Sydney Nova Scotia Excursion and a Dining Room Upcharge | Day 5 Vlog Volendam

[@johnnolan5579]

I am going on this cruise in late August and it will be a special one. I am meeting up with my first cousin in Sydney and we haven't seen each other in over 50 years. Should be fun!

[@CruisingCanucks]

That’s amazing! Have a fabulous time.

[@nb5871]

Fabulous video about Alexander Graham Bell...I had no idea how amazing he really was! Jerry you are a true blue Canadian who appreciates your heritage in all its forms! Thank you.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks so much.

[@wandadrake4999]

Enjoyed your video and your day in (Bah Deck) 😊

[@CruisingCanucks]

Yay! Thank you!

[@maysmith4906]

@@CruisingCanucks Hope you did the Baddeck waterfront too!

[@ShearyLittler]

Fortress of Louisbourg also Miners Museum in Glace Bay underground tour would have been great to visit.

[@vincentclausen2250]

One of our favorite excursions ever is at Sydney. Spirit of the Fiddle, enjoyed so much last year we are doing it again

[@CruisingCanucks]

That is wonderful to hear! We plan on doing it again also.

[@AliSampson-q3y]

I do hope that when you return, you will go up to the Highlands. The Cabot Trail and the National Park are really the gems of Cape Breton. And if you want scenery, that is the place to be.

[@christineainslie4239]

Enjoyed seeing the Alexander Graham Bell museum. It was interesting to see the different areas his research took him. With no formal education, he truly was very gifted. I love the Nova Scotia landscape-how the water comes into the amazing little inlets, sometimes on both sides of the road. So pretty. Jill's dinner looked fabulous-good idea to do an upcharge in the MDR, as opposed to doing the Pinnacle Grill, which may not really be to Jerry's taste. This is the best of both worlds. In August of 2025, Volendam does an 11 day cruise, roundtrip out of Montreal, which includes St John's NFLD, as well as Saint Pierre and Miquelon. For us Canucks, roundtrip out of Montreal would be awesome. We could do the train journey like you did. Enjoyed seeing the music around the ship-incredible! Thank you for a fun video! Happy cruising. Cheers from London, Ontario.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thank you. We have our eye on the same itinerary. We would love to do that run.

[@christineainslie4239]

@@CruisingCanucks Great minds think alike!😃😏

[@heatherday610]

You 2 are amazing!!! I just happened to stumble across this video while on KZbin tonight . . . thank you for sharing your journey around Sydney, Cape Breton and the Bell museum and the Big Fiddle Market. I am actually a vendor inside the Fiddle market doing the Silverware Jewelry called Treasures With Heart. We have sooo many Fabulous comments about our cruise market where all the local artisans and crafters come together while the ships are at dock and we love hearing about the travels and excursions that the passengers had taken for the day. We definitely hope you will do a return trip to see us again and enjoy much more of Beautiful Cape Breton, the hidden Gem. If you do, please swing in and say hi to me when you are here again. Enjoy your cruising and thanks again for sharing us with the world :) Heather

[@CruisingCanucks]

We will be returning again in the fall. Looking forward to seeing you!

[@doughooks7411]

We were actually in Sydney, NS on June 6th on our two-week Greenland cruise. It was a Carnival Journeys cruise. We said probably never again Carnival but the Journeys cruise was way different. Different kind of people, way different vibe…in a very good way! In fact, we are going to do it again next year, but later in the season.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for sharing. We have often talked about trying a journeys cruise with Carnival. We should look into it. We think it hold feel like cruising once did when we started cruising with Carnival.

