Cocktails & Cupcakes- Final thoughts

[Melanie R]

This was a trip I had been “planning” in my head since I first visited for my 50th and had been delayed due to covid so I had lots of time to work out what I wanted to do on my return and the trip did not disappoint.

Much as I enjoy having someone special to share experiences with, I will be totally honest and say I do enjoy solo travel and I am very comfortable in my own company – the benefits are being able to be totally selfish and not need to take anyone else’s wishes into consideration!

The highlights of the trip are without doubt the amazing scenery which you see when you cruise in Alaska along with the excursions I took to see the wildlife, but I also thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent in Vancouver and the trip I took to Whistler.

Vancouver is a city which somehow managed to capture my heart and I can see me returning over and over during the next few years – and I think a cruise will always form part of these trips, but I do have other places I’d like to visit in between.

I’ve tried to be honest in my report and I know I commented several times about the ship I was on and in particular how dated it was and how lacking I found the entertainment, but I would like to balance that with the fact that this cruise was significantly cheaper than all the others I looked at (as in half the price) and so I have no complaints as it was actually fantastic value for money with exemplary staff service and for anyone looking to cruise Alaska for the itinerary rather than the facilities onboard it would be perfect!

For anyone looking to be on a modern ship with all the bells and whistles & lots of daily activities, then this class of ship from Royal Caribbean possibly isn’t for you 😊

I was also slightly disappointed in the Pan Pacific hotel in Vancouver where I stayed for the second part of my stay – the location was perfect, but for such a prestigious hotel there were areas which I found disappointing – there was no daily housekeeping, it was only available on request every 4 days, yet the cheaper Blue Horizon where I stayed for the first part of my trip managed to provide a daily service. The pool area was also in need of some repairs with chipped floor tiles and just a general air of being a little unloved! These are only minor issues but for the price the hotel demands I feel should be given some attention!

Despite these minor niggles, I had an amazing time and I would wholeheartedly recommend Vancouver & Alaska to anyone who may be considering it – stunning scenery, amazingly friendly people and so much to see and do!

So what’s next – well in 2023 I plan to have a year of “mini” trips (some bigger than others!) and try to visit somewhere every month! Some of these will be budget weekends and I have 2 short cruises already planned in, some solo, some with friends and some with a special someone!

And I’ve started a saving plan for my next big adventure – I’m hoping to do a cruise from South America and visit Antarctica!

So until the next Duchess adventure – thanks for reading along xx

[formosagirl]

I always look forward to your trip reports Mel, always very informative with lots of great pictures and amusing commentary. Glad you enjoyed an amazing trip and here's to another year of fab adventures!

[katebush95]

I’ve really enjoyed reading your trip reports so thank you for taking the time to write them x

[Melanie R]

Originally Posted by formosagirl

I always look forward to your trip reports Mel, always very informative with lots of great pictures and amusing commentary. Glad you enjoyed an amazing trip and here's to another year of fab adventures!

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Thank you so much - next one starts on Saturday 🤣

Originally Posted by katebush95

I’ve really enjoyed reading your trip reports so thank you for taking the time to write them x

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Thank you - I love having them to look back on and it’s great that others enjoy them too 😊 Need to start packing for the next adventure now!

[Cutiepie]

Thanks for sharing your trip and taking the time to write the report. It brought back lots of lovely memories from our Alaskan cruise and time in Vancouver. Definitely one I would like to repeat do to the things that we missed

I hope you enjoy all your mini breaks

[pinktraceb]

Thanks so much for sharing, I've thoroughly enjoyed your trip report

[vanlou]

Thankyou for sharing - fab trip report as usual

[Caramelpopcorn]

Thank you. I have really enjoyed reading about your trip and have now added Vancouver as a potential 2024 trip :-)

[ryanlaur]

Thank you for sharing your trip report and photos. Thoroughly enjoyed reading all about your Alaskan adventure. We are thinking of doing an Alaskan cruise so found your report really informative.

[bronny]

Really enjoyed your report again. Alaska is on my bucket list.