On Thursday our group of 73 boarded our cruise ship in the Port of Baltimore for an 8 night adventure. By noon we were at the Windjammer for the first of many fabulous buffet offerings from early morn til late night. We explored the 11 decks with 1,900 other passengers and 800 crew members trying to get our bearings. With a Coast Guard escort we moved down the Chesapeake Bay as the sun melted into an azure sky. We settle in.

Friday is a day at sea. Time to relax or…. enjoy fun and games. Bingo, scrapbooking, dance lessons, cooking demos, rock wall climbing, yoga, spa treatments, the pool deck, hot tub, the casino is open and art auction is about to being. By evening there is live music in several venues and a stage show every night. We are cruising north.

Saturday we arrive at our first port of call, Portland, Maine, before noon and it seems everyone disembarks in a swarm. Shore excursions introduce us to the history, geology, landscape and cuisine of this gateway city. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was a native son. Lighthouses abound on beautiful Casco Bay as tour groups board schooners on a brisk sunshine filled day. Lobster and blueberries are local favorites and Portland boasts the most breweries per capita in the U.S. Shoppers return from Kennebunkport, Freeport (L.L. Bean) and Yarmouth with packages in hand. We board ship and move on at sunset.

Sunday sneaks up on “little cat feet” as fog blankets the sea, wind whips at 30 knots and the sky is threatening. We have set anchor off the shore of Bar Harbor Maine. Anxious observers on desk are smacked by wind and sea spray. Ship’s tenders ready for service bob dangerously in swells. The Captain makes a wise decision to haul anchor and proceed north. But hey, the casino is sparkling, bars are open, conversation is lively, bingo, trivia, cards, and live music keep an active pace. The dining is exquisite and always available. By evening Centrum hosts an aerial ballet, Palladium features comedy and there is always the lure of open sea to contemplate.

Monday, day 5, we arrive in our first Canadian port, St. John, New Brunswick, and the Bay of Fundy featuring the highest daily tidal change on the planet. We exit the terminal to begin our tours whether by foot, bus, or boat with complementary blueberry jam and a rose for the ladies. St. John’s strategic location proved valuable as a supply depot during WWI and WWII. K.C. Irving boasts a petroleum and shipbuilding empire. There are nature parks, national parks and provincial parks as well as Old City Market and historical sites to explore. Fish and chips are de rigeur served with traditional Moosehead beer. Our friendly and ever solicitous crew welcome us aboard at 3:30 and we separate to make our dining choices.

On Tuesday our ship arrives at 10 am and we disembark to explore the charms of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Peggy’s Cove fishing village, artifacts from the Titanic at the Maritime Museum, the Citadel Historic Park and Victorian Gardens are tops on the tour lists. The pink bus or trolley offered city site access and the harbor walk boasted world class shopping and dining on the edge of the ocean. Whales and dolphins are seen up close. The main staple is seafood in abundance, Malpeque oysters, Fundy lobster and Digby scallops. The Evangeline Trail follows the rugged coastline anchored by Red Spruce and picturesque French Acadian villages and iconic lighthouses. By 6:30 passengers are securely on board and dining with a newly formed social circle.

Wednesday and Thursday we are at sea. Two evenings have required semi-formal or formal attire. Quite a fashion show to enjoy as the evening progresses. Activities include galley tours, napkin artistry, belly flop competition, battle of the sexes, quest game show, trivia, Domenick Allen stage show, aerial act, on board shopping, pool desk, ice carving, “Walk for Wishes” charity event, Broadway Rhythm and Rhyme performance, the comedy of Rick Starr, singles mingles, and a Farewell Dance Party with D.J. George and that is just a partial list. The decks are always available for exercise, meeting new friends, whale watching and a great place to contemplate the mysteries of life.

On Friday morning we disembarked and passed through customs by 9 am, each of us moving on to our next destination with fond memories of our week at sea.

Thanks to Fred Metzger and Hill Travel Center for providing us with the opportunity to revisit or explore new horizons in glad company and comfort. I would do it again in a heartbeat but pack a lighter suitcase. Now – the scrapbooking begins!

-Donna Thachik