We are very excited about starting the cruise today. Ate a quick breakfast and said good bye to the Kingston Hotel. On the way to the rail station, stopped at a drug store for snacks and motion sickness pills just in case needed for the cruise or our salmon fishing excursion in Juneau. Rode the Sky train to Waterfront station and walked 1 block to Canada Place-the ship terminal. After going through customs,(very quick process) we boarded the ship-Holland America-The Volendam. We are in 6164 on The Verandah deck. There are 9 decks. We have our own balcony which will be great to look at the mountains while on the Inside Passage. We sailed out of the Harbour under Lionsgate Bridge and passed Stanley Park. It is gorgeous standing on the bow on the 9th deck and watching the world go bye with all the snow capped mountains and the numerous islands. We went to the Lido Deck for lunch, then unpacked our bags which have now been delivered to our rooms. At 5:30, we are called to the Welcome Aboard party around the outdoor pool. It is a feast with steak, salmon, salads, fruits, desserts and too many optons of everything to name. For those that haven't cruised-every meal is a feast. My goal was to try to maintain weight but I now see that is going to be unrealistic. After the party, we explore the ship and all the entertainment areas, library, computer room, lounges, crow's nest. At 10:30 there is a late night snack which we learn happens every night-another feast. We have now eaten a huge meal at 1:00, 5:30 and 10:30. We feel like walking blimps! We vow to hit the walking deck tomorrow! At midnight we go to the bow to see the ship pass through the narrowest channel on the Inside Passage- a mere .4 of a mile wide. Gorgeous-the stars are magnificent, Big Dipper and all! Sunset is around 9:15pm, and sun up at 5:15. We sleep well on our luxurious bed, sheets and pillows.