The time has finally arrived - our Alaskan cruise adventure is officially underway! We’ve been dreaming of this trip for ages, and in this blog, we’ll take you through our journey from London to Vancouver, our business class flight experience with Air Canada, and an exciting stop in Seattle before we board our cruise.
From exploring iconic landmarks like the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and Chihuly Garden & Glass, to visiting the Museum of Flight and discovering historic spots in Vancouver, this was the perfect way to start our adventure.
Flying to Vancouver – Air Canada Signature Class Experience
Our trip began at London Heathrow Airport. As frequent travellers, we always aim to make our airport experience as smooth as possible, and Heathrow didn’t disappoint. We had a quick check-in, breezed through security, and, before we knew it, we were heading to the Air Canada Lounge, which was included in our fare.
Air Canada Signature Class: Flying in Comfort
Flying Air Canada Signature Class was a treat and well worth the upgrade, especially for such a long-haul flight. Here’s what made the experience stand out:
Spacious Seating – The seats were fully lie-flat, meaning we could stretch out and actually get some sleep during the journey.
Personal Space & Storage – Each seat came with ample storage for personal items, plus a large tray table for meals and work.
Entertainment System – A huge 18-inch screen with a great selection of movies and TV shows kept us entertained.
Dining at 40,000 Feet – The menu was impressive, featuring a mix of Canadian and international cuisine. The presentation and service were top-notch, and the wine selection was excellent.
After a comfortable and relaxing flight, we finally touched down in Vancouver, Canada, ready to begin our pre-cruise adventures.
Arriving in Vancouver – A Quick Rest Before Exploring
After landing, jet lag hit us hard. So, we made the sensible decision to check into our hotel and head straight to bed. We knew we had a packed itinerary ahead, so a good night’s sleep was essential.
The next morning, we woke up to something unexpected - a crow attempting to hunt a squirrel outside our window. Not exactly the start to the day we had planned, but a very Canadian wildlife moment nonetheless!
Before hitting the road, we grabbed breakfast at Tim Hortons - an absolute must when in Canada. The UK version simply doesn’t compare! A classic double-double coffee and a breakfast sandwich set us up for the day.
Then, it was time to cross into the United States. The US-Canada border crossing took around 45 minutes, and once we were through, we continued south toward Seattle.
Exploring Seattle: Space Needle, Chihuly Garden & More
Seattle is a vibrant city with so much to see and do, and we only had a short amount of time to make the most of it.
Space Needle: Seattle’s Iconic Landmark
Our first stop was the Space Needle, one of Seattle’s most recognisable landmarks.
Originally built for the 1962 World’s Fair, the Space Needle stands 184 metres tall and was once the tallest building west of the Mississippi River.
The observation deck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, and even Puget Sound.
One of its coolest features is the “Loupe” - the world’s first rotating glass floor, allowing you to see directly below your feet!
Chihuly Garden & Glass: A World of Colour
Right at the base of the Space Needle is Chihuly Garden & Glass, one of the most stunning art exhibits we’ve ever visited.
This museum showcases the work of Dale Chihuly, a world-renowned glass artist known for his intricate and colourful glass sculptures.
The Glasshouse is the highlight - an incredible 100-foot-long installation featuring one of Chihuly’s most famous pieces.
The outdoor gardens are also breathtaking, with glass sculptures blending seamlessly into the natural landscape.
Pike Place Market: A Must-Visit in Seattle
Next, we made our way to Pike Place Market, one of the oldest continuously operating markets in the U.S., dating back to 1907.
It’s famous for its fresh seafood, and the fishmongers put on a show, tossing fish through the air as they prepare orders.
The market is also home to unique shops, artisan stalls, and incredible street food - we couldn’t resist grabbing a few tasty bites along the way.
Before wrapping up the day, we stopped by the Starbucks Reserve Roastery, a coffee lover’s paradise where you can try unique Starbucks blends and watch expert baristas at work.
Museum of Flight: A Must for Aviation Enthusiasts
The following day, we headed to The Museum of Flight, one of the largest air and space museums in the world.
Highlights from the Museum of Flight:
✈️ Concorde G-BOAG – One of the last Concordes to fly, this aircraft could cross the Atlantic in under 3.5 hours!
✈️ Boeing 747-121 – The first-ever Boeing 747, also known as the “City of Everett,” was a game-changer in air travel.
✈️ Boeing VC-137B “Air Force One” – This aircraft served multiple US presidents, including Kennedy.
✈️ Boeing 787 Dreamliner ZA003 – One of the first test aircraft for the Dreamliner, showcasing cutting-edge aviation technology.
For anyone who loves aviation, this museum is an absolute must-visit.
Back to Vancouver – Exploring Historic Gastown
After wrapping up our time in Seattle, we headed back to Vancouver and spent the afternoon exploring Gastown, one of the city’s most historic districts.
The Famous Steam Clock
One of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks, the Gastown Steam Clock, was built in 1977 and runs entirely on steam power.
It whistles and releases steam every 15 minutes, making it a popular attraction for visitors.
Although it looks historic, it was actually built to attract tourism to the Gastown area.
Vancouver Lookout Tower: The Best Views in the City
To finish our time in Vancouver, we headed to the Vancouver Lookout Tower, which offers spectacular 360-degree views of the city.
The tower stands at 168 metres, providing panoramic views of Vancouver’s skyline, mountains, and harbour.
It was the perfect way to end our journey before boarding our Alaskan cruise.
Next Stop: Boarding Our Alaskan Cruise!
And just like that, our pre-cruise adventure had come to an end. From flying luxury class with Air Canada, to exploring Seattle’s most iconic attractions, and discovering Vancouver’s historic spots, this was the perfect start to our Alaskan cruise journey.
Next up - we board our cruise ship and set sail for glaciers, wildlife, and unforgettable landscapes.
👉 Stay tuned for our next blog, where we embark on our Alaskan adventure!
Have you visited Seattle or Vancouver? What was your favourite spot? Let us know in the comments below!
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