Wednesday, March 26, 2025
We received a good offer on a cruise we’ve never taken before and a good offer on a cruise we’ve done twice before and loved each time. Bonuses: (1) They were back-to-back cruises which makes traveling to and from the embarkation/disembarkation ports easier to justify. (2) We stay on the same ship – Holland America (HAL) Koningsdam (a Pinnacle-class ship we have never sailed before although it will be similar to the HAL Rotterdam, a ship we’ve sailed several times). (3) We stay in the same room for both cruises.
The first cruise is a seven-day one described as the Pacific Coastal. It begins in San Diego and ends in Vancouver.
We will overnight in San Francisco. I’ve been to San Francisco, but Chuck never has so I’m happy to be able to experience the tourist attractions with him. Neither of us have been to Astoria, Oregon so a new experience for us both. We’ve been to Victoria, British Columbia, but only for a very short stay. This time we’ll be there for an extended day, so we’ll be able to take an excursion to the Butchart Gardens which I’ve wanted to see for a while.
Once we arrive in Vancouver, Canada, we will stay on the ship as it heads to Hawaii. We will island hop and then sail back to Vancouver – a 17-day adventure. We’ve been to the islands before but there is always something new to experience.
I hope we make it to Nawiliwili this trip. The first time, a storm kept us from being able to go. The next time, this port was not on the itinerary. Third times the charm so fingers crossed. I want to see the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
Bags are packed. Let’s go west and have some new experiences.
Looking forward to reading your adventures! I didn’t even know that there is a cruise port in Astoria. Butchart garden is such an amazing place. I stay in Seattle area so i have seen Victoria in all seasons. It’s beautiful place!