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.
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.
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
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.
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,
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.
Every so often, you step aboard a ship and immediately sense that it isn’t built for ordinary travel. That was my experience this week when I had the opportunity to tour an HX Expeditions vessel — a ship designed not for mainstream cruising, but for people who feel most alive when the world is at its rawest and most untouched.
HX Expeditions has been sailing for 130 years, and that legacy shows. These are not floating resorts. They are purpose‑built expedition ships created to bring travellers into the planet’s wildest, most awe‑inspiring places — the kind of destinations most cruise lines simply sail past without stopping. HX doesn’t “view from a distance.” They land. They explore. They immerse.
Where Nature Sets the Itinerary
One of the first things you learn about expedition cruising is that nature is in charge. HX itineraries adapt in real time — shifting with sea ice, weather, wildlife sightings, and the ever‑changing conditions of remote environments. There’s no rigid schedule carved in stone. Instead, there’s a promise: you will go where the moment offers the greatest opportunity for discovery.
It’s a refreshing philosophy. Instead of forcing nature to fit a timetable, HX follows nature’s lead.
A Cruise for the Curious
These journeys attract a very specific demographic — people who love science, wildlife, geology, photography, and the quiet thrill of being somewhere few humans have ever stood. Guests aren’t looking for casinos or Broadway shows. They’re looking for knowledge, wonder, and the kind of beauty that doesn’t need embellishment.
On board, you’ll find experts in marine biology, glaciology, ornithology, and climate science. Lectures aren’t entertainment; they’re part of the adventure. Every landing, every zodiac ride, every wildlife encounter becomes richer because you understand what you’re seeing.
Going Where Mainstream Ships Don’t
Most cruise lines pass by Antarctica or the Arctic from a safe distance, offering scenic cruising and photo opportunities from the deck. HX does something entirely different.
They go ashore.
Their fleet of sturdy zodiacs can land on remote beaches, giving guests the chance to step onto the ice, walk among penguins, or stand at the foot of a glacier. For those who want even more immersion, HX offers kayaking in polar waters — and yes, even camping overnight on the Antarctic continent. Imagine waking up to absolute silence, broken only by the crack of distant ice.
It’s not just travel. It’s participation.
A Ship Built for Purpose
Walking through the vessel, I noticed how every space serves the mission. Observation lounges with wide windows. Mudrooms for gearing up before landings. Science centers. Equipment designed for safety in extreme conditions. It’s a ship that invites you to learn, to explore, and to feel part of something larger than yourself.
This isn’t a cruise you take to escape life. It’s a cruise you take to understand the world more deeply.
Why HX Stands Apart
After touring the ship, it’s clear why HX Expeditions has earned such a devoted following. They offer something rare: authentic exploration. Not curated, not staged — real, unpredictable, exhilarating discovery.
For travellers who want to go beyond the postcard and into the heart of the planet’s most remote places, HX delivers an experience that stays with you long after you return home.
One area that no other expedition ship has is the Science Center. Packed with state-of-the-art technology and equipment, the Science Center is at the heart of the onboard experience. This is where guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding of the areas you explore. You’ll have advanced microscopes to analyse rock, fossil and biological samples you would have collected earlier in the field. The flexible venue features lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more.
Boot storage
Boot cleaner which is necessary not to take anything onto the continent
Outer wear for everyone
Different types of Kayaks
Tent for a sleep out in Antarctica
Typical Ocean View Stateroom
The staterooms are larger than most. The balcony cabin is the same floorplan as this and the balcony is large! I took pictures of the suites. They were gorgeous. The aft suites have hot pools on the decks! I can't post all the pictures.
HX is 130 years old and here is the original cabin:
There are 3 restaurants onboard. All were very nice. We had a lovely lunch in the dining room.
An aft infinity pool and two hot tubs at the aft
It's impossible to capture the entire ship. It's so unique. Here is a a video ship tour:
