Heading Out

On Saturday, July 23rd, we left Winnipeg for Vancouver and our Holland America ship, the Zuiderdam.  After clearing U.S Customs at Canada Place, we made our way aboard to our stateroom and settled in.  We spent some time on the veranda, watching the ship being prepared for the late afternoon departure.  Fortunately for us, this was the first nice day in Vancouver for weeks, sunny and warm.  Canada Place looked spectacular in the afternoon sunshine.

Vancouver harbour was buzzing with all sorts of activity, including seaplanes, coming and going, and pleasure and commercial craft moving around the area nearby.

This was the first time I'd passed below Lion's Gate bridge in a ship.  As a youngster, I once walked around the outer edge of Stanley Park, before the sea walk had been installed.  It took all day and was exhausting.

Watching old familiar landmarks on shore as we left Vancouver was nostalgic.  But, soon, it was time for our first dinner on the ship.  Food and service in the first restaurant we tried that evening was great.  All meals and snacks aboard were included in the price.  Alcohol, like wine and cocktails, and specialty drinks, like cappuccino and hot chai tea latte, were extra.  It was the first of many days, living in the lap of luxury.