Tag: Victoria

Victoria, British Columbia, Canada

Friday, April 4, 2025

I was really looking forward to today and didn’t even mind that it was cloudy and 41 degrees.

Today we would be in port until 9:30 pm so I would finally get to go to the Butchart Gardens.

Our tour was not scheduled to leave until 10:00 so we were able to have an early breakfast in the main dining room. There was an announcement that the officers of the Koningsdam were meeting with representatives of the First Nation for a welcoming ceremony.

I never did understand if this meeting was because it was the Koningsdam’s first time ever in Victoria, BC or just the first time this year.

We walked out on the third deck to watch the welcoming ceremony. The deck was very crowded so I could only see a little of what was going on. I do know that the ceremony was a long one.

We were not allowed to disembark until the ceremony was completed. The lines to the gangway on Decks 2 and 3 were stretched down the hall and spilled over to other halls. People on private tours or renting cars were the most anxious as their time ashore was getting used up.

We were on a HAL tour – Butchart Gardens & Short City Drive

ABOUT THE EXCURSION – This tour offers the very best of Victoria, combining the city’s unique highlights with a visit to the world-famous Butchart Gardens. On a panoramic drive you’ll take in Chinatown and the Gates of Harmonious Interest, along with the Old Town and scenic Marine Drive.

At beautiful Butchart Gardens, see how the Butchart family has transformed a barren rock quarry into what is now one of the world’s best-known horticultural attractions, covering more than 55 acres.

The gardens are a lush paradise of flowers, rare trees and winding paths and were created more than 100 years ago. Enjoy the cascading fountains and footbridges connecting the many themed gardens, including the beautiful Sunken Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Rose Garden. A map will help you on your self-guided tour.

Notes: This tour operates during daytime calls to Victoria only. Due to ongoing road construction, panoramic tours of Chinatown may not be possible.

I like when the Shore Excursion staff tells us to meet at the World Stage and then, when the busses are ready for us, we can all go out as a group to our bus(ses).

Unfortunately, today we were to meet at the busses in the parking lot, so we were caught up in the long lines trying to get off the ship. I wasn’t as anxious as the private tour people because I knew that HAL would have to give us the full tour experience no matter what time we left or would refund part of our money if they cut it short.

It was even more chaotic at the busses because there were several busses that had tours going to the Gardens but no clear lines as to which bus we would be getting on. Of course, once we figured it out – it was the longest line, and we were at the back of it. Sigh.

We were 1/2 hour late leaving. It was a double-decker bus, and we were on the top deck. The views were great. Luckily, the sound system was very good, so we had no problem hearing the guide. He had a lot of stories and information as we drove through Victoria. We had seen some of Victoria the last time we were here, but we didn’t have the depth of information he was able to give.

I was so happy that the weather was good when we got to the Gardens. We received our tickets and were told to be back at the bus in 2 hours. The people at the Gardens were apologetic that the roses weren’t blooming yet, but I was thrilled at all the spring flowers and blooming trees.

We had plenty of time to wander through the entire Garden with no rush. Really amazing how a quarry was turned into something so beautiful.

A working carousel
The Star Fountain/Garden

I didn’t even mind spotting one of the local residents sunning on top of the hedges.

We returned to the ship about 4:00 and it was time to get ready for the evening. We had reservations at the Tamarind, the Asian specialty restaurant. Our server told us that they are planning to update their menu in the next few months. That news usually means that some of our favorites are going away.

We had an excellent meal tonight. I had the crispy ginger duck and Chuck had the wasabi-crusted tenderloin.

After the meal we went to the early show of Elliott Finkle. We’ve seen him on other HAL ships but he never ceases to amaze us with his wonderful piano-playing and story-telling.

The Rolling Stone Lounge band was off tonight, and the Casino was closed. We decided to go see the BB King Lounge band only to find that they would not be performing tonight because they had learned that day that one of their original band members had passed away. He was supposed to join back with the band tomorrow when we dock at Vancouver. Sad.

We stayed to listen to the DJ play some songs but then decided to call it a night and relax in the cabin.

I really enjoyed our day in Victoria. Chuck said it was nice. High praise from someone who groaned when I first told him I very much wanted to see it. 😊 At least I didn’t ask to go to High Tea at the Empress Hotel (but maybe next time). 🤫

Tomorrow – Vancouver, BC

Alaska – Sept 9 – Victoria, BC

All good things must come to an end and today was the end of the cruise – our last port, Victoria, British Columbia.

