Pay back time! Live (ish) from Infinity 7th June 2015

Following the help from so many people here on CC, I am now paying back with a review. Will try and post pics when I can.

Any questions please ask

Vancouver

I arrived on Thirsday night about 7.30 after an excellent flight. Got a cab to the Pan Pacific which would be home for the next 3 nights.

Great hotel, perfect location at Canada Place and a beautiful room overlooking the harbour. Wonderful sunsets and enjoyed watching the float planes take off and land.

Up early on Friday due to time change so did a little work on the computer and then headed out at 9 am to start my day and what a busy day it was! Weather was superb mid 70s and had already bought my Trolley bus hoho bus ticket online. Took the park tour first which went around Stanley park and other areas of Vancouver. This took about 1.5 hours and was a great tour. Then wandered the sea wall a little and got breakfast before getting the free shuttle to Capalino Suspension bridge. Not cheap here but I felt it was worth it. Unfortunately I have recently had shoulder surgery and although I tried to cross the bridge I could not hold on comfortably and it was swaying a lot, so I had to abandon my attempt quite quickly unfortunately which also meant I could not do the treetops bridges. I did, however do the cliff walk (despite my poor old knees and hip!) yes I am older in some parts than others!

Caught the shuttle back to Canada place and bought a ticket to Fly Over Canada. This was amazing, well worth it at around $17 Can.

I then did the hoho bus City tour to Granville Island which was fun, just mooched around and had a drink before getting back on the bus and home to my hotel at around 5.30

Quick shower and change and went to meet people from our roll call at the hotel bar. Only 3 of us there but we had fun. I opted for room service light dinner afterwards.

Day 2 Saturday . I had booked the Rocky Mountaineer train ride to Whistler and this was worth every penny, an awesome day. An early day too! Picked up at 6.50 from the Fairmont hotel and a 15 min bus ride to the train. Service was superb aboard the train, our hostess Jo was really helpful and good fun.

The ride itself was through such amazing scenery, I would highly recommend it. I booked the two peaks gondola ride (cable car) on board the train which gave a discount of $5 plus an additional discount if you're a senior.

Had to wait in line for this but only about 10 mins but it was in scorching heat about 32 degrees C. Wow this was fantastic. The cable ride to the top was fab but the journey between the two peaks was just breathtaking.

At the bottom I had a bite to eat and a drink and then back on the bus for the train journey home.

Arrived back at the hotel around 7.30 and had nibbles and a drink overlooking the waterfront and then happily to bed to await the cruise tomorrow.

Day 3 Sunday, the cruise starts here! Staying at the Pan Pacific meant that they took my luggage direct to the ship. They suggested I board early or late but definitely not between 11.30 and 1.30. So I went straight down to the terminal (elevator from the hotel) around 10.30 and was on board in less than 45 minutes (probably nearer 30). I enjoyed my glass of fizz and then got a frozen Mojito from the pool bar and chilled out in the sun (if that's not an oxymoron!).

Got into our rooms at 12.45.

We are sailing Infinity on 19 July. Looking forward to hearing more. There are so many negative reviews in Cruise Critic we are a bit nervous! Have fun

I look forward to hearing more. thanks for giving back.

We are sailing Infinity on 19 July. Looking forward to hearing more. There are so many negative reviews in Cruise Critic we are a bit nervous! Have fun

Just off Infinity for the 5/25-June 7 SF to Vancouver Alaska cruise and had a great time. Food was excellent, ship is very good condition, staff were wonderful

Just off Infinity for the 5/25-June 7 SF to Vancouver Alaska cruise and had a great time. Food was excellent, ship is very good condition, staff were wonderful

Glad to hear it!!! Many thanks

...

There are so many negative reviews in Cruise Critic we are a bit nervous! Have fun

We spent forty-two nights on the Infinity this past spring in an Aqua Class stateroom. We also found the food great (our assigned dining room was Blu), the ship in very good condition and the staff absolutely wonderful.

