St John’s, Newfoundland
Thursday 13th October
Fabulous entrance to the harbour through the narrows. We could nearly touch land at each side it was that close. Another glorious day, the weather was sunny, a bit breezy at times.
Sailing into St John’s harbour
The entrance to the harbour looking up to the top of Signal Hill. We were that close we felt that we could touch it. Despite arriving as the sun was coming up there were people already up the top of the hill waving to the ship.
We did a ship excursion, our guide today was the fabulous Mack, up Signal Hill to the tower where Marconi made the first reception of radio signals from across the Atlantic in 1901. Fantastic views across St John and the harbour. Cabot Tower on Signal Hill is the last American landmark sighted by Charles Lindbergh on his famous solo flight across the Atlantic in 1927. St Johns is further east than any other city in North America. We then went through town past all the brightly coloured house known localy as Jelly Bean houses to a historic church with some beautiful stained glass windows.
We saw the Governors residence where any Royal visitors would stay with its beautiful gardens. Interestingly there is no security on the grounds and people can wonder through them at their leisure although the house is not open to visitors.
After the trip we had a wonder through the town which is very hilly however close to the port. Interesting little fact, the local Tim Hortons ran out of coffee today!
We did a little shopping then made our way back. The locals are all very friendly and delighted to welcome the cruise ship, many locals were down at port taking photos and we were given a lovely enamel pin of a Newfoundland dog on our way back in to the port area.
The ship was delayed leaving so it had gone dark by the time we left. We were waved off by the locals all stood on different paths of the narrows, shining and waving the torches on their phones, it was quite a spectacle. We had tea at Alfredo’s Italian on board, excellent food.
Our evening was checking out the game show in Princess live with a couple of drinks.
Now we sail back across the Atlantic Ocean to Southampton, hopefully the weather is kind and the crossing is a smooth one.