WILD Weather hits Quebec City on HAL Volendam!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

This video is part of a series! If you’d like to go back and watch the first video of boarding day on the HAL Volendam, click here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYvbpmWrmNxohNksi=CZl1STRXitG-GlMQ

[@paulwinge4173]

Good afternoon Meredith! Welcome to Holland America! We've taken eight HAL cruises and have two more itineraries booked. We like the small to medium size ships, the music program, the food is better than some other lines and the HAL staff is absolutely top notch! We sailed from Boston to Montreal on the old Maasdam in 2010. It's been one of my favorite seven night itineraries and I look forward to following you on this trip. Enjoy!!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@paulwinge4173 totally agree with you, I loved my first cruise with HAL on this little ship! Can’t wait to check out their other ships and itineraries! Thanks so much for watching! 😊

[@angelaharmon2543]

Sooo glad you did a Holland cruise. It's my favorite cruise line !! Love your skirt! For dressy night I wore a pair of dress slacks and a blouse with my walking shoes😉 I don't wear dresses and didn't have any dress shoes. No one even batted an eye at what I wore.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@angelaharmon2543 thank you!! Yes, I figured out pretty quickly that no one was in ballgowns or formal wear 😂 it was very relaxed! Now I know 😊

[@martyptx]

Hi Meredith, I just found this series on your HAL Canada to New England cruise, and have started watching it. In September, my wife and I just did this cruise on the Zuiderdam, a little larger ship than the Volendam. We started in Quebec City instead of Montreal, and we actually had an overnight to start the cruise in Quebec City, and since we always fly in a day early, we had 2 1/2 days to explore Quebec City, and what a unique, fun city to explore. Actually, I wish that we would have arrived a day earlier, as the day we arrived, Quebec City was hosting the UCI Grand Prix bicycle race throught the city. These are the best bike riders in the world who compete in the Tour de France, etc. We got to our hotel, and were able to see the bike rides fly by as they completed their last 2 laps. I wish that I would have have noticed your series before our cruise, but it's still fun to go back and watch and compare notes with what you did and how you enjoyed your cruise. Your videos of the various scenic sites are beautiful, and I really like your style and honestly. You seem to be a very likeable person. Since, we had an overnight in Quebec City, we actually did a ship excursion on the day after embarcation. We went to the Montmorency Falls (absolutely spectacular!), and also to the St Anne de Beaupre Basilica Cathedral, also amazing to visit. As you know, if you have a great guide, the excursion is so much better, and we had a great guide. As you pointed out, it was great to see the Falls as the ship cruised up the St Lawrence River. I plan to watch all your videos in this series, so you will see more of my comments. BTW, this is our third HAL cruise this year, and we have 3 more booked in the next 2 years. Before this year, we had completed four cruises, Celebrity, Windstar, Norwegian, and HAL. And, yes, HAL is our favorite. I'm happy to welcome you to your first HAL cruise, and I'm sure that it will not be your last. -Marty

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@martyptx an overnight in Quebec City sounds amazing! I can’t wait to go back and visit again. Next time I definitely plan to see Montmorency Falls as well! Thanks so much for the kind words and comments, I appreciate it! 😊 will definitely be cruising on HAL again in the future!

[@TravelWithBen121]

Beautiful port! Ship looks great, very elegant. Another great vlog, Meredith!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@TravelWithBen121 thanks, Ben! 😊

[@drouinjohnny9036]

Glad you love your visit…..I has at the port to watch the Québec-St-Malo race……❤

[@Elisabeth.Eriksson]

Thank you for your videos! Have followed you for some time now and fun to follow a girl point of view. I am vegetarian so great to hear about the food on the cruise lines. Exiting about Holland America. 🤗🥰 Hi from Sweden

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Elisabeth.Eriksson thank you so much! It can be tricky with a vegetarian diet to find variety on cruises, but there are usually enough options to find something that will work! 😊

[@JeffMelsonVlogs]

The food looked delicious! I love listening to live music when onboard. The Chateau Frontenac looked amazing! Look forward to the next one!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@JeffMelsonVlogs thanks so much!! Me too, live music is one of my favorite parts of cruising!

