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

Married Men Trail and Creek Street in Ketchikan

2023 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - 29-Day Transpacific Yokohama to Vancouver

June 17, 2023 (Saturday) Ketchikan

We had good internet reception as we sailed into Ketchikan early this morning but our ship wouldn’t moored until noon so there was plenty of time to make good use of the cell phones. Scenery was gorgeous. It rained a little in the morning as we were sailing in but it turned sunny after we reached Ketchikan.

We had lunch right at 11:30 just so we could get ready to go on shore. Everybody was anxious to get to town and the line in the hallway outside our cabin was like the last time in Victoria, all the way to the front of the theater. We waited until 12:30 as the crowds seemed to diminished to met on deck 2 with the rest of the group.

QE docked at Pier #3

Our ship docked at dock #3, right in front of the Eagle Statue. There were two other ships there already, Disney Magic in #1, and Silver Seas in #2. It was not that crowded in town, fortunately. 

As we were ready to walk up Creek Street, we met the group of Chinese from San Gabriel Valley, and they wanted to follow us so our group got bigger. Then we found out that we were missing Mr. Wei from Houston. Mr. Lin even went back on the ship to look for him but couldn’t find him. Fortunately, Gary ran up ahead and found him and we were good to go. 

Iconic sign in town.

Ready to go!

We did the walk to Creek Street, up Married Men Trail to Fox Cape Lodge, then back down to Creek Street and to Salmon Landing. 

Ketchikan Creek

Yelatzie Salmon

Salmon run

Totem poles up at Cape Fox Lodge.

Back to Creek Street.

Creek Street

Dolly's House

Then we separated, some went shopping, some went explored on their own and a group of us took the free shuttle around town before getting back on the ship. 

Waiting for the free shuttles around town.

Off the shuttle, walking back to the ship.

More restaurants, bars, and shops along the pier.

We met back with son, who was exploring on his own in the shops, at the Tongass Trading Store near the port but we did not find anything that we needed. We then checked the stores by Pier 3 but nothing of interest. 

Back to the ship, we rested for the rest of the afternoon before going to dinner at the MDR. We took a bottle of champagne with us again. Just trying to have less to carry in our luggage. We also had to turn the clock forward an hour before going to bed.

It was King Charles' birthday, and QE put out a cake at the atrium to celebrate but I think it’s a fake one since they never cut it for anyone to share.

The day ended with a beautiful sunset.

For video of our day in Ketchikan, please click here.

"Come and see what God has done, how awesome his works in man's behalf!"   -- Psalm 66:5