Dateline Dayton – On a recent Wednesday after taking Jake, our dog, to his hotel, we were on our way to Baltimore, the port, in anticipation of a cruise to Canada.
Since we didn’t need to arrive at the ship until Thursday afternoon, we stopped at the Rocky Gap Casino and Resort, in Flintstone, MD, for the night. A great place for a stopover, and the staff was so friendly.
Our room was on the VIP floor, the only floor where space was available. Still the cost was reasonable.
Being on that floor entitled us to evening snacks, which became our evening meal — and breakfast the next morning. All of this took place on the sixth floor.
We did donate $20 to the casino operations, but it was a beautiful place. We would like to visit again.
Thursday, sailing day, after a wrong turn and help from Google, we made it to the ship on time.
Since our room was not ready, we immediately went to deck nine for food. After eating, we explored the ship and went to our room. Our luggage arrived shortly. Now it was time for supper. Afterward, our first show was a comedian, who wasn’t all that great.
Friday was opening day at sea, and we did what you are supposed to do on a cruise. Ate, rested and ate again.
Too cool for either swimming pool, we chose a nap, prior to the formal first-evening meal.
On Saturday we arrived at our first port of call, Boston. We toured the city by trolley. Saw all important sites, including Cheer’s.
I don’t know, though, if we would return. Boston traffic is something else, even on Saturday. Mondays must be terrible.
Sunday we were in our second port of call, Portland. We took a bus tour of Portland, Kennybunk and Kennybunkport. The entire area was beautiful. In early autumn, New England trees were changing colors, only adding to the beauty.
Better Food Than Service
In addition to lighthouses, shoreline, beaches, we also saw the Bush family summer home. Yes, we did have time for a little shopping, where I bought postcards and a shot glass. Lunch in Kennybunk was tasty. The food was great, but the service was terrible. We had an exceptional tour guide this time.
Monday found us in Bar Harbor. Since we weren’t able to schedule a tour, we ventured out on our own. We walked into town, near the pier.
We did some shopping with Pauline getting a coat and sweatshirt. I bought postcards and a shot glass, which I buy everywhere, and a shirt. We were impressed with Bar Harbor, even though it was a busy place. It is so quiet. Sure, we got something to eat while we were there. The food and service were excellent.
On Tuesday our port of call was St. John’s, Canada, where we took a trolley tour. Neither of us was impressed with the city, but we did visit the market, where I purchased post cards and a shot glass.
Pauline bought a package of tea before returning to the ship. On the pier there was a tent you had to pass through to reach your tour vehicle. Inside the tent there were vendors. and on our return, Pauline was able to find a nice wrap and I bought a hat.
Wednesday we were in Halifax, and again took a trolley tour. Again neither of us was impressed, except for the fort that overlooked the city. We did get off the trolley at a casino so I could get a card and a Canadian bill. Their money is really sharp. We got back on the trolley and finished the tour. On the way back to the ship, I purchased my usual postcard and shot glass. I was only able to find one shot glass that actually said Halifax.
Thursday and Friday both were at sea, so we did the usual eat, walk the ship, eat, rest, eat and take in the shows.
Saturday we drove home, arriving at 9 in the evening.
When we went to pick up Jake, we were told he did very well.
When he was brought out, he just wasn’t himself. We got him home, but he just did not act right. At 5 o’clock, I got a call at the office from Pauline. Jake had died.
(To be continued)
Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net