Jim_Iain

Funny you should mention it. I thought I could use Apple pay but maybe user error I couldn't find a place to tap it. Iain slipped his Visa in and it rejected it. I then used my Chase Sapphire and worked perfect.

Since we did not get settled in until 2:30 the MDR was closed and we were invited to visit the Lunch Buffet before it closed at 4:00 PM. The buffet is well laid out. I had the hamburger which they cook to order and must say it was every bit as good or better than the Luminae Burger. One big different which I appreciate is that the buffet is virtually 100% served as oppose to serving ones self. The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming. Once you sit down a server comes over to take drink orders and pour water.

I have to say the Vista Suite is a delight to enter. Very open and inviting with furniture that is both practical and attractive. The designer Celebrity selected to revolutionize their ships was a disaster who used design over function. I doubt she has ever even been on a ship. The had a nice Canape Tray setup as well as a beautiful Fruit Basket, something that has pretty much disappeared from Celebrity unless you request it. Like Celebrity they also had a bottle of Bubbly chilling. We are not bubbly drinkers so not sure how good it is.

Walking aboard for the first time was a real treat. It is funny that in Vancouver where you would climb a gangway to the ship, Oceania smaller ships you walk down the Gangway to the ship. The ship is beautifully decorated with a light Blue and Silver pallet. Also similar to Celebrity, Oceania now does a Virtual Safety drill via the website and TV. The head butler met us at the security check and took us to our safety muster station on the way to our room.

Check In was very quick. Unlike Celebrity they have a different desk for the Vista and Owners Suites, the two top suites on the ship. They also have a check in desk for the Penthouse Suites, which are similar to a SkySuite General boarding is done in a larger area.

Interesting. I've never heard that before.

We may get a bit further off topic. I'm not sure if any of you make yogurt but I make it all the time. Just take your milk and bring to a simmer and then turn off - Just add a Tablespoon of Live Yogurt like Activa. Leave on counter overnight. Next morning you have Yogurt. Now if you like Greek Yogurt like I do - Just strain in a muslin towel or a Large Coffee filter. It will slowly drip off the whey until to the thickness you like

It is a very common product in the U.S. Half Cream and Half Milk. You can make yourself just by diluting the cream. I think it would be nice but a bit richer with all cream. It is funny the differences in product around the world. In the UK they have Double Cream and Clotted Cream both of which we do not have in the U.S.

I should know that my maternal side is From Eastern Tennessee.

Well that’s all for now. We left on time. You can definitely feel and hear the thrusters. Beautiful sunset just before dinner.

Yes indeed. 2 tickets. Great service.

The internet was doing well for the last post but this one took 20 minutes.

From wheels down to our room was 1 1/2 hour. By the time we got to check in the whisked us to the Vista / Owners suite area and in no time we were aboard. The head butler met us and escorted us to or room. Very efficient experience. Learned something new. They do Virtual Safety drills now. I thought we were going to do the actual drill with life jackets.

We took the SkyTrain to the end of the line - Waterfront Station. it was a 5 minute walk to Canada Place. A pleasant guide pointed us to the ramp for luggage drop and checking.

The sky train was running about every 7 minutes

Time to get SkyTrain 2 Concession (Senior)tickets came to US$10.54

I got a kick out of this sign especially the fine print.

To speed up immigration I filled ArrivalCan while on plane. After arrival there were no lines and we cleared immigration collected luggage and out of terminal in 20 minutes

We made it with plenty of time.

One big difference is Oceania mails Documents about a month prior to the cruise. Each package includes 4 beautiful tag holders and 2 luggage tags and a nice color portfolio.

Good to hear on Edge the had pulled the filet from kids menu.

I’m sure my forgetting my passport and sending Iain along without me. I was luckily able to book a SJC- YVR-FRA-FCA. Leaving 1 hour after booking. Luckily Iain had the luggage. I arrived 2 hours after Iain. Luckily we were staying at airport.

same here. We booked with a Xmas sale and the fare in Queens Grill was less than Business Class. We are also sailing Cunard in October. We get to UK 2 Weeks before the TA. We will be doing a road trip to Scotland and visit Iain’s family.

today was incredible. I’ve never seen so many cars at the departure terminals. They changed our gate and terminal 4 times after we checked in. Luckily we were sitting comfortably in the lounge.