I woke up refreshed and got some things done on the computer before going on a quick walk around the hotel. This little bear was in front of the hotel.
There is a nice canal and little ferries that will take you around. The ferries are called aquabus.
I took a picture of the crazy hotel elevator. They did a nice job putting light bulbs between double sided mirrors. It makes it look much larger.
I checked out of the hotel and decided to take the metro to the cruise terminal since it was a nice day. It was a really short walk from the Waterfront station (end of the line) to the cruise terminal.
I took the first picture of the Jewel at the cruise terminal.
I followed the signs inside the cruise terminal. It was a bit disorientating as it required going up and back down.
I was able to drop my bag quickly (I had the luggage tag printed at the hotel) and went upstairs to check in. The check in process was quick. Going back downstairs and getting blended with the Disney Wonder passengers made things difficult from here.
First security – the Disney passengers in front of me were caught trying to bring on walkie talkies. They were eventually let through. Then they asked 20 questions about my gimbal. I told them I wasn’t allowed to bring a drone and that I left it home, eventually I was left to continue to US immigration.
US Immigration had a bunch of kiosks (no global entry) where you scanned your passport and clicked on some buttons. Eventually I got through this queue as well, but the Disney passengers slowed down the process as each family member needs to enter their passport into the system.
Finally on the ship! First Freestyle Daily of the cruise:
First I found my muster station. They scanned my key card and I was good to go. Much better experience than the dumpster fire on the Spirit in November in Tahiti.
I was able to drop my hand bags in the Bliss lounge so I could explore the ship.
I grabbed a little food in the buffet first as I hadn’t eaten anything last night.
I took a few pictures outside and walked around to find the best place to set my cameras up.
I decided to go to O’Sheehan’s for lunch. I got fish & chips – no Poutine like on the Star.
As soon as I was done eating my fish & chips, which were good by the way they made the announcement that the cabins on my floor were now ready. I walked back to the Bliss lounge and got my bags and went to my cabin.
I booked an inside cabin for this cruise. The balcony cabins were insanely priced, and I have this problem wanting to know what is on the other side of the ship, so I am happier outside in the public areas. The room was actually a decent size and updated nicely.
I also had my Platinum vouchers for the dinner for “2” and laundry. I was pretty sure I would be able to find more solo Platinum people to trade vouchers with to maximize the specialty dining experience. One thing is that they changed the vouchers to be able to be used in any of the specialty restaurants. This is nice as before it was only Le Bistro or Cagneys plus La Cucina or Moderno.
I went outside about 15 minutes before the ship was supposed to leave to find the captain already started. I quickly set up my GoPro and my new camera for the time lapse video of the departure.
One of the ferries (SeaBus) to North Vancouver past by and also a couple of tug boats. Passing under the Lions Gate Bridge was pretty spectacular.
I went to the solo traveler’s meeting and there were quite a few people in attendance. I did manage to find someone to trade a voucher with, so I made plans to eat at Cagney’s tonight.
I had the Casesar salas for my starter. I always enjoy it when it comes with anchovies on it.
The the main I ordered the Filet Mignon with Maitre d’ butter with a side of truffle fries.
I left room for dessert….
Tonight I decided to go with the Seven Layer Chocolate Cake. although I’m not a big cake fan. It was good.
I was able to get a couple pictures of the sunset after dinner.
I was able to go see the show. They had a singer performing. She was pretty good.
After the show I went up to the disco to partake in some colortinis as I had invested in the beverage package for the cruise.