Port of Call Victoria, Canada

The port of Victoria, Canada is located on Vancouver Island in southwest Canada. Victoria is a popular cruise ship port of call on many Alaska itineraries partly because it’s located not far from the city of Vancouver. It is a beautiful city with a number of things to see and do and is only a short ferry ride or plane trip away from the city of Vancouver.


Where Your Ship Docks


Most cruise ships now dock at the cities port facilities within walking distance of downtown. There is a terminal with public facilities and taxis are usually available.

Wheelchair Accessibility


Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking varies by the individual ships gangway designs. The Victoria pier disembarks in a mostly residential neighborhood with about a mile trip into downtown. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.

Port Area Characteristics – This port has an average wheelchair infrastructure typical of large cities. The port area has moderate inclines in sidewalks. Intersection crosswalks may have a few curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Transportation


Taxis are readily available and local bus service is provided by the Victoria Regional Transit System, a fleet of modern single and double-decker buses that offer frequent service to Victoria BC’s main attractions. LINK HERE.

Typical options for bus fares include:
 Cash Fare            C$2.50            Single boarding only – No Transfers. Drivers do not carry change.
10 Tickets            C$22.50
DayPass            C$5.00 and are only available on bus. Drivers do not carry change.
There are also water taxis and float planes available on the cities waterfront.

Ferry Terminals

Vancouver Island is connected by a regional ferry service with frequent service to the city of Vancouver. The ferry terminals serving Vancouver and other areas are located almost an hour out of town.

There is a combined service for trips to Vancouver cruise terminal that offers one fare to take a bus from Victoria, the ferry to Vancouver and a bus over to the Canada Place Terminal.

If you need to go from Victoria to the Swartz Bay ferry terminal you can use BC Transit or take a private shuttle to the ferry terminal with the BC Ferries Connector.

Money

The local currency is the Canadian Dollar and unlike the cities in the east of Canada US Dollars are not generally accepted. If they do take the US Dollar expect them to charge an additional amount in addition to current exchange rates. Most credit cards are welcome and ATMs are common.


Attractions

Butchart Gardens


The Butchart Gardens – Located in Brentwood Bay, near Victoria. The gardens receive over a million visitors each year. The gardens have been designated a National Historic Site of Canada.


Chinatown – It is the oldest Chinatown in Canada and the second oldest in North America after San Francisco’s. Victoria’s Chinatown had its beginnings in the mid-nineteenth century in the mass influx of miners from California to what is now British Columbia in 1858. It remains an active place and continues to be popular with residents and visitors.


BC Museum – Founded in 1886, the Royal British Columbia Museum consists of The Province of British Columbia’s natural and human history museum as well as the British Columbia Provincial Archives.


The Victoria Bug Zoo – This unique facility is a two-room minizoo that is located in downtown Victoria, just one block north of the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Victoria is also home to several architectural landmarks and parks of note and offers a number of great pubs and cafes.

Victoria Island vineyards


Vancouver Island is now home to a very good and growing number of vineyards with a number of wine country tours available. Winemaking began on Vancouver Island in the 1920s, with fruit wine, honey wine (mead) and still and sparkling wine from grapes. A government research project in the 1980s, tasked with identifying grape varietals that could thrive in the maritime climate, that really fueled Vancouver Island’s modern wineries. Today the Island boasts around thirty wineries, from the Comox Valley on the northeast coast down to Sooke, near the southern tip. 


Read our article about disembarking in Victoria and taking the ferry over to Vancouver to beat the Jones Act (technically it’s the Passenger Vessel Services Act) HERE.
 

A popular port of call on Alaska cruises, Victoria is located on Vancouver Island and features great gardens, nearby wine country, and much to see in its own right.

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Map of downtown Victoria.

Cruising And Gratuities

Tipping And What You Can Expect On A Cruise

If you’re new to cruising it’s important to calculate gratuities into your thinking when considering the cost of a cruise booking. At the time of booking you will usually be quoted the base fare along with port charges, fees and taxes but that’s not all your costs. You also need to be aware of what gratuities you should expect.

Tipping on a cruise ship often is a cause for confusion. When to tip, when not to tip and what gratuity charges to expect while onboard. To add to the confusion, cruising is becoming popular with people around the world and many international passengers have different thinking about gratuities.

