Alaskan summer solstice 6/21-6/28

[ratt1345]

Let me first start off by saying that I am typing this during my lunch hour at work!!! When DW an I got home, I found out that my computer quit working, well the video card to be more exact. So until i get the computer back, I can't post any pix. I will give an account of what we did in Vancouver first then the cruise itself.

Cast of Characters:
Me---Charlie (44)
DW---April (46)

Day 1
We left Orlando at 7:14AM. A little too early for me, but that's when we left. Our connecting flight was in Salt Lake City, UT. According to our paperwork, we were going to only have about 45 minutes to make the connection. Fortunately, there was a delay of about 25 minutes. Something to do with the crew. Arrived in Vancouver around 1:20PM local time. It was cloudy and overcast, but no rain. That is a theme of the whole trip except for most of one day!!! Made our way through customs and out of the airport to the line for the taxis. We decided on a taxi just to make it a little easier on us and both of us liked the privacy of having a taxi to ourselves. We made it to our hotel (Hotel LeSoleil) in 25 or 30 minutes. The cost of the ride was $37, which DW paid with a credit card. Not sure if that was in Canadian or US, probably Canadian. We checked into and went up to our room on the 9th floor. After a brief rest, we made our way out into the city. We asked the concierge where to find a good restaurant. He directed us in two directions, on of which was an area called Gastown. That is where we at on three different times. We picked up lunch and took it back to the room and had a nap. More to come about day 1 later.

 

[ratt1345]

Day 1 finished with a relaxing dinner. Sorry can't remember too much else about day 1!!!!

Day 2 in Vancouver
This is when we started our exploration of the city. We started off with a breakfast at a rarely seen place...Starbucks. We walked over to Canada Place. In front of it, by the street, is where they get you to ride the city tour buses, trolleys and such. Some go to Grouse Mountain while others just go around the city. We opted for a trolley. The seller told us about a two pass, so we took him up on it. The trolley company that operates this particular one has two lines. A red line with its highlight being Stanley Park. The blue with its highlight being the Chinese Gardens. DW and I did the red line this day. With it being cool that day and overcast, we were glad to be in an inside type trolley. There were some that were open-air. Oh no not for this Florida boy!!! You can get on and off as many times as you like. One of the stops that the trolley makes is at the Aquarium. Awesome place. I highly recommend it. While we were there, we had lunch. Nothing special, just something to keep us until dinner. We walked over to the totem poles, about a 15 minute walk (maybe longer, I am bad at remembering how long something took). From there we continued on the loop the trolley makes until we got back to Canada Place. I think this evening we ate dinner in Gastown at a place called Old Spagehtti Factory. Excellent food.
Day 3 coming soon...

 

[ratt1345]

We took the other line today because we wanted to go to the Gardens. The Gardens was one of the last stops if I remember correctly. They give you a short introduction to the Gardens in this covered room. Then they take around the Gardens to tell you the history and the meaning of the structures, plants, trees, rocks, etc. The total tour of the Gardens only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Then you are free to roam around by yourself. We walked by some cherry blossoms which smelled so sweet. Can't remember about where we ate for lunch and dinner. There's that memory of mine!!! This was the day when we had some sunshine!!!!! Oh thank you!!!! This evening we got all our stuff together for getting on the Wonder. Oh now this will feel like we are back in Florida!!!

 

[ratt1345]

Now here's where I do this from my notes!!!!

The taxi dropped us off at the port. That was very easy since we only had to go about 5 or so blocks. The cost was around $5. After the porter got our luggage, we went to wait in what looked like a long line to have our passports checked. Actually, once they started, the line moved very quickly. We then went through security and then we were given a health form. Not sure why they don't hand out pens with the forms because most people don't bring that with them. That's ok, they had a few tables with pens on them. I think the form had 3 or 4 items on it so it didn't take very long to fill out. Now it was on to check-in. There must have been about 28 booths. A cast member is there to direct you to the next available line. While doing the check-in, you are given a lanyard and of course your KTTW card. That will be your life line for the next week!!! Now remember that somewhere along the line they give you a boarding number, our's was 6. After you check-in, you sit down where the folding chairs are located and wait for them to call your boarding number. It is very difficult to hear them calling the numbers over the intercom system. My suggestion is to find where they are boarding and stand or sit over there once it is around 11:30am. For those who don't know the drill of getting on and eating the buffet...you get your name called and they clap for you. Then you either head to Beach Blanket Buffet on deck 9 or stay on deck 3 and go to Parrot Cay. I always go to Parrot Cay, just a habit. We actually boarded around 11:45am. Surprised. If you board about the same time as we did, you will have to wait for your stateroom to be ready. Although the Navigator states the rooms are ready at 2:00pm, we got into our room at 1:45pm. Same emergency drill at 4:00pm, with one exception. You don't have to wear your lifevest!!!!!! That is very different for me. I am so use to everyone looking strange and uncomfortable. DW and I were suppose to go to the DISers meet on deck 9 around 3:00pm, but we were busy washing clothes that we wore in Vancouver. Around 6:30pm, we went to Treasure Ketch and Mickey Mates, the two main shops on board. There was plenty of Alaska merchandise of what they had. I figured there would be more, but hey take what you get. We got second seating and the rotation was PTA. So we ate at Parrot Cay the first night. Loved it because the next night would formal night and at Tritons.
Day 2 on the Wonder coming soon....

 

[ilovepumba]

We missed you at our meet and greet Charlie! But totally get doing the laundry thing! So glad you are writing a trip report and looking forward to reading more! Cruising to Alaska was just amazing! Joanne

 

[KathyM2]

Can't wait to hear more! We are going in August!

 

[DCL Addict]

Silly question, is anyone going swimming in the pools? Should we even pack our swim suits?

 

[GW45]

Great to read your report so far. We arrived in Vancouver last night and stayed at the airport Holiday Inn ( was surprisingly very nice) and have now moved to the Cascadia Suites downtown. Resting today but plan on doing a few trolley tours over the next few days so found your TR interesting to read.
Am excited to get back on the Wonder- sailed on her for our first Cruise in 2006. Look forward to the rest of your TR!

 

[HiMagicFan]

We took the other line today because we wanted to go to the Gardens. The Gardens was one of the last stops if I remember correctly. They give you a short introduction to the Gardens in this covered room. Then they take around the Gardens to tell you the history and the meaning of the structures, plants, trees, rocks, etc. The total tour of the Gardens only takes about 20 to 30 minutes. Then you are free to roam around by yourself. We walked by some cherry blossoms which smelled so sweet. Can't remember about where we ate for lunch and dinner. There's that memory of mine!!! This was the day when we had some sunshine!!!!! Oh thank you!!!! This evening we got all our stuff together for getting on the Wonder. Oh now this will feel like we are back in Florida!!!

Great so far! Is this the name - the gardens? if we aren't doing the "other line" can I get a little more info to plan where it is in case we want to go since it sounds like a nice place - or should I just stick to Stanley Park?
thanks