[@marilynmackinnon9856]

I’m here watching this video & I’m on the other side of the Habour. I could actually see my house as you were leaving the port. Great video! What a sweet couple! Thank you!!😊

[@CruisingCanucks]

So cool! Thank you. Happy Canada Day!🇨🇦

[@The1crazycaper]

Thank you so much for visiting our lovely island. Except for you bus ride I'm glad you enjoyed you stay. I work for a local taxi company and I don't go down to the dock ( because of the politics down there) but I cruse around the street above and offer tours to your requests. What you would like to see while visiting us and try to give you the best information that I know about. once the plan is made as where to go I look at the dock price list and try to make a deal that we are both happy with. Again thank you for visiting us and I hope you come back again maybe for a better experience. Safe travels.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for sharing. We will be Sydney again in the beginning of October. We would love to connect and plan a tour. If that is something you are interested in please email us at [e-mail]

[@JandB-TCB]

Enjoying this vlog series. Your editing is very good and we always enjoy the background music you choose for your videos.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thank you so much!

[@heideleskun1163]

Mrs. C's up-charge looks AMAZING even though I'm I have shellfish issues. I can appreciate the looks, but that's just my culinary background. Price is awesome too.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We thought it was worth it especially when there is only one of us that would eat it.

[@ShipToShoreCruiseNews]

Glad to hear that you're finding this cruise is a hidden gem. Was never on my radar, but its something to add to the list now. I only have Alaska Cruises here on the West Coast of Canada.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We continued to be amazed at how wonderful the cruise and itinerary was throughout the voyage.

[@mimikarenbryant7325]

I'm excited for you guys to have had such a positive experience on Volendam! We love HAL and Zaandam for us was much like you've described. Volendam is on our wish list!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Sure that you would love the Volendam. We now want to try Zaandam also.

[@amandaregis313]

We loved the Volendam. Sad to leave her in Montreal this morning. We only had 2 full days of sun, but had great fun throughout. Our Confederation Bridge and island panoramic bus ride was well worth it.

[@amandaregis313]

@mimikarenbryant7325 , took a bit of time to get my land legs once back home, but caught a cold, too. Been told it's because we had too much fun.

[@GeorgiaGirl100]

Love your videos but haven’t been able to find a letter yet. Your voice narrating is so soothing. Your next career should be a tour guide or narrator of book on tape. Thanks for sharing your adventures with us. Safe travels.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Wow, thank you!

[@sferg3291]

Thanks for visiting our little island. Baddeck (Pronouced Bah-deck) lays within the Bras d'Or lakes (Bra-door) and is connected to the Atlantic ocean. A fun fact in case it wasn't mentioned on your tour, at 9:26 in your video, that land mass behind your head is where Alexander Graham Bells house resides, Called Beinn Bhreagh (Ben - Breah), It would have been visible from where you were with binoculars. A massive property and massive home, absolutely stunning to look at in its grand design.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We had a beautiful day visiting the area. We knew that the Bell house was there we were hoping to drive closer to get a better view.

[@AliSampson-q3y]

@sferg3291 You may have found this out after but the Bras d'or Lake (which is not the ocean) is the world's largest inland saltwater lake.

[@kryst254]

I live here ! ❤ I just wanted to say I stumbled upon your video, I love Mrs. Canuck!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@BradHyman-n3u]

We just watched one of your videos for the first time and love your style. Informative and casual! We will be cruising Canada/New England on Celebrity in September of 2025 and will be in some of the same ports. We enjoyed your Sydney tour!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Awesome! Thank you! Have a wonderful cruise in September.

[@Mary_Rees]

Great video once again Jill and Jerry. I love to have a wee afternoon siesta whilst cruising too, we can’t burn the candle at both ends.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Nothing wrong with snap while on vacation!

[@tammiloberg7670]

Thanks for taking us along on your adventure today… thinking maybe I’d like to visit Canada!🤷‍♀️

[@CruisingCanucks]

It is truly beautiful! Thanks for watching.

[@nicolemiller4688]

This was educational and entertaining. Great work as usual. I had goosebumps watching the shows. 😊

[@CruisingCanucks]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@junenelligan1729]

we'll be on Boston to Montreal - August 20 - hope to see that band ! Hopefully you guys are back on them

[@CruisingCanucks]

Have a wonderful time. Say “hi” to Breton Thunder for us!😊

[@junenelligan1729]

@@CruisingCanucks will do!

