Living History Inspires Cruising

What kinds of sights most appeal to you when taking a cruise?  


“We are the land of liberty but only in theory. It’s time to walk the talk and embody the glory.” (Abhijit Naska)

I am very excited about our upcoming cruise that follows the eastern seaboard from Fort Lauderdale up into Quebec, Canada through the St Lawrence Seaway. This will be our eighth cruise on “Princess” for good reason as we like the wide array of destinations they offer at an affordable price when we desire to travel. But this particular cruise itinerary over fourteen days length interests me for a special reason. For I’ve been granted a rare opportunity on this adventure to explore historic landmarks at seven scheduled destinations that seem relevant to important trends happening in the American news now.     

Of particular interest, I’m curious to notice the degree to which Thomas Jefferson’s time honored quote from the Declaration of Independence concerning  “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness” remains alive and well during those excursions off the boat  that we choose. You can preview a brief description of each of these stopovers followed by one accompanying photo in the paragraphs below.

NEW YORK CITY

Glancing seaward beyond Battery Park in Lower Manhattan, I yearn to feel the excitement that new immigrants experienced in obtaining long sought freedoms in America as they arrived at Ellis Island in the early 20th century. Next  boarding a  “Hop On Hop Off” bus, they’ll be plenty more American patriotism to capture my interest with such iconic historic route stops at the 9/11 Memorial Plaza, Old Federal Hall, Fraunces Tavern, and The New York Stock Exchange. 

QUEBEC CITY        

In Old Quebec City, there’s an opportunity for me to time travel so to speak back to French and Indian War times in 1759 and imagine the great courage undertaken by British troops to climb up steep walls along the St. Lawrence River to reach the Plains of Abraham at that famous battlefield. Might I furthermore observe on this visit that this pivotal battle of heroic foreign conquest logically contributed to the American will decades later to fight for their independence from English “mother nation” rule during the Revolutionary War. One might consider as well that both of these wars fought in colonial times foretold the divisive manner in which MAGA Republican extremists are threatening our Constitution today.

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA 

During our Charleston, South Carolina  cruise free day, I foresee taking a slow amble on historic King Street or Meeting Street. Along the way we’ll view artifacts and documents displayed in  national historic monuments like the Nathaniel Russell House, and Charleston Museum. How reassuring I would feel as  a principle minded voter to notice strong evidence of our country’s Democracy principles in full display at one of America’s largest yet firmly Southern minded cities.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS 

I possess a similar desire to explore on foot this historically rich city. So I will prioritize taking notice of how the rebellious  political spirit of America’s “Founding Fathers” in Boston provides worthwhile political guidance today as I observe sixteen designated historic sites along the downtown “Freedom Trail” including the so called Boston Common. 

NORFOLK, VIRGINIA 

The long-existing military significance of Norfolk, Virginia stands out as America’s  largest naval base current operation. For a variety of destroyers, cruisers, submarines and  aircraft craft carriers stay ready for combat use in the area. Boat tours offered adjacent to the cruise terminal will thus enable me to assess my understanding of such strategic weaponry that vitally protects our country from  foreign attack. 

SAGUENAY, QUEBEC 

An exciting opportunity to observe North America’s historic past from a French Canadian perspective awaits as I tour the Saguenay fiords. Of course there will be gorgeous lake views along the way, but I will be also interested to examine the current cultural imprint in small villages we visit. For with potentially authoritative statements from our ex- President so prominent in the news today, it would be refreshing to find that common working people observed on our tour continue to freely pursue their traditional livelihoods north of American borders without government interference in wool processing, stained glassblowing and fresh market preparation of French cuisine

SYDNEY ( CAPE BRETON ISLAND)

A pivotal event in Canadian history happened when British forces captured the  French occupied fort of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island in 1758 during the French and Indian War. Subsequently, a significant number of English loyalists would migrate to this part of Nova Scotia, Canada in opposition to the independence ideals of  the American Revolution. So from such a free will perspective, I wish to observe how successfully the English monarchy system maintains citizen allegiance to the crown as our “Best of Cape Breton” tour takes us to a picturesque harbor, rooftop garden, and a wealthy residential estate. Significantly as well, could America similarly satisfy this “consent of the people” principle if the election of 2024 elects such a  “King” to rule with unlimited term power. 

Sources Used:

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonial_history_of_the_United_States

https://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/era.cfm?eraID=2&smtid=1

https://www.apsva.us/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Grade-6-Unit-II-Document-D.pdf