Day 19 (28th August) - THE CRUISE.

We awoke to an overcast slightly cooler morning. Whilst walking up to the bus stop there was a fine misty rain. Just before the bus arrived a taxi pulled up and asked if we wanted a ride? As the price was reasonable and it would mean we did not have to risk a walk from the bus to the cruise terminal in possible rain we accepted the ride.

We arrived at Canada Place (cruise terminal) at 9.50am. We had received an email advising us to arrive early as there were two ships in port that day so embarkation and immigration could be slow. We did not take too long to go through baggage check in, people check in and immigration (US Border Authorities have no sense of humour) and so ended up sitting in a large hall with rows of seats for the next hour and three quarters. At least when finally, we were able to board, we were near the front of the line.

Once on board we found our room (level 2, room 2608) then we went up to the Lido Deck (level 8, we took the stairs) to the buffet restaurant at the stern of the ship for a coffee. Having finished our coffee and lemon meringue we decided we may as well have lunch (yes, we started with dessert and then had mains).

After lunch we went for a walk to explore the ship. The Lido deck also has the indoor pool, bar and hotdog/hamburger/taco bar in the centre of the ship. Going forward we found the spa and gym. The gym has a lovely view of the ocean in front of the ship. (There is also an outdoor pool at the stern- water was a little cooler!)

Heading upstairs to deck 9 we found the viewing deck and the Crow's Nest bar. Heading back down the stairs we checked out deck 5 where there are a couple of bar/lounges, casino, café, and the upper floor of the dining room (This was at the stern).

Deck 4 has the lower floor of the dining room, movie theatre, culinary centre, front desk and shore bookings office. At the bow there is the lounge where the evening shows are presented.

On returning to our room we discovered 2 of our 4 bags had been delivered. Next we were nearly ready to sail so it was time for the whole ship to practice the emergency drill. Once completed we headed to deck 9 to take photos as we sailed out of an overcast Vancouver. Once out of the harbour/bay we strolled into the Crow's Nest bar for a drink to celebrate out sailing. Vince had a Tom Collins and Margaret a Champagne Dream.

With still an hour and a half until dinner we decided to check out the gym as we had not done much walking today. Half an hour on the treadmill and we were heading back to our room.

Back to our room we changed for dinner. We had assigned dinner seating (the second sitting at 7.45pm) on deck 5 of the dining room. We are sitting with a couple of ladies from the USA on a girl's week away, and an older couple from north of Sydney.