[@sharonwhite1985]

Breton Thunder sounds incredible my sort of band 😊😊might have to find me a HAL cruise from Canada 🇨🇦 Did I hear a bit of ‘The Devil went down to Georgia’ in there?

[@CruisingCanucks]

Yes you did! There were amazing

[@billsnyder1021]

We did private tour of Louisbourg Fort and lighthouse on our Sydney trip. Your tour gives us new ideas for next trip. Thanks

[@CruisingCanucks]

Sound wonderful. What company did you book it with?

[@janicerae6104]

So enjoyed your video! Museum was very interesting. Would love to have heard the main theater entertainment live. Thanks for sharing your day.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it! The live music from Breton Thunder was fabulous.

[@mariaq8087]

I'm South African Cypriot living in Sydney, this was great as I can now get some ideas of where to visit myself after watching this ❤

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for watching.

[@sheenamaclean2757]

Glad you enjoyed (Bah-Deck) to bad about the bus ride!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Beautiful town. Wish we were able to be there longer.

[@maysmith4906]

@@CruisingCanucks We love Baddeck!

[@heideleskun1163]

Be curious if you see ice burgs, they do have an iceberg tracker and they are spotted off the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador and they show a lot off the coast when y'all were on board.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We have used the tracker for iceberg when we did a land base trip in Newfoundland while visiting Jill’s family. Always fun to take a little detour to a road that leads you to a bay with an iceberg in it.

[@Sydneyadventuretours]

Next time in your in Sydney, you should get a hold of me, Cheers

[@CruisingCanucks]

We will be in Sydney Oct 2 with on the Emerald Princess.🛳️

[@heideleskun1163]

The bagpiper is on the water walk. You go outside the port area turn right. Great area to just hang out with some a boat you can pay to explore and if you walk past that area, there are some museums I believe you can visit. It's a great area. Bought an awesome picture set from a local photographer in the craft market building, that we have on our shelf walking up our stairs.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for the tips!

[@mayfleur36]

Great video 😊 Loved when you both went to the Bell Museum. A lady I know personally, wrote a book called “Finding Beinn Bhreagh.” Jeanne Whyte is her name, and she truly makes you feel like you’re right there. And one tidbit about Alexander Graham Bell: he used balloons and candles, as a method to teach his deaf students to speak.

[@CruisingCanucks]

He truly was a fascinating man. Would of loved to been a guest at one of his dinner parties.

[@mayfleur36]

@@CruisingCanucks I know right? In the book I mentioned, there’s some mention of dinner parties in 1912 style. I don’t want to mention anything else, in case you want to purchase the book.

[@timmoore3666]

Hey Guys Thanks for another Great Video.. Thanks for taking us along with you. Cheers 🍻🥃🍻

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MeandMyManlyMan]

Thanks for taking us along again. Here’s a tip….when ever Scott and I travel I take earplugs. I can sleep through snoring…tv….just about anything 😁

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for sharing!! I told Jerry off camera that earplugs need to go in my suitcase for the next cruise. I am in the middle of making a packing list on my computer for reference. I need to add earplugs!

[@MeandMyManlyMan]

@@CruisingCanucks Well thanks to you when we got home from the Enchanted cruise Scott had ordered me a fan like yours before we ever left the ship. 😆

[@CruisingCanucks]

Love it!

[@jennip1983]

It’s said Bahdeck not badick lol I lived there for 2 years so I heard lots of tourists say it that way. They are salt water lakes. Baddeck is a beautiful place with lots of history. I lived in Sydney for 6 years. If you ever have a chance to come back you need to do the Cabot trail and the fortess of louisburg. Bell almost had the first flight but the wright brothers beat him to it. So cool to come across your video today.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for sharing. We will be returning in the fall and are looking forward to it. It is a wonderful spot.

