[Worldtrippers home] [2025 Crystal-Viking]
Readers who remember our original itinerary may be wondering why we didn’t include a blog post for L’Anse aux Meadows on June 13. The reason is that we did not end up going to L’Anse aux Meadows on June 13.
In our last blog post, we wrote that instead of visiting Paamiut, Greenland, on June 11, we ended up sailing farther north to Nuuk, due to a medical emergency.
The following morning, June 12, Captain Markus came over the loudspeaker with another itinerary change. Because we had to sail farther north to Nuuk… and because we departed Greenland two hours later than originally scheduled… we would not be able to sail fast enough to reach L’Anse aux Meadows in time. Instead, we would have another unexpected sea day and proceed directly to Halifax on June 15.
For those keeping track, this became the sixth missed stop on our 14-day itinerary.
| Date | Original | Revised | Revised revised |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jun 3 | Reykjavik | Reykjavik | |
| June 4 | Heimaey | Reykjavik | |
| June 5 | Djupivogur | At sea | |
| June 6 | Seydisfjordur | Seydisfjordur | |
| June 7 | Akureyri | Akureyri | |
| June 8 | Isafjordur | Isafjordur | |
| June 9 | At sea | At sea | |
| June 10 | Prince Christian Sound | At sea | |
| June 10 | Nanortalik | At sea | |
| June 11 | Qaqortoq | Paamiut | Nuuk |
| June 12 | At sea | At sea | |
| June 13 | L’Anse aux Meadows | At sea | |
| June 14 | At sea | At sea | |
| June 15 | Halifax | Halifax | |
| June 16 | At sea | At sea | |
| June 17 | New York | New York |
Instead, we would have three consecutive sea days on June 12, 13 and 14. Guests understood the reason (we had a medical emergency), but it was still disappointing. In response, Viking pulled out all stops. Lecturers (including Russell) presented additional talks. Gail hosted a genealogy get-together. Guest entertainers Christine and Martin gave a concert in the Atrium. And the culinary team presented a gala brunch.
On June 15, the Viking Sky arrived on time in Halifax, Novia Scotia. This is another port we have visited many times before, but we love the city. And after several rainy and overcast days aboard ship, the weather in Halifax was sunny and mild.
Halifax the capital and most populous city in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia (Latin for “New Scotland.”) The area has been indigenous Mi’kmaq, French Acadian, French and English.
Halifax is known for two infamous incidents. In 1912, after the sinking of the Titanic, many of the victims were buried in three of Halifax’s cemeteries. And in 1917, a French cargo ship carrying munitions collided with another vessel. The resulting “Halifax Explosion” destroyed the north end of the city.
Back to the present. Gail is still having some back pain, which affects her endurance. So we just walked around Halifax’s scenic waterfront and stopped at two of our favorite places.
We had lunch at Smoke’s Poutinerie. Poutine is a Canadian comfort food of French fries, squeaky cheese curds and brown gravy. (Okay, it’s an acquired taste.) Russell got a variety that added bacon and crispy chicken.
We had dessert at Cow’s. Cow’s advertises itself as “Canada’s Best Ice Cream,” and we can see why. We usually have double-scoop cones of “Wowie Cowie” and “Gooey Mooey.” This time we opted for some different flavors, including “Prince Edward Island Apple Crisp” and “Very Dairy Chocolate Cherry.” Viking ships serve gelato and sorbet, but not ice cream. Cow’s ice cream was just as delicious as we remember.
Back aboard ship, we have one more sea day tomorrow, before we arrive in New York City for our final disembarkation.
