Allison & David's Honeymoon Adventure/ Carnival Miracle's Maiden Alaska Voyage

[ucfalli]

Day 6: Vancouver

April 28th, 2013

 

It was our last day in Vancouver and the sun came out! It was forecast to rain in the late afternoon so we decided to go to Grouse Mountain first. When I asked David what was his favorite thing on the whole vacation, it was Grouse Mountain! It is very pricy to go up, but if the day is clear as it was this morning the views are amazing. We took the seabus to the 236 bus that ends at Grouse Mountain. The seabus is just a block down Canada Place and then the 236 bus is right outside were the seabus docks. We were amazed at the seabus, with how often it runs and how easy they pull in and out for the docking area for people to board. We purchased the full single day ticket as we were planning on hopping on and off the bus during the day.

 

Cable car is almost here to take us up to Grouse Mountain!

 

 

Once up Grouse mountain, there was also a lot of snow on the ground! Completely still covered. Thankfully we wore our hiking boots. Even with the boots the hike up to see the grizzlies was slippery.

 

 

Path to the grizzlies

 

 

Skiing was still in full swing!

We spot the grizzlies!

__________________

[ucfalli]

Day 6: Vancouver Continued

 

David is tall enough to get some good pictures of the grizzlies above the fence. So innocent looking....except for those nails!

 

 

 

 

They then came out to feed the bears. Imagine that...they eat lettuce and carrots. Someone also came out with a barn owl and were able to ask any questions.

 

 

 

 

The snow would actually be a running theme of our Alaskan cruise

[ucfalli]

Day 6: Vancouver Continued

 

We then went inside for our amazing lunch at the Altitudes Bistro. This was our best lunch. We pigged out. They have a fast food option downstairs where the combo meals are around $15 or you eat upstairs in a nice restaurant where the sandwiches are around $15, include soup or salad and have amazing views. This was a no brainer.

 

We had a view of the cable car by our window

 

 

David enjoying the yummy spiked hot chocolate The After 8"

 

We both got the chicken sandwich...it was delicious!

 

 

We were bad and decided to get the chocolate fondu for desert. It says it's for two, but could easily feed four. The chocolate was warm and rich.

 

 

 

 

Inside the main building

 

 

Lots of skiers

 

[ucfalli]

Day 6: Vancouver Continued

 

After taking the cable car down (it took longer then it does normally due to the red cable car being serviced) we headed to the Cleavland Dam. Hopped on and off the bus.

 

Amazing views nearby

 

 

Long way down!

 

 

 

The Dam was definitely worth the visit if you have the time. It is free and close by Grouse Mountain and the Capiliano Suspension Bridge. The 236 bus stops right by it.

 

Since we were nearby the fish hatchery we decided to check it out. It's about a 10 min walk downhill from the dam. Even though it wasn't salmon season I thought it might be worth the visit. It is also free to visit the fish hatchery. Once there, we didn't think it was really worth it unless the salmon are spawned and jumping up the ladder. Not much to see.

 

 

 

The surrounding forest is beautiful and is worth hiking if you have the time. We ended up hiking all the way to the Capiliano Suspension Bridge.

 

Of course it started raining once we reached Capiliano. They have free ponchos to grab. The rain however didn't bother me as much here. Added more to the mystique (being that is a rainforest).

 

[ucfalli]

Day 6: Vancouver Continued

 

We started out with the free nature tour they offer at Capiliano. At the lake area there was an osprey. It literally dove down 10 ft in front of us, grabbed a rainbow trout and flew away. Of course my camera wasn't out!

 

I grabbed a picture of him before it all happened

 

 

They have a treetop walk that is a lot fun. Gives you a bird's eye view of the area. You also get to pretend that you are an Ewok!

 

Yes the Capiliano Suspension bridge is touristy. But I thought it was well worth the money. There was lots to see and do (as long as you aren't afraid of heights!)

 

Also on a side note: Capiliano offers of a free shuttle from Canada Place. Wouldn't work for us since it ended at 4:30pm. We were out there till almost 7:00pm

 

 

There is also an awesome cliff walk. Since we were there late in the afternoon and it was drizzly, we had the place practically to ourselves at the end.

 

 

Headed back to downtown Vancouver and just went back to the Steamworks Brewery to grab a light bite before heading back to the hotel.

 

Ended the night enjoying the city views back at our hotel room

 

 

 

Up next. THE CRUISE!!! Thanks for sticking with me.

[ucfalli]

Day 7: Vancouver

April 29th, 2013

 

Finally the 1st cruise day has arrived! We decided to do a little walking around Yaletown in the morning. The weather definitely changed this morning. Cooler and windy. We checked out and had the bell hop hold our luggage while we were out.

 

View of the lobby at the Marriott

 

 

The afternoon snack area had fruit, pastries, and coffee out in the morning.

