Viking Invades Alaska!

[Pushka]

We are checked into the cruise line in Canada Place and Viking has booked the ballroom in Fairmont Plaza right next door. It’s very pleasant. Limited alcohol and snacks provided.

Luggage drop off was quick and then to check in which was also quick. We can do what we like for the next four hours - 12 noon until 4pm when they commence immigration. I think suites are group 1 and we are group 4. Supposedly being around 5.30pm. Most here are Canadian American but we need to be fingerprinted etc for US immigration so a different queue. For once this might work in our favour.









It’s Bruce’s first cruise. He’s excited.

 

[Pushka]

It’s currently 1pm and we are doing FlyOver Canada at 2pm which is right next door. That takes no more than 45 minutes so we’ll come back to Fairmont for a cuppa then go to the boarding wait area at 4pm. Hopefully the ships in our Berth pull out on time.

Estimated departure is 9pm. At which time we won’t have had dinner unless we can get onboard by 6.30 and drill delayed until 8pm.

 

[zig]

Pushka we have been told that one of our best Silversea crew is now a General Manager aboard a Viking ship at this time.So if you see an Indian fellow called Sujith as your GM say hello for us.A great fellow with tons of ability working his way through the ranks from a bar waiter.

Pleased to hear that Sujith is doing well, but sorry to hear he has left Silversea, I enjoyed meeting him and had a lovely dinner with him one evening.

 

[love_the_life]

We are checked into the cruise line in Canada Place and Viking has booked the ballroom in Fairmont Plaza right next door. It’s very pleasant. Limited alcohol and snacks provided.

Luggage drop off was quick and then to check in which was also quick. We can do what we like for the next four hours - 12 noon until 4pm when they commence immigration. I think suites are group 1 and we are group 4. Supposedly being around 5.30pm. Most here are Canadian American but we need to be fingerprinted etc for US immigration so a different queue. For once this might work in our favour.

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It’s Bruce’s first cruise. He’s excited.


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At least they’ve laid it all out clearly so you know what’s going on and have provided times etc.
Bruce looks excited but I will miss Grumpy.

 

[Pushka]

Ye Ha. Still waiting.

Just did FlyOverCanada which was fantastic.

 

[Pushka]

Well at least we’ve passed through US immigration. For some reason MrP only needed fingerprints from 1 hand. We are now corralled again on hard seats. All of us.

 

[RooFlyer]

Given you are in Canadian waters, I guess this is the equivalent of 'Pre Clearance' when flying out of Canada for the USA. But why is there a drama this time, given that this must be the situation with every cruise from Vancouver bound for US waters?

Has the Fairmont ballroom has been declared US territory?

 

[Pushka]

Given you are in Canadian waters, I guess this is the equivalent of 'Pre Clearance' when flying out of Canada for the USA. But why is there a drama this time, given that this must be the situation with every cruise from Vancouver bound for US waters?

Has the Fairmont ballroom has been declared US territory?

No. When you are docked the system is fine. Apparently not when tendered.

BUT - we are onboard @6.28pm











So far internet very fast. But lots still waiting to board. And some very angry people.

 

[Pushka]

 

[zig]

Great photos- has no one else managed to board yet, it looks so empty

 

[tgh]

Very modern look , there won't be much competition for the sun lounges…..

 

[Pushka]

Great photos- has no one else managed to board yet, it looks so empty

I think that’s the way it is here! We are in the ‘buffet’ now and it’s busy and partner is in seafood heaven. Huge platters of crab claws. Sushi. Grill. Will post pics later.

Very modern look , there won't be much competition for the sun lounges…..

It’s really warm in there.

 

[Pushka]

Sunset as we wait to leave Vancouver. An extra hours sleep tonight. Perfect.

 

[Pushka]

While we wait. The buffet. The best.





















Amazing seafood and tomorrow night is the seafood spectacular. One can only imagine.

 

[Pushka]

Luggage was in the room when we returned at 8.30pm. Very quick unpack and back up to watch sail away.

Interestingly muster is 10am tomorrow although there was a quick demo around the ship at 8.30pm.

And we are off. Finally making it to Alaska!

 

[Denali]

 

[Pushka]

Beautiful sight under the Bridge.

 

[Pushka]

Pushka we have been told that one of our best Silversea crew is now a General Manager aboard a Viking ship at this time.So if you see an Indian fellow called Sujith as your GM say hello for us.A great fellow with tons of ability working his way through the ranks from a bar waiter.

Well apparently Sujith was onboard recently but has left for vacation break.

 

[Pushka]

Breakfast buffet

 

[love_the_life]

Breakfast buffet

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Don't think you will go hungry though you eat less these days. Is that a wholemeal croissant as it looks quite dark.
The important question though is about the quality of the coffee?????