Well, here we are, back in Vancouver, and ready to begin another seven day journey to Alaska. We woke up way too early to be ready for breakfast, which began at 6:30am. There were more guests than we expected already in the Pinnacle Grill. Last night, we had decided we would go off of the ship in Vancouver, mostly because it was going to be a nice day….overcast, but not chilly. The prediction at noon was 71 degrees. Perhaps the next time we arrive here, it may be raining.
The ship was docked at Canada Place, with the Grand Princess already sharing the opposite pier. Together with us, there would be quite a few folks going through customs and immigrations today. If we had chosen to stay onboard, we would have been required to meet with the other intransit guests to go off as a group at 9:45am to be cleared. That process could take up to an hour, but we do know that sometimes, it takes over two hours. Once the zero count was achieved, then the guests were free to go back onboard, but not allowed to leave after that.
So when the final color was called for the luggage tags, we went off carrying our passports, room keycard, a photo ID, and Covid cards, although we were never asked to show them. It was also mentioned that we may need the ARRIVECAN paper with the QR code and number. Once again, no one asked to see it. We believe that info is already on our chipped passports. As we walked out of the garage area, we did see a few buses bringing the new guests for both ships to board at 9:30am. Not sure if they were made to wait.
Making our way to the Burrand Inlet, we passed the convention center, the sea plane terminals, Coal Harbour and Quay, the Westin Hotel, and the marina. From there we made our way to Stanley Park, and the horse-drawn carriage ride. Charges for a one hour tour for seniors was $46 CAN or about $35 USD. The aluminum frame carriage was already full of tourists. The horses were magnificent. Some of them are imported from England, and could be either Grey Shire, Clydesdales, Belgiums, or Percherons. Quite large animals, they pulled the coach with ease as they set off for a slow scenic trek in Stanley Park.
Speaking of Stanley Park, it is 1000 acres of hemlocks, western cedars, deodora cedars, totem poles, and an Aquarium. From the looks of the grassy areas, it is apparent that they are in a drought, as the lawns were dry and brown. We have never seen that before, but it sure reminds us of home in California……very dry.
We walked back slowly, taking advantage of the convenient benches along the way. By now, the wide walking path was full of hikers, bikers, and folks with dogs. We noticed how clean the area was of dog droppings, and we found out why. A sign was posted saying there was up to a $2000 fine for not picking up after your dog. Obviously, it is working.
Reaching the Pan Pacific Hotel near 1pm, we continued up to the beginning of Gastown and a restaurant we really like. We had worked up a good appetite, and were pleased to see that the Steamworks Brewing Co. still sold pizza. We ordered two "sleeves" of Heroica Red draft beer on the recommendation of our waiter. We learned that a sleeve is comparable to a pint. The Hawaiian pizza sounded perfect, as did the apple galette for dessert. We shared both. Great lunch. Upon leaving the pub, we walked down the street to take a picture of the Gastown Steam Clock, a relic from the turn of the century. The white-globed lamp post with hanging flower baskets were really pretty. The shops around here sell maple syrup, candy, and Canadian souvenirs. It was also very crowded, so we left our masks on. Very few people, including the locals, wore masks.
The time had come to head back to the ship as it was near 2pm. Henk had suggested to wait until 2pm to avoid the crowd going through customs. And it worked. We showed our in transit cards, then we were directed to the check-in area. The line to the right had at least two hundred new guests checking in, while we went to the left to do the passport scan. Once scanned and accepted, we answered a few typical customs questions, had our photo taken, and were free to go. Each of us got a slip that we handed over to the officials. From there we found our exit door, and walked the gangway to board the ship. We already had our room keys, and the security folks welcomed us back. But not until I had my knee double-checked by one officer. Scanned with the wand and patted down, I was free to board.
Now that we were beginning a new cruise, we expected to find the same amenities we had a week ago. Missing was the sparkling wine on ice, and also two credits of Captain's gifts on our shipboard account. One of us made a trip to the front desk to straighten this out. Of course there was a very long line of folks with questions, but the Club Orange line only had one guest. Since we are welcomed to use that line, I did not have a long wait. Once again, I probably got a few dirty looks. The young fellow at the front desk had to go to Michelle, the guest relations manager, to advise him of the slow process to post amenities. It should hit the account tonight. The sparkling wine never arrived, but, another gal from the beverage department offered to exchange the wine for Coke. We said fine, and got a case delivered to our room. We will not run out anytime too soon now.
On the way back, I stopped at the Pinnacle Grill to make some more reservations for the week…..three in the Pinnacle Grill and one in Canaletto. We could book Sel de Mer, a pop-up option here, but the cuisine is not our favorite.
We missed the exclusive reception for the Mariner guests, but we did not miss too much. Remember, last time the Crow's Nest was full of folks reclining in the chairs, half asleep. If we knew some of the guests, that might be different.
Our first dinner of this trip was in the Pinnacle at 8pm. It was not crowded and the service was perfect. For a change, we both ordered a cocktail, and enjoyed it. Since we had taken such a long hike today, we figured we earned it. Then we ordered one halibut and one pork chop….both were very good and hot as well. Sharing an order of French fries, we left a bit of room for ice cream and berries. Bet we sleep good tonight. Tomorrow will be a lazy day at sea.
Bill & Mary Ann
