Our hotel in Vancouver was great. Just 2 blocks from the waterfront which meant we could walk our bags down this morning to check in on the ship.

I also loved the hotel room. Or suite. It had a sitting room. Was super quiet. Comfortable bed, good bathroom, temperature just right and room for stretches in the morning!

Arriving at the cruise terminal at Canada Place was straightforward. Lots of staff were lined up along the walkways offering smiles and help. First up luggage drop. Then to check in and onto immigration. No problem – well for a heart stopping moment I was taken from the counter into a room. I thought ‘oh no’ is something wrong with my esta form ? We sat down and waited and the officer click – clacked on the keyboard then announced all ready to go. Meanwhile they didn’t finger print Steve?

We were on board having coffee at 12 after arriving at 11. I had fun covertly looking at our fellow travellers. I wonder we will pal up with? Lots were travelling with friends , we didn’t spy any children and the age group is varied.

Lunch was from the Lido restaurant where it’s a kind of buffet but all screened off so no one touches food or utensils. It’s all plated and served. A good idea after Covid! We took it out to the pool deck.

I had a good Cobb salad – no alcohol just yet! Others were getting stuck into it. We have the ‘have it all ‘ package’ which includes 15 drinks a day. I’m sure that won’t get used!!!! I’ll report back later!!!

Our cabin or stateroom is a good size. Lots of storage and a good sized balcony. We’ll be very happy here for a week.

I had to explore, so off we went. First to the muster station which is mandatory. They check up. The announcement was made….. “You must do it! If you haven’t ………you know who you are and we know who you are. We’ll have to call your name out!” 🤪

Our own personal tour of the ship followed our check in. The fitness centre is good. The restaurants look good. It’s a much smaller and less showy ship to the previous cruise we did back about 7 years ago in the Princess Royal. Which despite its size I just loved. Perhaps being with Steve’s sister and the family made it special. This could be quiet by comparison.

I took a book from the library, was offered a medi spa treatment that would have me looking 50!!! As if! Looked at the pool and hydro pool but not sure I’ll want to plunge. Checked out the bars, the casino – not for us, the art room and the deck for walking.

All unpacked now , we are heading to deck 9 for the sail away at 4pm. I’ll report back in …….

Later……..We ordered a drink from the bar and ended up sharing a table and lots of chat with Seth and Donna from California. A lovely fun couple on their honeymoon! Donna’s husband died a few years ago and she met Seth who had been an old school friend of her husbands. So romantic. They both worked at Disneyland- at different times. Donna was in costume for quite awhile! It was great chatting to them we’ll catch up later.

After freshening up which meant off with the fleece and on with the scarf and we were ready for a drink in the piano bar.

Our dinner in the special Pinnacle restaurant wasn’t until 8. So late for us. it’s an extra charge – but we hit it as part of our ’package’.

Our waiter was lovely if a little hard to understand. An accent that was hard to work out. Unfortunately, the cast for food was ridiculous. We were still waiting for mains an hour later and were on our own in one section of the restaurant. when it came Steve’s rib eye was so rare it was mooing!

The manager realising a problem came over to apologise and has arranged champagne for us at the main restaurant tomorrow.

It was late but I needed a walk so was heading for the deck when we head music from the Rolling Stones bar. In we went and I danced. I clicked up another 1,000 steps!

Now to bed.

After a little mischief on the way to the cabin.