Day 6 - San Francisco Day 2

I just learned that the Star Princess is the largest ship ever to dock at Pier 27. Hard to believe, considering she didn’t use that pier on the way to Alaska — but she certainly made her presence known this time.

There’s something special about having an overnight in port during a cruise. Last night felt relaxed in a way sea days never quite do. No rushing back for sail away, no watching the clock. We enjoyed a lovely dinner onboard and then headed to an outstanding show with Ivan Pecel, a juggler and comedian who had the whole theatre laughing. A perfect evening without a hint of hurry.

This morning started simply with a quick breakfast before Don and I decided we needed a few sundries. Target was the mission. We walked over to catch the 14 bus, and the driver couldn’t have been kinder. He was just starting his route, and we were the only passengers. We asked how to pay — credit card, cash, what’s the fare? He smiled and said, “You’re visitors. Here’s a two‑hour pass.” A small gesture, but it made our morning.

We later discovered that the pass also worked on the trolley running down the Embarcadero, right past Pier 27. So on the way back, instead of retracing our steps, we hopped on the trolley and rode home in comfort, watching the waterfront roll by. I got off at pier 27. Don continued on to Pier 39 as he wanted Clam Chowder for lunch! Cec, Kathy and I went to the American Diner and had a relaxing buffet lunch.

A simple outing, but full of those little moments that make travel feel generous.

The Ferry Building

The other side of Embarcadero showing the statue an the Ferry Building at Pier #1

You catch the #14 bus right by the Ferry Building and it took us right to Target!

Richard's horse "B the King" had a great race.  I should have placed a bet before I left!

Day 5 - San Francisco Day 1

Oakland Bay Bridge picture taken from our balcony

Pier 39 was fun.  We had lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe and saw the magic show!

Only 2 Sea Lions - every other time we've visited these floats were full of them!

A blimp and Alcatraz

I'd love to know what this Costco sign says!

Waymo cars everywhere!

Love the architecture

Marin County

Golden Gate Bridge. It was cold and windy going over in an open air Hop On Hop Off bus, but lots of fun!

We slipped under the Golden Gate Bridge at 5:30 this morning, though I wasn’t up to see it. I’ve sailed beneath that beautiful span before, and we’ll sail out again tomorrow night, so I didn’t feel the need to greet it in the dark.

Because we stopped in Victoria, everyone had to clear U.S. Immigration here in San Francisco. It was a smooth, straightforward process — the usual questions about how long we’re staying and whether we’re carrying drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, fruit, or meat. The officer was pleasant, and before long we were on our way to meet the Big Bus for our tour.

The drive through San Francisco was wonderful. We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge again, this time wrapped in fog, with wind whipping across the open deck and the kind of cold that makes you laugh because you didn’t dress for it. Even so, there’s something magical about that bridge disappearing into mist.

By the time we returned to Pier 39, the city had transformed. The fog had lifted, the wind had calmed, and the sun was shining across the waterfront. San Francisco does that — it shifts moods quickly, offering a little drama and then a warm smile.

A memorable day, from foggy bridge crossings to sunny piers.

Day 4: A Glorious Day at Sea

Sea days have their own rhythm, and today was one of those wonderfully full ones where you could wander from deck to deck and never run out of things to do. Before noon alone, the schedule looked like a small festival.

Carpet Bowls rolled into Line Dance Class, while Arts & Crafts offered a peaceful Origami session for anyone wanting a quieter start. Zumba brought the energy back up, and Iris Photography: Your Eyes, Your Art drew a curious crowd — it’s amazing what they can capture in a single close-up of an eye.

The enrichment lectures were especially good today: a naturalist speaking on West Coast wildlife, followed by a talk titled All You Really Need for a Good Night’s Sleep. (I suspect half the ship attended that one.) Then came the fast-paced fun — Officers & Guests 60‑Second Frenzy, wine tasting, bingo, and even a jewellery auction. And that’s just the morning.

The afternoon carried on with more bingo, Deal or No Deal, and a whole lineup of game shows. They’re always lively, always packed, and always good for a laugh.

Tonight’s entertainment is a double feature. First up is magician David Gatti — I usually look performers up ahead of time, and his website gives a good sense of the style he brings. After that, a Candlelight Concert with Kelly McDonwell. It’s a common name, so I’m not entirely sure which Kelly she is, but I have a feeling she may be the soprano. I’ll find out soon enough when the lights dim and the music begins.

Tomorrow we reach San Francisco, and it will be a big day for the whole ship. Everyone — guests and crew alike — must go through U.S. Immigration. It begins at 8:00 AM, and they expect the process to run until at least mid‑afternoon. We’ve got Hop On Hop Off bus tickets, so our little group will gather at the meeting point and head out together at 8:30 AM. It should be a long day, but a memorable one.

For now, the ocean is calm, the ship is humming, and there’s that familiar feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be — somewhere between here and the next adventure.

Day 3 Why We Keep Coming Back to Cruising

There’s a reason we cruise again and again: the experience is simply richer. When we travel by plane or take a road trip, we often end up in a hotel or motel, flipping through TV channels and calling it a night. It’s comfortable, yes — but not exactly memorable.

On a cruise, the days feel fuller. There’s always something happening just steps away: music, lectures, games, shows, and that wonderful buzz of people enjoying themselves. Entertainment isn’t an add‑on — it’s part of the heartbeat of the ship, and it’s one of the things we love most.

