Hi all — Just back from our very first time going on a cruise. Our friends Paul and Sue (experienced cruisers & close friends for almost 40 years) invited us along on a trip up the western coast from L.A. to Vancouver. So we tagged along and here are some of the best bits about cruising up the coast with good friends.
We arrived at the terminal and settled into our smallish rooms. Then set out to explore the ship–15 floors of lounges, dining rooms, shops and decks and places to settle in.
Between ports, we passed the time reading (it’s a gift to have friends who like to sit and read the morning away), eating (too much!) and enjoying the ships entertainment venues (here- a pop concert, interview with a Oscar winning song writer and our favorite piano violinist team from Russia)
And of course there was the meals, high tea and snacks galore. Plus my favorite– a tour of the ships kitchen.
After 7 pleasant days, we glided into Vancouver B.C. docking right up nestled in the city!! (See Larry at the rail, taking a photo). And I’ll end with our last late night walk around the deck. Thanks thanks Paul and Sue. We love time to talk and laugh and relax with you two!
The Thankful Heart 
What an awesome trip! Love all the photos!
HI Antonia! thanks. Your hummus recipe looks wonderful– so smart to add tumeric! I want to give it a try! thanks!
Thank you Rhonda!
Looks like a delightful time! You know we love cruising…so glad you had a fun and relaxing time!
Hi Debi! You must be back from your east coast trip! Yep, it was our first cruise and it is relaxing. Our trip motto with our friends was “No need to rush!”. How are you doing?? Is volley ball still in season?? Haven’t seen any pics lately! xox
Yes, we are back…trying to catch up around here! Volleyball is in full swing…more pix to come! Hope to see you soon!
Hi Debi— we’re in SF for one more trip with our kids. A little crazy! So let’s get Linda for lunch when we get back! xo
This looks like so much fun. Before we went full time to travel in the RV, we cruised a lot (my husband’s parents take at least two a year, so we did it to spend time with them). I’m so glad you had a relaxing and wonderful time. Dawn
Thanks Dawn! Wow, they must really love cruising! I’ll bet you’ve been to a lot of different places. We didn’t go too far from home this time. Happy trails! xox
They are in their 80s and work a part time job simply to buy their cruises–it’s pretty amazing. Most of the reunions for my husband’s family are done on a cruise ship. We’ve halted the cruises for a while and pull the RV into Austin every few months to spend time with them on land. There’s just something special and relaxing about a cruise–I’m so glad you enjoyed yours!
What a fun cruise! And to share it with great friends who also enjoy reading leisurely is perfection! Our Alaskan cruise experience is one of our best memories! Thanks for sharing!
Hi Carol– I keep hearing people say how beautiful the Alaskan cruises are! Maybe someday… xo
Looks like you had a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing these great pictures. I’ve been on two cruises. An ocean cruise to Bermuda and a river cruise down the coast of France. I much prefer river cruises as I’m prone to seasickness. The food and entertainment is the best, don’t you think? 🙂
What could be better than a river cruise in France?? Where did you travel through?? I’ll bet the food was wonderful. And I’m sure the ship must be smaller than our huge one. It sounds lovely Marcia. Happy weekend ahead!! Any plans? xox
What fun! Glad you enjoyed the experience.
HI Cindy– I think being with friends we enjoy so much made it fun. We’e off again tomorrow early for a trip to Hong Kong, China and Japan with our kids. We don’t usually travel this much– I feel like you, Cindy!! I always wonder where you’ll be off to next. hugs!
Great photos! I can tell you had an amazing time! 😊
Thanks thanks! You’re right. It was a pleasant time!
Wow! And looks like you had a great time! Hugs Rhonda!😘😘😘
It was fun Lilly!! Fun to go after reading all your travel posts!
Looks like such a fun way to see the coast!!
It was great — need to tell you about our adventures in Seattle! Loved it! So fun to hear from you Jenny!
Hi Rhonda – it looks like you had a blast. We love to cruise but haven’t been on one in a while (hmmm, might have to rectify that). So fun you got a behind the scenes tour of the galley! I would love to do that. I hope you got to spend some time in Vancouver, it is a fun city. -Kat
Hi Kat! When we’re you in Vancouver?? We spent 3 days and you’re right. It’s so beautiful and the food was great! Hugs!
I didn’t realize you were going to Vancouver so soon. I failed you. I also didn’t realize you were cruising. It’s a lovely experience isn’t it? Welcome back.
Hi Lisa! Yes!! Vancouver was so so beautiful— we walked our feet off seeing it all! Hugs from here.
Beautiful pictures, Rhonda! It sounds like a wonderful trip! 🛳 😊
I love seeing all the fun things you have been up to lately. Keep these posts a comin’!
Hi Lacey! oh gosh, I have so many trip posts ahead. After the cruise, we went to Vancouver and Seattle. Then our kids took us on their trip to Hong Kong, China and Japan. A little crazy– we’re usually pretty much stay at homes. Glad to be back. Fun to catch up on your posts today!! xo
WOW that is amazing (and crazy I’m sure!). Truly. How awesome that you’ve gotten to see all these places. Can’t wait for Hong Kong, China, and Japan. I know you’ll have some unbelievable pictures to share.
Yep, it was a little crazy. Our kids called us right before we left on our first trip and invited us along– so it was an unexpected treat. And great to spend the travel time with them. xox
Even better. A true adventure
It was! xox
I seemed to have missed this post! Beautiful pictures! This ship looks amazing! So glad you had a wonderful time Rhonda! And you even came to Canada, unfortunately Vancouver is pretty far away from us.❤
Hi Urusla, yep, Vancouver is about as far west as you can get! But we loved loved every minute there. The setting is so beautiful and the people so warm and we ate the best meals there of all our travels! Would love to go back… hugs hugs!
I would love to go there one day! There are so many places in Canada that I haven’t seen yet! xo
me too– we’ve just been to Niagra Falls and Quebec City and now, Vancouver. There’s so much to see in Canada! xox
Fifteen floor, that cruise ship must have been huge! Can’t wait to hear about Hong Kong, China and Japan.
Hi Karen– It had about 2400 passengers! But didn’t feel too crowded. Have you been on many cruises– I’m trying to remember back from your posts! xox
Have not been on one but are planning to go on a cruise this fall.
Great! What are you headed Karen?? You’re trips are always so beautiful and luxurious! xox