[@jennip1983]

@@CruisingCanucks oh yes the trail during fall it’s the best!

[@OutOfBounds777]

As always, another great video depicting that wonderful cruise life.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks 😊

[@joannemacha8294]

Nice video. First try finding letter . Mrs Canuck. Love that blouse you had on. Don't think that Bus tour was much fun.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Bus transportation is never our first choice of an excursion.

[@jackredmond6023]

Glad that you are having a wonderful cruise! Maybe stay away from excursions where bus transportation is involved… 😁

[@CruisingCanucks]

It isn’t our first choice ever but sometimes it is necessary in order to get where you want to go in an affordable price.

[@maryrafuse2297]

FYI The Wright Flyer 1903 was primitive in contrast with the Silver Dart. Considerable progress was evident by February 23rd 1909. The Wright Flyer was capable of very short duration flight taking off from skids, no wheels. The Silver Dart had wheels and it could also fly circles around the Wright Flyer being much more steerable and capable of a longer flight time as proven with the recreation of its flight, one hundred years later, in 2009.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Amazing. Thanks for sharing!

[@rosemarie9956]

So glad you enjoyed your stop in Sydney. Unfortunate about the bus but not a lot else to do in Sydney if you don’t do an excursion. You could have gone for a walk all along the boardwalk (not that long). They are trying to revitalize the downtown area as only a few shops there. We are going to check out Breton Thunder for sure. Paddy Murphy was the standard bar song during our University years!! Oh and you pronounce it as Ba deck Halifax next - you can do a lot of self exploring there but I hear of many people that go to Peggy’s Cove. Will have to see what you do!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks. We enjoyed our day. Sometimes you just have to be on a bus to explore but it is never our first choice.

[@bogeo8459]

I love the craft fairs in Sydney. Lots of home crafts

[@CruisingCanucks]

We were really impressed with the variety offered there!

[@shelcheese8344]

Another good vlog and a boost for Canadian tourism .

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thank you 😊

[@harlanabraham7772]

Sydney is a great place. Was here twice. We didn't take a shore excursion when we were here. Sydney is really nice. Never went to the Bell Museum. The first time my wife and I went to a Tim Horton's coffee shop was here in Sydney. Yes, you have the piper there. The Giant Fiddle is fairly new. My wife used to like Lobster Roll and we always got it in Halifax. The North Atlantic could get rough. That was more toward Europe. That was also in April. Chardonnay is a good wine. Bar Harbor is nice, but, I do like to go to Portland, ME. Like to have Olive Oil with my bread. The Veggie Burger looks good. Ah, a red wine with your meal. Which one? Pear Cobbler looks good. I enjoyed the Ghost Tour in Quebec City. Good video, you look like you enjoyed it.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We enjoyed our day that ended with a fantastic meal and amazing entertainment. The wine was a Merlot. Mrs.Canuck loves a red wine with steak.

[@harlanabraham7772]

@@CruisingCanucks Merlot is a good tasting Red Wine which has antioxidants in it which makes it good for your health. But, in moderation.

[@Lp259]

I had the Beyond Meat Burger at the Dive-In on the Volendam and it was wonderful!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad to hear it.

[@jojomart]

They are salt water lakes, not part of the ocean. There is a lock in St. Peter's where sail boats and yachts enter. It's pronounced Ba Deck - emphasis on the deck.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Cool, thanks 😊

[@elizabethpasquini6941]

Great video, as always! Keep up the good work! Enjoy the rest of your cruise! Really interested in level 8 luggage. Can we order it through you, or the company itself?

[@CruisingCanucks]

Order direct with level8 but enter cruisingcanucks10 in the promo code to get 10% off.

[@twilalebold320]

I looked into that Newfoundland itinerary in the fall. It is sold out and only waitlisting😥

[@CruisingCanucks]

Yes, we found that out while on the ship. It is available for next year however!

