Most of the time, cruise ships offer the same set of shore excursions every time they are in a particular port. However, occasionally, an excursion is offered because there is a unique event happening in the city during the time that the ship is in that port of call. Such was the case with the excursion to the Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo offered to passengers on Queen Mary 2 during a port call in Halifax, Nova Scotia in July 2023.
A tattoo such as the one in Halifax has nothing to do with people who have had decoration etched onto their skin. Rather, the term is said to originate from a military tradition where a drummer would walk the streets of a city in the evening tapping out a melody that was a signal for local bar owners to turn off their taps so that soldiers would return to their barracks. This practice evolved into evening performances of military music. Today's tattoos retain a military feel but often also include civilian performers as well as theatrical staging and lighting. The most famous tattoo today is the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a Scottish tradition. However, there are tattoos held in many other places around the globe. It is not surprising that one would be held in Halifax inasmuch as Nova Scotia translates into “New Scotland”. Whereas the Edinburgh tattoo is held in the parade grounds in front of Edinburgh Castle, the Halifax tattoo is held in the Scotiabank Centre, the city's hockey arena. While you do not have the majesty of the castle in the background, the Halifax tattoo has the benefit of being indoors. This fact was much appreciated by the audience as there was a downpour of rain outside during the performance we attended. Also, the Halifax facility has a large video screen, which was used to good effect in announcing the various performers and in showing videos that enhanced the live performances. The Royal Nova Scotia Tattoo was founded in 1979 and has become a popular fixture on the Halifax calendar. Each year, there is about a week of performances. In 2023, it ran from June 30 to July 3. Given Nova Scotia's Scottish heritage, it was to be expected that there would be a massed band of bagpipers as well as a large contingent of highland dancers. In addition, recalling that people lived in Nova Scotia before the Scottish emigrants, the show began with a performance of indigenous music and dancing. The Canadian military was represented by several bands. However, true to its name, this was an international show with bands from Germany, South Korea, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. In addition, the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard put on an astounding display of precision drill and marching. But the show also included civilan performances. There was a tribute to Candadian singer/songwriter Gordon Lightfoot. Serpentine Studios Entertainment presented a segment that included Las Vegas-style dancers and fire-eaters. Assisting the main performances that were taking place on the arena floor was a large chorus and orchestra on a stage that had been constructed at one end of the arena under the large video screen. All of this was nicely lit with theatrical lighting. About 20 passengers from the ship had paid an additional amount to go back stage after the performance. We were amalgamated with a another group not associated with the ship for this tour. One of the tattoo volunteers read from a script as she took us around the temporary dressing room area that had been constructed off stage on the floor level of the arena. Most of the performers had already departed so there was no interaction with them. However, we did get to witness from afar a private display that the U.S. Air Force Honor Guard performed for the Republic of Korea Navy Band. The Koreans reciprocated with a performance of traditional Korean music and dance. Overall, the Tattoo was an enjoyable performance. In addition, this excursion provided a glimpse of contemporary Canadian culture. Although the show was similar to the Edinbugh Tattoo and to shows performed in the United States, this show was primarily designed for Canadians and had elements that were distinctly Canadian. |
Above: The United States Air Force Honor Guard.
Below: Performers from Serpentine Studios dazzle the audience. Above: A lone piper ends the show.
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Cruise destination - Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo Review