The day EVERYTHING CHANGED on my MSC Meraviglia cruise...

#cruise #msccruises #mscmeraviglia
Welcome back to my MSC Meraviglia KZbin series! In this video, I'm going to be taking you ashore in TWO ports of call: Sydney, Nova Scotia and Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
If you've been following my other episodes, you'll know that this cruise has been far from plain sailing. Today, everything CHANGED!
Video chapters:
Good morning from Sydney, Nova Scotia! 00:01
Look at this weather for a Canada cruise! 00:51
Views from the ship in Sydney - 02:56
Combatting feeling homesick when long term travelling - 03:48
Leaving the ship - 05:11
Sydney cruise port - outdoor market! 06:15
Big Fiddle Hall Market - 06:58
The Big Fiddle - 07:43
Walking into downtown - 09:06
A taste of Canada? Tim Horton’s… 11:21
Sailaway from Sydney, Nova Scotia - 14:45
The plan for tonight… 17:26
What happens at night on an MSC Cruise? 18:46
The turning point on this cruise… 19:28
Tropical Party - 22:28
Welcome to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada! 23:07
The Scarecrow Festival - 23:46
The world’s best Ice Cream: Cow’s Creamery! 24:20
The view from the ship - 25:08
Viking Mars Inaugural call - 25:47
Disembarking MSC Meraviglia - 26:21
Charlottetown Cruise Terminal - 27:02
Walking into town - 27:55
A CEILIDH! 28:16
First glances of Charlottetown, PEI - 28:32
Farm Day in the City - 29:13
The Petting Zoo - 29:58
Which is your favourite scarecrow? Let me know! 30:07
St Dunstan’s Basilica - 31:12
The best coffee shop in Charlottetown? It’s an ART GALLERY! 32:00
MORE SCARECROWS - 33:48
Cow’s Creamery - let’s do this! 34:33
The taste test - is it the best ice cream in the world? 36:10
WHAT A DAY - 37:40
Sailaway from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada - 39:39
If you'd like to watch the other episodes from this series, just check out the below videos!
My WORST cruise yet?! Welcome to MSC Meraviglia...! • My WORST cruise yet?! ...
My worst cruise yet GOT WORSE... MSC Meraviglia, Episode 2! • My worst cruise yet GO...
HOW is this cruise going SO WRONG?! Welcome to Saint John! • HOW is this cruise goi...
The NIGHTMARE cruise continues...?! MSC Meraviglia.. • The NIGHTMARE cruise c...
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#cruiseship #cruisetips #travelvlog #cruisevlog #msccrociere #portland #portlandmaine #travel

[@patriciamorash2763]

Totally understand how Cape Breton would tug at your heartstrings and bring on a wee bit of homesickness. Cape Breton, Antigonish, and New Glasgow are the heart of New Scotland. The Scottish heritage is alive and well in the music, dance, kitchen parties, and sporting events throughout the region. We even have a Gaelic College and a Whiskey Distillery in Cape Breton.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

What is a kitchen party?

[@patriciamorash2763]

@@blissfuljoy6049 Local musicians bring their instruments (fiddles, guitars, spoons) and play at a local home or community centre. There is music, dancing, food & drink.

[@blissfuljoy6049]

@@patriciamorash2763 Oh, that's nice 👍

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Patricia, thanks for leaving this comment - it captures my thoughts of this region since leaving - I just absolutely LOVED everything that I experienced here. I’ll be back at some point, for sure!

[@Shan_Dalamani]

@@blissfuljoy6049 A party in the kitchen, though we did it with accordions here in Alberta.

[@sheri1972]

Looking forward to a future video that features your home in Scotland. I would love to visit there soon.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, watch this space - more and more people are asking for this! Thanks for following along!

[@sharondavis6193]

Well, of course you had a “wobble”! You are a kind, loving, sensitive person and you miss home. Nothing negative about that!! I have pretty frequent “wobbles”. My last was on an Alaska cruise when I became so completely overwhelmed by the beauty that I stood on my balcony and cried like a small child. 😊❤️☮️

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, Sharon. I know exactly how that feels - I did Alaska a few years ago on Discovery Princess and frequently had those ‘wide eye, lump in throat’ moments looking out from the ship - I felt so lucky to be alive and so fortunate to be up there! Thanks so much for your support, and kind comments!

[@makiliv]

@@FraserAtSea Henceforth, this will be known as "Wobble Welit" (wide eye, lump in throat)🥺! Looking forward to my Discovery Princess cruise on their Alaska itinerary soon.

