2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver
June 6 and 7, 2023 (Tuesday and Wednesday) Day at Sea and Victoria, B.C., Canada
June 6, 2023 (Tuesday) Ketchikan changed to Day at Sea
We were supposed to dock at Ketchikan today, but the captain
announced in the morning that instead we had to head to Victoria for an extra ship inspection before getting to Vancouver. There goes the port of Ketchikan for
those who are first time to Alaska. What a disappointment but at least we
should have time to see some of Victoria tomorrow.
They hurriedly sent the Daily Program that was made up in
the morning before we went for breakfast. It was just a regular sea day so we
just relaxed and enjoyed our time on the ship. We had to do Canadian custom
forms twice and they did not send the second one to our cabin for transit
passengers so I had to wait in line just to get the form.
Meeting up with new friends on the ship, making good use of another day at sea.
Another dinner at the main dining room.
June 7, 2023 (Wednesday) Victoria, B.C., Canada
Our ship sailed into Puget Sound (Olympic National Park area) early in the morning so we got internet access early. The ship then anchored at the bay outside of Victoria for the inspection and by 3:30, we were docked and should have been off the ship. Unfortunately, the set up was not ready so passengers formed a long line to get off the ship circling the hallways on deck 1. It was ridiculously crowded and stuffy. We must have been in line for 45 minutes before the line started moving. So glad to get out of that space.
Ridiculously long line along the hallways.
No custom check at this terminal.
Cunard provided complimentary shuttles to Douglas Street, with the stop in front of the Convention Center which is behind the Empress Hotel. Convenient enough for us to walk to Chinatown on Douglas.
Cunard shuttles to town. Regular shuttles on the other side of the pier.
Long line!
Convention Center
From the Convention Center, we walked to Chinatown and spent some time there taking photos and walking around. Good thing that Fan Tan Alley was opened for the day so we got to have a peek along that narrow alley. We also bought a Philippine bakery at the end of the alley which were quite good.
Photos of historic Chinese residents posted along the way.
Fan Tan Alley
"New World"
Displays outside the museum.
Then we walked down to the business area and let people explore on their own before walking down to inner harbor. We decided maybe we should have dinner in town since it would be too late to get back on the ship for dinner. Finn’s was our choice and it was recommended by some Chinese Canadians who were also on the ship. We had to wait for a table for 10 of us and it must be about a 30 minutes wait. We enjoyed an interesting and delicious dinner of fish and chips, seafood chowder, etc. Everybody seemed to enjoy their meal.
After dinner, we walked back to Inner Harbor for the night lights. We also walked inside the Empress and took a look of this glamorous hotel before going back to the bus stop to take us back to the ship. We had a good visit of Victoria even though it did not start too well. Our ship left port just a little before midnight. I believe it was 11:45 when we left.
Inner Harbor
The Empress Hotel
Inside Convention Center from the Empress.
Tomorrow, we should be in Vancouver early in the morning. Time for some real Chinese food!
For video of our day in Victoria, please click
here.
"He saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior." -- Titus 3:5-6