This week we joined the Global Trivia, hosted by the Future Cruise team. Out of 46 questions, we scored 41 — and the winning team had 43. Not bad at all. If you’ve sailed with Princess before, you’d recognize many of the clues, which made it even more fun. It’s that blend of familiarity and discovery that keeps us coming back.

Cruising gives us destinations, experiences, and entertainment all woven together. It’s travel that feels alive — and that’s why we choose it.

Here are some pictures of the first couple of days of entertainment:

The aerielists were wonderful

Sand Artist at work

A very delightful Latin production. 
Many more singers and dancers but I was enjoying it so much I didn't take more pictures.

Andrew Kennedy put on two shows, the family show the first night and the XX rated at PG 18 at 10:30 PM both very good

This concert was incredible!  A fabulous guitarist/vocalist

We've been told there will be many concerts in this gorgeous venue

Day 2 - Victoria

We sailed the short route from Vancouver to Victoria overnight, and by the time we docked around 7 AM, the city was just beginning to wake. The air was cool — that crisp coastal kind of cool — but it felt refreshing rather than cold. Victoria has a way of greeting you softly, even first thing in the morning.

With no schedule and no rush, we decided to walk the waterfront around Ogden Point. It’s a beautiful stretch, open to the sea and full of that familiar West Coast calm. The waves were steady, the sky still pale, and the lighthouse stood quietly at the end of the breakwater, as it always does.

There’s something lovely about starting a day with a simple walk by the water. No crowds, no noise, just the rhythm of the ocean and the feeling of being somewhere peaceful. Victoria is good at offering that — especially early in the day, before the city fully stirs.

I often hear people say they “never want to go on a large ship.” They say it with conviction — even though most have never actually tried one. It’s a bit like dismissing a restaurant you’ve never eaten at or a city you’ve never visited. Assumptions can be powerful, but experience is even more so.

Years ago, we found ourselves in that exact situation. Friends had chosen Allure of the Seas, which at the time was the largest cruise ship in the world. It wasn’t a ship we would have picked on our own. In fact, we were hesitant. But we wanted to join them, so we booked it — cautiously, curiously, and with no idea what to expect.

What happened surprised us.

We loved it.

Not just “it was nice” — we genuinely enjoyed the experience. The ship felt like a floating neighbourhood, full of energy and choices. There were different venues of music, each with its own personality. J azz one night, Latin rhythms the next, and quiet acoustic sets tucked away in cozy lounges. The shows were outstanding, far beyond what we expected at sea — Broadway‑level productions, comedy, ice shows, and performances we still talk about today. They had the full Broadway production of "Chicago"! All for the price of the cruise.

And here’s the part that says everything: We booked another trip three months later because we wanted to see everything we missed the first time.

Large ships aren’t for everyone, of course. But they offer something special — variety, entertainment, and the freedom to choose a different experience every night. You can be as busy or as relaxed as you want. You can listen to music, watch a show, sit quietly with a book, or wander through spaces designed to feel like little worlds of their own.

So when people tell me they’d “never” go on a big ship, I smile a little. Because sometimes the best travel surprises happen when you try the thing you thought wasn’t for you.

Day 1 Vancouver

 

Yesterday was embarkation day, and what a smooth start it turned out to be. We boarded the Star Princess at Canada Place, where the aft of the ship was docked. Our scheduled boarding time was 11:30, but we arrived at the pier at 11:10 thanks to a fabulous Uber driver who knew exactly where to go. He pulled right into the terminal, and before we even opened the door, a luggage cart rolled up beside the car. It felt like VIP service without even trying.

We headed upstairs, picked up our medallions, and walked straight through security. No lineups, no delays, no fuss. Even with three ships in port, the organization was excellent. We were stepping onto the ship right at 11:30 — the kind of efficiency you always hope for but rarely get.

Once aboard, we went straight to our stateroom, dropped off our carry‑on, completed our muster, and made our way to the Aurora Dining Room for lunch. The service was warm and attentive, and lunch was exactly what you want on embarkation day: relaxed, tasty, and unhurried.

The afternoon was spent wandering the ship and settling in. Our luggage arrived by 2:30, giving us plenty of time to unpack before our 5:20 dinner reservation. And then came the surprise of the day — look at the table we got! Perfect location, perfect view, and we didn’t even have to bribe anyone. Sometimes the cruise gods simply smile on you.

A wonderful start to the voyage, full of small kindnesses, smooth logistics, and that familiar excitement of being back at sea.

After dinner we went to the theatre and saw a very funny comedian.  He's got an adult show tomorrow at 10:30 and we will be there!   A great ending to a wonderful day,

What day is it? It's CRUISE DAY!

Today’s the day — we’re boarding the new Star Princess for a 23‑day cruise from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale.  Even better, we’re travelling with friends.  It’s always nicer to sail with people you know.

I’ll blog whenever the ship’s Wi‑Fi cooperates. Satellite internet has come a long way now that most ships run on Starlink, though the speed still depends on how many people are trying to upload their vacation photos at the same time.

One thing I won’t miss is the news. Back home, cities and municipalities across the province are deep into election season. I can’t vote this time in the city election — we’re leaving before absentee ballots are even ready. That’s a first for me; I always vote. We’ll be back in time for the provincial election, though. I’ll catch up on the candidates then. I don’t yet know who I’m voting for, but I definitely know who I’m not voting for.

For now, it’s time to call an Uber to go to Canada Place. There’s something special about starting a trip from your own home city — a little calmer, a little easier, and a lot more fun.