Embarking Queen Elizabeth

Embarkation time was 12.30-3.30pm, easily achieved. We had a pleasant breakfast at our choice of local cafes. Coffee was great although the croissants were not as good as we get at home from our Cambodian Bakery, they were acceptable.

We had done our reconnaissance the previous day so we knew the cruise terminal was only four minute taxi ride. There were three cruise ships all departing the same day so the fleet of taxis was endless however Cunard drop off was well signed and the usual efficiency prevailed. As soon as we alighted the taxi all our baggage was taken

from us leaving only my hand luggage. As we entered the entry hall leading to Canada passport control however the queues were seriously long, the whole hall was congested with travelers and there was no ‘short cut’ lines for Cunard until you were well into the ‘weaving’ chain, even then, it was slow going.

Once you cleared CC it wasn’t over, we were all moving onward in sort of order to security and onward further to United States Customs and Border security.

We had applied for ESDA (electronic visa) for Canada from home, however, we mis-read the information and thought if we were in United States from a cruise ship no US Visa was needed.
MISTAKE and although it had the potential of ending our cruise before it had begun, helpful officials ushered us (and others) to an area close by and we applied on-line from the side lines. This delayed

our boarding by hour and half however we had arrived sufficiently early and still gained our entry visa within Cunard’s time frame for sailing.
A lesson learned.

Our Stateroom was just like the Victoria, mid-ship-port side, only Deck 7. We met our two stewards, Edwin and Ely greeted us in our Stateroom. They would be our Stewards. Both from the Philippines, both very friendly, we were in good hands. Edwin would stay with us the whole of our journey, Ely would be leaving us in San Francisco.
Likewise our Princess Grill restaurant, waiters Randy and Glenn also from the Philippines. We were assigned our dining table situated against the window (first occasion for us so very pleased), great views as we dine.