Alaska Cruise Day 1: Vancouver - Setting Sail

Vancouver, B.C.
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Our day began very early at 2:45 a.m. to get a shuttle to the Philadelphia Airport for a 6:20 a.m. flight to Toronto. We arrived in Toronto at 7:50 a.m. and got something to eat in the airport while waiting for our connecting flight at 10:00 a.m.

We arrived in Vancouver at noon and waited for the van shuttle to the dock at 1:30 p.m. Our driver took us on a short tour of Vancouver and pointed out highlights as we passed by on our way to the dock. When we got to the dock we were greeted but the most atrocious line to get onto the cruise ship. We waited about two hours to get onto the ship.....they don't show you this on the cruise commercials! The first thing they do as you check in is take your picture for your ID and issue your room key which also acts as a charge card while you are onboard.

I couldn't believe the promenade area which had shops, several lounges and bars, and a few restaurants.

Safety Drill
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The ship was massive and very fancy. I couldn't believe the promenade area which had shops, several lounges and bars, and a few restaurants. We made our way to our room and it was very nice. We decided to get a Mini-Suite with a balcony. There was one king sized bed and a sofa that converted into a bed in our state room. We got a room about mid-ship on the starboard side since we were told the starboard typically gets better views while sailing the Inside Passage and that in mid-ship you were less likely to get sea-sick or feel the ship moving.

Sail Away Champage Drinks on our balcony
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Our luggage still hadn't been delivered to our room so we went outside on the balcony for the send off with champagne from the dock. Each passenger got a glass of champagne delivered to their room for the send off.

We walked around the ship and took some pictures before deciding to get something to eat. When we booked our cruise we opted for the Anytime Dining plan which allows access to the Buffet, the several specialty restaurants, and ofcourse the Hamburger, Hot Dog, Pizzeria and Ice Cream Bars. We picked this because we preferred to be seated alone, we could pick when we wanted to eat and most of all the dress code is casual except at a few restaurants. We decided to go to the buffet and get something for dinner. The buffet has a salad bar, soups, several selections of entrees and types of meat. There is a dessert bar and drinks are included except sodas and alcohol. The food was pretty good.

Bella Bella Lighthouse
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After we finished eating the captain directed everyone to go to their state rooms. The crew then gave instructions for the safety drill which is mandatory that everyone participate in. We had some fun with it and took pictures.

Afterward we continued walking around the ship and looking around. We decided to go to the lecture by the on-board Naturalist. His discussion was about the type of animals that might be seen while cruising the Inside Passage and also about the landscape we would be seeing.

We then went to Skywalker's Nightclub located at the top and stern of the ship which was a nautical themed nightclub that had great panoramic views of the ocean. They made a wicked Daiquiri.

Afterwards I made a stop at the Lotus Spa to book my morning Yoga appointments. They offered a set of 3 yoga classes for a fairly reasonable price. I noticed that the different classes, training sessions and lectures offered in the spa filled up quickly. Its best to take care of appointments as soon as you get onboard. We continued walking around the ship and taking pictures before returning to our state room for the night.

Things Learned on Day 1 of my Cruise:

1. The picture they take when you check in onboard is your ID. Your room key acts as a charge card which is connected to your room account. You don't want to loose it.

2. Consult with a travel agent to book a cruise, they can help you figure out what type of room you want.

3. Look over your dining options. If you're not a person who likes to dress up or be told who to sit with its best you pick anytime dining.

4. Purchasing a Soda card will save you money if you plan on having Soda or alcohol with your meals.

5. Book any spa appointments or classes you want early as they tend to fill up quickly.