Exploring Sydney, Nova Scotia | Majestic Princess Cruise Vlog 🚢🎻 #CapeBreton #CruiseAdventure
We arrived in Sydney, Nova Scotia, early in the morning, bundled up against the chilly breeze. From the deck, we watched the coastline come into view—a mix of farms, small buildings, and calm water dotted with birds and seals. The town looked peaceful and quiet, with a few landmarks standing out in the distance. We didn’t have any plans, just a sense of curiosity about where the day would take us.
After stepping off the ship, we wandered around the town, noticing little local touches like a giant fiddle, colorful umbrellas, and friendly shops. The weather stayed cool but pleasant, and it felt good to explore at our own pace. As evening came, we returned to the ship, ready to relax, enjoy the calm sea, and think about our next stop.
Key Takeaways
- We arrived in a quiet and scenic port town.
- We explored local landmarks and small shops on our own.
- We ended the day back on board, ready for the next leg of the trip.
Arriving in Sydney, Nova Scotia
Landscapes and Ocean Life
We reached Sydney early in the morning and spotted a few seals—or maybe sea lions—swimming near the ship. Birds circled above the calm water, and farms stretched out in the distance. The coastline looked rugged yet peaceful, with small coves and open fields. From the deck, we could see parts of Cape Breton Island appearing closer as we backed into the dock.
Noticed from the deck:
| Observation | Description |
|---|---|
| Wildlife | Seals or sea lions, seabirds |
| Scenery | Rolling farmland, rocky shoreline |
| Surroundings | Quiet and undeveloped areas near the port |
Stepping Off at the Dock
Docking felt smooth and quiet since most people still slept. The port looked small and industrial on one side but had a few buildings and shops nearby. We noticed a large sign pointing toward a store right at the dock—probably set up so visitors stop in before exploring town. We didn’t plan any excursions, just a slow walk toward a small church and park visible from the ship.
Things we planned to check out:
- A shop near the cruise terminal
- A small church on the hill
- A possible park or viewpoint with a tower
Temperature and Setting
The air felt cool and crisp, especially on the shaded side of the ship, but much warmer in the sun. The sky had a soft yellowish tint, giving the scene a quiet glow. It wasn’t windy, just cold enough to remind us we were far north. Watching workers repaint the ship’s railings added a calm rhythm to the morning while we got ready to head ashore.
Exploring the Town
Sights and Notable Spots
We stepped off the ship and spotted a few fun things right away—a giant fiddle standing tall near the dock and a huge chair close by. Both made for great photos. From the pier, we could see a church steeple, a small tower on a hill, and a few farms in the distance. Out on the water, we watched sea lions bobbing near the ship. The air felt crisp, but the sunshine made the chilly morning better.
| Spot | What We Saw |
|---|---|
| Dock Area | Giant fiddle, large chair, anchor |
| Waterfront | Sea lions, fishing boats |
| Uplands | Church, tower, open fields |
Shops and Places to Eat
Right by the port, a gift shop caught our eye—you can’t miss it since it’s right in front of where passengers walk off. Inside, we found handmade jewelry and local crafts, including a man making matching bracelets for a couple. A little farther in town, there was a place with colorful umbrellas and a sign for tacos and tequila, though it wasn’t open when we passed by.
Local Finds:
- Handmade bracelets
- Small craft booths
- Casual restaurants near the dock
Strolling Routes and Interesting Views
We didn’t plan a formal tour, but walking around turned into a nice little self-guided trip. We explored the harbor path, checked out public art near the cruise terminal, and stopped to enjoy the coastal cliffs as our ship prepared to leave port. From the deck later, we could see a lighthouse, a cemetery overlooking the sea, and clusters of old houses and churches resting on Cape Breton Island. It made a quiet yet memorable ending to our day in Sydney.
Life Aboard the Ship
Stairwell Artwork That Reacts
We spotted something new on this cruise—art that changes as we walk through the stairwell. The pictures light up and shift with movement, which makes climbing the stairs a little more fun. It’s a small detail, but it adds some charm to an everyday part of the ship.
Making Connections with Crew and Guests
We met crew members working on creative projects, like making matching bracelets for a couple. It was fun to watch and join in the conversation. Moments like that make life on board feel friendly and relaxed. Everyone—passengers and crew—seems open to chatting and sharing stories.
