Cruise to Vancouver

All good things must come to an end; you just have to hope that what's next on the list is just as good or better. I think I mentioned in my last blog that the Captain was going full blast to try and get ahead of a storm. He did that successfully (according to him), but for us, the seas were still rough. John and I had a massage, and since the spa is at the front of the ship, it sounded like the winds were 100 km an hour.

We were very fortunate to sail through the Inside Passage during the day, but sadly, the weather was misty and rainy—so not much to see except seals, whales, and dolphins. It’s a hard life!!!"

The day was pretty leisurely with the clocks going forward, it was a slow start and a very long breakfast.  The usual super delicious crispy bacon for me.  Smiling greeting from Manuel, a good cup of Earl Grey tea - and breaking bread with the family, it just doesn't get much better than this.  The outer decks are closed because of the strong winds, so what to do?  Morning Trivia - lunch - Bingo - Rock Trivia - massage - dinner - packing - show.  It is a tough life.  Thanks for sharing our cruise with us.  

The disembarkation process was very slick and it was amazing watching the quick turnaround of the ship.  Because we had had the outbreak of sickness - the ship had to be deep cleaned, so it's next departure has been delayed.

My cruising summary

• the onboarding process - hectic and overwhelming

• the room/suite we had was better than we imagined, very roomy, lots of storage, and more than we could have wished for.

• the entertainment was mediocre - the good bits were brilliant and there were some mediocre acts.

• the breakfast and lunch facilities - brilliant, a very good variety, we always got a round table to fit 7 - the service could not be faulted

• the dinner facilities, with Manuel and Naufel looking after us and loving Mum - they also called her "mum".  It made dining very special.  If you  couldn't choose between two starters or main courses, no problem they brought you both.  Could not be faulted.

• The way they contained and handled the food poisoning or sickness outbreak was faultless.

• We were expecting rain, it rains a lot in Alaska - to get our 5 sunny or dry days on our 5 stops is unheard of.  Even today, it is sunny in Vancouver and we have heard visitors say that they haven't been able to get out for 2 days.  Very very lucky.

• The dynamics of the group worked really well, a special treat for me, a lovely 60th birthday present, thanks to all her made it possible.

We managed to get an early check in for our Apartment in Vancouver, so we all go there and put on a few loads of washing and then go back to Canada Place - which is where we disembarked the ship.  We are here to experience the Canada flyover Ride.  Poor Mum, even though we got an Uber there, it is still a very very long walk to the lifts, the places are so huge - she was hoping and praying for her Nicky Lauda days back!!!  But the ride was worth it, you got into these seats (a bit like those at a Theme Park), you strap yourself in.  The barrier in front lowers and the place goes pitch black and the seat starts moving and then you are off.    The seats rock from side to side, up and down but the picture on the screen is moving which gives you the sensation of being in the place they are showing on the screen.  To make it even more realistic, they have cold mist when you go through the clouds, grass smells for the fields, warm air for the city and cold air for the snow.  It was fantastic.  I didn't take any pictures, but I found a vlog below - fast forward to 2:31 marker and you will see something similar to what we did.  Poor Suzie did not enjoy it and had her eyes closed for most of the time.

Then we walk to the Steam Clock in Gas Town, it's one of the only functioning steam-powered clocks in the world! Built in 1977, it operates using steam from the city's underground heating system. The steam powers a series of whistles inside the clock, which blow every 15 minutes to play a little tune, and it chimes on the hour too! The steam also drives a piston, which helps wind the clock’s weights, keeping the hands ticking. It’s a fascinating mix of old-school mechanics and a bit of local charm. A great spot for photos and to soak in the unique history of the area!  The street is lined with hanging flower baskets like they have in Victoria.

Then we have about a 700m back to the apartment, which doesn't seem long but for an 83 year old body it is miles and miles!  Mum did it, she needed to stop along the way, but as we walked down this one street there were so many very strange looking people, they looked a combination of drunk, high and very crooked.  Not sure what the issue was but no-one seemed straight, some are hunched over, some have back aches and are walking with walkers, some spines are S shaped, it is horrible to see.  It was so sad, but the reason for telling you this is that unless mum wanted to sit amongst them - she couldn't rest.  We didn't want to hang around there either.  Jen started retching as one person walked past, they smelled so bad.  Mum did so well, like a little Duracell!  I am not sure why they are on that street.  I saw two people heating up their heroine (I think it was that) and inhaling it through a glass pipe - like in the movies.  So sad and extremely disappointing.  Back home, more washing and tonight we will go out to celebrate Jen and Neil's 35th Wedding Anniversary.