Another winning itinerary leaving from our local port of San Francisco. Despite the traffic, we were able to get to the ship before 1 pm and watch a good portion of the Fleet Week air show from our balcony! What a treat to have a glass of champagne and watch remarkably skilled pilots.

While we only had two full sea days, we had to be more conscientious of what we chose to do--or NOT do. We had an excellently restful week. A shorter day than we would have liked in Astoria, and it seemed even shorter in Victoria, but gorgeous weather at all four ports. The lovely long day in Seattle allowed us to take the ferry to Bainbridge Island and allow my husband to play golf for the day. Sadly, his work intervened and we stayed onboard for Vancouver, but enjoyed the sites visible from deck.

For first timers on the Grand, yes, she is an older ship, but comfortable and newly updated a year ago after being in dry dock. The Grill and Sabatini's are great celebration venues, and the menus are updated from last year. This time I took the opportunity to have afternoon tea in our cabin, which allowed us to enjoy it without being rushed. It was much better than having it in the DaVinci dining room. Read more