My room was 7206 an aft cabin that I had wanted for this cruise. Great location, nice big balcony, perfect IMO.

Dinner in the MDR had chosen late sitting and joined two lovely families. Dinner was excellent, prime rib was so tender you could have eaten it with a spoon. Spent after dinner in the casino playing Texas Hold em poker and turning $100 into $360. Probably give it back before the end of the cruise!

I wasn't expecting to get to the casino on this cruise but rather be out on the balcony watching. But can't see much in the dark so a good alternative.

Day 4 at sea.

Another beautiful sunny day which I spent on my balcony enjoying the stunning scenery.

Had lunch in my room - must say though the food was good room service was a bit erratic always seemed to be something missing! No condiments, no cutlery, cheese but no crackers just little things but a bit frustrating.

Tonight was formal night, a lot of people dressed up and some in black tie. Dinner was rack of lamb for me, again beautifully tender. Certainly no complaints from me on the food front.

Generally had a cocktail (or two) in the Martini bar, which was always fun.

Poker after dinner. Reduced my winnings a little!

Day 5 Icy Straight Point

I had booked a whale watching tour with Misty Bay Lodge (now Alaska Galore) and met them on time after taking a tender. There were 12 of us on the boat and it was a very smooth ride. Captain took us out to various points and we saw Bald eagles, Dolphins, sea lions, sea otters and .....lots of whales. Breaching, fluking and even saw a mum and her baby! Just an awesome day.

When I get home I will get some pics up but not easy from here - sorry.

We were returned to ISP around 7.30 a good 3.5 hour trip.

I decided to eat on shore and had delicious halibut and chips at a restaurant I can't remember the name of land something maybe. Anyway there aren't many of them but I would highly recommend the halibut.

Did a little mooching around the shops but didn't buy.

Back on board I realised how tired I really was so 9.15 I went to bed and slept through the night. Probably with a smile on my face after such a great day.

Day 6 Hubbard Glacier.

Rainy and cold today but that didn't spoil the enjoyment of the beautiful Hubbard Glacier, absolutely stunning. What more can I say? To see that beautiful ice blue of the glacier and the ice flows in person -just awesome. Captain turns 360 degrees around so everyone gets to see everything.

Dinner was excellent again, I had Cajun spiced drum fish - a new one on me but very delicious. Played a little more poker. Only complaint was such a long wait for a drink in the casino- over 45 mins tonight.

Martini bar pre-dinner had excellent service and enjoyed my Fresca martini (s)!

Day 7 Juneau to follow.

Please don't worry about the Infinity. The ship is in great condition, staff are excellent, food is great. I have had a couple of small niggles but nothing to complain about, this is a great cruise and I am confident anyone that cruises Infinity with an open mind and who is not looking for faults won't find any and will have a fabulous time.

More updates will follow after Ketchikan tomorrow.

Will probably have to post photos when I get home as too expensive here!

Cheers

Pat

Saving my place....planning my first Alaska cruise as I type [emoji568][emoji3]

Day 7 Juneau

I had arranged another whale watching trip for Juneau with Harv and Marv as had seen very good reports from both CC and Trip Advisor and communication was great with them prior to booking. We were collected quickly at the port and made our way to the dock where Captain Liz was our guide for the day.

We saw a lot of Orcas which was a great surprise and were very close to them and managed some pics. (It's really not easy for this amateur to take pics as the whales are so fast but I think if you can do continuous shooting in your camera then that's the way to go).

After the orcas we went hump back hunting and got to see a couple but no breaching and fluking today so I was really pleased that I had booked trips in both Icy Straight Point and Juneau as I did get to see plenty of both.

We then went to Mendenhall Glacier which was just beautiful and then we were dropped off back at the ship. I decided to do the Mount Roberts Tramway and that was excellent too. Got some good close up pics of an eagle in a tree at the top. Would have liked to walk back down the 2.5 mile trail in hopes of seeing a bear but my knees won't take that much downhill walking do I got the cable car back down.

