We were both extremely grateful to embark on a remarkable journey through the Inside passage on a 7-night voyage on the Queen Elizabeth, sailing from Vancouver.
Vancouver is such a fabulous cruise departure city. Cunard hosted us at their luxury hotel, The Georgian Court. Very large rooms and bathrooms set the high standard for Cunard and the attached Italian restaurant Frankie’s was worth a look in.
The following morning, we made our way to the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, where we were about to embark on a truly exceptional voyage with Cunard. From the moment we arrived, the elegant bell porters, dressed in their red jackets and hats, along with fresh flowers and the Royal Carpet, transported us to a bygone era of cruising. Onboard, we were treated to impeccable service from the white star staff, exquisite menus, and captivating entertainment. Cunard's strong presence in the market was evident in their delivery on all fronts.
Our journey to Tracy Arm Glacier left us in awe, with stunning frozen waterfall formations and a massive glacier displaying breathtaking shades of blue. The exceptional weather allowed us to sail closer to the glacier than ever before, offering spectacular views for an entire afternoon.
In Sitka, we ventured out in search of Alaska's famed wildlife and were not disappointed. Our day was filled with sightings of Humpback whales, otters, bears (both brown and black), puffins, and the majestic Wedge-Tail Eagles. Cunard's shore excursions were seamlessly organised, enhancing the experience for us and our fellow guests.
Our visit to Juneau coincided with the 4th of July celebrations, and we were fortunate to experience the festivities in this walkable city. The Mendenhall Glacier & Whale Quest shore excursion, offered by Cunard, allowed us to explore the waters on a smaller ship.
Ketchikan, our next stop, is another walkable destination. A must-visit is Creek Street, though it's advisable to book ahead for the popular lumber show, as it tends to sell out, especially with several cruise ships in port.
Our accommodations on board were in Balcony Staterooms on Aft Deck 8, offering spacious living space, an incredibly comfortable king-sized bed, and convenient amenities like a kettle in the cabin. The bathroom was of a good size, with a shower curtain, and the balcony provided breathtaking views of the ocean and mountains.
The dining options on board were exceptional, ranging from the Golden Lion's British-style pub lunch (offered at lunchtime only) to Champagne Afternoon tea in the Queens, Lido Buffet, and Britannia Restaurant. We wrapped up our cruise with a memorable night at the Verandah Steakhouse, a specialty restaurant, where we shared highlights of the region and the cruise line with new friends from across Australia.
Sea days were filled with various activities, including darts and trivia in the Golden Lion and spa treatments. By night, we enjoyed sampling cocktails at the Gin & Fizz bar, along with Broadway-style shows, Motown music, comedy, violin performances, and ballroom dancing. A favourite was the silent disco in the Yacht Club, which epitomised the joy of sharing travel experiences with loved ones.
The demographic on board was diverse, with multi-generational cruisers enjoying quality time with family. Cunard, known for its white-gloved High Tea and Ball events, also allowed passengers to enjoy the cruise at their own pace in a relaxed and casual environment. The crew and staff onboard were excellent, approachable, and always ready to share a laugh.
