On the cruise we took in May of 2025, they were offering a great deal for this cruise as the ship made its way to Alaska for the summer of 2026. We had never been to Victoria or Vancouver, BC so we booked it. In hindsight, it wasn't such a great deal as we got hotel rooms the day before in Los Angeles and in Vancouver for a night at the end of the trip. We also had to fly back to Los Angeles and pay to park our car while we were gone. Add in a couple of Uber trips, and the cost added up quickly. Good thing we had a great time and saw some magnificent sights!
Our first two days were windy, chilly sea days with the temperatures in the 50s and 60s during the day. We were on the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas. That's the same ship we sailed through the Panama Canal on in 2022. It's a smaller, older ship and showing its age. Also, the service was good, but not the outstanding service we've had on other Royal cruises. |
Windy on deck!
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| We saw some whales on one of the sea days. How cool is that! |
The first port of call was Seattle, Washington. We'd been there twice before, so did not plan any excursions. Originally, we thought about getting off and walking along a waterfront path, but it was just too cold and windy. So, instead we enjoyed some beverages in one of the lounges. Staying on board while the ship is in port can be very relaxing. Very few people are around, so there is no problem finding a quiet place to hang out, and plenty of open tables in the dining rooms.
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| Paragliders off a cliff by the dock in Seattle |
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| Seattle skyline from our ship |
The next stop was Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
We had booked a tour taking us to Craigdarroch Castle and the Butchart Gardens. First up was the castle. It's not really a castle, but local residents started calling it that, and it stuck. Robert Dunsmuir, a Scottish immigrant who made his fortune in coal, began construction on the Victorian mansion in 1887 to built a home for his family. Unfortunately, he died before it was finished. HIs immense fortune is reflected in the four floors of stained glass windows, intricate woodwork and fabulous furnishings.
Robert left his entire estate to his wife, Joan. His two sons had expected they would inherit the business. There was constant fighting and lawsuits over the family fortune causing strive between Joan and her children. Joan only lived in the home for 18 years, and none of her children lived there after her death. The castle was sold and over the ensuing years served as a military hospital, Victoria College and is now a museum. We have visited many old historic homes of the rich in our travels. It seems most of the time, money did not make these people happy and caused much fighting amongst family members.
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| back |
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| front |
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| breakfast room |
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| a few of the many stained glass windows |
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| beautiful peacock statue |
The Butchart Gardens is a 122 year old, 55 acre, display garden. It was created by Jennie Butchart and is still privately owned and operated by the family. In 2004 it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada for its 100th birthday.
In 1904 Robert and Jennie Butchart moved to Vancouver Island to build a cement plant on a rich limestone deposit. As the limestone deposits were exhausted, Jennie envisioned a grand garden in its place. Little by little the quarry become today's Sunken Garden. Since then the family has continued to enlarge the gardens. They truly are spectacular!!
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| Gorgeous rhododendrons everywhere! |
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| Sunken Gardens |
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| We were lucky to be there during tulip season. So many different colors and varieties. |
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See the bees on the flowers?
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Don’t wish upon a star – Reach for one!
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