[@Warriorwoman22]

Fraser! You are so natural at presenting. I honestly feel like im watching a programme on the telly. Best cruise channel on KZbin. Just love your personality attitude and charm. ❤

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, what a beautifully positive comment - thank you SO much for taking the time to leave this! Your support’s massively appreciated - thank you!!

[@canadianspring5417]

Notice it all changed when you came to Canada? 😉 Can totally relate to your "wobble." My hometown was founded by Scottish Canadians and it still has a Pipeband march down main street every Saturday evening, they've been doing it since the early 1900s only stopping for the wars and covid. Every Saturday, all summer. It was not unusual to hear a neighbour blocks away practicing. I haven't lived there in years yet as soon as I hear a bagpipe I get homesick.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh wow - this is amazing! I was so teary eyed that day, but also so glad to have got a taste of home. Thanks so much for watching - glad to have found someone who shared my love of the Scottish heritage!

[@kikky811]

Fav scarecrow 30:43 ❤ I have to say, loved Halifax and Charlottetown! Anne of Green Gables was one of my fav books growing up and I’d love to visit there one day!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I'd SO recommend a visit there - a gorgeous little pocket of the world. Thanks a lot for watching - really appreciate the support!

[@ericaturner8504]

Thanks for sharing. I spent a number of beautiful weeks in Scotland many years ago and I still shed a tear or two whenever I hear bagpipes.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey, thanks for watching! I’m so glad you had a great trip to Scotland - I always love hearing from people who have seen (and enjoyed) Scotland!

[@jordandevlin5155]

As someone from Belfast I can empathise with your point on people going “huh” to you on holiday 😂

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I’m so glad you can share in my pain…!! 😂

[@cathyspicer6375]

We liked the lobster and the pirate scarecrows! I would love to go to a scarecrow festival, I’ve never heard of that before!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, I loved the lobster too - it made me laugh. Thanks for watching!

[@_echobravo]

We had one of those amazing days in Warnemünde Germany. Supposed to take an excursion to Berlin but wasn’t feeling up to it. Stayed local between Warnemünde and Rostock, and just fell in love with the place. Such a Plan B surprise!

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I absolutely love when that happens, especially when it’s the unexpected places local to the port that you fall in love with!

[@beadroin8301]

Ahh being Scottish, where we get misty eyed watching this, while in Scotland! So glad to see that everything went up and better. Now that fiddle just needed a bit of Phil & Ally 😂 On a side note while watching this, noticed I had an email from MSC to come sample Virtuosa from Southampton, and their 4 day offerings are rather tempting!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, Virtuosa is one of my favourite ships. If the price is right, do it! Thanks so much for watching - glad you also got the ‘feels’ too! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@beadroin8301]

@@FraserAtSea Gutted, was so close too, but they upped the price after I spotted by £250 for solo, now as dear as a week in the med 🙃

[@Krypto64]

Top video, as usual. Sorry you got upset by the bagpipes… I do too, but mainly cos I’m not a fan. Homesickness is tough though, glad you managed to crack on and enjoy Sydney. We’re lucky to have seen it sans roadworks, but also with, pretty much a year before you. I agree, it is a nice place either way. September 2022 may ring a bell, it’s when Queen Elizabeth II died, and when we got to Charlottetown we heard the Lieutenant Governor, Antoinette Perry, was outside her official residence with a Book of Condolences; as good Brits we popped down and signed and had a lovely chat, what a charming lady. She gave us special Platinum Jubilee pins as souvenirs, honestly, next time you’re there, take her for a cone at Cows. My favourite place on PEI was the local comic book shop, though it was a close call - the Anne of Green Gables shop so marvelous! I shall shut up now, sorry Fraser!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much for watching - that sounds like an experience to remember that you had! I remember signing a book of condolences in Birmingham - not anywhere near as exotic as PEI! Thanks a lot for commenting - appreciate your support!

[@CyberGreenRealty]

I love the bee at 30:23!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, great spot!!

[@FraserAtSea]

🐝 🐝 😊

[@rekhawadhwani3573]

So pleased that you were honest enough to own up to a as you call it a 'wobble'. You sound like a really nice person and having a wobble makes you even more real.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I’m glad you think so - thanks a lot for watching! 😊

[@debrathomson252]

Enjoyed this video. Happy to see how much more you enjoyed these 2 days. Found it interesting to see you scan past the Anne of Green Gables shop which I would love to visit and as a Kiwi that Tip Top Ice Cream made it to number 3 on the Top 10 ice cream board. We sometimes don't realise how lucky we are here in New Zealand.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, you call a stunning part of the world home - I’d LOVE to visit NZ! Thanks a lot for watching - the ice cream was wonderful! In hindsight, I do wish I’d spent longer looking at the Anne of Green Gables stuff, but I do feel like I had a full port day there, so don’t regret what I did at all. Thanks a lot for watching, Debra!