The city of 78,000 is located on the southeastern tip of Vancouver Island overlooking the Strait of Juan de Fuca. Originally founded in 1843 as a trading post for the Hudson Bay Co., Victoria now serves as the provincial capital for British Columbia. It still has that British feel with a number of pubs, tea rooms, and double decker busses. The Empress Hotel still serves a traditional high tea. It is also famous for the Butchart Gardens, 55 acres of landscaped grounds with over 700 varieties of flowers.

We slept late again this morning. Chuck had to tell me the alarm was going off. It’s a rare day that I don’t hear an alarm. Retirement must really be kicking in. After a coffee run, we had a late breakfast in the Lido. Then it was time for the dreaded packing. I know I am going to have to re-organize tomorrow night to ensure that the checked bags are under the weight limit and the liquids and such are in the checked bags.

We docked in Victoria around 1:00 but Chuck and I didn’t disembark until around 2:30. We took the shuttle to the downtown area. I had hoped to take the walking tour called Victoria’s City but didn’t realize that they only did one on Sunday and we missed it as it started at 2:00. We looked at the Hop On Hop Off bus but it seemed expensive for what you got. It was raining so we decided just to walk down the street and get some pictures of the Empress Hotel and their Government Building with the statue of Victoria in front. I also took some pictures of the beautiful flowers that they had everywhere. I was surprised at the number of totem poles in the parks.

I didn’t have a Christmas ornament from Canada since last year’s stop in Vancouver was just a transfer to the bus taking us back to Seattle. I found a cute one with black bears around a Christmas tree. Only souvenir purchase of the trip.

I thought Victoria was a beautiful and clean-looking city. There were some panhandlers but they were not aggressive. Surprisingly, it doesn’t get much snow. I hear it is very expensive to live here but there was condo/apartment construction all over the place so somebody must be moving in.

Got back to the ship and said goodbye to our room stewards who have been great. Gave them a little extra for all the nice extras they did for us. Since we have not adjusted our hotel charges, they get to keep the cash we gave them. Otherwise, if we had the charges taken off or reduced, they are supposed to turn in all cash gifts so that everyone can get a share. If they try to keep it and are discovered, they can get fired.

I just don’t understand people who take off the charges. I know the stewards and waiters are the ones you get to know and may only want to reward them but they can’t do their jobs well if the cooks, dishwashers, laundry personnel, cleaning crew, etc. don’t do their job. They all depend on a share of that hotel money.

Had a couple of drinks out at the Sea View pool bar area. Had to stay under the awning out of the rain but the temperature wasn’t too bad and it was not windy. As I was going down the hallway to get on the elevator to go up there which is in the aft area there was a distinct sewage smell. I know the residents back in the area were not happy. I didn’t smell it later in the evening.

Just didn’t feel like going to the main dining room tonight. A nice thing about Holland America is that some of the dishes that they have in the main dining room they also serve in the Lido restaurant on the same night. You just have to go through the line to get it. They will bring you what you want to drink including wine. Tonight was not busy at all as I guess some people decided to stay in Victoria to eat. They don’t have to be back on the ship until 10:30. Some guests actually disembarked the ship permanently today – Canadians. Save them the hassle of U.S. Customs tomorrow and getting back to Canada.

Chuck had the steak and I had the lasagna. It’s nice that you can pick out the sides you want to go with it or not get any sides at all. I just decided on lasagna and salad. Of course, ice cream for dessert.

Not a lot going on in the way of activities tonight. Casino is closed due to being in port until 11:00. The entertainers are off. They are showing a repeat of The Greatest Showman on the screen at the Main Stage. Most everyone is just saying goodbye to one another and putting out their suitcases. Time for one last farewell drink and then put our suitcases out for pick-up. You have to make sure that you keep the clothes and toiletries you need for the next day or you will be embarrassed having to wear a robe off the ship. We keep the small bag with us and let them take the 2 bigger bags.

Our departure time is 9:20. I hope everything runs smoothly tomorrow. All hinges on Customs so you can never be sure. Our shuttle to the hotel runs until 11:00 so we should be OK. Worst case scenario, we have to pay for a taxi or Uber.

I have really enjoyed the cruise even with the days of less than perfect weather. The time went by very fast.

We received the ship’s log tonight. Here are the cruise stats:
Number of officers and crew: 596
Nationalities of crew: 35
Average speed of the trip: 17 knots
Miles traveled: 3700
Fuel used: 822 metric tons
Eggs consumed: 33,000

I don’t even know what tonight’s towel animal is. Very strange configuration.