Liverpool, England – Beatles, Brews & Bold Street

Liverpool is one of those cities that hums with history, personality, and a good dose of rock ‘n’ roll charm. On Saturday May 3rd, 2025, I arrived aboard the Norwegian Pearl, docking at this iconic Merseyside port. While we had just one day in town, I made it my mission to see as much as I could on foot—soaking in both the classics and some lesser-known quirks that make Liverpool such a standout destination. 

 

There is quite a long and steep tunnel with a sharp incline as you come out of the cruise terminal, so be prepared for a bit of an uphill trek before you reach street level.  

Tunnel from port to street level

Tunnel from street level view

  

Once I exited the cruise terminal tunnel, I turned right and was immediately surrounded by some of Liverpool’s most impressive architecture. The Royal Liver Building, part of the city’s "Three Graces," stands tall and proud, its two Liver Birds watching over the Mersey River. These mythical creatures are symbols of the city: legend has it, if they ever fly away, Liverpool will cease to exist.

The Liver Building

The Liver Building, The Cunard Building and the Port of Liverpool Building

Closeup: Liver Bird atop the Liver Building

 

Just ahead, I reached the Beatles Statue—a life-sized bronze of John, Paul, George, and Ringo walking along the waterfront, looking cool as ever. This is one of the most photographed spots in town and a must-see for any Beatles fan (and who isn’t?).

Continuing along the dockside, I came to the Royal Albert Dock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that blends industrial history with modern flair. Originally built in the 1800s, the dock is now a lively cultural hub. Amid the boutiques and museums, I found a unique treasure—the tugboat Brocklebank. Admission was free, and it gave me a brief but fascinating look into Liverpool’s shipping past. The volunteers aboard were full of maritime stories and enthusiasm.

 

Captain Marri

As I followed the path toward the waterfront attractions, I passed a cheerful carousel and a towering ferris wheel that offered panoramic views of the city. While I didn’t take a spin, it made for great photos.

 

 

Feeling ready for a break, I ducked into The PumpHouse, a waterside pub housed in a converted Victorian pumping station. With exposed brick, original ironwork, and a riverside patio, it was the perfect spot for a local pint. Sitting with my beer in hand, watching families and tourists wander past, I felt completely immersed in the spirit of Liverpool—warm, welcoming, and just a little eccentric.

Entrance to the PumpHouse

Inside the PumpHouse

 

In the early afternoon, I set off toward Chinatown, one of the oldest in Europe. Along the way, I passed the curious red and white upside-down house, an Instagram favorite that appears to be standing on its roof. Not far beyond was the Liverpool sign, a bright, block-letter sculpture perfect for photos—especially with the charming lamb statue lounging in front.

 

 

Another highlight was the astro turf stairway, an unexpected splash of green in the middle of the city. It was just one of many examples of Liverpool’s knack for blending the playful with the historic.

 

I soon found myself in front of Pogue Mahone, an Irish pub that’s been serving drinks since 1791—a time when George Washington was still president across the pond. 

 

 

One of the most unforgettable (and loudest) moments of the day took place at Ranelaghs Tavern, a historic and boisterous Irish pub in the heart of Liverpool. Inside, the pub was a full-blown circus—and I say that with admiration. I ordered a Birra Moretti, an Italian lager, and wedged myself into a corner seat where I had front-row tickets to the madness. Karaoke was in full meltdown mode (picture off-key renditions of Sweet Caroline), while a bachelorette party in matching sashes tried to out-cheer a nearby birthday group celebrating someone’s “Fabulous 50.” At the same time, ComicCon had clearly spilled into the bar—Captain America was chatting up a Jedi, a zombie ordered nachos, and I’m pretty sure I saw Pikachu doing the Macarena. The noise level was somewhere between “jet engine” and “music festival,” but the energy was infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile.

 

 

I wrapped up my Liverpool visit with a pilgrimage to Mathew Street, where Beatlemania lives on. Statues of the Fab Four are scattered throughout the area, and the music of the 1960s echoes from shops and pubs. I passed by the Beatles Museum, which had a line out the door, and took a peek at the Cavern Club, where the band got their start. The street is compact but brimming with nostalgia—it’s like stepping into a time capsule. 

