Cruise Diva's CRUISE
DIARY
~ Golden Princess Canada & New England ~
Thursday:
Bar Harbor, Maine
 |
|
Golden
Princess at anchor... from atop Cadillac Mountain |
We're re-entering the United States,
so let's back up a bit. Officers from the US Immigration Service
boarded Golden Princess yesterday in Saint John and each passenger on
board was issued a notice to appear between 4:45pm and 7:45pm with
their proof of citizenship to assure a smooth arrival in Bar Harbor.
Fortunately, the procedure worked well and Golden Princess
"cleared" quickly. Unfortunately, passengers paid scant
attention to the times indicated on their notices and many appeared
early, meaning that lines extended from the Vista Lounge to the atrium
at 5:30pm when I reported at my assigned time with my passport. Some
people at the head of the line were instructed to report an hour or
more later.
With our vessel pre-cleared, we were
off early on a "Grand Tour of Bar Harbor"—a six-hour
excursion through Acadia National Park and Cadillac Mountain with
photo stops punctuated by an incredible luncheon feast of Maine
lobster with all the trimmings at Asticou Inn, an historic hostelry
overlooking the Northeast Harbor.
As the coach made its way through
Acadia National Park many of us wished we had more opportunities to
alight and take pictures of the scenic vistas. The rugged coastline is
a photographer's dream. Formed by glacial movement, the seascape
visible from atop Cadillac Mountain is breathtaking.
 |
|
Bar
Harbor, Maine |
Our guide, a Maine native, confided
that residents of the state call themselves "Maniacs."
Okay... we called them "fortunate" to live in such natural
splendor. After the tour, we had time to enjoy Bar Harbor's downtown
area which houses typical resort style shops in historic buildings.
Leaf peepers
report: Wow! Finally. Portions of Acadia National Park and the
areas around Bar Harbor displayed autumn color at its best... truly
magnificent!!!
If you
go... Tendering ashore was an efficient and seamless
process—amazing on a ship the size of Golden Princess.
Back on board Golden Princess,
Trattoria Sabatini is truly an exceptional dining experience with
incomparable food and service. I ordered the Cold Water Lobster for my
entree and shared with a companion who chose Grilled Chilean Sea Bass.
Both were excellent; well worth the $20 per person cover charge,
especially when combined with all the courses that preceded them. The
prosciutto and deviled crab cakes are sublime. Buon Appetito!
Friday:
Boston, Massachusetts
 |
|
Boston
Public Garden |
With so many interesting places to
explore in Boston, how does one choose? I followed the "Freedom
Trail" during a previous visit to the city and decided a walking
tour through historic Beacon Hill would be the best way to branch out
and get an intimate peek at one of the city's most prominent
neighborhoods.
We set off from Copley Square in
Boston's Back Bay area and our guide pointed out buildings of
architectural significance, such as the Romanesque-style Trinity
Church, Italianate public library, and New Old South Church with its
Gothic accents. From the fashionable shopping area along Newbury
Street, we made our way to Commonwealth Boulevard where the ornate
facades of elegant brick townhouses face a promenade and gardens lined
with statues of noteworthy citizens. It seems a world away from city
life... a haven of quiet and serenity leading to the Public Garden
where flowers were still in bloom and swans delighted our group by
posing in the sunlight.
 |
|
Fashionable
town homes line Beacon Hill |
There may no longer be a beacon atop
it, but there sure is a HILL. Well-to-do residents of Beacon Hill
aren't wimps when it comes to walking! Our guide led us through the
maze of streets and squares, pointing out homes designed by some of
America's foremost architects.
What would a tour of Beacon Hill be
without a stop at Cheers? Known previously as the Bull & Finch
Pub, local media recognize it as being the best neighborhood bar in
Boston, which also serves the best 'burgers and a Bloody Mary to die
for. Everyone else recognizes it as the inspiration for the television
show "Cheers"... at least from the outside. Inside, the
atmosphere of the original is warm and cozy, but bears no resemblance
to the television version. For that, you have to visit the newer
Cheers at Faneuil Marketplace—an
exact interior replica of the television setting. When our tour ended
at Quincy Market, we did just that.
 |
|
"Cheers"
from Boston! |
Leaf peepers
report: A smattering of red and golden leaves. The most
impressive gold was visible across the street from Boston Common on
the gleaming dome of the State House.
If you
go... Take time to relax in the Public Garden amid
ornamental trees, fountains, and the lagoon. Look for the whimsical
statues of a mother duck with her ducklings marching behind her. And
stop in at Cheers for one of those burgers!
Golden Princess
Cruise Diary -> Part
Four
Back to -> Part
One, Part Two
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