CANADA REOPENS CRUISING AFTER TWO-YEAR ABSENCE: HOLLAND AMERICA"S KONINGSDAM ARRIVES IN VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Holland America's Koningsdam plies the waters of Vancouver's Burrard Inlet en route to the Port of Vancouver, its homeport for the summer Alaska season.

Holland America Line is the first cruise line to return to Canadian cruising following a 2+ year industrywide pause due to the global COVID-19 pandemic.  

On Saturday, April 9, 2022 the Koningsdam was the first ship to return to Victoria in 905 days. And on the following Sunday, April 10, the Koningsdam arrived in Vancouver, the first ship back in port in more than two years. The day was filled with events that included a pier side celebratory ceremony and an onboard plaque exchange to commemorate Koningsdam's first-ever call at Vancouver. 

In 2022, six Holland America Line ships will call at Victoria and Vancouver for the Alaska cruise season. In total, the six ships will make 45 calls at Victoria and bring nearly 75,000 guests to the port. In Vancouver, 76 cruises will begin or end in the city, welcoming approximately 140,000 guests. 

For Canada and New England cruising on the East Coast, two ships return in May, cruising between Boston, Massachusetts and Quebec City or Montreal. The Nieuw Statendam and Zaandam offer itineraries ranging from 7-24 days to more than a dozen Canadian ports.

Koningsdam's Grand Dutch Cafe

Sail away with author Margaret Atwood on the Atlantic Canada Explorer voyage

goodreads.com photo

If you're a fervid fan of author Margaret Atwood, come springtime you'll have an opportunity to go out to sea with the internationally acclaimed author. 

Adventure Canada, a travel company headquartered in Missisauga, Ontario, has invited Atwood to be a special guest on the Atlantic Canada Explorer voyage. This isn't Atwood's first time at sea with Adventure Canada, having traveled with them numerous times since 2001 as a staff member and special guest. 

The 12-day adventure in June is aboard the Ocean Endeavour, and includes three East Coast provinces: Newfoundland, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Also on the itinerary is historic Saint-Pierre, a French island located off the coast of Newfoundland. Along with the isle of Miquelon, the two islands are the last pieces of French territory in North America. 

Highlights of the cruise include the famous wild horses of Sable Island; Fortress of Louisbourg; Bay of Fundy; Lunenburg, home of the Blue Nose; and St. John's, Newfoundland. 

Atwood, a two-time Booker Prize-winner, was recently named a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth for her contributions to literature. While on board the Ocean Endeavour, the Ottawa native will give a special presentation on her latest book, The Testaments. It's the sequel to The Handmaid's Tale. She will talk about the connection between The Testaments and some of the places on the Atlantic Canada Explorer itinerary, including the Bay of Fundy and Campobello Island.

Atlantic Canada Explorer

Expedition Cruise with Special Guest Margaret Atwood

June 15-26, 2020

Rates begin at $3,995

Starts and ends at St. John's, Newfoundland

Disney Wonder Departs Seattle for Vancouver and the 2013 Alaska Cruise Season

The Disney Wonder in Vancouver, June 2011. Photo by Sue Frause 

Seattle's loss is Vancouver's gain. The ongoing cruise ship rivalry between the two Pacific Northwest cities continues, and this time Vancouver ends up on top. The city will once again be the home port for Disney Cruise Lines' Alaska sailings. 

The Alaska-bound Disney cruises made their debut in 2011 in Vancouver, but switched to Seattle in 2012. But with Vancouver's closer proximity to Alaska, routing through the Inside Passage and positive passenger feedback, Disney decided to reinstate Vancouver as the departure point for its 2013 sailings. 

Beginning May 27, the Disney Wonder will depart Vancouver with 16 scheduled sailings throughout the year. Itineraries include traveling through the fjord at Tracy Arm and docking in Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.

During its debut year in Vancouver in 2011, Disney Cruise Lines carried approximately 90,000 passengers and contributed $40 million to the city's economy. In 2013, the collective Vancouver and Alaska cruise fleet will increase capacity by 27%, bringing nearly 850,000 passengers to Vancouver.

