We were really delighted to return to Vancouver, it truly is a beautiful city.
We docked at 7am on a bright sunny day, maximum expected 27°

Many were leaving the ship here so there was a buzz in the air, crew very busy in their various departments. Our stewards are particularly busy on disembarkation day because by 12.30pm embarkation begins and Staterooms need to be ready and welcoming for new arrivals.
Cunard is so organised, the passengers disembarking do so from Deck 3 and us in ‘transit’ left from Deck 2. All of us had to process through Customs and Passport Controls.

Because of all the necessary procedures, disembarking for an excursion was more complex than in previous ports however with the assistance of many Cunard personnel and Harbour personnel we ended up in the bus bay of the cruise terminal and onto our waiting coach.

This excursion was a 3.5hour coach trip and covered many areas than we saw in our six day pre-cruise time in Vancouver.

Our guide was very informative and a local, young married man of Italian heritage, namely Armalin. He was very funny and really knew his city history.

We were off the coach in two locations within Stanley Park, a beautiful, large green space/park within the city, meeting the sea on one side, the city on the other. Frequented by many locals, bicycle friendly with a zoo, two restaurants, bathrooms/cafes and souvenir shops, viewing platforms, and rainforest all within. On a rock in the water sits Vancouver’s smaller version of Copenhagen’s The Little Mermaid, named The Girl in the Wetsuit!
It is easy to imagine week-ends full of families taking advantage of this city retreat, today was mostly tourists.

The time passed so quickly, we drove through Chinatown, Gastown, past Government buildings, many high-rise apartments. Many live in high-rise within the city as land is very precious and limited in Vancouver that the only way is ‘up’. However to ensure the city remains light on street level, the buildings are regulated and must have expanses of glass, tinted blue to direct the light downward. It really works, it is so different to inner city Sydney where the high-rise block the sun at street level.

Many high-rise have green living gardens on rooftops to catch and recycle rain water.
Vancouver has a steam operated large clock still working standing on the footpath, a reminder of steam times, it was truly lovely and quirky.

Rents are very high, wages very low (in comparison to Australia), Average hourly rate $16, this explains ‘compulsory tipping’, many, including our guide work two-three jobs.
Public transport is great so it’s easy to get around Vancouver. High-rise apartment buildings have restaurants, shops, amenities within walking distance, very well planned. Vehicles and petrol prices are high and many apartment buildings, though some with two bedrooms, only come with one parking space or NO parking space at all so public transport is used and functions well.

We were back at the cruise terminal at 12.30, in time to have lunch at one of our favorite seaside cafes, Cactus Club Cafe, located next to the terminal. We had a lovely lunch and glass of wine before we rejoined the ship at 3pm.

We sailed at 5pm, a wonderful, sunny end to our visit to Vancouver. I understand why people love this city, it is very livable and we would love to return, maybe someday!