Ultimate World Cruise: Halifax, Canada, and Chops Grille

Day 14/22 – Arriving to Halifax, Canada

Day 14 of 22 of the last mini segment of the Ultimate World Cruise took us to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. The unexpected port, chosen by Royal Caribbean in lieu of Nuuk, Greenland, due to the bad weather up there. This is the last port before heading to New York, and complete the Round the World Trip 2024, although the trip would continue to Bermuda, Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas, and Miami, Florida.

For now, and after having breakfast in the Windjammer, we were getting ready to get off the ship and explore this city of Canada.

The Serenade of the Seas looked great in this foggy morning.

The island located right next to the cruise port was George’s Island and tours there were available. We were hoping the fog would disappear, although we were heading up towards the hill.

Day 14/22 – Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Just like St. John’s in my previous post, Halifax was a hilly port, so we climbed to the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to explore it. We would have to pass by the Old Town Clock.

Halifax is the capital of Nova Scotia, Canada, and is known for its: 

• Size: Halifax is the largest urban area in Atlantic Canada. In 2023, the population of the Halifax CMA was estimated to be 518,711. 
• History: The British settled Halifax in 1749 to counter French holdings at Cape Breton. It was a British army and navy base until 1906, when the Canadian government took over its defenses. 
• Economy: Halifax is a major regional center for Atlantic Canada’s economy. It’s home to many government offices and private companies, including the Department of National Defense, Dalhousie University, and the Port of Halifax. 
• Attractions: Halifax has a vibrant culinary scene, historic buildings, and panoramic waterfront views. The Halifax Public Gardens are 16 acres of colorful trees, exotic floral displays, statues, and fountains. 

The Halifax Citadel National Historic Site in Halifax, Nova Scotia is a large, stone fortification that was built in the early 19th century to protect the British Empire: 

• Location: The Citadel is located on Citadel Hill in downtown Halifax, overlooking the harbor. 
• History: The Citadel was built as part of a network of defensive works that protected Halifax from enemies and pirates. It was the most prominent fortification in the network. The Citadel was declared a National Historic Site in 1952. 
• Features: The Citadel’s distinctive star shape is typical of many 19th century British forts. It has a deep defensive ditch, stout walls, and large cannons on its ramparts. The Citadel also has a clock tower. 
• Things to do: Visitors can learn about Halifax’s history at the Citadel, including the roles of the 78th Highlanders and the 3rd Brigade Royal Artillery. The Citadel also has:
  • An Army Museum 
  • A Parade Square 
  • Accessible washrooms 
  • A ghost tour 
  • Distilled Experiences 

We explored around the walls, enjoying the views, and taking in the history.

There it was, the Serenade of the Seas, and the Emerald Princess was also on the cruise port, apparently properly scheduled, not like our Ultimate World Cruise lol. Well, I was glad we got to come to a bigger city, and the perfect stop before hitting New York.

The Army Museum was interesting, showing many pieces from the colonial times, and how Halifax was almost part of the US.

Day 14/22 – Time for coffee and lunch

We left the fortification, and walked to the closest Starbucks to the pumpkin spice latte that was out in the last days. Finally, a Starbucks in a port lol. After this, we got lunch in a nearby Thai place.

We kept walking and exploring the city center, and found this cute, but rather small Pride crosswalk lol.

Day 14/22 – Public Gardens

The Halifax Public Gardens, is a historic Victorian-style garden established in 1867. Renowned for its beautifully manicured flower beds, fountains, statues, and winding pathways, it offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of the city. Spanning 16 acres, the gardens feature unique botanical collections, seasonal floral displays, and the iconic bandstand used for public performances.

The park was so beautiful and busy.

Day 14/22 – Halifax Waterfront

Time to get back down to the Waterfront, to explore which is maybe the biggest attraction of this city.

The Halifax Waterfront boardwalk stretches approximately 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) along the harbor, making it one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world. It connects key areas, including the Halifax Seaport, downtown, and the Casino Nova Scotia.

The Last Steps memorial commemorates the Canadian men and women who boarded ships in Halifax to fight in World War I.

We walked west and then back east checking the stores, buying ice cream and enjoying the vibe. It had been a minute since we did not have a kinda Summer day, since the previous ports had been cold.

But it was time to board again, and many guests had the same idea. We did not get to see the Farmer’s Market or Pier 22, very famous destinations in the Waterfront, but we were tired of walking and hiking.

Halifax was a cute, quick stop. now back to Serenade of the Seas.

Day 14/22 – Main Dining Room and entertainment

After 2 days in the Specialty Dining restaurants, we were back in the Main Dining Room, and with reason. They had a chimichurri steak that was sooo good. It reminds me a lot of the ones I had in Argentina.

And for the dessert I got the dark chocolate custard. It was ok, I am not a huge fan of this type of texture.

Tonight’s show was Headline Showtime: The Great Dubois’ at Tropical Theatre. It was very entertaining, and had the crowd participating and laughing the whole time.

Day 15/22 – A chill start of the day

Day 15 was the last Day at Sea before New York. Canada was in the past, and now we were going back to America. After a nice workout at the Fitness Center and a good breakfast in the Windjammer, we came to the library just to relax. It is the perfect spot to chill, check out phone, read a book, watch a movie (with headphones).

I usually never mention lunch because we usually skipped it, but today I went to the Windjammer to see what was available, and I needed to try the Indonesian Fried Rice. It is made right in front of you, and it tastes really good.

We were leaving the Windjammer, and we were surprised by the Egg drop competition. It was actually kinda cool seeing people creating these techniques to prevent the egg from breaking when landing on the Centrum.

Day 15/22 – Chops Grille

Just like I mentioned before, Chops Grille would be the 5th and last of the Specialty Dining. I think having this 5 dining pack in a 22 night cruise was a great idea, so we would not get too tired of the Main Dining Room. For starter I got the tuna tartare.

And of course I had to go back to the Prime NY Steak, medium rare, it just dissolved in my mouth, so good!

For dessert, I got the Chocolate cake. And this is the end of the Specialty Dining for us, from now on only Main Dining Room lol.

And just hours before arriving to New York City, we were at the Tropical Theatre for Headliner Showtime: Gary Lovini. I don’t think we had had a violinist, and he was very good.

Now, it was time to sleep and wake up in New York City. The Round the World Trip would have been officially over, but the adventure will continue, as we go down to Bermuda, The Bahamas and Miami.