June 30, 2000- Friday- after a great night's rest in a comfy room, we cruised the gas light district in the downtown area. Our two-hour walk revealed quaint little shops, boutiques, eateries, and an ambiance of yesteryear. They even had a grandfather clock on the street powered by steam. Everywhere were hanging flower baskets adding seasonal color. With 1.8 million people in the greater Vancouver area, it still has a small town quaintness. During the cruise season, over a million passengers pass through the city, and along the waterfront are over 5000 hotel rooms within walking distance of the piers. Additional piers are being built for the 2003 session.
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Thanks to Mom's foresight, stick with the seasoned traveler, belonging to the captains club gave us first class handling. Other travelers had to wait at several holding areas before boarding, but with our VIP treatment, no pun intended, we cruised right on board. The ship is like a city that's almost 900 feet long. There is no end to the places to eat, drink, or relax.
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Our dinner is for the late seating, so with an 8:30 table time, it was after 10 before the main courses arrived, but our two adjacent tables had quite the party, carrying on, and toasting everyone. And, it's just like home with 11 pieces of silverware at each dinner place setting, augmented by pieces specific to one's course selection.
After dinner the group dispersed to the nightclub, the casino, and a few watering holes.
July 1, 2000, Saturday- breakfast for the six AARP members was at 8:45, and although it was relaxing, an hour and a half was entirely too long. Then kids, those with the inclination to rise for breakfast, did the buffets and muffin stands, and enjoyed their successful choice.
Debi, Rob, Susan and I played a few hands of Euchre in the card room while watching the scenery pass by the full walled windows. Throughout the day, the inland passage provided views of shore line, sometimes a few hundred feet away, close enough to spot the bald eagles. The narrowest point of the passage provided only 1200 feet from shore to shore. Keeping to our side of the channel, one could reach out and touch the trees (or so it seemed).
In the afternoon most of us worked out in the gym and did the hot tub. Mom got a treat from us for a reflexology treatment on her feet, and enjoyed the pampering.
Tonight attire is formal wear for everyone after 6-PM. Out come the tuxes and fancy ladies outfits. Did we all shine! We got apologies from several of the restaurant managers at dinner after service this morning where we waited for over an hour for coffee and it took 90 minutes for breakfast at a place that was literally empty. But tonight's dinner- rack of lamb, crab legs, etc., etc., with as many dinner entrees as one wanted, hit the spot.
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Afterwards we closed the keriokee bar at 1 PM, 12 of us..all but Mom and Elaine. Fortunately, tonight we change the clocks backwards one hour as we enter the Alaskan time zone.
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