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

Love me a sunset sail away and men in kilts! 💕😊 Glad you enjoyed your day after a bit of homesickness. Natural, being away a long time. Thanks Fraser!

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, Tammy. Who knows - maybe one day I’ll wear a kilt on KZbin for a video, haha!

[@tammy_oh_nevermind]

@@FraserAtSea yes! 😁

[@joanneyoung8571]

2 lovely charming little ports. Bless you for getting emotional… not surprising when surrounded by reminders of home and culture. Glad you had better days and btw…. That ice cream looked gorgeous!!

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Joanne, hope you’re well! Agreed - 2 beautiful little ports - thanks for watching - hope this video hasn’t made you too hungry…

[@kikky811]

Also, 30th of Sep is now the Truth & Reconciliation Day, though not everything is closed at least in the big cities but I could see that being the case in a small town.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, yeah, everything was closed this day. Not a bad thing though - just an excuse to return, isn’t it? Haha!

[@kikky811]

@@FraserAtSea I stand corrected. I guess Sep 30 is a STAT holiday on the East coast of Canada (meaning everything is closed,like Christmas for example). Other parts of Canada like Ontario have it as federal holiday, meaning only banks and government offices are closed. Learned this today! Haha

[@terriekennedy738]

Another great installment Fraser. Is it September 30th (1min in) 😊

[@Stephanie-vx4zi]

I was on the Meraviligia in May 2023 and April 2024. I noticed it's improved massively towards it's American market. Food, service, entertaiment.. and they've included things that they didn't. Like decent soft icecream!

[@FraserAtSea]

It’s funny you say this, Stephanie - I thought it was so interesting to see the slight changes onboard to suit the American market. I was delighted with the free ice cream!

[@abrahamclott5604]

Loved seeing both ports. Our upcoming Sept cruise on Princess substituted Sydney for Bar Harbor but has now switched back. Of course I want to spend time in Acadia but would enjoy if we could add in Sydney too. Loved the murals on the walls downtown. Ive never seen a scarecrow festival; we don't have scarecrows here in Manhattan but maybe we should to beat off the rats.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hey Abraham, thanks for watching! Don’t worry if you change again - Bar Harbor is beautiful. I actually visited there on my next cruise to showcase on KZbin - watch this space!

[@elizabeth-annecelebrant6155]

I am so glad. You had a great time at these ports…. 🎉

[@FraserAtSea]

Thank you!!

[@vincentclausen2250]

Great shot of the bee on the sunflower😊

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks!

[@capeRCouple]

You were in my hometown,well the next town to mine being sydney,Out streets were never torn up like this and is being done for the cruise ships that do come,it will be so much nicer next time you come by.

[@FraserAtSea]

Hello! I did think this - don’t worry - I had a fantastic time when I stopped by, and already looking forward to the next time. Just need to get it booked…!

[@capeRCouple]

@@FraserAtSea let me know next time your here and we can meet up,i can get some great drone footage and share it with you for your b roll

[@FraserAtSea]

@@capeRCouple ah, nice one! No plans currently, but on my bucket list for sure!

[@joanevans3872]

absolutely love your videos, and your accent!!! you give such an honest account, I wouldn''t have ever Travelled on MSC ...(due to bad ratings) but you showed the good and bad ..also liked that you didnt go for the shore excursions provided by the ship but let us explore ourselves..I will subcribe and follow yolur travels

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks so much, Joan - I really appreciate you being here! I always do try to show the ‘real’ situation onboard, rather than just a one sided view. Thanks a lot for your support - it’s SO appreciated!

[@christineguise689]

All the scarecrows were good the ice cream looked nice great video 😻

[@FraserAtSea]

They were great, weren’t they?! Thanks for watching!

[@scottkashuba3476]

Sadly, as seen, the Fiddle is right on the dock. The two biggest attractions are the Tim Horton's and the shoe store. It is a nice little town but can't compare to Halifax or Charlottetown as a stop.

[@FraserAtSea]

I’d probably agree that it doesn’t compare to those others as a port - I loved both of them. But yeah, once you’re off the dock, there doesn’t seem to be a huge number of attractions. Really pretty little town, nonetheless! Thanks for watching, and thanks for taking the time to leave a comment!

