Michael W. Smith

06.28.2011

Inspection Cruise... Day #4: Halifax, Nova Scotia... Pulling Into Sydney, Nova Scotia...

Posted by: Chaz Corzine

Learn more about this series of blogs by Michael's manager here.

If you're not joining us on the 2012 cruise yet, get info and book here now.

Day #4: Halifax, Nova Scotia... Pulling Into Sydney, Nova Scotia...

If bad habits are hard to break....it would stand to reason that it must be even harder to break good habits. Which is why I find myself, again, sitting on my balcony typing this blog.

Yesterday was my first ever visit to Halifax. It was a beautiful stop and a much bigger city than I had anticipated. We were all a bit tired, so we didn't venture far from the ship. Fortunately - there was plenty to do in the immediate port area.

The three main search and rescue ships that were dispatched to the site of the Titanic disaster were from Halifax. The nautical museum that tells that story is absolutely fantastic. They have a great film that tells the story from the first distress signal - to the search and rescue - to the many ways the operation affected the city of Halifax, forever.

I tend to like the smaller ports so the walk along the waterfront - visiting the museum and the many shops - were quite enough for me. I missed Derek there as he has a knack for finding the unique/unexpected in a port like Halifax (Derek is one of the MWS Team members who helps on the cruises and events that we do - if you've been on one of our past cruises you've probably seen him in the bookstore or on-stage helping us with the craziness we call Smitty'oke).

I'm very anxious to get off the ship and visit here in Sydney. This is the port I know the least about and one that, at first glance, looks absolutely awesome. It's one of those places you look out and think: "I could live here!"

We are continuing to love the Maasdam and her crew. It's very "family friendly". We have run into two groups that are holding their Family Reunions on the ship. One is a group of 15 and the other is a group of 46!!! The lay out of the ship lends itself nicely to groups as there are so many public areas just to hang out. I may have mentioned before - our favorite spot it the very large and open Library. It's full of big leather sofas and overstuffed leather chairs and ottomans that overlook the ocean. They have every game you can think of as well as several tables dedicated to puzzles. it's location is such that you can hear live music from three separate lounges - depending on where you are sitting. At one end you can hear the live music from the piano bar. At the other you can hear a really great singer/guitar player. In the middle is a 4 piece string quartet.

Hey - speaking of "Family Reunions" - - - if you are going ton the cruise with us in 2012 and you are a part of a large group (say 15 or more) - - - let Derek know - (you can contact him by writing to derek(a)michaelwsmith.com). Seeing how much fun these groups are having makes me want to encourage and do something special for groups. So, if you are bring your own Family Reunion or church group or Bible Study....or even your tattooed-up-gnarly motorcycle gang - - - let Derek know. We'd like to plan something special for you onboard the ship.

More later....off to visit Sydney. Nova Scotia!!!!!

As they say - "We're having a good time....wish you were here!!!!!"
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