Decided I must do the whole Juneau bit and went to the Red Dog Saloon for a drink and a bite to eat. Fish and chips again ( you have to eat fish in Alaska!) which was great, plus some good, old-fashioned bawdy entertainment and a good time was had by all.

Tonight was the second formal night. Now I love dressing up for formals but two nights on a seven night cruise in Alaska is one too many in my opinion. (What do others think! Should X ditch the 2nd one?)

I enjoyed scallops followed by lobster and no dessert again. (Now I love my puds but have been disappointed with choices on this cruise and haven't had one yet!)

Out to the casino for little bit more poker but had a reasonably early night.

Day 8 Ketchikan

I had booked a float plane trip through the Misty Fjords with Island Wings, again after hearing good reviews. The van picked us up and it was a short ride to the dock. The plane takes 7 people and everyone has a window seat. The scenery was just awe inspiring, really amazing. Michelle also lands on one of the fjords and gives you 10/15 mins to stretch your legs and wander around the lakeshore (needless to say I didn't wander far from the plane!)

This is a great trip if you want to see the wilderness from above.

Came back to the ship around 5.30 and had sushi and a small curry in the buffet. I decided not to go down to dinner as needed a rest (must be the sea air) so came back to my room.

Slept for 15 hours! :)

Day 9 cruising the inside passage.

What fabulous weather wall to wall sunshine again.. We have been so lucky with the weather - sunshine everyday except Hubbard Glacier where it poured all day but didn't spoil the enjoyment as we were so close. Also rained when we arrived in Juneau but sunny on our tour.

Hoping to see more whales today but none so far. Will just keep on looking till I have to go to dinner.

Will update final part of my review of this fabulous cruise on Monday when I get home.

Great review so far!

Will you be sharing photos, especially of the Misty Fjords floatplane trip?? :)

Thanks so much for keeping us updated. i had actually booked the same trip with Island Wings, good to hear about it. We arent the types to fuss over little things but food is important and it sounds like we will be happy. I think our reataurant will be Blu also. Enjoy!! Look forward to the photos

Thank you so much for sharing all of this information! We board the Infinity on 6/28 and are so excited for our trip!

Can you tell me if there is a naturalist on board giving talks, and if so, who it is? Have you attended any of the talks?

Also, if it's not too much trouble, I would LOVE to see some of the dailies from your cruise!

Thanks! Hope you keep enjoying your trip!

Thanks for the thanks! I ate in the MDR not Blu but food was excellent. There is a naturalist on board can't remember his surname Milo or Milos is his first name. I only went to one talk, he seems to know his stuff.

I don't have any dailies sorry.

Should get some pics up tomorrow. At the airport now about to fly home.

Have a safe flight home!

Looking forward to seeing photos! :)

Following the help from so many people here on CC, I am now paying back with a review. Will try and post pics when I can.

 

Any questions please ask

 

.

 

 

 

Day 2 Saturday . I had booked the Rocky Mountaineer train ride to Whistler and this was worth every penny, an awesome day. An early day too! Picked up at 6.50 from the Fairmont hotel and a 15 min bus ride to the train. Service was superb aboard the train, our hostess Jo was really helpful and good fun.

 

The ride itself was through such amazing scenery, I would highly recommend it. I booked the two peaks gondola ride (cable car) on board the train which gave a discount of $5 plus an additional discount if you're a senior.

 

Had to wait in line for this but only about 10 mins but it was in scorching heat about 32 degrees C. Wow this was fantastic. The cable ride to the top was fab but the journey between the two peaks was just breathtaking.

 

 

 

At the bottom I had a bite to eat and a drink and then back on the bus for the train journey home.

 

 

 

Arrived back at the hotel around 7.30 and had nibbles and a drink overlooking the waterfront and then happily to bed to await the cruise tomorrow.

 

 

.

