2015 Canadian Cruise - October 8, 2015 - Bar Harbor, Maine

We set the alarm early to watch the sun come up and the ship come into port. Bar Harbor was today’s port which required anchoring in the harbor and tendering in, likely because of the huge difference in tides. We were one of four ships in port (Crystal Symphony, Maasdam, and the Norwegian Dawn). The sun was shining and it was a beautiful day (high around 60 F).









We were the only to brave the cool weather on the unprotected top deck of the tenders. It was the others’ loss as the view was incredible. My husband commented that he doesn’t have to even turn around as he knows every view would be documented in photographs. Considering by the end of today, I have taken about 1,000 photographs, his comment is appropriate. ;)






Bar Harbor is the Downtown Wisconsin Dells of Maine. It is wall to wall people on days when cruise ships are in port, and the shops are endless. I understand cruise ships to this town is a relatively new thing and I would imagine is changing this town significantly.

We did some shopping, walked out to the Dorr Museum at the College of the Atlantic which is a natural history museum and had some very interesting exhibits focused on the wildlife of Maine. From there we hopped on the Island free bus system for ride back to the village for lunch and more shopping.




We had lunch at Gayln’s. I had the lazyman’s lobster which was incredible.

We also walked out to Bar Island, part of Acadia National Park at low tide.





People had made rock sculptures which were being deconstructed by a ranger.




Bar island has a trail through it with a great viewpoint, if you can find it. We walked down a lot of long trails before we finally reached a somewhat good viewpoint. At times we questioned whether we would be stuck walking circles on the island and miss the boat and low tide. Fortunately, we had lots of time and finally made our way back.



The fall colors were not as spectacular as we had hoped. Our drive through Pennsylvania the Saturday before reflected more fall colors.


Then it was time to get back on the boat.


We were a little concerned as we watched drivers of the tenders giving lessons on what “bow” and “aft” meant but we made it and more adventurous souls joined us on the top deck of the tender.



Bar Harbor is covered with lobster traps. We later learned that the ship cannot avoid all the lobster traps but they are not supposed to be set in the main sailing water.

I enjoyed a second massage by Olena from Ukraine which was incredible. I have another scheduled for next week.

The food at dinner was again delicious. I have been taking advantage of trying all the seafood I can and tonight was no exception with a seafood crepe and cod.
Here is a link to the dinner menu.

Here is a photo from the view at dinner before the sun set.


Here is a link to Celebrity Today with the day’s activities.