[@JeffMelsonVlogs]

@MerCruisesSolo Sorry, I keep changing my name, lol. I'm sure it's hard to keep up, hahaha

[@juanurena7702]

Now I wanna do that itinerary, looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@juanurena7702 it was absolutely beautiful, a great itinerary!

[@tinadesigns1]

Beautiful! Loved all of it! Food looked 😋

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@tinadesigns1 thank you! so good, especially that beyond hot dog! 😄🤤

[@northwestman1]

Thanks again Mer for bringing us along on your amazing journeys. You do such awesome videos… keep em coming 😊

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@northwestman1 thank you so much! 😊

[@annekirkpatrick7197]

Lovely! Architecture, history and fun!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@annekirkpatrick7197 can’t go wrong! 😊

[@Peter-dl3up]

Quebec looks lovely! Another great video - thank you. 👍

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Peter-dl3up it definitely is! Thank you! 😊

[@Lp259]

Your skirt was so cute! My mom and I took this cruise a couple months ago and loved it. You did such a good job showing the ship. I got a veggie hot dog and burger at the Dive In and loved it. If they have pot pies try the veggie pot pie - you will love it.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Lp259 thank you so much! 😊 I loved the veggie hot dog and although they didn’t have the veggie burger available on my cruise, I loved the Dive In and will definitely have to check out the pot pie next time! 😋

[@imhutch5443]

I love your positivity!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you! :)

[@johnbuckley8324]

Quebec City is absolutely gorgeous! I literally booked South America on NCL Star because of your past cruise series...now you have me looking at Canada 🤣🤣🤣 Cheers!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@johnbuckley8324 I love to hear that!! Hope you have an amazing cruise on the Star! Canada & New England was a fantastic itinerary, so much to see and do I might have to go back and do it again 😂

[@vickyb5935]

Hi Meredith, just found you and have subscribed! I am not single however do all of my cruising with my single girlfriend who I`ve know for 50 years since university! So your experiences will fit right in line with how we two gals cruise together. Our next cruise(after a 7 yr pause) is next April on HAL Eurodam , 14 days through the panama canal. Our first cruise was HAL in the med and we love HAL. We like the „traditional“ style of cruising that HAL offers with no amusement rides, dining in the MDR and more sophisticated entertainment. This itinerary is surprising me and I can`t wait to watch the whole cruisie - Quebec City looks right up my alley!!!!!!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@vickyb5935 ooh Panama Canal on HAL sounds like an amazing itinerary! It is on my list of cruises to do, just have to make the timing align with my work schedule! This Canada/NE cruise was fantastic and I’ll definitely be back on HAL again in the future! 😊

[@oldgadfly8398]

...a very unique city! Thanks!

[@sail2day822]

Love your videos! Great voice. I can see you have a passion for the ocean and ships.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@sail2day822 yes, I definitely do! Thanks so much for watching 😊

Preciosa la ciudad de Quebec, 😊😊gracias por recordármela 😊😊

[@Valerieesquilin]

Lol watching this video for the 3 time, i just love Quebec, i was there few years ago, went for a long weekend, it was snowing i walked everywhere really enjoy the outdoors, the architecture and the weather so watching this video throws me back to that weekend.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Valerieesquilin I loved this city SO much!! 🩷

[@Valerieesquilin]

@@MerCruisesSolo me too. I’ll love to go back, feel like there’s so much to see!!!

[@trikynguyen3680]

I really love your video

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@trikynguyen3680 thank you! 😊

[@pascaleschenck9696]

we were in Quebec in October and the colors were amazing. there is a promenade along the St-Laurence river taking you to the Citadel with gorgeous views along the way. our ship was the Zuiderdam, bigger than the Volendam. we cruised lately on the Rotterdam, the flagship, for a TA from FLL to Rotterdam this past April and it's my favorite ship. there is more to do and a lot less rocking when the waters are rough

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@pascaleschenck9696 looking forward to checking out the other HAL ships!

[@MrXR77]

Thanks for sharing 😊😊

[@MrRide2k]

Your perfect for “dressy night”, we love recalling our trip through your pretty eyes.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thanks so much!

[@SainLuk]

This is so AWESOME. I'm your first viewer on this video. I've been a subscriber when you have 500 subs.. you are doing a fantastic job. Have fun young lady!!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@SainLuk thank you so much! ☺️

[@Catherine.B.]