[@kimkearney7639]

Too bad Breton Thunder wasn't on the Zaandam last spring when I did the same itinerary,,,they sounded great!

[@CruisingCanucks]

They are a new group to join the HAL entertainment team while they do this east coast itinerary this year. They are fabulous! We hope that HAL continues to have them ever year.

[@williamwatson689]

Just completed the same itinerary on the ship the week beginning June 15. Your opinions are spot on one of our best cruises of 21. Looks like Holland is cutting this season short and not cruising this itinerary in 2025. They need to continue with a more modern ship.

[@CruisingCanucks]

The Volendam and Zuiderdam will sail variations on this itinerary until mid-October. In 2025 the Zuiderdam and Volendam return to this itinerary in late May until mid-October again. We kind of hope they keep up this plan to use the older, smaller classic ships.

[@williamwatson689]

@@CruisingCanucks Zuiderdam is too tall to clear the bridge between Quebec City and Montreal so Quebec City will be its turnaround port. Hollands site does not show the Volendam cruising in Canada at all in 2025, likely being sold to foreign entity.

[@lisahyde5788]

Sydney resident here, enjoyed your video. Thank your for sharing the talent on our little Island. I found it hilarious though that you talk about processed cheese being on your hot dog lol do you know what hot dogs are made of?

[@CruisingCanucks]

🤣Excellent point! We loved all the wonderful people that we met in Sydney. Can’t wait to spend more time there this fall.

[@matthewduffy5774]

Price of lobster/lbs would’ve been quite high still during your visit. $55 for a lobster dinner is extreme. Spring fisheries were not all open yet at the time of your cruise, and the winter fishery in SW Nova was still open until May 31. Low supply at that time. Prices today are $5-$6.50/lbs at the wharf, now that the market is over supplied.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Yes we were told that the price was higher than it would be. A month later because Lobster season wasn’t open when we were in Sydney.

[@gillianpeddie2410]

Love the top Jill is wearing and Jill you look amazing in the forest green. Jerry you’re not too shabby.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Oh thank you!

[@allanwhite5747]

I am from Sydney, I have lived here all my life. When I was in the military, I would go away in the summer, but I would always love coming back home. And it's pronounced Baddeck, like one word (Buh-deck)

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks 😊

[@allanwhite5747]

@@CruisingCanucks I love your channel ❤️

[@kimber4350]

I miss HAL's muesli. Always my go-to for room service the last time was on the Eurodam. One of the many forbidden foods now that I have gone keto 😮

[@CruisingCanucks]

We appreciate that HAL’s room service breakfast offers a hot breakfast if you want. Something a lot of major cruise lines don’t do.

[@brucebannerman6848]

Nobody told you where the Bell museum is located? The name is easy to say!

[@CruisingCanucks]

We have a small town beside ours that also doesn’t sound like it looks like it’s spelled. Crazy world eh?

[@brendarussell363]

Lobster has gone down quite a bit since your visit.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Good to hear.

[@GeorgiaGirl100]

@@CruisingCanuckssame as I will be up there next Friday. Sooo excited even more thanks to your videos. I am doing the 10 day cruise.

[@peggy2429]

I wish they had a taco bar on our ship. It was a pinnacle one.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We really enjoyed the taco bar. It was a nice touch!

[@dragonbabe20]

Loved your video aside from cringing every time I heard BADick, (it’s baDECK) however that’s not your fault as you were unable to hear the tour guide’s proper pronunciation in your sucky bus seats. Despite that, it looks like you guys had fun and I hope you’ll come back and see more of this gorgeous island!!!❤😊

[@CruisingCanucks]

We really had a good day despite a regrettable bus seat.