 

 

Before heading back to the ship, I made a quick stop at a local market for snacks and small souvenirs. With tired feet and a happy heart, I returned to the Norwegian Pearl by 4:15 PM, just in time to relax and reflect on the day. 

 

Liverpool turned out to be more than just a Beatles city—it’s a place of living history, spontaneous creativity, and strong local pride. The walkable layout made it easy to pack in a full itinerary without the need for public transport, and the locals were some of the friendliest I’ve met in the UK. Whether you're here for the music, the maritime stories, or the local pints, Liverpool delivers.

 

Some of my favorite street photos

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#River Cruise 2025#Norwegian Pearl#Beatles#Royal Liver Building 

 

Halifax/Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Nestled at 1675 Lower Water Street is the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic.

Entrance to Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

The museum sits right on Halifax’s vibrant Waterfront Boardwalk, one of the city’s biggest attractions.

The Norwegian Pearl docked at pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada on Saturday April 26, 2025.   

 

The museum was very easy to find from the pier—just follow the salty breeze and the steady rhythm of waves along the harbor.

The Waterfront Boardwalk itself is a destination: a scenic 2.5-mile stretch hugging the Halifax Harbour, bustling with public art, food vendors, shops, and patio restaurants. As you walk toward the museum, it’s hard not to stop and admire the tall ships and quirky sculptures along the way.  

 

HALIFAX BOARDWALK 

Length of trail: 2.5 miles
Time to complete:  40–50 minutes, one-way 
Trailhead location: multiple access points anywhere along the waterfront on Upper and Lower Water Streets.  Boardwalks run from Pier 21 (Marginal Road/Terminal Road access) to Casino Nova Scotia (Upper Water Street).
Linear or loop trail: linear
Surface: wooden boardwalk, partially paved

 

The museum is Canada’s oldest and largest maritime museum, boasting over 30,000 artifacts and some 70 small boats—and of course, the impressive CSS Acadia, a steam-powered ship launched in 1913 that survived two world wars and the Halifax Explosion 

 

Along the way make a photo stop at the “Wave”, an iconic blue wave sculpture, designed by artist Donna Hiebert is one of the most photographed attractions on the Halifax waterfront. Nearby is a fun two-dimensional octopus wall and interactive submarine playground featuring a sea-themed slide, periscope, and portholes or grab a coffee from a seaside café.

 

EXHIBITS IN THE MARITIME MUSEUM

Titanic: The Unsinkable Ship and Halifax – Halifax’s recovery efforts after Titanic’s sinking are powerfully represented. You’ll see genuine wooden artifacts, including an original deck chair and the child’s shoes that helped identify Titanic’s “Unknown 

Halifax Explosion (1917) – A gripping gallery of artifacts—munitions fragments, ship parts (including a gun from SS Mont‑Blanc)—with personal stories and historical context.

Shipwreck Treasures of Nova Scotia – Displays of centuries-old wreckage from vessels like the 1725 Chameau and others off Nova Scotia’s coast.

Days of Sail & Age of Steam – Showcases include intricate ship models, nautical tools, and the Robertson Store (an 1880s chandlery) complete with hands-on rope-and-foghorn stations.

Canadian Navy & Convoys – Featuring WWII convoy histories, naval models, and the Merchant Navy’s Book of Remembrance, plus an outdoor playground shaped like a submarine.

Inside Museum

Goose Boat inside Museum

  

THE CSS ACADIA

Step aboard this enduring vessel—it’s the only one still afloat that survived both the Halifax Explosion and two world wars.  Docked just behind the museum and open from May to October, it’s a chance to walk decks steeped in maritime history.

CSS Acadia

PLAN YOUR VISIT

• Hours: Generally 9:30 am–4:30 pm daily; late Tuesday evenings to 8 pm 
• Admission: Modest fee, with seasonal discounts—also included in Halifax Experience Pass packages
  
• Getting there: A breezy 3‑minute stroll from the Halifax Ferry Terminal or 27-30 minute walk from Pier 21 along the Boardwalk.