 

 

We actually ended up walking all the way to the other side of downtown Vancouver to Sunset Beach. Was freezing! I guess this was a hint what was to come in Alaska.

 

Sunset Beach

We picked up some last minute souvenirs on the way back and walked back along the waterfront. We got our first sighting of the Miracle!

 

 

Got back to the hotel around noon and then walked all our luggage to Canada Place. Took about 10min and is pretty much downhill or a level surface. We found the entry to the pier on the lowest level. Dropped off our bag with the porters. We then had to go through a screening like you do at an airport. Never had to do this before for a cruise. Felt odd going through a screening with wine in my bag. The security people just asked me which cruise line I was on (Crystal had a boat leaving that day as well) to make sure I had the right amount.

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All aboard!

 

We then proceeded through Canadian customs. Didn't take long at all. Then we hit....the LINE!!! Carnival always sends out those e-mails saying to not arrive early. I had a feeling that this time they meant it (we usually come early), but I wasn't expecting this at around 12:30pm. We were told that Canadian Customs was still on the boat doing an inspection putting everything behind.

 

 

We finally got to the counter to check in with Carnival. Was exactly like every review I have read when it's the first one of the season out of Vancouver....confusion. Most of the employees were new. The woman checking us in was new as well and very confused. I think she had like 4 people helping her. No worries, all we be doing once checked in was waiting. They had you sit down after checking in. Once boarding was allowed they boarded you by row. Went very fast once boarding was taking place. I believe boarding started at around 1:30pm. We got on the boat at around 2:00pm. Everyone was in good spirits, anticipating they cruise.

 

 

While we were on line we got a letter stating that MDR and anytime dinning times had changed. Don't know if this is typical for Alaskan cruises. The early dinning was now 5:30pm and the late dinning was now 7:45pm. Anytime was 5:15pm-9:00pm

 

So we went to see if our room was ready. Nope. Guess the room stewards were also behind. So we went up to lido for lunch. Of course the lido was a mob scene!

 

 

Then went back down to room and they were finally ready. Couldn't wait to check out our room. This was our 1st balcony. We were in 7291 an extended balcony, an 8K.

 

The room had much more space then we were use to (always being in an interior), so we were happy and we knew right away we would love our balcony. The desk in the room did show signs of wear. Basically the wood was all scuffed/broken up at the edges. Surprised this wasn't something they didn't fix previously in dry dock as it was very noticeable. The ship was kept immaculate, but if you looked around it wasn't hard to see the little signs of aging. Didn't bother us, but just wanted to make a note.

 

Luckily the weather turned out to be beautiful in Vancouver for our sail away (although chilly). It was originally forecast to be rainy.

 

 

 

 

Our balcony was one of the best parts of our cruise. When it was freezing on the main decks later on in the cruise, it always felt much warmer on the balcony. It also sheltered us from rain which would come in handy in Glacier Bay. I know people are always asking "do I need a balcony for my Alaskan cruise?" Of course you don't "need" it. But if there is anyway you can afford it I HIGHLY recommend it. We normally book the cheapest possible room. I was very happy with our decision booking the balcony.

 

 

On another note: when we were booking, the extended balconies were the same price as the regular balconies. We really liked extended balcony. It came in handy, as we had more protection from the elements and more space to move around.

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All aboard!

 

After getting settled into our room we went off to explore the boat:

The Serenity Pool (For some reason was always this green murky color)

 

Another view of Serenity

 

 

Beautiful day in Vancouver!

 

 

But a little chilly....

 

 

Very nice outside area to eat/relax. Just wish it wasn't so cool

 

 

Not the typical tropical cruise picture....no bare feet

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All aboard!

 

I don't know if the serenity bar was every opened...

 

Forgot towel hut! It became the blanket hut. You could check out blankets here

 

 

Vancouver skyline was spectacular backdrop

 

The slide was opened when the winds allowed it. Always felt bad for the employee up there. Never saw anybody on the slide. 1st time we didn't use a boats slide!

 

 

Nick & Nora's, the steak house. The pink glass on the tail fin gave a wonderful glow to the room.

 

 

There were NO chair hogs on the his cruise

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All aboard!

 

Lido pool was closed everyday except the last sea day. The covered pool adjacent to it was opened instead.

 

Most boring design for mini golf (not really any decoration)

 

Sports area

 

 

Another view of the lido

 

Club 02

 

[Highboy90]

Looking forward to the rest of your review.

[scoobydrewby]

I am loving your review! We are going in July and plan to the suspension bridge in the afternoon. How did you get back? Bus 236 to the Seabus? That's our plan for now, but we didn't know how close the 236 stop was to the suspension bridge. Any advice is appreciated!

 

Your photos are fantastic!

[MilliesMom]

Enjoying your review ... great photos and details.

