Visited the local supermarket after breakfast to stock up on a few nibbles for the cruise, then finally bid farewell to our 28th floor apartment with the terrific views. Walked down to the coffee shop a few blocks away and returned the apartment keys, had a coffee, then set off across the island back to Canada Place and the waterfront where, as luck would have it, our cruise ship was sitting and waiting for us.
Checked our bags in, then had some lunch and went for our last wander around the harbour in the sunshine. Went through boarding procedures, which were identical to an airports, except that you didn't have to throw away liquids, and boarded the ship. Stood out on deck in the sunshine as we cast off a few minutes before 5pm, and sat there until Vancouver receded into the distance. It's a great city, with lots of friendly people, and we feel like we've got to know it quite well.
The ms Statendam is not a big ship as cruise ships go, only 1200 passengers and 500 crew, but with 5 restaurants, half a dozen entertainment venues and 2 pools, it still takes a long time to explore. There are 63 things on the program that we can choose from to do tomorrow, and that doesn't include all of the meal choices. We're still getting our heads around that you can order anything, anytime, as often as you like. They say that on average you gain a pound for every day you are on the boat. Oh dear!
Didn't finish dinner till 9:30, and went straight to watch the evening entertainment in the showroom introducing all of the 40 entertainers on board. They even have a Catholic priest on board, but he didn't get to dance in the show, though the poor balding techo who is running PC classes for the oldies had to.
Our stateroom (they are all called that, so don't freak) is lovely, and we are definitely going to be spoilt for the next week.
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