Seattle and Vancouver 9-12 and 9-13

NOTE: I figured out how to add pictures. For whatever reason, they do NOT load when I use the laptop but will load when I use the phone. Whatever

Rose at an ungodly hour to make the drive into Seattle to catch the Amtrak Cascade to Vancouver. Carren and I left at 6am while the rest of the house slept. My train documents said to be there 1 hour prior to departure which was 7:45am.

Off we drove into the approaching dawn. Lo and behold, the silhouette of Mt. Ranier was visible against the dark, clear sky. It’s quite impressive. As we got closer to Seattle, the traffic slowed and then stopped and started. It was after 7am and we were still not in the city. I was getting a bit worried. Finally, about 7:20 we arrived at the train station. I was hoping I would be able to make the train.

No worries! As soon as I walked into the terminal I saw a line snaking around with a sign that stated Amtrak Cascade boarding. I remained in that line until it got to a point where I could see there was a separate line for business class. I ducked the rope and proceeded to the counter. I was given a seat on the side of the train with only 1 row of seats. Cool Beans!  The station is just beautiful

I checked my luggage and off I walked waaaaaaaay down the platform to the business class section. There were 2 cars of business and 8 regular. Very roomy, comfortable seats. A tip here: pay the extra for a business class seat. It was $12 or $14 dollars more and worth it. We were also next to the restaurant car, which was convenient. And with your ticket you get a $3 voucher to use in the restaurant.

The ride up the coast was uneventful. We stopped in several small towns on the way. The first hour was beautiful views of the coast. After that, I couldn’t tell you what the scenery was like because that train just rocked me to sleep. I woke up when the conductor or someone stated they were passing out customs cards we needed to fill out.

When we got to the station in Vancouver, the business class cars exited first. All the luggage was neatly placed in 2 long rows. I grabbed my suitcase and headed into customs. After displaying my passport, handing over my customs form and answering 5 or 6 questions, I was out the door and into a cab.

Looking back, I now realize the cab driver ripped me off. The fare was $12.50 but that was Canadian and I gave him $15 US. He made out well. Karma… Karma… Karma. The fare was actually about $9 or 10 bucks and he got a HUGE undeserved tip.

I checked into the Holiday Inn Downtown Vancouver. It’s a very nice hotel. I was given room 501 which is a king suite. It was very large. It had a separate living room, bar area, bedroom, dressing area, a beverage area with a Keurig and pods and a decent bathroom. Oh and there were 2 ginormous flat screens – back to back. One in the living room and one in the bedroom.

I didn’t unpack much as I was only there for one night. I turned on the TV for a bit and then read the stuff in the room—sort of looking for things to do. I ending up asking a couple of staff members in the lobby where were some good places to eat. And also, was it safe to walk around. 3 people, 3 of the same answers. Safe? It’s Vancouver. It’s safe. So walk around I did. Very urban area. Medical marijuana dispensaries at regular intervals. Lots and lots of ethnic restaurants and a wide variety of ethnic types walking around. I enjoyed it quite a bit. I didn’t feel unsafe even after dark.

I ended up eating dinner at The Fish Shack



Although, even though I had no lunch, I was not super hungry. I ended up ordering a side order of fried rice and an appetizer of calamari and a beer. The food was interesting—especially the fried rice.  

After dinner, I walked back to the hotel and watched TV for a bit. I know now why I don’t watch TV. I wasted a couple of hours of my life watching Dancing with the Stars. That is the first time I’ve ever seen it and it will probably be the last. Just in case you are wondering though, I am rooting for the cute little gymnast.

I slept in and had a nice long shower before check-out. I took a cab to the pier about 11:30am.

I believe I can honestly say, I walked about a mile before I actually set foot on the ship and thank heavens for priority boarding. Canada Place is basically a multi-level warehouse. You drop your luggage with a porter. Then you walk through this cavernous room to the queue. There was a huge number of people waiting, but because I am platinum, I was able to walk right up to have my credentials checked. Then you walk and walk to Canadian Customs, and walk some more to an escalator which takes you to another area with folding chairs and people everywhere. Once again, Platinum Members walk on by and then go to US Customs.

Finally, you line up to enter the ship. This is the lobby area:

Carnival has eliminated a few things and I know they are trying to save money and all, but for GOD’S SAKE open the dining room for lunch. Platinum members can go to their rooms and drop off their stuff. They are ready. Everyone else has to schlep their stuff around until 1:30 or so. (Unless you have a suite)  They also gave their cabin stewards more cabins--from 24 to clean --now 34 cabins. And they now ask you if you want cabin service in the morning or at night or both. Sigh

I headed to the buffet and they had chopsticks open. Excellent Chinese food. The chicken was amazing. And thanks given again that there was no line as I was one of the 1^st to board.  I walked around a bit and then headed down to my room to check on my luggage. It wasn’t there yet so I went back up to the Serenity Area to check things out.

Ahhhhhhh No one under 21 allowed and I somehow lucked out and found one of the clamshell loungers overlooking the aft of the ship. I lazed there for a few hours just watching the goings on in this very busy port then headed down to my room.

The Aft Pool Area was turned into Serenity. It's my favorite of all the Serenity areas on the ships. It also continues up to the next deck. Lots more clamshells!

The View from my aft Clamshell/lounger

My luggage had arrived so I took some time and put everything away. I love my room! It’s considered an inside cabin, but has French doors and a Juliette balcony. Most of the rooms are obstructed by the life boats, but mine is between them so I have a beautiful ocean view.

After the required muster drill, I got an icy adult beverage and settled into a clamshell lounger again. Believe it or not, I got a bit too chilly and had to go inside. I’m not sure when the weather will turn warmer but it’s probably only in the 60s with a brisk wind as we are sailing.

The Port of Vancouver:

I have late dinner and it will be interesting to see what my tablemates will be like. I am hoping for a good bunch of people at a large table. 

I was assigned a table for 8 but only 4 people showed up tonight. The food was excellent as it usually is. Of course, I have food porn to share! This is the Tilapia with Mac n Cheese! I also had a shrimp cocktail and a Caesar Salad!