My Canada: Escents Aromatherapy's aromatic blends inspired by country's six regions

I'm not a big fan of aromatic blends and smelly stuff, as usually they make me sneeze and wheeze and get all teary-eyed. But this is a very cool idea, one I may have to try out. The Canadian company Escents Aromatherapy has come out with a new product line called My Canada. It's comprised of six new aromatic blends inspired by Canada's six different regions: Pacific, Prairie, Metro, Maritime, French and Arctic.

According to Escents founder Jacqui MacNeill, the goal was to capture and share the essence of the country's coast-to-coast "awe-inspiring landscapes" with each scent. Crafted from 100% essential oils, the My Canada line is available in aroma blends, hand and body lotion, wash and bubble, handmade soap and reed diffusers. Artwork that's evocative of each region wraps around each item. Here are the six aromatic blends, along with photos I've taken from each region in Canada during my many travels.

PACIFIC | Fresh | Pine, Cedarwood

Just like the lush rainforests of British Columbia this scent combines clean, crisp pine with earthy cedarwood, creating a fresh scent that is slightly salty—much like the sea air.

Heading to Sonora Resort in BC's Desolation Sound.

PRAIRIE | Indulgent | Cardamom, Davana

Inspired by the rolling hills and wheat fields of the Prairies. Aromatic, smoky cardamom and sweet woody davana blend together—creating a comforting, indulgent scent.

Saskatchewan sunset aboard Via Rail Canada.

METRO | Energized | Amyris, Mimosa

Inspired by the complex nature of a busy city. Full of energy, this fragrance combines woodsy Amyris with the sweet floral of Mimosa—creating a citrusy scent that is fun and full of life.

CN Tower in Toronto.

FRENCH | Passionate | Lavender, Black Pepper

Much like the rich culture of the French Canadian region, this fragrance mingles the soft floral of Lavender with the unique, richness of Black Pepper.

Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac. 

MARITIME | Balanced | Frankincense, Bergamot

The quaint fishing villages and the rolling waves of the sea inspire this calming, balanced scent. Earthy frankincense and refreshing, citrusy bergamot help to ignite a feeling of ease.

Music of the Maritimes at McKelvey's in Halifax.

ARCTIC | Unwind | Anise, Peppermint

This unique scent merges cooling, refreshing peppermint with liquorice-like anise creating a scent that helps calm and unwind. Inspired by the icy, cold weather of the Canadian Arctic.

A cool adventure with Cruise North. 

All photos by Sue Frause. Nos. 2-3-4-5 were taken during my Great Big Canadian Train Adventure.

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Vancouver BC for 2013 Season

Disney Wonder from aboard Helijet. Photo by Sue Frause

Seattle's loss is Vancouver's gain. With Disney Cruise Line releasing its 2013 itineraries, Vancouver will once again be the home port for the Disney Wonder. Disney debuted its Alaska cruises in Vancouver in 2011, carrying approximately 90,000 passengers and contributing $40 million to the city's coffers. But Disney switched to Seattle as the departure hub for 2012.

Good news for British Columbia, as Mickey & Company are returning north next year. The switch is due to Vancouver's closer proximity to Alaska and positive feedback from travelers. According to Port Metro Vancouver, each cruise call to the city contributes $2 million in economic activity. And even though Disney won't be present in 2012, the port anticipates an overall increase in cruise passengers in Vancouver this year.

First Air crash near Resolute Bay in Nunavut kills 12, three injured

I was saddened to read about the deadly airline crash near Resolute Bay in Nunavut in northern Canada. A dozen aboard the First Air Boeing 737 were killed, including eight passengers and four crew members. Three people were injured during the Aug. 20, 2011 fatal crash that originated in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories.

I flew First Air in July 2009 en route from Montreal to Kuujjuaq, Quebec. I was on a Cruise North Expeditions' adventure in Hudson Bay, traveling between Kuujjuaq and Churchill, Manitoba. First Air, Airline of the North, has been operating for 65 years. It has scheduled service between 30 northern communities and connections to Ottawa, Montreal, Winnipeg and Edmonton. The airline introduced the first Boeing 767 super freighter in the North several years ago.