Love your content, Meredith. I look forward to seeing your videos and where you’re traveling to, it’s so interesting and inspiring. 2.46k subscribers so far!🔥

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Catherine.B. thank you so much, Catherine! So glad to hear that, I enjoy sharing my travels! 😊

[@rhondalyn100]

It helps when you "review" an excursion, like if it was worth the money and/or if you'd do it again. As a new cruiser that will help me get a feel for if I'd do a similar excursion or not. Thank you! 🙂

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@rhondalyn100 thank you Rhonda! 😊

[@danielgrondin3137]

Glad you enjoyed your day in my home town. I sure miss it, especially in the summer.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@danielgrondin3137 it’s so beautiful! 😍

[@erinjdwyer]

We used to live in Labrador and Quebec City was the closest decent sized city to travel to. It is totally underrated as a destination in my opinion ❤ we always loved it there

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@erinjdwyer I loved it too, absolutely beautiful, I can’t wait to go back and stay for longer! 🤩

[@KikiB90]

Another great Vlog. Never thought of maybe doing a cruise in and around Canada. You have given me (Christel) so many inspirations. I just love it. Can't wait until I'm retired, to begin my cruising adventures. One thing I know for sure....is to look for the deadbolt and have it looked when needing privacy, lol. You are so funny and yet elegant about your "Ooops" incidents. Keep that great smile going. Greetings from Florida

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@KikiB90 thank you so much, Christel! Yes, now that I know better I’ll pay closer attention and use that deadbolt 😆

[@elainemast5447]

I’m a new subscriber. I’m an avid cruiser and I watch a LOT of cruise vlogs. I absolutely love your style of vloging!! We’ve cruised on Norwegian, Royal, Carnival and Holland. Our favorite so far has been Holland! And what you wore was perfect! Keep up the excellent work!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@elainemast5447 thank you so much!! I really loved Holland, and am looking forward to cruising with them again! 😊

[@chrisdarazsi6325]

My wife and I did the New England Canada run on the Volendam out of Boston, return. We picked a route that didn't include Montreal or Quebec City because we'd already been there but Bar Harbour, Portland, and Boston were new to us. The Volendam is nice but now that you've tried HAL you should try a Pinnacle Class ship. Anyway, your "dressy" look was great. Well done. 😊

[@MerCruisesSolo]

thank you! I am very much looking forward to checking out Pinnacle Class! I think I'll really like it ☺

[@chrisdarazsi6325]

@@MerCruisesSolo the live music on the Rotterdam, Koningsdam, etc is unmatched. You'll love it. Enjoy!

[@amandaregis313]

I think it was the warmest and driest day on our June 22nd sailing from Boston. We had a great time that day. My brother in law met us, and we spent the morning together. Hubby came from the area and dragged me all over when we were much younger (40 years ago). We had a nice lunch and then headed back to the ship to get our bags sorted and a much-needed nap.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

that sounds lovely! It was so fortunate that the weather ended up clearing up for my walking tour, such a beautiful place especially in the nice sunny weather!

[@howardosden3112]

Your dressy night garb was fine by me. Women generally have an easier time with it, I think. We're doing a HAL cruise on the Zuiderdam later this year, 1st HAL in over 30 years, and I've bought a new suit for the occasion. (I needed one anyway.😊) Though wearing a suit in the Caribbean seems ridiculous to me!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@howardosden3112 it definitely seemed much more relaxed than they made it sound, but yes in the Caribbean it will definitely be hot!

[@cathieschmitgal5515]

Love love your videos! I wish I as as adventuresome when I was your age🤗

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@cathieschmitgal5515 thank you!! 😊

[@norberteng9496]

Thanks Meredith for another great video. 4 more weeks for us. Can’t wait. When we are in the cabin, we always turn the knob below the lever on the lock to lock the door, so the cabin attendant won’t be able to open the door. They would know someone is inside.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@norberteng9496 that is good advice! I didn’t realize until a day or so later that the little “make up room” card had a “do not disturb” option on the other side - that would have been good to know! 😂🤦🏻‍♀️

[@jlawrence0181]

There is a special vegan and a Vegetarian Indian menu available on a lot of HAL ships. When you enter the main dining room, ask the hostess and you will get it.

