Halifax, Canada

 There’s something magical about visiting a new city or town and falling head over heels for it, and Halifax did not disappoint! This charming, walkable town is a total vibe.

My day started with a bit of juggling. I had an afternoon excursion booked to visit Peggy’s Cove, so I decided to make the most of my morning. First up, we strolled along the picturesque boardwalk by the water—such a peaceful way to soak in the beauty of the harbor.

But the real morning highlight? A beer-tasting tour at Alexander Keith’s Brewery! Established in 1820, it’s packed with history—and beer! 🍺 They don’t skimp on the pours either; these weren’t just “samples,” they were full-on 1/2 glasses. Now, being the lightweight that I am, I discreetly slid some of mine over to my husband, who didn’t seem to mind one bit. 😉

The brewery experience wasn’t just about beer; there was also some lively entertainment! We were treated to old Scottish tunes performed by a group of talented singers and dancers—it felt like stepping back in time. After soaking up the history, the hops, and the music, we called it a wrap and hopped into an Uber to head back to the ship, all set for the next adventure of the day: Peggy’s Cove! 

"The Catch"With the ship leaving port early at 4:00 PM, we figured it was the perfect night to make dinner reservations at The Catch by Rudy. Before heading in, I snapped a few pics of the ship in port from onboard the Majestic Princess—because you can never have too many ship photos, right? 📸🚢 We dined as a party of four, so don’t judge me when you see a table full of plates. Nope, I didn’t eat it all… but I could have because everything was absolutely fantastic. Being a pescatarian, I was in seafood heaven. 🦞🐟 Mid-dinner, we got a surprise announcement! The 360 Experience—which was completely sold out—might open up a special lunch if they could gather 12 people for the next sea day (also the last day of the cruise). They asked about dietary preferences, and we simply said pescatarian. Then they asked if we were okay with octopus. Absolutely not! 🐙 I had literally just finished talking about "My Octopus Teacher" on Netflix and how it made me cry (yes, I’ve seen it twice, don’t judge). Trust me, I was beyond relieved when octopus didn’t make it to my plate! It was a perfect evening: good vibes with friends, amazing food, and top-notch service. Pro tip: if you cruise with Princess, get the Princess Plus Package. It’s a game changer—unlimited drinks and no sticker shock when you see your bill at the end. It makes your vacation so much more relaxing. 🍸✨ After dinner, we hit up the Spotlight Bar production show. I’ve seen it a few times, but with different singers and dancers, it always feels fresh. I loved every minute of it—there’s just something so entertaining about watching those talented performers. 🎤💃 While my friends went off to test their luck in the casino, I called it a night. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day in Halifax with a couple of excursions on the agenda. Can’t wait! 😊 by Rudy

 With the ship leaving port early at 4:00 PM, we figured it was the perfect night to make dinner reservations at The Catch by Rudy. Before heading in, I snapped a few pics of the ship in port of the Majestic Princess—because you can never have too many ship photos, right? 🚢

We dined as a party of four, so don’t judge me when you see a table full of plates. Nope, I didn’t eat it all… but I could have because everything was absolutely fantastic. Being a pescatarian, I was in seafood heaven. 

Mid-dinner, we got a surprise announcement! The 360 Experience—which was completely sold out—might open up a special lunch if they could gather 12 people for the next sea day (also the last day of the cruise). They asked about dietary preferences, and we simply said pescatarian. Then they asked if we were okay with octopus. Absolutely not! 🐙 I had literally just finished talking about "My Octopus Teacher" on Netflix and how it made me cry (yes, I’ve seen it twice, don’t judge). Trust me, I was beyond relieved when octopus didn’t make it to my plate and I'll tell you why in my review of it!

It was a perfect evening: good vibes with friends, amazing food, and top-notch service. Pro tip: if you cruise with Princess, get the Princess Plus Package. It’s a game changer—unlimited drinks (well the alcohol is 15 a day and who can do that) and no sticker shock when you see your bill at the end. It makes your vacation so much more relaxing. 🍸✨

After dinner, we hit up the Spotlight Bar production show. I’ve seen it a few times, but with different singers and dancers, it always feels fresh. I loved every minute of it—there’s just something so entertaining about watching those talented performers. 

While my friends went off to test their luck in the casino, I called it a night. Tomorrow’s going to be a busy day in Halifax with a couple of excursions on the agenda. Can’t wait! 😊

St. John's Bay of Fundy

 Ahoy, St. John's Bay of Fundy! 🌊 Today’s adventure was a 5 ½ hour excursion packed with jaw-dropping sights and delicious bites. First up: the legendary Reversing Rapids—yes, water defying gravity and doing its own thing. Nature, you’re wild.

Where is Bay of Fundy? 

Next, we cruised over to the charming 200-year-old fishing village of St. Martins, where time seems to stand still in the best way. Highlights? Oh, just casually exploring Sea Caves that look straight out of a movie, snapping pics of a postcard-perfect lighthouse, and topping it all off with the BEST seafood chowder I’ve ever tasted. Like, if chowder had a Hall of Fame, this would be its MVP. 🥣

So here we go. 

Our day kicked off with a visit to Fallsview Park to witness the jaw-dropping Reversing Rapids—an incredible natural phenomenon where the water flows one way in the morning and the complete opposite by evening! Spoiler alert: we’d be back later to see it reverse its reversal. Nature is officially a show-off. 🌊

The amazing phenomenon of the Reversing Falls Rapids is a sight to behold. If you time it just right, you can watch the Bay of Fundy’s monstrously high tide reverse the flow of the mighty Saint John River, even as it pushes through a gorge formed by the collision of continents millions of years ago.

Next, after a breezy city tour, we hit the road to St. Martins Sea Caves and Beach, about an hour outside the city. The drive was sprinkled with pops of fall color, just starting to show their true brilliance. (Pro tip: if you want that full fiery foliage vibe, late October or early November is your sweet spot.)

Once at St. Martins, I could see why this spot is a haven for rockhounds, birdwatchers, and nature buffs. The sandstone caves are sculpted by the Bay of Fundy’s famous tides, and the beach is littered with intriguing “wishing rocks.” These granite stones with delicate quartz veins are known for making a wish. Locals say you should pass them on once your wish comes true—but I skipped pocketing any rocks because, you know, bad juju. I’ll wish and leave it be, thank you very much. 

Crossing to the caves would have meant navigating a narrow creek, but with my luck, I’d have gone for a swim—not today! Instead, we soaked in the views and grabbed lunch at a quaint seaside restaurant. The seafood chowder? Absolute heaven in a bowl. I may have swooned. 

After lunch, we wandered around the area, checking out picture-perfect covered bridges, charming lighthouses, and yes—popped into a tiny souvenir shop for a Christmas ornament. I’m all about collecting ornaments from my travels; nothing beats hanging them up during the holidays and reminiscing. 🎄✨

The day wrapped up with a trip back to the Old City Market, filled with local artisan booths and unique crafts. Guess what? I snagged another Christmas ornament. Because one can never have too many reminders of an amazing day like this. Passing through the "Old Loyalist Burial Ground" 

To cap off an already incredible day, we swung back by the Reversing Rapids to see the water doing its magic trick—flowing in the opposite direction! Mother Nature, you’re a total showstopper. 

Back on the ship, it was time to glam up for dinner because tonight’s the night—we’re trying out "The Catch" by Rudy, the ship’s new specialty restaurant.  A fresh dining experience? Yes, please! 🍷 Let’s just say my taste buds were ready for their own adventure. Stay tuned for the verdict! 😉

St. John's, you totally delivered. Adventure, history, and chowder? Perfection. 🦞🌊