Sea day, depart Bermuda
Good morning. We have departed early from the port of St George’s in Bermuda as the prediction of a storm coming on our path. The sun is bright and the seas calm and beautiful colour as we depart the last port before New York.  
Last evening was a deck party with music and dancing after a lovely dining experience at Terrace Cafe.  
Today we have relaxing and enrichment planned. Learn about New York City, and enjoy the ship and pool area, and spend time with family and friends. As well, a few of us have been invited to model some fabulous jewelry at a fashion show this afternoon, so that will be so fun. Beautiful designs and a very good cause, Wild Jewels.

Up early and sailing along coast of Bermuda from Hamilton to St George’s. The sight of the pastel coloured homes, white roofs, surrounded by dense greenery. It is unique and beautiful. 
This cruise has been special as I am travelling with family and friends, and visiting eastern North America ports. It feels different than Europe and other parts of the world where I have travelled.  
Relaxing with some sea days and not too focused on the excursions. We did take a tour around the South Island of Bermuda yesterday morning. We learned a lot about the island and its people. Many of the sights I had seen before, now the stories. The weather was on and off again rain with cloudy periods, although we did not get rained on when we were out of the vehicle … phew.
Today we are sailing this morning to another port of call on still Bermuda. No tours, we plan to wander and maybe find a beach for a swim. 
Not many days left on the cruise, tonight and then sea day tomorrow and overnight, ending in New York City. Six of us are staying on for some time in NYC before returning home on the long weekend.
It is peaceful and beautiful out today. Thanks for joining the blog and following along.
Pamela

Bermuda, a contrast from what we expect.
There are famous beautiful pink sand beaches on the island of Bermuda. Sand never gets hot. Because limestone base. Water same temp as air. Bermudians don’t go to beach. We saw housing empty, locals prefer to live on the marina side of the island.  
The lower income levels in Bermuda make Up to $70,000 per year income, and their rent is subsidized 25%.
The next income level to $120,000 receive Govt housing mortgage. Upward of that for income purchase their own homes. Housing starts at 1.1 million for mortgage. 
Colour of the paint on the house matters. Yellow means party, welcome. Pink or purple, same sex marriage support, and white colonial with tea service at 4 pm. Green for environmental. Orange, combination oriental and colonialism. Although not always true, generally it is Understood. Blue are folks who are connected to the sea.
We stop to view the Beautiful fairmont golf course. And the famous Gibbs lighthouse. We see beaches, homes and a few residential areas.  
The income of the island is represented by 15% tourism. Rest is trademarks and re-insurance. 
After the tour we went walking. It is a Sunday and most everything is closed until tomorrow. Tomorrow we will dock at St George’s.  
Maybe some beach time ….

SEA DAYS
Ahoy! Two glorious sea days off the coast of eastern USA en route to Bermuda. This is day one at sea. Sleeping in and a slow start to the day, enjoying the light breeze in through the balcony door and the sounds of gentle movement of the water as it comes in contact with our vessel, the Insignia.
Last night we were dining in the Terrace Cafe with some of our group. In fact there are 13 of us in total on this group, including me, and it was so pleasant to be able to check in with each and talk about the lovely day in Halifax.  
Sea days include enrichment options and down time. Perhaps shopping, reading, and looking for sea life off the balcony. I love sea days, the pace and the pleasure of bobbing off the coast, out of the pace with normal life and the pressures that sometimes arise. At sea, there is nothing to have to do, and enjoying being present to whatever shows up.
I find transatlantic voyages offer these sea days which are ordinary days out of pace with ordinary lives. Truly brilliant and enjoyable for spending with others, or some solitary time.
Time to venture to Terrace Cafe for a decaf cappuccino and some light breakfast …. and to wonder what the day will bring.
May your day be pleasant and spent with ease. Wish you were here enjoying the sea with me.
Ciao ciao, 
Pamela

I love Halifax and it is in my Province of birth. Today our cruise ship spent from 11 am to 11 pm in this beautiful port city. My mom, her friend Jim, and my new friend Lesley and I met to leave the ship together for a fun day.

Most of the rest of the group are on excursions as this is their first time here and there is MUCH to see … Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, Halifax history, Lunenberg … and more.
For our group of 4, we enjoyed walking, talking, shopping, (YES, we went to John David Shoes on Spring Garden Road and spent a few hours selecting from the huge 70% off sale! Wow!!), eating and even shared a bottle of prosecco. Jim went to Pier 21 and the gals enjoyed sharing the day together.  
Then a nice leisurely walk along Halifax boardwalk was also lovely … enjoying the bright sunshine and seascapes. This is a great city and a good representation of Canadian life. I feel proud to share it with the guests and crew on the Insignia.
Soon going to enjoy some wine and dining in the buffet, Terrace Cafe as we sit and talk and enjoy the ending of another great day.
Two days at sea about to happen … then three days in Bermuda.  
Ahhhhhhh, this is a great life!!!