[@MrRide2k]

Quebec is the most European of North America cities. Enjoy your videos. I’ve cruised HAL from NYC to Quebec, the Zuiderdam in autumn of 2018. Also took a walking tour. Blessings, fair winds & following seas.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

thank you! :)

[@conniewilliams218]

Love love your videos. Do you think you will sail with HAL again? We loved the food.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@conniewilliams218 yes, definitely! Would love to try one of their newer ships, they have some great itineraries!

[@conniewilliams218]

Are you planning to sail in the NCL Aqua? We are watching your Bermuda vids. Heading there in 2025 on the Aqua!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@conniewilliams218 yes I’m booked on Aqua twice next year! 😊

[@Valerieesquilin]

@@MerCruisesSolotwiceee!! I cant wait for a series vlog!!!! 🤩

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Valerieesquilin I can’t either! New ships are sooo fun!

[@0806cheryl]

Brooks Ghost makes a waterproof running/tennis shoe that is great for cruises. Comfortable enough to walk in all day and keep your feet dry.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@0806cheryl oh I have a pair of Ghosts but no idea if they are the waterproof kind! I’ll have to look into that, thank you!

[@MatthewMehren]

I believe that HAL has a "secret" menu in the MDR. It has to be requested the day before. "There are special menus available for those with dietary restrictions in the main dining room." Worth asking your dining room people about :)

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@MatthewMehren ooh that is good to know! Next time I’m on HAL I’ll make sure to check on that, thanks! 😊

[@junenelligan1729]

Doing this cruise end of August but Boston to Montreal - including Newfoundland so I appreciate all you input.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@junenelligan1729 thanks so much for watching - it was a wonderful cruise! 😊

[@pamelajudson2302]

None of the HAL cruises I’ve been on have had “ball gown” dinners…it’s just been wear something nice. Totally up to the individual.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Good to know! I definitely thought that seemed a little too fancy for a regular cruise, but that's what the app said! 😆

[@StraightTalkinFedoraChic]

my rooommate and i went to Montmorency falls in winter. It is gorgeous. IF you ever return, I'd highly recommend. Not far off is Ste-Anne-de-Beaupre, they have an iconic church there to see.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@StraightTalkinFedoraChic yes, next time I visit I definitely want to go see Montmorency falls up close!

[@robk236]

Ha! I didn't see anything worth commenting on. Then you told of the Oops incident. Solo cruiser Rob (me) had the same thing happen last year on Voyager of the Seas....only not in the shower, but relaxing in the room wrapped in a towel maybe. My *intruder* was female. Maybe it's a fun joke they have worked out for us solo travelers. 😂 I'm glad you weren't too shaken by it. While you're reading, how were the fellow cruisers dressed on dressy night? Personally I love getting dressed up when someone is with me. Alone, it made me feel a little sad. Last year on Voyager, one family wore shorts and Ts into the dining room, no matter the dress code for the day. I thought it was horrible, but, to each their own, I guess.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@robk236 no one was wearing ball gowns, that’s for sure! 😆 folks were dressed from anything to very casual to quite dressy but nothing really formal. I usually like to dress up a bit for dinner anyway, regardless of the dress code!

[@maryannkrueger4704]

What company did you use for your walking tour in Quebec?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@maryannkrueger4704 Viator! The link to the exact one is in the description of the video! 😊

[@reigle4]

Is it expensive to solo cruise and what cruisline is the best for solo cruisers that are not looking for a hookup but just to travel alone?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@reigle4 it can be more expensive but there are lots of deals out there! NCL is priced the best for solo travelers, and you can check out the website cruiseplum to filter by solo pricing!

[@EstherCooke]

People dont wear ball gowns on HAL…maybe occasionally on the World Cruises but that’s it!

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@EstherCooke good to know! I thought that seemed a little extreme 😆 but that’s what the description of “dressy night” said in the HAL app so I wasn’t sure what to expect 😊

[@Parkhopper1985]

Comment #1. Like #2

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@Parkhopper1985 🙌🏼

[@MrKn1214]

What is this pink color figure climbing the building’s wall 😮😊

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@MrKn1214 they are inflatable pink characters as part of an art exhibit around the city all summer. I haven’t really been able to figure out their purpose though 😆

[@MrKn1214]

@@MerCruisesSolooh ok I see, hmm…interesting ! Well about the UNEXPECTED encounter with your cabin steward , now you know be sure to lock the cabin door before taking shower😂☺️. By the way this is the main reason I always skip the second round room make up to avoid privacy invasion 😊

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@MrKn1214 definitely not something I’ve had to worry about in a while since most other cruise lines stopped doing turndown service 😂 now I know!