Keeping the Ship Looking Fresh
Early in the morning, we noticed workers sanding and revarnishing the balcony rails near our cabin. Others were painting sections of the ship’s exterior. Their work keeps everything looking clean and bright. We appreciate how much time they spend maintaining the ship so it stays in great shape for everyone onboard.
Distinctive Attractions in Sydney
Oversized Fiddle and Seat
Right near the dock, we spotted a massive fiddle and an equally large chair. Both make for fun photo stops and are hard to miss. We couldn’t help but laugh at how unexpected they looked against the waterfront.
| Attraction | Location | Fun Fact |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Fiddle | Cruise Port Area | One of the largest fiddles in the world |
| Big Chair | Near the Port Walkway | Popular for quick photos |
Creative Displays and Local Craftwork
We saw workers sanding and repainting railings, but what caught our attention more was the interactive stairway art nearby. It felt fresh and playful. Right off the ship, a local artist made matching bracelets for a couple—simple but charming craftsmanship that added a personal touch to the stop.
| Interactive | Handmade | Local Flair |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | Definitely |
Waterfront Exploration
We enjoyed just walking along the harbor, looking for seals or sea lions in the water. Some thought they saw a whale, though we weren’t sure. The port felt calm, with clear water and wide views of Cape Breton’s cliffs. It wasn’t crowded, which made exploring peaceful and easy.
- Sightings:Â Seals, seabirds, calm waves
- Best Time:Â Early morning for light and quiet surroundings
- Tip: Bring a jacket—it was chilly but worth it for the view
Leaving Sydney
Looking Back on Our Stop
We didn’t spend long in Sydney, but the day felt full. We walked through town, saw the giant fiddle, and checked out a few shops near the dock. The weather stayed cool but pleasant, and the small port had a quiet charm. We noticed a few spots that seemed interesting but didn’t explore far since we had no planned tours.
Quick notes from our short stay:
| Observation | Impression |
|---|---|
| Cruise port area | Easy to walk around but limited shops |
| Town atmosphere | Calm and laid-back |
| Landmarks | Giant fiddle, old churches, coastline views |
Views as We Pulled Away
As we slowly moved from the dock, the light across Cape Breton Island caught our attention. The cliffs looked golden in the evening sun, and a cemetery near the edge faced the sea. We could still see the lighthouse as it grew smaller in the distance. The air looked hazy, but it didn’t smell smoky, just soft and yellow in the fading daylight.
Heading Toward the Next Stop
Once the ship cleared the harbor, the bars reopened, and the deck came alive again. We started talking about which bars we hadn’t tried yet and planned to finish our onboard “pub crawl.” Tomorrow would be a sea day, a nice chance to relax, explore the ship, and enjoy our time before reaching Boston. It felt good to know this trip still had a little more left to savor.
Travel Tips and Recommendations
Early Morning Ship Exploration
We like to start our mornings with a quiet walk around the ship before most people wake up. It’s peaceful, and we get the best views of the water and ports as the sun rises. We often spot birds or seals, and sometimes we even catch the crew getting things ready for the day. Early walks also help us learn the layout of the ship and find new spots to enjoy later.
Tip: Bring a light jacket—mornings on deck can be chilly but refreshing.
Making the Most of Time in Port
When we dock, we don’t always plan excursions ahead of time. We enjoy exploring the port at our own pace, even if it’s just walking around nearby shops or small landmarks. Some ports don’t have much within walking distance, so having simple plans—like visiting a nearby park or church—keeps the day easy.
Here’s what helps us:
| Strategy | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Go early | Fewer crowds and cooler weather. |
| Stay flexible | Plans can change depending on what’s open. |
| Keep essentials handy | Wallet, phone, and a small bottle of water go a long way. |
Relaxing and Enjoying Ship Activities
We make time to enjoy the ship while most people go ashore. It’s nice having quiet lounges, open bars, and uncrowded decks almost to ourselves. We also check out any art displays, small shops, or special events happening onboard.
Our go-to choices:
- Try a new drink at a bar we haven’t visited yet.
- Sit outside and enjoy the warm side of the deck.
- Watch the crew at work—it’s fun seeing how much they do behind the scenes.
When the ship sails away in the evening, we grab a spot on deck to watch the coastline fade—always a calm way to end a full day.