First Air is owned by the 9,000 Inuit of northern Quebec, through the Makivik Corporation. It was created to invest proceeds of the 1975 James Bay and Northern Quebec Agreement. The non-profit Makivik, headquartered in Kuujjuaq, purchased First Air in 1990. It also owns Air Inuit Ltd., which has served Nunavik (northern Quebec) since 1978. Cruise North Expeditions is also a subsidiary of Makivik. The corporation issued this statement following the deadly crash on Aug. 20:

"Makivik Corporation, on its behalf and on behalf of the Board of Directors of First Air, would like to offer its deepest condolences to the families and friends of the victims of Boeing 737-200 crash en route from Yellowknife to Resolute Bay. Charter flight #6560 en route to Resolute Bay from Yellowknife crashed around 12:50 local time with 11 passengers and 4 crew members onboard. We report 3 survivors."

First Air and Air Inuit
Photos by Sue Frause

Great Big Sea's Alan Doyle stars alongside Russell Crowe in 'Robin Hood'

Alan Doyle performs on the Ships 'n Dip V cruise
Photo by Sue Frause

There's a Canadian connection to the latest Robin Hood film, this one titled ... Robin Hood. Directed by Ridley Scott, its tagline is the untold story of how the man became a legend.

Starring Russell Crowe, the film opened on May 14; the reviews have not been so hot. The New York Times headline is Rob the rich? Give to the Poor? Oh, Puh-leeze! while USA Today blasts, Russell Crowe's Robin Hood robs from the filmgoers.

Ouch.

The only review I overheard was at a salon in Beverly Hills where one young woman said she loved it and cried a lot. Maybe I'll wait for it to come out in DVD.

But hey, this post was about a Canuck connection with the film, and that would be Alan Doyle. One of the members of the Great Big Sea, he's playing the role of Allan A'Dayle, the Merry Men's Minstrel.

I saw Doyle while on a Ships'N Dip V Caribbean Cruise in February of 2009. He and his fellow band mates put on a great show, along with other headliners Sarah McLachlan and Barenaked Ladies.

PS: An alert reader left the comment that Kevin Durand, who plays the part of Little John in Robin Hood, is from Thunder Bay, Ontario. Doyle was born in Petty Harbour, Newfoundland.

RCMPs spotted in San Francisco during Canada Media Marketplace

Members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police greeted guests to the opening reception of Canada Media Marketplace in San Francisco last night. Sue Frause photo.

The Canadians are coming! Actually, some already descended on San Francisco, arriving last week with BC Experience, located at Embarcadero Square through April 18, 2010. I'm headed down there tomorrow morning to check out the 600-ft. zipline. Notice I said check out, not experience!

I'm attending Canada Media Marketplace at The Fairmont San Francisco along with around 150 other travel journalists and editors, plus representatives from across Canada. Last night was the opening reception across the street at the Top of the Mark. Sponsored by Travel Alberta, it had a cowboy feel about it, including music by Canadian country music star Paul Brandt from Calgary.

Although I don't think the crab cakes or wine was Alberta grown, there was a definite BYOB (Bring Your Own Boots) feel to the event. Today the meetings begin; I have appointments with 14 Canadian partners, from Tofino's Wickaninnish Inn on Vancouver Island to the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association. 

2010 Olympics cruise ship hits rough economic seas

I attended a media event hosted by Newwest Special Projects LP in the summer of 2009. The Edmonton-based travel and cruise company was introducing the Norwegian Cruise Line luxury ship Norwegian Star as the largest hotel for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Games.

A group of print, web and broadcast media along with travel industry types toured the ship at Pier 66 in Seattle on June 20, 2009. Representatives from Norwegian Cruise Line were also at the luncheon.

According to Newwest, the Norwegian Star was to be docked in North Vancouver from Feb. 10-March 2, 2010 and would add 10% capacity to Vancouver's downtown inventory of 12,000 rooms. I wrote about the unique accommodation for Examiner.com.

It hasn't exactly been smooth sailing for the floating hotel. The Vancouver Sun reports:

"A plan to berth an 1,100-room cruise ship in North Vancouver for use as a floating hotel during the Olympic Games appears to be in serious danger of sinking. Edmonton-based Newwest Special Projects - which has marketed the Norwegian Star to Games visitors for the past nine months - said in a statement over the weekend that sales have been disappointing while expenses have increased beyond expectations. It said it is negotiating with its partners to try to lower costs and keep the project alive.:

On Newwest's website for the Olympics ship, there's a lone page titled Vancouver Accommodations with this Statement from Newwest Special Projects:

"Still looking for accommodations in Vancouver during the Games? The luxurious NCL Star still has rooms on sale until February 5th. Start at USD $275 per room, per night."