Bar Harbor was yesterday.
Good morning dear blog. Yesterday was spent in slow exploration and walking through the lovely quaint little town (approx 5,000 pop) of Bar Harbor, Maine (ME is the abbreviation of the state). Lots of unique individual shops up and down the streets.  
Lots of plays on words with Tshirts and hats, coasters and bags …. I heart ME, and Baa Ha Ba with pictures of sheep in a field, (making reference to how no one speaks the letter ‘r’ here) and so on. Cute and clever use of the language and including the sea coast in the nautical themed souvenirs.  
At times there were 7 of us walking around together, and at the last there was only two. A few took flight on a bi plane, and more just wandered back to the tender platform to return to the ship.
It started out so foggy and by noon with hot sunshine. We ate Mexican food mid day and margaritas. I found a quilt shop. There was a lovely park, home made ice cream and fudge. Lobster served however people like it …. it is a fishing village turned tourist area.  
The day was relaxing and the town a pleasure.
We came back on the ship, enjoyed the pool area, an enrichment talk about Halifax, and dining with the cruise agent on board the Insignia. There were 11 of us guests gathered, invited and with name tags :). Dinner and the service was fabulous, the company, conversation and wine were fabulous. GREAT day!!

Waiting …. sailing in to Bar Harbor Maine. The fog is dense and I can hear the sea from my balcony window.
Within moments I start to see little markers (lobster traps) close to the ship, still with very limited visibility.
As the sun rises the fog lifts to reveal a rugged coastline dotted with small islands. Trees and crashing waves, variations in the coloring of the rocky shore marking tidal activity on this sea coast.
It is spectacular. What looks like thousands or more of colourful markers as far as the eye can see. Orange and white bobbles adorning the sea.  
Today is a walking day. Small coastal town of Bar Harbor, population 5,235 and promises to be 24 degrees with partial sunny skies. We have been so fortunate on this trip with weather. Last night it rained and blew mightily on the sea, but was so pleasant to sleep in the rocking.  
More later, breakfast is arriving 🙂

BOSTON. 
Group of five went off together and enjoyed the hop off – hop on Trolley. Stops at USS constitution. 
 Freedom trail and monuments. Very historical perspective. Hot and muggy weather, with a welcome and lovely breeze. The sun was out all day!  
 Lots of green space and parks. Cemeteries. 
“The Big Dig” refers to the construction of the major Highway under city. There are tall structures /towers to rid the underground of the carbon monoxide. 
 You can stop at world headquarters Converse shoes. You design your own … takes two hours and you come get them. Or buy Boston converse shoes with all historic landmarks on the shoe. Stop 4 of the Trolley. The guide is very helpful with live commentators, music and giving hints of interest and what to see.  
They don’t pronounce letter ” r” in city of Boston. Entertaining driver native to Boston and he keeps us smiling. 
He shows us the Holocaust memorial with serial numbers ……. it was so touching. Tears well up. I clutch my heart. I stop to breathe. Then a photo. Stop number 5. 
We intend to go back to see Shopping at Quincy market. 
Tour of graveyards would be fascinating to do sometime if I return this way.  
We hear stories of the Boston commons. Within was an old Hanging tree till 1750s. It blew down. They built public gallows after.  
We drive past the Cheers bar …. the driver plays the Cheers theme song. We sing along. Sweet. 
We get off to check out newberry st. Shopping and beautiful buildings line both sites. We stop for a Starbucks!  
Back on … 

We go by Boston Fenway Park. Stop 12
The third and final driver guide we have is so great and his Enthusiastic story telling earns big tip. 
New Boston. Old Boston. The contrasts, the stories and buildings. Parks built on top of land after the big dig and the highway underneath. Parking lots underground as well.  
In the harbour, the white sails raised and strong wind is providing a wonderful site for our viewing pleasure as we sail away.
Good bye Boston, we did not see enough of you.

Newport Rhode Island, 
In my research I found a great Cliff Walk as a highlight of Newport. That and the amazing mansions that dot the coastline along the 3.5 mile Cliff Walk.  
We met for a wee breakfast and then grabbed a local city bus to the far end of the Cliff Walk. Little did we research or know what we were getting in to. The far end was the rough and wild end. No flat surfaces, walking over treacherous cliffs. The vistas were spectacular and lovely … and we were worn out! We started as 7, then 5, then one left and 4 of us walked and hiked and rested and did more. Breathtaking views.  
Unique shops, friendly people. Very clean town and delightful to wander aimlessly. Great artisan displays. Sea birds and salty sea air were enjoyed very much.
One of the highlights was the eclipse of the sun. Last one 99 years ago. Today as we walked through town a cluster of people were sharing the official glasses for viewing the eclipse. We were offered to take a look and we were thrilled. It was memorable and spectacular.
Dining tonight in Polo Grill after the Captains cocktail party. 11 of us met and toasted to our good health. The ship is moving and the sky is beautiful and lit up by a few starts way off in the distance.  
We will meet again for tomorrow in Boston! Perhaps a hop on bus and some walking will be how the day goes for us.
Stay tuned ..
Pamela

Rugged sea coast, isolated lighthouses, huge mansions, sailboats, water water water … the view from the walk around the track this morning at 630 a.m. Up early and I watched the sunrise. Now it fills the day with fresh sunlight sparkling off the water and windows, leaving beacons and spots of yellow gold.
Today we tender in to port. We will seek out the Information booth in town and find the Cliff Walk. After that, a wander through the town to take in the culture of this sea port city.  
I can see as we sail in to the harbour that this is a home for many sailboats and yachts. Not unlike the east coast of Nova Scotia that I know and love, similar green spaces and tall groves of trees, dotted with bright coloured cabins, well manicured homes and massive estates.
What looks like a prison or old fort walls can be seen as our ship takes its place in the harbour. Many sail boats, motor vessels and fishing boats are already out this morning, greeting this fabulous sea coast weather, blue sky and calm seas with a bright yellow ball sharing heat and illumination without distraction.