Day 2 - Wednesday 17th May - Century Plaza Hotel Vancouver – Cruise Ship Volendam

A decent sleep through to just after 6.00 am so body clock almost ready for Canada and Alaska trip.  We meet up with a few of our fellow travellers over breakfast and then repack the few items we have unpacked for our overnight stay and take our bags down to the lobby before a short walk in Downtown Vancouver.

On our return there is a short wait for the coach which will take us to the cruise ship dock.  Within minutes we are following the rather roundabout route which will take us through check-in, security and finally passport control with a friendly, smiling immigration officer.  Then at last we board and are shown to our stateroom (cabin).

Our compact but comfortable Stateroom
We take a stroll around the ship and find a buffet area for a light lunch, which is all we need after a large breakfast.  Mary explores the fitness and spa while I remain on the upper Lido deck and as we gently slip our mooring and head out into Vancouver Sound with a “sail away” drink in our hands.

The early evening is spent on deck with camera in hand and super views back towards Vancouver and the mountains around it.  The initial route takes us out through a series of offshore islands and we turn north towards Alaska.

Before supper we head for the Ocean Bar for pre-dinner drinks.  We are eating in the Rotterdam restaurant and find we have a table for four which we will share with another motorhoming couple – Simon and Helen.  We have a lot in common, including sailing and they prove great company.  We look forward to spending quite a lot of time with them over the weeks ahead.

And so to bed!

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