traveller123

I was recently in cabin #7050 on the Ocean Princess. It could sleep 4 - the regular beds that can be pushed together and 2 bunk beds that drop down from the ceiling. I didn't even notice the beds in the ceiling until day 3. It was a good sized inside cabin - lots of storage space and a love seat (instead of just a small chair that you often see in an inside cabin). The bathroom was a bit tight and the shower stall the smallest I've seen on a cruise ship. But still fine.

Thank you very much for your review and great pictures. I'm headed to Alaska on the Spirit on Sept. 17th, so the timing of your posts is perfect. I'm getting so excited for my cruise.

I enjoyed seeing the pictures of downtown Vancouver...you could almost see me waving from my office window. I often take the Seabus to/from work...it's a special way to start or end the work day travelling across the harbour and seeing the cruise ships at the pier, etc.

Looking forward to reading the rest of your review.

Tammy, I haven't been down to Gastown in ages. It's gotten quite seedy in the past few years. I wouldn't recommend it in the evening for a stroll. You can check the Vancouver tourism website for a description of the area.

I think it would be great to go for a walk up Robson Street from the Public Library to Stanley Park. Lots of shops, restaurants, etc. And very lively in the evening. You could walk back along the seawall along Coal Harbour which brings you to Canada Place cruise terminal. The Victorian Hotel is a bit of a walk from Robson Street (4 blocks) and a bit further from Canada Place. But, if you are into strolling in the late afternoon/early evening, that would be a nice walk for the group of you. There is nothing in the way of touristy stuff near the Victorian Hotel.

Tammy, I went by the hotel. It is quite old, but very charming. It is not in the best part of town, but the area is certainly safe enough. It is close to the theatres and main library and a block from Gastown. It was a Victorian style rooming house that has been completely refurbished in the past couple of years. I took a tour through a couple of the rooms and they were on the small size, but have very high ceilings and so seem quite roomy. The bathroom was attached to the room and it was modern and very clean. In fact, the entire hotel seemed to be very clean and well kept. I particularly loved the old wooden floors that have been kept and refinished. The hotel reminded me of the kind you find in Europe. Older, a bit pokey, but furnished with lots of antiques, etc. There is no air conditioning. Normally in September that would not be a problem. As well, there is no elevator. There are about 10 stairs from the street to the front entrance. And then there are stairs up to the second and third floors. Something to consider if you have a lot of luggage with you. I think it would be about a $6-$8 taxi ride to the cruise terminal.

If I can answer any more questions, let me know.

Tammy, I've never heard of the Victorian Hotel (514 Homer St.), but if you like I could walk by it on my lunch break from work and check it out (at least from the outside). I'll get back to you with my report (maybe today or Monday).