Fantastic review!!! Thanks for sharing! :)

I'm impressed by how much you crammed in while in Vancouver! I just wanted to inquire - how much did your trip to Whistler cost you in total? (Train, peak2peak, etc). Was there an option/time to add on zip-lining?

Spending 3 days in Vancouver next month before our Millennium cruise and had not planned to go to Whistler due to time constraints but you might make me reconsider...

We planned to do:

Stanley Park and aquarium one day

Capilano Bridge and Grouse Mountain with zip-lining another day

Downtown (Gastown, Yaletown, Granville Island) another day

Plus there are fireworks while we're there so we'll do that one night, etc.

Would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks Newbcruiser1. The Whistler Tour was well worth it to me (but travelling solo so if there are two or three of you it can get expensive I accept!) tour cost 299 Can $ + tax (total 313.95) and I think the cable car was around 42 CD bought on the train and with senior discount. Can't remember if there was a zip line.

Have a great cruise.

Hoping to get some photos uploaded tomorrow. Been some issues with the site.

Still having issues posting photos from laptop or IPad ( a known issue according to CC) so looking to save them to a site and upload URL. Bear with me please!:(

Oops I see I managed to load a thumbnail of the Peak2Peak (Whistler to Blackcomb Mountain) Cable car.

Here is a link to another pic - just testing.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ubn81wfsk5lgg3w/DSCN3176.jpg?dl=0

Ok that seems to work.

A little job for the weekend I think :)

Pat you have caught the wonder and flavour of the cruise perfectly - sorry we didn't get to meet but we had a wonderful time too - like u a few niggles but nothing major ! Can't believe you have rebooked already - that's fantastic - we will start saving again :-) would love to go back - BC and Alaska was just amazing - Marion x

Thanks for the review!:)

Pat you have caught the wonder and flavour of the cruise perfectly - sorry we didn't get to meet but we had a wonderful time too - like u a few niggles but nothing major ! Can't believe you have rebooked already - that's fantastic - we will start saving again :-) would love to go back - BC and Alaska was just amazing - Marion x

Hi Marion

Yes a shame we didn't get to meet. (Maybe next year!) It was such a good deal to book on the ship - it was small deposit £89 and for that I got $150 obc for the cruise I was on plus $350 obc for the cruise next September, plus classic drinks package plus gratuities. The big bonus as well (for me) is that if I want to change the cruise at any time it will not cost me my deposit or an admin fee. (Used to cost UK cruisers £75). What's not to like?

Also Newbcruiser1 - I have since seen that there is a zipline in Whistler.

You're welcome ShipsandDipper!

Cheers

Pat

Still sorting photos to post but final update on my review.

Final day of cruising I didn't get to see any wildlife at all from my balcony:( but the scenery was beautiful.

I have enjoyed this cruise so much I decided to book for next year but a little later and will plan some bear watching trips!

Enjoyed a final MDR dinner with some of my tablemates - Stephen and Annette had a delicious steak Diane and toasted our cruise with the bottle of fizz from my room.

Played a little poker and enjoyed a nightcap in the Martini bar. Slept well!

Off the ship for 8 a.m. and on the bus for a Vancouver sight seeing tour (again!) and drop off at the airport. I always think these are great value if you have a later flight as they take care of your luggage and you are still on holiday.

My flight to London was on time and although I tried to sleep I never can (unless in Business or 1st class which is very rare!!) then onto Leeds and home to Huby (a village near Harrogate NOT Hubby!:D)

Back to work on Tuesday (I run my business from home) and getting over jet lag.

To all of you waiting to cruise Alaska - enjoy - it is fantastic, as is British Columbia.

I'll be back!

Pat - we did meet ! You came up with Steven and Annette to our table one evening - we are Maz and Pete and were with David and Joan :-) how bizarre that we never realised :-)

Pat - we did meet ! You came up with Steven and Annette to our table one evening - we are Maz and Pete and were with David and Joan :-) how bizarre that we never realised :-)

Lol that's funny. Great to meet you :)