Yes! We're going to Alaska with Olivia!!!

So true - traveling with Olivia is top notch.

We are indeed feeling fortunate.............for so many reasons.  One of which is that we have finally discovered how fabulous it is to travel with Olivia!!!

See you in Tampa. 

Hi H & G,

What's the chance you'd have vacation that need to be used early this year.....& Olivia gave you that offer just before Christmas???

Must be LUCKY ladies!!! We joined the Western the day it was announced.....but hey...no matter, you're going. Looking forward to meeting

fellow Canadians.

Tami

We are going to be on the Western Caribbean cruise as well.  We got an offer just before Christmas and I have vacation that I have to use by March 31st...............so WOO HOO.  Sunshine here we come.

Look forward to seeing all of you from this group on the Ryndam.

 H & G

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Joyce, my wife and I will be on the WC cruise with you (in just 2.5 weeks!) - and we are also going on the Alaska cruise... We actually got BOTH of them as 2-for-1's while we were in Amsterdam this past April with Olivia... We are very excited!!! Maybe we will meet you on this upcoming WC cruise!

Marcia }|{ 

i am staying overnight Saturday in a Hotel near the docks, it is rated well with lots of good reviews.  I had not heard of anything negative about the city other than the usual bad area's that all cities have,  I am a solo traveler as well.  Hope you have a great time in Belize and Honduras, If you are a diver, let me know how that was? 

I'm not going on the Belize and Honduras cruise, but because I'm a scuba diver, I've spent time in both countries. In my opinion, each is considerably more dangerous than Vancouver BC. I'm sure you'll be absolutely fine traveling with a group on a big cruise ship, but do pay attention to your surroundings in both countries and do stay with your group--especially if you are not fluent in Spanish. Both countries are very poor and in Honduras it is not at all uncommon for American luggage and scuba gear to disappear between being unloaded off the plane and getting to baggage claim inside the terminal. We didn't personally have that problem, but it is pretty pervasive down there. Belize is more tourist friendly, in our experience, but there is still a lot of petty thievery that goes on (purse snatching, things like that--which I suppose isn't really petty theft to the person losing the possessions). As the others posting here have observed, Vancouver is probably considerably less dangerous than you imagine. Have a wonderful trip! Belize and Honduras are both interesting countries with some pretty magical coral reefs. 

Joyce

Looking forward to this Alaska Cruise, but just like you we'll have to finish the "Western Cruise" in Jan-Feb before we really get pumped about Alaska. Sould be looking for airline tickets too but @ this time of the year just waayyyy  too much going on. Just completing a house move too so that complicates everything even more. Once mid-February arrives, Alaska will come into focus. 

Tami & Soraya

As with any port city, Vancouver has it's share of problems.  Many are related to substance abuse and mental health issues, so knowing what parts of town to avoid helps.  Like California, the West Coast of Canada has weather such that people can survive the winter weather.  Sad to say, but homelessness is a North American issue.  The last time I was in San Francisco, some of the street people were down right aggressive.

That being said.........being gay or a woman alone is not an issue in Vancouver, so not to worry on that account.  Unfortunately to get to the so-called "lesbian part of town", you have to travel through the very worst part of town where the homelessness and substance abuse is rampant.  Once over to Commercial Drive it is grand.  The west-end near English Bay and Stanley Park is the gay area, so a good and safe place to be.

 H & G

All the research I have been doing on the net and travel guide books state that Vancover is a very gay friendly and safe city for women travelers. I am sure there are some areas to avoid , like in any place! Jayne 

We go to Vancouver all the time...love the city...and we've met some really great people there!

Don't find it anymore "dangerous" or that it has any more crime than one might find in the US

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