[sue402001]

I can't wait to read more of your review ucfalli. Sounds like you had fun even if it was cold with snow. Looking forward to your next chapter.

[ucfalli]

I can't wait to read more of your review ucfalli. Sounds like you had fun even if it was cold with snow. Looking forward to your next chapter.

 

 

The cold and snow just made it more Alaskan ;)

[ucfalli]

I am loving your review! We are going in July and plan to the suspension bridge in the afternoon. How did you get back? Bus 236 to the Seabus? That's our plan for now, but we didn't know how close the 236 stop was to the suspension bridge. Any advice is appreciated!

 

Your photos are fantastic!

 

Came back the same way (236 bus/seabus).

 

The 236 Bus has a stop just to the right of the Suspension bridge entrance. Like a 1 min walk. Then took the Seabus back. The bus loop is literally at the seabus. It is all very convenient.

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard!

 

The covered lido area. Actually was quite warm due the glass. Ate out here our last sea day. Otherwise this was the smoking area the rest of the cruise when it wasn't really used.

 

 

 

Giant chess set which rarely got played (theme of this cold Alaskan cruise)

 

The spa

 

 

At the gym was an inside spa, used it on our 1st sea day. Wish it was warmer, but was nice. Also used the spa showers that day and loved the rain shower/jets.

 

 

Gym

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard!

 

Spa Room

 

 

The Salon

 

 

 

Camp Carnival

 

 

Outside the Phantom Lounge

 

 

Phantom Lounge 2nd story staircase

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard!

 

By the Phantom Lounge

 

 

Game room

 

 

Circle C

 

Gatsby Gardens (oddest use of space) only ever saw employees there

 

 

The library

 

 

The Chapel

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard!

 

Kane's Way

 

 

Phantom Lounge

 

 

Yellow Brick Road, aka gift shops

 

 

Sam's Piano Bar

 

The Atrium

 

Jeeves Lounge

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard!

 

Mr. Lucky's Casino

 

Maguire's Bar (always empty)

 

Frankie & Johnnie's (best place for live music)

 

The Joker Card Room (was very popular)

 

The Fountainhead

 

Mad Hatter's Ball (Loved this room)

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard

 

After exploring the ship, we went to the muster drill and then back to the Serenity area to relax on the hammock. We enjoyed the view of Vancouver on such a nice day.

 

Uh just a little cold......

 

We then headed back to the room to get ready for our dinner at the Nick & Nora steakhouse. We looked outside our balcony and realized we were not departing anytime soon. There still lots of luggage still to be boarded. Our departure time was suppose to be 4pm and it was around 5:30pm when we noticed this.

 

This was our first dinner at the steak house. We booked in advance for the first night so we would get the free bottle of wine. The steak house was delicious! We had a 6:30pm reservation. Would do it again on our next cruise 100%.

 

 

At first I was bummed because we still hadn't left port. I had wanted to be outside for the departure. But in the end it worked out. We had a fabulous view right by the window and we were warm! We watched many people walking by with looks of pain from the cold and wind. The Miracle left at approx 6:45pm. So she was definitely running behind!.

 

Our dinner started with the presentation of the white wine we chose and with a little something compliments of the chef. I don't remember the brand of wine we received, but I do remember it was from Chile.

 

David got this little burger and really like it.

 

I received this little tomato soup

For appetizer I got the escargot. Delicious! The MDR escargot doesn't compare.

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard

 

David got the crab cake. Very tasty as well.

 

 

Sail away!

 

Lions Gate Bridge

 

Both got the Caesar Salad

 

Both got the Filet Mignon. Best steak we have every had! So tender and juicy.

 

You can order as many sides as you wish. The mashed potato's and broccoli were very excellen. The mushrooms were just ok.

 

The view as we ate

 

[ucfalli]

Day 7: All Aboard

 

The cheesecake! Ginormous as everyone said it was. It was much better then the cheesecake they serve in the lido and MDR (which I hate). But still not my favorite. I am a cheesecake snob. I absolutely love cheesecake. It was much more moist, but I thought the flavor was slightly lacking ;-)

 

 

The chocolate sampler...yum!

 

View of the steakhouse before leaving

Caught the sunset before the welcome aboard show.

Loving the view with the mountains!

 

 

Took our dressed up picture, which we did every night before or after dinner

 

First towel animal. Seems that they always do the seal the first night.

 

 

Did the Welcome Aboard show. Same ole show. The CD came out and did his thing, they did the same dancing act, and then the comedians introduced themselves. After the show we watched the adult comedy show with Seth Buchwald. He was funny. Then off to bed!

[Kirasha]

Enjoying your review very much so far, thanks for taking the time to give us so much detail! Question: how did you know when the Marriott Pinnacle had that sale?