[@wendingourway]

The bag pipes will get you every time!! Indeed, Nova Scotia, New Scotland...quite the connection! So glad to see that you had good weather in Sydney and not fog soup! lol Oh my, yes, spring and summer is road construction season here in NS for sure. Charlottetown...the heart of Canadian confederation!! Always have enjoyed a day just wandering around there. Nice to be near the ocean for sure, but the winter's are brutal...so one has to enjoy feet of snow also! lol You really did hit PEI at a prime weather and occasion time! Oh yum, Cows ice cream...a must!! Happy to see that Atlantic Canada treated you well!! Come back any time as there is tons to explore!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, thanks for commenting and watching! I absolutely LOVED my visit to this corner of the world - just absolutely beautiful, with some of the friendliest people I’ve EVER met! So many people have referenced the fog in the comments from various videos across this series - looks like I was so lucky! Thanks again, as always!

[@shawnryan8345]

Good to have seen parts of the NA eastern seashores. Quaint & Beauty. Nice to see genuine interest from the locals. Hard to find. Interaction of sane was abundant in Japan. From the English speaking locals. Very welcoming .

[@FraserAtSea]

Thanks for watching, Shawn - I totally agree - some gorgeous parts of the world!

[@lindafernandez4522]

I like the lbster scarecrow in the beginning, then the Charlie Brown looking group

[@FraserAtSea]

Haha yeah, me too. The lobster made me laugh so much!

[@johnd.9]

I'm so glad you had a great time in Sydney, my hometown. They have been working on the cruise port as well as the harbour walk path.

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, your hometown - what a gorgeous place you call home - thanks for watching my video today!

[@johnd.9]

@@FraserAtSea If you ever come back to Sydney, time it with the Celtic Colours Festival. The events happen all over Cape Breton Island, with strong Scottish and Irish culture, heritage ad music. Plus the changing colours of the leaves.

[@amandaregis313]

Glad you had such great weather. We finally got sun during our June 22nd Boston to Montreal on board the MS Volendam when we arrived in Sydney. We had rain and fog from Boston to Halifax, and Bar Harbor was so bad we had tender boats following a local that was better equipped to navigate to the port. I see you're a Tartan fan. While my RCN Officer dad was posted to Halifax, mom was involved in silk screening, and the craft show circuit. During the mid 50's, she met Bessie Murray, the creator of the Nova Scotia Tartan.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, what a fascinating comment - thanks so much for watching, and thanks for taking the time to reach out. Sounds like you had a bit of a mix of weather - I was so fortunate on this cruise to be honest!

[@FraserAtSea]

Ah, what a fascinating comment - thanks so much for watching, and thanks for taking the time to reach out. Sounds like you had a bit of a mix of weather - I was so fortunate on this cruise to be honest!

[@lynnfranklin5098]

My most favorite excursion

[@FraserAtSea]

😊

[@vincentclausen2250]

What’s good on MSC is there are still shows scheduled even after late dining. Also with an itiniery like this one we would have had.d a great meal in town.

[@FraserAtSea]

Yeah, I’d agree with this to be honest - it’s great to see shows available so late on these ships! I also love eating in town when in port late, but I didn’t do it this time around! Thanks for watching!!

[@stephenm8818]

Lovely ports Fraser, glad things settled down. However, it was plain awful up to that point. Your tolerance is admiral ! Was there a formal complaint and reply ? 😅/😢

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, thanks Stephen - appreciate your support! You’re telling me - I was SO frustrated constantly on this ship. I have spoken with MSC, but not convinced my complaints were really heard… 🙄

[@stephenm8818]

I know that feeling whilst I have loved many MSC cruises (x9) the moment a concern appears (ours haven't been on your scale), the corporate shutters fall ! Is very off-putting if you think about using them again.

[@Shan_Dalamani]

Less than a week ago I saw some of those red tube things in a Canadian Tire parking lot - and I live in the province of Alberta. It's a two-DAY drive to the nearest ocean, so I rather doubt it's got anything to do with keeping sea birds away from port here! These things seem like they'd be a distracted driving hazard, with all their waving around.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ha, that’s funny that you saw them recent too - what’re the chances they’d then feature on a KZbin video you’re watching?! Yeah, if they’re for sea birds there, that’s some strong sea birds, haha! Thanks a lot for watching!!

[@jacqueline5674]

Viking ships are first class. We went to China with Viking, it was amazing. Ship was pristine and nothing was too much trouble for them. Can't speak highly enough about them. Sadly since covid the prices have shot up, so unless we win the lottery we wont be cruising with them anymore. Take care.