It's very odd that there is no reservation or information number included with the descriptions of the various accommodations. Who you gonna call, Shipbusters? Not a good sign, indeed.

UPDATE 2/2/1010: Here's the latest as about the cruise ship debacle from CKNW/AM90.

UPDATE 2/3/2010: Newwest has updated its website with information on how to get refunds. And it looks like the Make-a-Wish Foundation kids who were to be on board will have to find other accommodations.

UPDATE: Good News for the Make-a-Wish Kids!

Norwegian Star at Pier 66, Seattle in June 2009
Photo by Sue Frause

Cruise North: Marble Island in Hudson Bay one of many shore expeditions

Marble Island. Photo by Sue Frause.

Marble Island was one of the many shore excursions that was part of a Cruise North expedition from Kuujjuaq in northern Quebec to Winnipeg, Manitoba in the summer of 2009.

Although the Odyssey of the North expedition I was on is no longer being offered, similar ones are offered by Cruise North.

Disney Cruises Docks in Vancouver BC; Mickey Flunks His Environmental Report Card

A lot of the tourism folks in Vancouver and Alaska are most likely all atwitter about this Disney news:

For the first-time ever, Disney Cruise Line will offer Alaskan cruises during a four-month season of seven-night sailings aboard the Disney Wonder in summer 2011. Combining the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience provided by Disney Cruise Line, the Disney Wonder will depart out of Vancouver, B.C., calling on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

But what the press release doesn't mention is the big F grade that Disney recently received from the Friends of the Earth's first ever Cruise Ship Report Card. In it, Disney ranked the dirtiest, while Holland America was the best. You can read the full report here in a link included in TheTyee.ca.

Cruise North Arctic Odyssey, Cabin 310

A view from Cabin 310
Originally uploaded by Sue Frause

It was nearly midnight on the eight-night Cruise North
expedition from northern Quebec to Churchill, Manitoba when I took this photo from my cabin. No shortage of daylight here in Canada's Arctic.

Photo by Sue Frause

Window on Canada: Churchill, Manitoba

Our Cruise North ship arrives in Churchill, Manitoba

Photo by Sue Frause

Top 49 Canadian songs for Barack Obama

CBC Radio 2 recently invited Canadians to help select the top 49 Songs From North of the 49th Parallel that would best define Canada to U.S. President Barack Obama.

Nominations were submitted and votes were cast. Here is the final list.

President Obama is scheduled to make his first foreign trip next week to Ottawa on Feb. 19, 2009. Read a post I wrote about it in Crosscut.


Pictured above: Sean McCann of Great Big Sea during the Ships & Dips V Caribbean cruise with Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan and others. Sue Frause photo.

Caribbean Cruisin' with the Barenaked Ladies, Sarah McLachlan, Great Big Sea and Sloan

Among the groups performing aboard the Norwegian Jewel during Ships & Dip V were the Barenaked Ladies, Great Big Sea, Sarah McLachlan and Sloan. Photos by Sue Frause.

Hockey Night in ... the Caribbean?

This is the Caribbean version of Canadian hockey aboard the Northern Cruise Lines' Jewel. To read more about this "Canadian" cruise in the Caribbean, go to my Seattle Travel Examiner site.

You'll find out more about this Canadian themed cruise, including pictures of Sarah McLachlan, Barenaked Ladies, Great Big Sea and more.

Hockey aboard NCL's Jewel
Photo by Sue Frause

Crusin' with the Barenaked Ladies!

I never thought I'd be cruising with the Barenaked Ladies, but let it be! I'm off on a five-night Caribbean cruise aboard the Norwegian Jewel, the newest of Norwegian Cruise Lines' fleet of ships.

They're presenting Ships & Dip V, a musical cruise in the Caribbean. The Canadian group will be joined by Sarah McLachlan, the Great Big Sea and plenty of other Candian groups and entertainers. So far, the weather is perfect and I expect a lot of Canadians on board.

I'm sure I'll see plenty of maple leafs!