We took a cruise to Alaska last May onboard the Carnival Spirit … and (can I just say) WOW, did we have a fantastic time! Our itinerary included cruising the Inside Passage with stops in Juneau and Skagway, a day cruising around Glacier Bay, another stop in Ketchikan and finally ending the cruise in Seattle. Having never been to Alaska before, we eagerly anticipated this trip … and we weren’t disappointed. We saw many new sights, experienced loads of new adventures and, of course, photographed it all along the way.
But, let’s start at the beginning where our journey began … in Vancouver, Canada.
We had a couple of days in Vancouver before we were to embark our cruise and we made the most of it. We stayed at the Pan Pacific Hotel right in Canada Place ~ the hub of the city and the location of the cruise terminal. Talk about convenient! And exciting as I had more than ample opportunity to watch the float planes take off and land (something I was anxiously looking forward to!).
It was raining off and on and we were grateful for two things we brought along: Our waterproof jackets kept us very dry and comfortable and rain sleeves did the same for our cameras. These would prove invaluable to us many times during this trip!
Here is more of our Vancouver adventure:
Our hotel was right at Canada Place … centrally located and the hub of the city. Oh, and the cruise ship terminal as well!
The mountains in North Vancouver were the perfect backdrop for all of the float planes taking off and landing in Vancouver Harbor.
Tulips were in bloom all over the city and the rain just added to their beauty.
My Camera and Me! Two items we packed that became invaluable on this trip: Our waterproof jackets and the packets of rain sleeves for our cameras.
We wandered the cobbled streets of Gastown, Vancouver’s first town founded in 1867 by Gassy Jack Deighton … who really was just set on opening a saloon.
Gastown Steam Clock: We timed our visit perfectly and were able to experience the whistle and steam blowing of Gastown’s famous and lively landmark.
We ventured across the water to a full-sized play land like nothing I’ve ever seen before … Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
The Capilano Suspension Bridge was built in 1889 and stretches 450 feet across Capilano Canyon and 230 feet above Capilano River.
Walking across the Capilano Suspension Bridge was fun … and the views were amazing!
From the suspension bridge, we had front row views of the park’s newest attraction Cliff Walk, a cantilevered walkway bolted to the side of a cliff.
Walking on Cliff Walk was an adventure in itself! Most of the walkway was narrow with open views along the sides. Some of the walkway was made of glass … with views straight down to the canyon floor.
Inside the park were more suspension bridges to explore in the Treetop’s Adventure. As you can see, the rain kept the crowd at bay. Here is Rod taking photos on one of the viewing platforms. Hi, Rod!
Hi all! Yes, that is me high above the forest floor on one of the seven suspension bridges that make up Treetop’s Adventure.
In the middle of the park were hiking trails and a lake surrounded by Douglas fir trees. It really was beautiful.
Vancouver was gorgeous and I wish we had more time to really explore her well. But, the cruise ship was calling and so we had to say Goodbye to lovely Vancouver!
Trip Journal: This is Part 1 of 8 posts on our Spirit to Alaska cruise May 2012.
My Camera and Me 