LIVE From the Ruby - 1 Day Vancouver-Seattle - 5/5/17

Hello again CCers. This voyage was somewhat last-minute. I happened to be working at my head office in Vancouver this week, so figured, why not get home partially by cruise ship? Instead of flying home Friday, I'm cruising to Seattle and flying home from there on Saturday. I'm staying at the Element in Burnaby tonight (nice fairly new hotel) and heading to the port in the morning. One of the things I love about sailing out of Vancouver is the rental car return right at Canada Place, so it makes getting to the port really easy.

Stay tuned tomorrow for a quick but fun getaway!

Steve.

P.S. I'm doing the same cruise on the Emerald in two weeks over the Canadian Victoria Day holiday weekend. As I've never been on the Emerald, that one was planned long ago.

If you're not already, you'll be 'Elite' in no time! ;p

If you're not already, you'll be 'Elite' in no time! ;p

I already am, now I'm just going for more OBC!! :')

Sailing solo? You could get credit for four cruises in two days... six cruises in two days if you're in suites!

Awesome! Have a great time!! I'll be on the Ruby next year for my first Princess cruise and am excited to try it! :)

Have fun; look forward to your Emerald review in a few weeks

[emoji2]

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Left the hotel about 9:15. Weather cool (12C/54F) and drizzly. Traffic was slow getting into downtown. Dropped off the rental car without any issues. National, Enterprise, and Alamo can process the returns right in the garage, so no having to go up to the rental counter. In the garage, just down from the rental returns is a red wall with elevators up to the terminal. Got off the elevator exactly at 10am, and security was already open, so not much wait.

After security is customs, where an employee was pulling Nexus/Global Entry people out of the line and sending them to the extreme left two booths where there was no wait at all. This is the queue outside the customs room before I got pulled out. It snakes around a few times inside as well.

Currently in a holding area after customs waiting for check-in to open.

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They have changed the process a bit.

We're also in the holding area.

11am, and still in the holding area, which is pretty much full. Last year we were almost aboard by now.

All three ships' passengers are waiting in the same area.

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Was just on the Ruby for my Birthday Last week and already miss her dearly :(

Enjoy your cruise. (y)

Nice to follow again your report and photos.

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Nice to see they're being more proactive about Global Entry and NEXUS.

It looks like they aren't using the exhibit halls upstairs today?

Shortly after my last post, we were called to check-in. Princess to the right, NCL to the left. Check-in was quick, and they have separate embarkation lounges for Elites and Platinums. I'm 5th in the lounge. Getting by excited to board!

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They are at number 15 now. We have 30. Could be a while in the holding area. Still much nicer than the old downstairs lineup.

11:35, and on board. Been wanting a Lido balcony for a while, and finally have one.

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11:35, and on board. Been wanting a Lido balcony for a while, and finally have one.

 

 

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Very nice! I have L226 for my cruise next year!!

Mini bar, free drink coupon, and lounge invite, which interestingly does not mention Platinum guests.

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Canadianburger,

I am waiting for your sail- a -way drink picture!! Enjoy your cruise.

First stop: Crooners! So missed it on the Majestic.

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First stop: Crooners!

 

 

 

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I think the drink picture might be coming!! Enjoy.

Today's Patter:

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MDR Lunch:

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30 just called. 45 minutes to get in a big line outside Canada Place. And we thought we here here early!