[@liliherndz5792]

Wonderful VLOG Much enjoyed 👏 Fantastic ENTERTAINMENT 👏 Compared to the newer HA ships offer lower quality entertainment in the last two yrs post Covid 🙄 That hotdog 🫶🏻 ..one of my favorite at every cruise .. agree I like putting on my on toppings that melted cheese 🙀 You guys enjoy ea other thru the shared inner JOURNEY Thanks for sharing 🤗

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for all your positive comments.

[@GeorgiaGirl100]

You two are adorable.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks 😊

[@tonylarussa4046]

I am surprised your main dining room upcharge was not that expensive.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We thought that it was very reasonable. It was also very delicious.

[@GeorgiaGirl100]

Yay found my first letter.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Great job!

[@davidnearing171]

Yes it is Baddeck (bah deck) not Biddik!!

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks 😊

[@joshmofromkokomo]

From what I read...subject to misinformation... Chardonnay has the least amount of calories. I hope that is correct ;)

[@CruisingCanucks]

Me too! 🤞

[@HeatherMacLeod-d2s]

baddeck is pronounced Bah Deck. The Lakes are the Bras D'Or Lakes pronounced Brah dor

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks

[@garyslaunwhite3153]

Ba Deck Not BED ECK

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks

[@DonnaBarrett-y4q]

Bed-deck….tourists crack me up. Once heard one refer to Sobeys as Sob-ees. Lol

[@CruisingCanucks]

😁

[@constancecook-cruisetravel1166]

That mush looks terrible I think you should've had a little filet mignon and lobster😂.

[@CruisingCanucks]

🤣

[@kristinefraser18]

Bughhh-deck

[@k.t.ingram375]

$35 for a lobster roll. wow, they're really sticking it to the tourists, lol

[@CruisingCanucks]

We thought it was a little steep!

[@kimcalder6037]

I'm not sure how to react to this being a local.

[@CruisingCanucks]

We had a really fun day.

[@khrishnapaul3798]

Came across your video.. very nice. But I just want to point out you are pronouncing Baddeck wrong. It’s Bed-Deck.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks, We realized very late in the day that we were saying it wrong all day. Beautiful place for sure.

[@amandareiche9083]

Totally loved my trip to Cape Breton, bus ride through their beautiful lake region to restored settlement w/ great docents (nice walk) followed by Bell museum an a wonderful waterside quaint cafe lunch with best seafood and gourmet grilled cheese and salads ever! You get what you pay for, I guess???

[@CruisingCanucks]

Glad you had a great experience.

[@raylenemackay6867]

Too bad you never saw more.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thankfully we will be returning in the fall to explore more of the area.

[@marlenetobin3242]

It's {bah deck} not {bed deck}.......

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks

[@marlenetobin3242]

@@CruisingCanucks it just sounded so weird to me......happy cruising......

[@heideleskun1163]

AGB had his hands in a LOT of research projects. Started in botanical and worked with the deaf and was a teacher in Boston, wrote that before you said about the deaf. Goes to show you that "education" doesn't mean much when it comes to "ingenuity" and an inquisitive mind. IMHO that is part of STEM education. Encourages you to not be afraid to ask questions and ability to explore without being told "no"

[@CruisingCanucks]

So true! Thanks for sharing.

[@raylenemackay6867]

Bah- deck... not bedeck

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks

[@patriciatobin871]

Be good idea to ask locals how to actually pronounce things.

[@CruisingCanucks]

Thanks for the suggestion.

[@marymacdonald7569]

It is pronounced BAADECK not bedic

[@CruisingCanucks]

Unfortunately we learnt that after our day was completed.

[@joanawalt2280]

It’s pronounced Baadeck.

[@CruisingCanucks]

bəˈdɛk - so confusing for our Ontario tongues. Thanks. 😊

[@heatherday610]

@@CruisingCanucks When we first moved here 15 yrs ago from Ontario my husband kept pronouncing Yarmouth as Yar "Mouth" and Dartmouth as "Dart"Mouth" I told him he was going to get "His-Mouth" slapped by a local hahahahah