September 1, Day in Port, Quebec City

Even though this is the second day on board we are still docked at Quebec City to give passengers time to enjoy the port completely. This morning I had a hassle puling myself together, onboard a ship it is beneficial to set items in specific places so that you can locate them easily. I spent the early morning in the Explorer Lounge which is very comfortable with nice views of the sea and a cafe is located next to the lounge. My follow up was breakfast in the Dining Room and while there are a lot of choices their "Green House Spa Selections” are very attractive. Yogurt with fruit and granola and an egg white fritatta with low fat cream cheese and sundried tomato were the items that caught my eye. Our group did a hotel inspection at the Chateau Frontenac. To get there we rode the Funicular from the lower city up to the hotel. Fairmont hotels are renovating the property and the new rooms will be decorated in basic colours using different textures to create depth. People can watch the property’s redesign at http://nouveauchateau.com/en/. Upon return to the Veendam I checked out the Wajang Theatre and Culinary arts Center. The instructor spoke about basic preparation for a party and taught us how to make shrimp cocktail shooters. Leaving the Port of Quebec was exciting and many people watched the maneuvers from the Crow’s Nest Bar. In Quebec City the ship has to pivot around before travelling downriver. I was amazed about how little space was required to navigate a 180 degree turn. Once the Veendam was heading downriver we saw farms and mountains as we travelled eastward on the St Lawrence. On previous cruises I travelled out at sea but when you are on the river you get a true perspective about how fast the ship travels because landmarks pass quickly. This evening we enjoyed dinner at one of the ships premium restaurants "Canaletto"; an italian venue situated on the Lido Deck. This location provides a premium dining experience and which incurs a surcharge of $10.00 over the regular price. The benefit is that the service is more personal and you get to enjoy your meal in a familial atmosphere. We often forget that travel broadens us not only geographically but also intellectually and socially. I sat with my new friends Kathy, Kevin, Nicole and Desiree and was entertained by travel stories and jokes. Nicole was hilarous "This is one more thing off of my bucket list...dinner with Canadians", "Your beer stores close at 10:00??? That is when beer starts". The meal was so comfortable the we missed the shows and rounded out the evening in the Ocean Lounge and the casino.