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It all started here...

It all started here...

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Queen Elizabeth Debarkation Day

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver
June 20, 2023 (Sunday) Vancouver Debarkation Day

Debarkation Day, a sad day for sure. Leaving a cruise, especially a cruise this long for 29 days total, had to be difficult. Just like leaving your home after getting so comfortable with everything and enjoying every minute of your time on board the beautiful ship.

Had our last breakfast in the MDR. Just did not want to deal with the chaotic buffet on debarkation morning. As usual, the breakfast menu in the MDR is limited but it is still better than fighting the crowds at the buffet. 

Vancouver cruise terminal in sight as we were sailing into port.

Last breakfast on board Queen Elizabeth.


Good breakfast!

Final dining room pictures.


We were ready to go at our 8:30 assigned time but the other two had 9:30, so we had to wait until almost 10:00 to get off the ship. 

Waiting to be called to get off the ship.

After getting off the ship and retrieved our luggage, we went to Pan Pacific and left our bags there for $5 a piece, which was not bad as it was in Canadian dollars. We had to pick them up before 3:00, otherwise it's going to be $8 a piece. We then walked over to the Sky Train Waterfront station to take the train to Richmond once again. We were all craving for authentic Chinese food after the days at sea and Public Market was where we headed. Unfortunately, the rice rolls place was not opened so we missed our chance of another serving of their amazing rice rolls. Next time, I guess.

One of the stations along the Sky Train.

Then, we back track to Aberdeen Center, where we located their food court. This is a modern shopping mall with a huge food court. We soon found what we wanted and it turned out to be a great find on this trip. Lung Kee had the most authentic won ton noodle that we have had all these years in N. America.

Friendly service and wonderful food!

Delicious won ton noodle soup.



fried noodle porridge

Lung Kee, right at the entrance of the food court.

There are plenty of vendors selling different 


Good-size shopping mall.


Taking the train back to Waterfront.


We then went back to Pan Pacific, picked up our bags, and then took the Sky train again. This time towards the Pacific Central train station. Our train does not leave until 5:00 PM so we had plenty of time to get there. It was an easy walk from the Sky Train stop to the station.


Taking the Cascade from Vancouver to Seattle is really the best way to travel. It's comfortable, spacious, with very scenic ride. The only thing I hate is going through immigration. There's only a couple of people handling all the necessary procedures, making it a not-very-pleasant start of the journey. After that, it was smooth sailing.

A very empty car and we got to choose our own sests.

We were in regular coach, and the seats were comfortable. Better than the bus or the plane.





Leaving Vancouver.









The town of White Rock.

that's the rock, I assume.


Crossing the border. A couple of the officers came on the train and checked our passports. Quick and easy!

Delicious clam chowder from the snack bar.

More scenic coastline.



Arrived at Everett, Washington where we will stay with family for a few days.


Interesting piano inside the train station.

Very pretty and quiet station.

Waiting for our niece to pick us up.
This conclude our journey on the Cunard Queen Elizabeth. Thank you for coming along. For video of this day, please click here. We have more cruises after this one, please join us on our adventures.


Thursday, March 28, 2024

Butchart Gardens Finally!

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver
June 18, 2023 (Sunday) At Sea – Father’s Day

I got up at 5:30 again this morning and got ready for the day. The sea was calm still and seemed like a nice day ahead. Hopefully, it’s not going to be too bad. For the rest of the day. We went around and took some more videos and photos before going to the Sunday service at 10:00. 

Signage outside the theater.


Golden Lion Pub


Casino alley

Queen's Room

Chair exercise


Again, the Sunday service was  run by the captain. Everything seemed to be the same, singing the same hymns, and using the same program, except reading the different scriptures. Within half an hour, it was over. Personally, I really appreciate their efforts in putting this together so we could all worship together on the ship!



Then we went to the Queen’s Room for the sale, but nothing was cheap enough for us. Unlike other ships we have been on, this ship sells expensive merchandise. Then we rest in the cabin for a little before going to the buffet for lunch. After lunch MOR went to do laundry on deck 7. We all napped in the afternoon until dinner.

We decided that we should go to the MDR for the Gala Night dinner. We were in our Chinese attires  again. Menu was a repeat but it was fine. I believe it was Wellington Beef as one of the mains. After dinner we just went back to the cabin for the night. QE did not do anything special for Father’s Day. Maybe because it’s an American holiday?






June 19, 2023 (Monday) Victoria, B.C., Canada

Our last port before going back to Vancouver and we have a whole day here this time. There was still a group that wanted to go to Butchart Gardens with us so by 9:30, we left the ship and took the free shuttle to downtown.

Weather was not the best, but we still want to make good use of our day here.

Waiting for the free shuttle here, different from the regular paid-shuttle that's located on the other end of the port.

Like a week before, we were dropped off here at the Convention Center.

Inside the Convention Center.



We found the tour bus to Butchart Gardens right outside the front of Empress Hotel. Bought the tickets for $88 Canadian each, which included the bus rides and entrance fee which is like $39 C. With the group, I didn’t think it would be a good idea to take public transportation. The bus left Empress at 11:00 and it was a nice ride with the driver commentating the whole way.

Bus schedule for the day.

This lovely lady helped us with our tickets.

A group picture before getting on the bus.

We reached Butchart Gardens a little after 11:30. It was quite crowded even for this Monday morning. Good thing it did not rain the whole time we were there, only starting to drizzle after we got on the bus ride back. The Gardens were very pretty as always and we went through all the gardens so people could enjoy the gorgeous sights. 

Obligatory group picture.

Stunning!

Rose Fountain

Rose Carrousel



Italian Garden

Japanese Garden

Made some good friends on this trip!

We left the park on the 3:00 bus and back in town by 3:30. Then we separated and went our separate ways so we can explore on our own. The three of us went to the Dollarama store in town to get some little things before taking the shuttle back to port. We made it in time so son could get a hamburger from the Grill before 5:00.

We decided dinner would be at the buffet tonight. More varieties but tonight was Oriental dinner night. Nothing much for us who are craving for authentic Chinese food. Tomorrow will be our chance. We finished dinner and went back to pack our bags. We had enough time so everything went well before we called it a day. Tomorrow, we will be in Vancouver for debarkation.

For video of this day, please click here.


"For these commands are a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the corrections of discipline are the way to life.'   -- Proverbs 6:23