lobsternight

You will find that Celebrity is very accommodating for both children and adults on the spectrum.  When we book i let Celebrity know and it is placed in the remarks on our booking.  Many of the staff have had training in this field, and are generally wonderful to him, and do little things to help out the whole family. My son loves the MDR, and we are usually seated ata table for 4 in a quiet corner.  Also in the past we have been able to bypass long lines at check in, just let a shore agent know.  Much better for everyone.

All I can say i was in Whitehorse Yukon for Canada Day (July 1st) and they saved their fireworks for later in the year.  I sat in a chair outside my RV and was reading the local paper at 1;30am.

My mother passed mid 2020, we had an Alaskan cruise booked with Celebrity.  First of all I cannot praise all the help and compassion I received from the Celebrity shore team.  We were able to transfer her booking to my wife.  What was really nice is that the Celebrity agent offered the chance to do a interrment at sea, as mentioned above, they would have a time and place, think they even mentioned slowing the ship down.  Wonderful gesture, thats why we will continue to sail with them.

To end off my little story, we declined.  Mom absolutely loved Alaska, the day before she passed when I came to see her in hospice, the first thing she said was I guess we are not going on that cruise.  I declined the service for a few reasons.  Mom could not swim and feared water having nearly drowned as a child.  She was OK on cruise ships, but nothing smaller.  Also her brother died as a submariner in WW2, and there were a few other incidents as well.  No, as nice an idea as it was, if I had done that she would have haunted me.

Also did notice one option from the funeral home, a paper envelope for the remains.  It floats for about a minute, then sinks.  

I always carry some unusual foreign currency on board for such occasions.  Never been asked by an adult, usually its a kid club thing, but would be happy to hand it over anyway.

As a Canadian we have a $2 coin.  Been waiting for a scavenger hunt to hand one over, but it comes with a story.  The front of the coin or heads has the Queen of course.  Tails or the back of the coin has polar bears. So you see, if you turn the coin over you can see the Queens bear backside.  OK lame joke, good for a kid, and sorry your Magisty.

Thank you for asking that question , I have been pondering the same. 

4 hours ago, Lois R said:

We owned a Rambler too........1964.

I guess the best part of the story is that on one of those vacations the 1961 caught fire, guests at the flea bag hotel formed a bucket brigade and put it out.  A few days later Dad bought a used 1963 rambler, two tone with fins, money all gone we went home  he got another 5 years out of that beater.

On 11/11/2021 at 9:40 AM, DirtyDawg said:

If we let my two year old granddaughter have her way our next 10 family trips would be to Peppa Pig World!

Wait there is a Peppa Pig World?  Snort.

Honestly I would like some input from the DW and kids.  I plan, I pay, but there is never a complaint.  I do ask and never get a definitive answer.  The only feedback I ever got is from my eldest who did not want to do a submarine tour. Never knew he was that closterphobic.

My childhood memories of vacations were marathon drives in the back seat of Dads 1961 rambler to stay at flea bag motels.  Even so, good memories, and there were lots of kids that didn't even get that. Sure wish the old man could have taken a cruise, he would have liked it.

The trick is to look out and be patient.  We have taken numerous Alaska cruises and always see whales.  Usually far out but watch for the mist as they blow.  Have had Orcas right next to the ship while anchored at Icy Point, also many times on the last day at sea going through inside passage by Vancouver Island.  Our last trip was to Hawaii and the first day at sea I was doing a wine tasting, huge pod of dolphins were following the ship.  Of course my DW arrived late as usual with the camera.

Glad to see this post and potential ideas. My family is aware of the cruise but I will be giving US$ at Christmas for the vacation.

Only once did I try and do the surprise thing.  It was for my mothers 88th birthday, she still worked 1 day a week.  I had to confirm with her boss about the days away and the boss let the cat out of the bag within a week, so never got to think about the reveal. On the positive side the company chipped in 1k for the trip.

I remember picking the brains of an old boss that had over 45 cruises under his belt, this was about 18 years ago.  I guess traditional dining was still big then, along with stricter dress codes and what not.  He said his biggest stress when cruising was the first meal.  He said every table has an a**hole, and that a**hole may even be yourself, but it was always finding out who it was.

I rarely share tables for numerous reasons.  I did send my late mother along with my son on a few cruises.  Mom enjoyed meeting all sorts of wonderful people, and having my son along they were often paired with families. My son still keeps contact with some of the kids from their adventures.

I do remember on the last cruise I took Mom on, we were seated at a table for two next to another elderly lady and her daughter, our ages matched.  Two my horror the two elderly ladies loudly discussed our medical conditions and previous surgeries. Ugh  

We did this cruise on the Eclipse late September 2019.  I was concerned about the sea days, but not a problem.  Yes first few days were cool. Lots to do on board.  Wife did hula class and a flash mob, also attended some of the lectures and what not.  Met tons of wonderful people from all around the world.  Never felt crowded.  

We brought our son who was 11 at the time, not a lot of kids at the kids club but he had a blast.  Loved this cruise so much we are doing it in reverse May 2022.  Very relaxing time.  

