Day 17 & 18 - at sea

Yes...we are resting. Not much to report. 

Was able to get a laundry done in the morning. Somewhere between the wash and spin cycles, the clocks went forward an hour. Weird. Thought we were lined up with Vancouver. 

Yesterday, we were to fill out our landing cards for our arrival in Vancouver. To be completed and returned by 6pm. We were provided with only one. I had gone down to the Purser’s office to ask for another, as we do not live at the same address. “No, it’s okay to put both of you on one form.” No. Really. It isn’t. They only had enough forms for one per cabin. But I was prepared to let Gina fill out the one form to make sure she could be tossed overboard once we reached Canada. 

Thankfully, more forms were brought aboard with the Canadian immigration officers at Juneau, so we didn’t have our names called over the loud speakers. Having that happening once was more than enough (before leaving Sapporo/not Sapporo).

Once we arrive at Vancouver, Gina & I are planning to meet Sarah for breakfast/brunch at her hotel. Anyone continuing the cruise must clear US immigration before reboarding the ship. But once cleared and re-boarded, cannot leave the ship again while it is still in Canadian waters. Timing is everything!

Speaking of timing, we have been using our time for planning. Very important planning. What special dinners to have, before Gina leaves the ship. Decision made: Rack of Lamb & Crepes Suzette tonight & Curry Goan for tomorrow (our chef is from the Goa region of India...so is Max). This planning is exhausting, may need another nap.

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We are whale/dolphin watching as we slowly progress south on the inside passage between Vancouver Island and mainland & islands. The current runs to about 15 knots. We took aboard a pilot before we reached the north end of Vancouver Island. There is some form of naturalist on the bridge who speaks up whenever she spots anything & explains the importance of what’s seen.

Beyond sightseeing, we have arranged drinks tonight with our table neighbours. Very sad that they will be jumping ship, tomorrow. Will have to break in new table mates! 

Bags for those leaving tomorrow, have to be packed and outside the stateroom doors by 11pm, tonight. Careful planning (more planning!) required: Leave out jammies, toiletries, and tomorrow’s clothing. But time it, such that tonight’s dinner outfit can be packed & immediately retire into one’s jammies.