 

INSIDER TIPS

• Plan about 2–3 hours to wander galleries, climb aboard Acadia, and linger over your favorite stories.
• Visit on a Tuesday evening for a quieter experience on gallery floors.
• After touring, enjoy food or a drink along the vibrant waterfront—just a stroll away.

  

In short: The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic is more than a collection of nautical relics—it’s a captivating journey through tragedy, triumph, and the enduring connection between Nova Scotia and the sea. A must-see stop on any Halifax itinerary. 

 

 

 

#River Cruise 2025#Halifax#Maritime Museum#Pier 21#CSS Acadia#Titanic#Halifax Explosion#Waterfront Boardwalk#Norwegian Pearl

 

 

MY NEW YORK EXPERIENCE

After a long travel day from Medford, Oregon, I touched down at New York's LaGuardia Airport in the evening aboard a United Airlines flight.  I selected LaGuardia Airport because the distance to the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on 12th Avenue was listed as just 8.1 miles--compared to 17.4 miles from JFK and 15.6 miles from Newark Airport.   

For this one-night layover, I had pre-booked a stay at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Woodside LaGuardia Airport, using one of my IHG reward nights. This particular property offers a complimentary breakfast and free airport shuttle service, making it a convenient choice for overnight flyers.

 

Once I collected my baggage, I phoned the front desk at 718-898-9868 and received clear instructions on where to meet the shuttle. By 6:00 PM, I was checked in and headed to my room to drop off my luggage before venturing out for dinner.

 

At 6:45 PM, I walked just two blocks to Woodside Pizza, a highly rated local favorite that also offers delivery. Right next door was Charlie’s Bar, a neighborhood hangout originally called Roddy’s Bar until its renaming in 1972. Charlie’s is as local as it gets, with a laid-back vibe and friendly faces. I ordered a Yuengling draft for just $6. 

 

Then it was next door to Woodside Pizza for dinner. I opted for their large Penne Vodka Pasta Pizza—a rich and flavorful choice I highly recommend. With two additional drafts, the total came to $27.19 before tip. The New York taxes added a bit more than expected, but the quality made it worthwhile. 

 

The walk back to the hotel felt safe and easy. The area was well-lit and active, and I appreciated the neighborhood feel of Woodside.

 

The next morning, I was down at breakfast by 7:30 AM. While enjoying the meal, I met Tom and Sheri from Tahoe, who, coincidentally, were also heading to board the Norwegian Pearl cruise that day. We decided to share an Uber, which picked us up at 9:45 AM in front of the hotel. Although it wasn’t far distance-wise, traffic was classic New York—absolutely terrible. We finally pulled up to the cruise terminal at 10:35 AM--a full hour to go just 8 miles.  Total cost of the Uber ride for four: $84. On the positive side, the slow crawl through the city streets afforded a fantastic impromptu tour of Manhattan, with views of iconic landmarks and bustling neighborhoods that made the delay feel a little more worthwhile.

 

By 10:38 AM I was in the cruise check-in line, and by 11:47 AM I had cleared security, received my key card, and settled into my cabin. With several hours to spare before a 6:00 PM sail away, I took a short 10-minute stroll to one of my favorite Manhattan institutions—The Landmark Tavern at 626 11th Avenue.

Founded in 1868 by Patrick Henry Carley, this historic tavern once sat on the edge of the Hudson River before 12th Avenue was even built. Its second and third floors served as the Carley family’s residence until Prohibition forced a speakeasy operation upstairs. Today, it's one of the oldest continuously running establishments in New York and has retained its original charm. I was lucky enough to chat with the current owner, who’s held the reins for the past 20 years, and even meet a few of the locals who consider it their second home.

Another 10-minute walk brought me back to the cruise terminal, and just like that—I was onboard and ready to set sail.

 

 

 

 

 

#Landmark Tavern#Charlie's Sports Bar#Holiday Inn Express#LaGuardia#Woodside Pizza#Norwegian Pearl#Manhattan Cruise Terminal#River Cruise 2025