why not?  I  ran into Chico's and got some good buys that I can use on this cruise and our November Mediterranean cruise. Then off we drove to the Pittsburgh airport to pick up friend Donna. 

You read that right--our dear cruise friend Donna from Wisconsin was flying into Pittsburgh for her nephew's wedding, the famous photographer, Matt Dieterich*!  We were so pleased that her jaunt into Pennsylvania coincided with our jaunt out of Pennsylvania.  We scooped her up at noon and headed to the Moon Township Primanti Brothers restaurant for lunch.  After three hours of catching up and sharing lots of laughs, her brother arrived from Pittsburgh to take her there.

Donna and Janie at Primanti Brothers in Moon Township

Donna and TK--look at his smile, almost a Marie Osmond smile

We miss Lawrence, who stayed home for this trip.

After Donna left we went to the Robinson Center Mall to walk around a bit. We will be up early tomorrow morning to catch our 7:30 a.m. flight to NYC.  We are staying at the Airport Courtyard by Marriott and driving tomorrow to park our car at Globe Parking--we were more comfortable leaving the car there.

_________________________________________________

*Matt Dieterich is an astrophotographer and is best known for a USPS Forever stamp that can be seen at his website:  https://www.mattdieterich.com/    Be sure to check this out!  He is on Facebook too, look for Matt Dieterich photography. One of his photos graced the cover of Astronomy, March 2017. You can see this cover on Facebook, as well as many of  his other photos.

FIRST TIME: NEW ENGLAND/CANADA CRUISE!

 Erie, Pennsylvania

Another cruise planned by TK! I balked a little because New England is so great by car and really not a bad drive, but he wanted to be "Elite" on Princess before our "big" cruise in November, so here we are!

After talking to so  many people who have actually done a New England/Canada cruise more than once and enjoyed it so, I decided that this could be exciting too!

Our Itinerary:

Friday, September 23, 2022: Drive from Erie to Pittsburgh Airport Mariott. Bonus: Friend Donna is flying in from Wisconsin for a wedding and we will pick her up from the airport for lunch!!

Saturday, September 24, 2022:  Fly to New York City to board the Enchanted Princess

Sunday, September 25, 2022: Newport, Rhode Island

Monday, September 26, 2022: Boston, Massachusetts

Tuesday, September 27, 2022:  Bar Harbor, Maine

Wednesday, September 28, 2022: St. John, New Foundland and Labrador, Canada

Thursday, September 29, 2022: Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Friday, September 30, 2022: At Sea

Saturday, October 1, 2022: Arrive in New York City and return to Erie

We are almost packed! We are watching Hurricane Fiona because this week's New England cruise cancelled Newport, Bar Habor, and Halifax, due to high waves at the ports. Let's hope that does not happen to us! 

We use packing cubes--this is my checked luggage--lots of space!

ENCHANTED PRINCESS-CELEBRATION OF LIFE-LAST NIGHT!

 Friday, April 8, 2022

At Sea

No stars, warm--9:16 p.m.

We have had a great 10 day cruise with great friends, celebrating how we met challenges in the last year! We are blessed.

The last day is always full of mixed feelings-we are anxious to be home with family but we will miss Donna and Lawrence, the warmth and sun, the islands, the palm trees, and so many crew members taking care of us!  We reminisced that we have cruised with Donna and Lawrence since 2009 with two trips to Las Vegas too. 

TK, Janie, Donna, and Lawrence

Capri Dining Room

Dinner was very good tonight-filet mignon and shrimp. Deep dish apple pie was not as good as TK and I make in a joint effort. 

Our bags to be checked at the airport are packed and out door, and already picked up by the crew. We made arrangements for the large bags to be sent directly to the airport and we won't see them again until we are back in Erie.  Fingers crossed!

While TK was finishing his packing I ran around the ship to take photos. There were not many people out as they were probably packing. We really did not explore too much and did not go to any shows.  This was our "comeback" cruise, but we have at least one more scheduled this year (Mediterannean and Transatlantic, but TK is considering another one in September.)

So enjoy this glimpse of other parts of the ship and we will be enjoying springtime in Erie, or cold and snow, by tomorrow!

The pool on Deck 17, photo taken from Deck 18

Another view of the pool on Deck 17

Pool on Deck 16, set up for tonight's movie

Movies Under The Stars--Deck 16

Deck 16 area where we sat and played euchre

The pool is to the right of the columns

There are several grills (pizza, burgers) in this area and 

diners eat  here too

Deck 16 Buffet

It seems empty at 9 p.m. but there are people eating here

There are four of these areas on Deck 16, plus the area for salads,

an area for breads, cheeses, grilled food, and so on

Deck 16-Buffet area

The Pastry Shop (there are two pastry shops)

Deck 16-Pastry Shop, closeup of a few choices

Key to decks on the elevator

There are three main elevator areas

Aft, Mid-Ship, Foreward

Each elevator area has at least 4 elevators, 

some have 6

Digital map of deck

Passengers can search for their shipmates 

on this map

Digital lock for our door

As we approach our room, the door unlocks

We can indicate our need for service or

privacy.  

TK's Takes:  The food does not seem as good as in the past, especially the dessert. I agree.  The seas have been quite calm. This brand new ship has good stabilizers. He said he had a great time.