When we left Quebec City, we did not clear US Customs. We were told we would clear at our first US port, Portland, Maine. We arrived at the Portland dock at 10 AM and our time to see US Customs is 12:50. Long wait, oh no, we met people at breakfast who have a time of 4 PM! They need to stay on the ship until 4 PM until they clear US Customs and they are from Missouri. Not the problem of Princess Cruises, but US Customs who left the port at Quebec City. We don't depart until 8:30 PM but it is a disappointment for those who have never been here before. They had four Customs and Immigration officers for over 3,000 passengers.
If you've ever visited my home, my husband painted the iconic Portland Head Lighthouse. The picture is in our family room and I always enjoy looking at it. It was first lit in 1791 and the oldest lighthouse in the state. It was the first US lighthouse completed after independence from Britain. As you sail in, it's on the port side and it's a welcome site to the state.
We were off the ship by 1 PM. There was a Trolly Tour and we boarded it.
We drove through the city and ended at the Portland Head lighthouse.
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| The City of Portland is in the background. It's taken from the other side of the lighthouse. |
I tried to capture the colours. You can see them in the distance but it didn't show up on the picture as it's too far away.
We saw the fall colours in Quebec and they are beautiful in Maine.
I tried to take pictures of houses, but it's not easy in a moving bus. The architecture was distinct.
The dinner tonight was excellent as usual. The service in the dining room is fast and efficient. After dinner we went to see Reggie Rice a comedian/magician. Another entertaining show.
At 10:30 they had a new adult comedian, Gary Delena. At the same time they had stargazing as there could have been a meteor shower. I've checked aurora every night and so far no sign of any northern lights. We decided to see the comedian. He didn't disappoint and was very good.
