Fairgarth

Very wise advice, carry multiple cards. Some years ago I flew from the Middle East to the USA. During the station stop in Heathrow, I went ashore and made a phone call using my MasterCard. Later when I checked in at the hotel in Miami the card was declined. I could not understand that - it was fine just a few hours ago. Having previously learned the lesson to carry multiple cards, I used another card to check in then phoned MasterCard. They verified that it was me, that I still had the card with me and turned the card back on. It turns out that card thieves test the card by making a phone call to see if it is still valid. If it had been reported stolen and cancelled and they tried to use it in a store, the store would call the cops.

What nobody has pointed out is that Celebrity is very American and Cunard is very British. Well, maybe you can drop the 'very'. How about going from a Chrysler convertible to a Wolseley or Humber?

Look for the statue of Samuel Cunard. It has not been torn down or splashed with red paint, at least not yet. Stay tuned!

You got lucky! I was hoping for the Beaver with the piston engine that rattles your fillings out but I guess there were too many folks at that time so we got the turbo Otter. Also on photo 4, just to the right of sugar loaf mountain, you can see a ferry pulling into Horseshoe Bay.

I should have included some photos - not thinking. Here goes:

Yes, I have done the Harbour Air tour. Loved it. I think they offer different lengths of flight so you have a choice depending on your preferences and budget. Great views over Lion's Gate bridge, West Van, UBC, downtown etc. I have flown on so many different aircraft but never a float plane so that was a first. As we were boarding, the agent said "who wants to sit beside the pilot?" so I yelled out "ME" before anybody else could think.

Fly. It's only a one hour flight and there are at least 15 non-stops a day. You can choose between Delta, Alaska or Air Canada. From Vancouver airport there is a fast Skytrain that takes you to Waterfront, right beside the cruise terminal. Or you could take a cab if you prefer.