The Pope and Us

We have just returned from an excellent cruise to New England and Canada. The only problems were that on the days we were in New York so was the Pope! It was his first visit to the USA just like us. Why couldn’t he have picked another date? The city was swarming with police and secret service agents, all sporting hardware to deter the public. Many of the city’s landmarks were out of action and the city centre roads were closed, much to the amazement of the New Yorkers who it quite eerie without the constant traffic. However, we did manage to get up the Top of the Rocks (Rockefeller Centre) for the wonderful views and Times Square at night – just like New Year’s Eve every day! On to Canada in October for the glorious colours of the Fall. What Fall? The trees were still green as the season had not got going yet, the trees are more colourful back in England. Quebec is a great place to visit and our trip to the Montmorency Falls was really memorable. Don’t go on an excursion there you can get the service bus for ?œ1.50.
Having said all that it was a great cruise. The weather was excellent, sun every day if a little chilly in Quebec. And the Atlantic crossings were fine. As usual for all our cruises with P&O the service was superb. Freedom dining went really well as our group of 4 never waited and always got the table we asked for – it wasn’t busy. The food on this cruise was the best we have had on P&O and the entertainment was superb. We love quizzes and deck games and there were plenty of those. However, there was a group of “professional” quizzers who won almost all the quizzes and it was quite demoralising for the rest of us. This group were not popular. Well done P&O, there are some who complain about you, but we think you do a great job!