We did Vancouver to Hawaii in 2019.  First few days were cool and seas a bit rough  by day 3 was in shorts, total bliss day 4 onward. I would plan on some warmer items as you approach the West Coast  

Took my mother on the Infinity a few years back and booked a GTY veranda.  At the terminal we were upgraded to a concierge veranda.  Was a nice change, and we certainly enjoyed the veranda.  In particular I enjoyed the embarkation lunch in the MDR, those morrocian ribs were the best  

We were booked with United through Celebrity Air for a cruise we have since cancelled.  We were able to book our seats right from the start  over the next 6 months there were numerous flight and aircraft changes.  Even though, our seats (4) were more or less preserved with every change. Keep meaning to look into our next cruise as it is with Delta but a code share with Westjet.

There are various hotels in Richmond BC about 3 miles from the airport that fall in this category.  They are decent and clean, not bad if you are just looking for a place to stay.  Only warning is that there are a few sport complexes in this area and sometimes they can be overrun by numerous teams

2 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

I cannot imagine why not????

 

Just as long as everyone had their oxygen tanks hooked up and nitro glycerine tablets at the ready...  What would be the problem???

 

LOL

 

In health and bon voyage

And that's what I said.  Not sure what was worse, their late night pizza deliveries that would smell up the ward, or the only view out the window that had the big Fat Burger sign.  At least we should have been allowed a beer and some wings

I would love to be on board with a sea day for Superbowl, sounds like fun.  On a side note I was once in the Cardiac Ward during Superbowl and the nurses would not allow anyone to watch. 

2 hours ago, TeeRick said:

Happy Thanksgiving Canadian friends!

What will your dinner be like this year?  Vaccinated relatives and friends over?  We are looking forward to doing this (finally) here in the US this year.  

Are you having turkey?  Or another Canadian traditional dish?

Thank you TeeRick.  Just the 4 of vaccinated us this year, may deliver some plates to friends alone later.  Mrs Lobsternight just getting bird prepped now. Got a 20lb turkey, garlic mashed, parsnips, all the other trimmings and pumpkin pie.  Will open a decent bottle later, for now we are watchimg football. Hmmm sounds fairly American Eh?

7 hours ago, Team Stag said:

Unless it's Capt Kate.  She's kind of rock star with a major following.

I'm sure Captain Kate is awesome but I want to have audience with Bug.

47 minutes ago, Seany527 said:

So wrong. Plenty of 75 y/o who are more active and fit than some people in their 30s. 

Met a 95 yr old at work yesterday that I'm sure would give me a run for my money.  I had a whole bunch of open heart surgery a few years back at 52, so I can no longer take a lot of excursions for the same reason, hard to hide the scars.  It sucks, so the family gets to go, I don't.  Hard pill to swallow but I'm still here and yay, life is good.

Yeah I got into the wine a few weeks back and booked a Southern Pacific for our 30th in 2023, as they say, no regurts 

Found my IZ CDs a few days ago and am listening to them in my work truck, dreaming of my next cruise Eclipse HNL to YVR next May.

Milhouse is quite right.  Seeing as you really only have one full day perhaps downtown is your best bet.  There are many tours available from there, a hop on hop off bus may be your best bet.  Lots of hotels near the cruise dock.  Definitely consider that and a walk along coal harbour to Stanley Park, bike rentals also available near park entrance.  Consider Harbour Air and take a quick scenic flight on a float plane to see all of the city, or tour the North Shore across the harbour, Grouse Mountain and/or Capilano Suspension Bridge are decent destinations.  You can stay at the Pan Pacific right at the cruise dock, but lots of nice hotels close by.

As a resident of North Vancouver I would also highly encourage an alternate destination to cross the harbour and stay in the Shipyard District. Three hotels there, Lonsdale Quay which may be small and dated, sorry its been 29 years since last stay.  The Pinnacle Hotel, never stayed but nice lobby/bar, Seaside Hotel, just a few years old, very nice, all around $160CDN.  Night markets are fun, food trucks, beer gardens, artisans. Lots of restaurants within easy walk, too many coffee shops and sushi bars lol.  But everything from McFood to fine dining and everything inbetween.  I like Seaside Provisions happy hour, buck a shuck oysters and the Wagyu Beef. Like pubs? Lots of craft breweries and distilleries within an easy walk, best part is its all downhill on the way home.  Speaking of walks the Spirit Trail runs through there, to the East it can get a little industrial, West takes you through waterfront Park, then through a working marina, oops another craft brewery, the Black Kettle, and so on.  Recently we have Lime Grove bike rentals everywhere, but there is a bike shop right in the shipyards that offers higher end bikes.  I won't go on but will try do a North Shore post very soon. Hailing from Edgemont Village, yes we are Village People.

On 9/28/2021 at 4:28 PM, CruiserBruce said:

The common recommendation for flights is after noon, regardless of cruise line. 

Especially true depending on how many ships are in port that day.  Bad enough with 2, 3 is a gong show

I would suggest giving a little bit more information.  Have you been to Vancouver before? Are you wanting to do city tours or regional tours?  Are you interested in being in the downtown core or would you like to stay away from the concrete jungle? Are you mobile, active, or just looking for a relaxing place to stroll around? Dining preferences?