[@FraserAtSea]

You know, I’ve heard this from a few people Jacqueline - you’re not alone with that view. Maybe one day, our numbers will come up and I’ll see you onboard…!!

[@johnkean6852]

Ice Hockey behind you on the TV viewscreen

[@FraserAtSea]

👏🏼

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea Just thought you missed it is all. (I think it's Canada's national sport?)

[@vincentclausen2250]

It’s all the music in Sydney.

[@FraserAtSea]

🎻 😊

[@sodiumlights]

❤

[@FraserAtSea]

😊

[@lynnfranklin5098]

Viking a good bet during holidays if you’re not a fan of kids on your ship

[@FraserAtSea]

Great shout!

[@robsII]

Found your channel like a week ago, realized just now it’s like nine months behind lol

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, welcome! If you need help going ‘from the start’ of my year at sea, I’ve put a full running order together :) www.fraseratsea.com/my-year-at-sea

[@terriekennedy738]

Oops i thought it was this week. My bad

[@perrydayton9138]

Also a COWS in Banff Alberta

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I didn’t know they were so spread - that’s great!

[@perrydayton9138]

@@FraserAtSea looks like on their site there’s 13 of them with most on the East Canadian coast then a few in the more touristy areas in the country

[@richards9920]

You are wearing a Virgin Voyages t-shirt on a MSC cruise.

[@FraserAtSea]

@@richards9920 hahah, I know. As I’m not ‘sponsored’ by a cruise line, I make no apology - I wear whatever’s comfy, ha!

[@johnkean6852]

Any connection with Sydney Australia?

[@malcolmstockbridge2569]

Its comes from Lord Sydney when the British had control....a Government minister I believe.....not standing in the election today though :)

[@johnkean6852]

@@malcolmstockbridge2569 Thx so much

[@FraserAtSea]

I see your question’s already been answered! 😊

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea Yes that was v quick

[@malcolmstockbridge2569]

On most of our cruises that go through Sydney we usually come across 2 types of fellow traveler....they either have just visited New York or Boston and dont have any interest in poor little Sydney....or.....they are about to visit New York or Boston and have no interest in poor little Sydney. It is a bit of a 'filler' port but if you have the time its a great place to explore but you have to get outside the centre.

[@lynnfranklin5098]

Totally agree planning a land trip return

[@FraserAtSea]

I really enjoyed having a look around Sydney - hopefully you can see that from the video - a nice little town! Thanks a lot for watching!

[@hiviolet007]

I get triggered when I hear bagpipes too and I’m only 18% Scottish. I love Scotland though and I have never been to Sydney or Charlottetown but I’m sure I would love both.❤

[@FraserAtSea]

Oh, I know that feeling so well! Thanks a lot for watching - really appreciate your support!

[@coachab100]

You still don’t look 6’4”! Haha

[@FraserAtSea]

Hahaha, I’ll need to do a video with a measuring tape 😂

[@machellep1]

Unfortunately MSC no longer has this itinerary. This ship is now doing silly east coast cruises to florida.

[@FraserAtSea]

Ahh, I’ve seen a few people comment this on my other videos!

[@johnkean6852]

Ice cream: 6C$ is £?

[@atomicrancher3745]

Approx. 3.5 GBP

[@FraserAtSea]

It’s about £3.50, so a really good price I’d say!

[@johnkean6852]

@@FraserAtSea Same price for Mardos in North Cyprus (their chocolate orange is very addictive.)

[@twochickens3954]

👁️👁️

[@FraserAtSea]

👀

[@luludufuret4585]

Dear Fraser, this MSC trip of yours has been truly schizophrenic and as a practising psychiatrist, I write this literally. Kind regards, Lulú

[@FraserAtSea]

This comment made me laugh! Thanks for watching!

[@luludufuret4585]

@@FraserAtSea You are 100% our preferred traveller on youtube. Your kindness and humanity come through on every video. Keep it up.

[@luludufuret4585]

Dear Fraser, "Some kind of a national holiday"? Lord, in Heaven. It's July 1st, Canada Day, the biggest national holiday in the country. Dear God, you Brits! Lulu

[@FraserAtSea]

Hi Lulu, don’t worry - I was on this cruise in autumn 2023, so didn’t miss Canada Day, ha! Fear not…!!

[@canadianspring5417]

It was Truth and Reconciliation day, a fairly new "holiday" when we as Canadians should reflect upon the damage to the Indigenous population that was inflicted through the use of residential schools.