The alarm is set for 5:00 AM. No free breakfast at the Comfort Inn, they don't start serving until 7:00. We are ready for the 6:00 AM shuttle to the Minneapolis airport by 5:45. He leaves at 5:55. The airports is only about a 15 minute drive. We are dropped of in a special drop off zone for shuttles and taxis. It is just a few minutes walk to the Delta ticket counter. Bags are checked and it is off to TSA and security. Delta has our boarding passes properly labeled as "TSA Precheck". The wait for security is short, the process normal without incident. There were a few concerns as congess hasn't passed a budget and the government is in shutdown mode.
It takes just over an hour until we are close to our gate. We stop and grab a bite at McDonalds. After placing your order they have a server that brings your food. A delightful lady that also helps guests with ordering and any other questions. Definitely one of the most friendly, helpful fast food employees that I have encountered in a long time.
Our almost full flight leaves early and we are airborne before our scheduled departure time. A first for me in a long time.
The flight to Vancouver is smooth, The walk from the gate to Canadian Customs is long. I had filed my customs declarations form in advance on line, and this made the process easier. Having no clue as to where or how far it would be to a taxi, we engage a porter to handle our luggage. He takes us directly to an awaiting taxi. A task I would not have easily accomplished on my own as signage was sparse and my right hand is still healing from a glass cut just before we left home.
The cab driver is from India, but has been in Vancouver for 8 years. His english is better than that of most americans. It takes about 45 minutes due to heavy traffic. I follow our progress on Waze. He takes the fastest direct route. The fare is under $40 USD.
Checkin time at The Fairmont Hotel isn't until 3:00 We have another lucky day. They have a room available for us. The clerk shares that they have 350 checkins today, I can only assume many cruise ship passengers. The Fairmont is an old elegant hotel. I booked this location because an excursion we are taking tomorrow was scheduled to originate here and end at the cruise terminal. As can happen, a couple of weeks ago I received notice that plans had changed and the excursion would now be leaving from Canada Place near the cruise terminal. Only a half mile away, but by cab as we have all our luggage.
Our accomodations are large and spacious. I think the bathroom alone is nearly as large as our cabin will be on the ship. All the amenities you would expect in a five star facility. Large closet, coffee maker, iron and ironing board, etc. I'll chalk it up to an aged facility, but there was no heat in the rooms, the room temperature never got above 65. As soon as I check in I receive a text message from the hotel. Just an invite to text with any questons. I inquire as to cab availability and travel time in the morning. I get a prompt accurate reply. I really think a person not AI.
They have "pub food" during happy hour at the bar. This will be our dinner. With a very early start to the day, losing several hours due to time zones, and needing to meet our tour by 7:45 AM tomorrow, it is an early night. The bed is very comfortable, and for the most part very quiet except for a group of party goers in the hall about midnight. I sleep soundly for at least 8 hours.
Tomorrow we tour Vancouver and board Holland America's Koningsdam which we will call home for the next 21 days.