[@stephladouceur]

There is your answer: This summer, immerse yourself in the world of Le Mignonisme with a unique art exhibition presented by EXMURO. From June 20th to October 6th, 2024, discover the city transformed by inflatable sculptures inspired by the aesthetics of the Mignonisme, created by the french artist Philippe Katerine. This large-scale outdoor exhibition will feature around ten inflatable characters in the likeness of Monsieur Rose, the icon of Katerine's project. It will guide you through various unusual locations in the Place Royale and Petit Champlain sectors. Come and explore the enchanting universe of the artist and let yourself be surprised by his quirky poetry!

[@GeorgiaGirl100]

Hal has a vegetarian menu but you need to request it and order your dinner the night before.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

Thank you, that's good to know! I am not entirely vegetarian so I usually can find something on the regular menu, but maybe should take that into consideration for the future!

[@GuinnessFL]

Their bread is very addictive

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@GuinnessFL I agree! Best bread I’ve had on a cruise yet!

[@deang1004]

Hi. This is second hand but... On another HAL ship, I saw one vlogger ask for a special vegetarian menu for the MDR. You chose one day for the next. But he said they do not advertise it. I do not know if they have that on the Volendam.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@deang1004 oh wow that is good to know! I didn’t ask for a vegetarian menu but I did ask if certain things could be made vegetarian (more difficult when the main part of the dish is meat), but I will look into this on a future HAL cruise for sure! Thanks! 😊

[@deang1004]

@@MerCruisesSolo I hope it works. I plan on asking for veg menues on our first cruise on NCL. I am not vegetarian, but some of the choices fit how I eat. I just discovered your channel and have subscribed.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@deang1004 thanks so much for watching! I find there’s a few more vegetarian options on the NCL main dining room menus, but this HAL ship is smaller than others in their fleet so maybe the menus are different on their other ships. Have a great time on NCL!

[@LaszloBagi]

Are you the youngest on the ship?

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@LaszloBagi no, I wasn’t! I met a couple people in their early 20s, and of course there were kids around the ship as well. There were many multi-generational families onboard for this cruise, so a wide range of ages, overall much lower average than I was expecting!

[@LaszloBagi]

@@MerCruisesSolo Thank you!

[@martyptx]

A one week cruise in summer, and you will find more families and kids on a Holland America cruise. Plus, this one starting in Canada and ending in the US, makes the airfare so much more reasonable for both Americans and Canadians.

[@SharonOlsen-m5t]

Love your videos. I am wondering if you

[@SharonOlsen-m5t]

for some reason, I could not edit this! Back to my post. We are planning on taking this cruise next year and I am wondering if you had time after the walking tour to go into any of the shops in the old town area? Or did you have to rush back to the ship? Thank you so much.

[@MerCruisesSolo]

@@SharonOlsen-m5t yes! I had plenty of time to walk around and explore and shop after the tour! I did do a little bit of that, but there was lots of time to do more exploring 😊

[@poutinenator]

Hello Meredith, I still enjoy your series of video, as I will return solo to HAL in January 2025, after 10 years of absence. I get prepared for my trip with your help, what to wear, and so on. Thanks! Too bad, your stop seems so short for Quebec City. Allow me to add some notes for you. The pink inflatable characters (or babies, if you wish) are part of the annual artworks within Lower Town of Old Quebec City, and in Montreal for 2024. They are called Le Mignonisme (The Cuteness movement) by their creator: Philippe Katerine. Mr. Katerine is a French singer, who personified Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine, during the Opening Ceremonies of the Paris Olympics. He is a true multidisciplinary artist. (BTW, the Conservative uneducated Americans made an uproar about his Paris appearance for stupid reasons.) On June 30th, 2024, there was a sailboat race : the Quebec to Saint-Malo (France) Transat(-lantic) race. I remember being drenched by two cold summer storms, one of which delayed the start of the race. You were so lucky for escaping the 2nd one.