We arrived safely in Vancouver aboard the Amtrak Cascades. Tristan & Laura got on in Seattle and we joined them in Bellingham. That's such a nice ride along the coast and through scenic White Rock. We just smiled at the long lines at the Peace Arch border crossing as we just chuntered by without stopping.
Once in Vancouver we sailed through customs and walked across the parking lot to catch the sky train to the Waterfront stop--which is just adjacent to the cruise terminal. We had a few minutes of panic as Laura and I elbowed our way into a car full of football fanatics, but the guys, not being as pushy, got left on the platform. Laura and I figured they would be on the next train, but when they didn't appear we wondered if they'd got off at the wrong stop. We weren't terribly worried as we both had the passports and cruise tickets. They did eventually arrive as they had waited for an uncrowded train.
Once onboard we refueled ourselves in the Horizon Court. We like the changes they have made whereby the desserts are at a separate location, allowing easier access. A quick tour of the ship showed new gym equipment--(for those who use gym equipment while on vacation), a new library and a new big screen above the pool (not as useful for an Alaskan trip, but cool anyway). Plus they've added our favorite International Cafe in the Piazza in the Atrium.
Sailing away under the Lion's Gate Bridge we cracked open the mini bar with our complimentary supply thanks to our Elite standing--ooh ah!
Dinner was interesting because it was the first day of the new menus with a new layout featuring new dishes like Mac and cheese with a bacon topping!(Molly). Laura sent our flamingly gay waiter into a fit of giggles and hand waving when she asked him if he was married. The rest of us all turned to look at her and she says----what????
Lots of Australians, English, Canadians and Japanese onboard, so it's a nice mix of people. We almost got attacked at trivia today over a technical call on a question that caused us to win. Rather than risk violence we gave three of our six pens (the fabulous prizes) to the other team--who still glared and stomped out! We could have used the rest of our Brain Trust, but the man from San Antonio did well on who won the Best Actress Award in 1972--Liza Minnelli. And kudos to Laura on the real name of Princess Aurora--Sleeping Beauty and to Tristan for the name of Shakelton's ship--The Endurance!
The International Cafe beat out The Pub and the Dining Room for lunch because Laura and I were doing Zumba afterwards and didn't want to be weighed down with Toad in the Hole. Zumba is a cross between High Impact aerobics and Latin dancing. Needless to say that we were in the beginners section---with the Asian men. These guys are not known for their ability to keep a beat, but what they lack in coordination they make up for in enthusiasm.
The guys bagged Zumba in favor of the Packers vs. the 49'ers on the big screen out by the pool. We arrived while they were having an ice cream break during a time out. Vacationing is such hard work...
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Location:Vancouver, Canada
1 comment:
Sounds like such a fun time! We wish we were there with you, but we're sure you'll have a few drinks (and some bacon mac! YUM!) in our honor!
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