This was my third trip to Alaska on a cruise. I had done a southbound on a Princess ship, a roundtrip on a Celebrity ship, and this year a northbound on a Royal Caribbean ship, the Radiance of the Seas. My girlfriend and I flew to Vancouver, Canada a few days early to enjoy the highlights of this city before setting off on our voyage.

We stayed at the Ramada Inn and Suites Downtown Vancouver on Granville. It was a modest hotel but neat and clean. We spent one day on a tour to Victoria and loved it. Met several people who were going on our same cruise. Spent another day on the hop on hop off red bus and toured the city of Vancouver. Also spent some time at Granville Island. Great place for food and entertainment.

Our embarkation went smoothly and without a hitch. Loved our room. Our balcony was a little larger than others because of location on the ship. It was wonderful. Read more