2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver
May 24, 2023 (Wednesday) - Yokohama
Today is the day! A little exciting and a little nervous
since we have never been on an ocean liner before. Early in the morning, we
could see that QE was docked at Daikoku from our hotel window and the parking
lot across the street started to have some movements with passengers debarking from the previous cruise and taking the shuttles back to Yokohama city center.
Queen Elizabeth docked at Daikoku on the other side of the bay.
Our view from the hotel room of Gundam Factory parking lot.
Passengers arriving from Daikoku Pier.
This hotel still uses the old-fashion keys.
Our messy room on check-out morning because we forgot to take a picture on check-in day.
But, first thing first. We wanted to try the fluffy pancakes this morning before leaving Yokohama. Hotel check-out time was 10:00, so after checking out, MOR and Shih-Chang waited at the lobby while the three of us went to Happy Pancake (a short walk away) for our pancake adventure. It was barely opened and we were the first ones there. I must say the pancakes were delicious, so light and fluffy, but then they were not cheap, $13 per order for three pancakes. Worth it though for a try.
Happy Pancake, Yokohama
Unique interior design.
we could see the kitchen in action
Nicely decorated.
Yes, a good cup of coffee!
The fluffy pancakes!
Light and delicious!
Yum!
After our pancakes we also brought some bao back for MOR and Shih-Chang from the Jiu Fen Eatery next door, 450Y each and they said it was good!
At around 11:30, we started walking across the street to the Gundam Factory parking lot to get on the shuttles. We were on the first bus over and everything went orderly and organized.
A waiting room for passengers waiting for the shuttle bus.
with plenty of seats
The bus station at Yamashita Park right across from Marine Tower.
I believe that's the Hotel Grand.
Luggage were lined up in order but we had to take them with us as we boarded the bus.
Buses ready to take passengers over to Daikoku Pier.
Straight ahead is the Gundam Factory.
Check-in was a breeze and they didn’t even follow the time scheduled that was allotted. Now, we are ready for this 29-day adventure!
We were on board and into our room just around 1:00 after reporting to our muster station. Lunch was at the Lido, and they even served sashimi there (actually, they had sushi and sashimi everyday throughout this journey.) The afternoon was spent in unpacking and walking around the ship.
Cabins
Our cozy ocean-view cabin.
Hand soap and lotion.
Tea, coffee, and snacks everyday. Very nice to have the electric kettle!
A complimentary bottle of champagne inside the refrigerator waiting for us.
slippers
A view of the Bay Bridge.
We had requested for twin beds but actually a queen would work just the same.
SIL and her husband had an obstructed balcony, which turned out OK, with not much of the view being blocked. These cabins were just $100 more pp over our OV cabin. Unfortunately, they did not have these available for three in a cabin. In fact, they did not have any balcony cabins left for the three of us in a cabin when we requested. The problem with last minute booking.
Their balcony looking out at the terminal.
Similar set up inside the cabin.
with the queen bed and a shorter sofa.
Walk-Around the Ship
Beautiful atrium.
Classy library
with a spiral staircase
Queen's Room dance floor where many activities and afternoon tea located.
Stairs between the shops and the casino.
Oh, we also went to check out our dining time and they were able to make reservations for the first two nights at 6:15 at the Anytime Dining deck 2. Then, they were able to scheduled us for fixed dining time with the same servers at the Anytime Dining area for the duration of the first part of the cruise between Yokohama and Vancouver. We then found out that they switched our servers on the second half of the cruise in Vancouver.
A very quiet sail-away.
We were watching the very quiet sail-away but the ship did not set sail until 7:00PM while we were having dinner.
Table was well-set on the first half of our sailing. Organized and classy.
appetizer
We were surprised by the steak, a very thin piece of meat. We soon realized that food served in the main dining room were not to our liking as we have enjoyed on other cruises.
After dinner we called it a day because we were all very tired. Son went to the show on his own and enjoyed it.
One thing we liked was the classical music provided throughout the ship.
The set up of the third bed in our cabin. The sofa can still be used with the bunk out.
This ended our very first day on this incredible sailing!
For video of this day, please click here.
"Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." -- Matthew 5:5