While policies and amounts can be different for different cruise lines, it can also vary with ports of departure and regions. For most American based major cruise companies there are many similarities. In most of those cruises expect similar gratuity policies.

Expect cabin gratuities to be automatically added to your onboard account. That amount can vary some by cruise line and depends on the class of stateroom. Additionally the amount can be adjusted up by cruise companies from time to time*. Any amounts you’ll find published are usually per person per day. Some cruises will charge them to your account each day while others post at the end of the cruise. At the least expect $12.00 per person, per day. Charges for children in a stateroom are, on average, half the adult amount and infants aren’t charged. With higher priced cruises and more expensive staterooms expect to pay more, usually somewhere around $30 per person, per day.

Another area where you can expect to see gratuity charges is on drinks in lounges, bars and food venues. Today it’s common to have gratuities added automatically to your check, usually about 18% but many checks will also provide room for an additional gratuity. Before you sign a check and add a tip, see if the gratuity is already listed. Gratuities are normally offered for tours (cash and what you think is fair), spas and room service (some cruises are now automatically charging gratuities to room service checks).

A Tip On Tipping – While tipping for good service is what it’s all about, on a cruise tipping for better service is usually worth its weight in gold. Most service staff on ships do their best to provide good service but to get special treatment try providing cash tips special servers on a regular basis. Want special service in a lounge? Try giving the server a few dollars when your drink arrives, he’ll pay special attention to you on your next visit. We have a habit of carrying a number of two dollar bills on board – they get attention because they’re unusual and it gets us noticed and remembered.

Why Are Gratuities Goin Up?

The gratuities have always been an incentive for working on a cruise, and in recruiting. One reason for current increases has to do with increasing staffing problems post Covid pandemic. As cruise lines continue to deal with the aftermath of economic disruption and increased debt due to the global pandemic increasing overall gratuities is a logical move to keep good people working on ships.

*Issues With Tipping Internationally

If you travel internationally one area where you need to do your homework is gratuities. While things are changing it is still not a common practice in many countries. Many places in Europe tipping wasn’t common and at most it was leaving the loose change. Because tipping isn’t common internationally, cruise companies are always struggling to get passengers to understand the practice.

Because some cultures and countries do not believe in the practice of gratuities it presents cruise ships with a challenge at times. For example, Australians simply do not tip. Going to a restaurant in Australia the check will only have the charge for food and drinks – no taxes or gratuities and you aren’t expected to leave any additional tip. Because of that Australians will go to guest services on a cruise and insist gratuities be removed. For that reason Australians booking in Australia or cruising from Australia will often be charged a higher fare to compensate for providing crew with gratuities.

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Cruise Port Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne is the capital and most-populous city of the Australian state of Victoria, and the second-most populous city in Australia. Noted for its cultural heritage, the city is the home of Australian rules football, Australian impressionism and Australian cinema, and has recently been recognized as a UNESCO City of Literature. Melbourne is a vibrant city famous for street art, live music and theater.

Where Your Ship Docks

Cruise ships tie up at the Station Pier and Terminal. There are facilities at the pier and a number of transportation options are near by. The pier is right at the center of Melbourne’s famous beaches.

Melbourne beach next to Station Pier and Terminal

Wheelchair Accessibility

Disembarking – This port has a developed cruise ship pier but the ease of disembarking can vary by the individual ships gangway designs. The Melbourne pier disembarks right near Port Melbourne railway station with access to the light rail trains. For passengers using wheelchairs there can be a moderate ramp incline to deal with.

Port Area Characteristics – Melbourne has a well developed wheelchair friendly infrastructure. The port area is flat with a few moderate inclines. Intersection crosswalks have few issues with curbs or other wheelchair obstacles.

Getting Around Melbourne

Often cruise ships offer shuttle bus service into the center of Melbourne and a taxi fare should be under A$15 each way (3 miles).

China Town Melbourne

The best way to see the area is to buy a myki Explorer pack from SkyBus ticket booths (Adult A$15). Available at Melbourne Airport and Southern Cross Station, the PTV Hub at Southern Cross Station, and a number of hotels. Packs include a pre-loaded Myki card with enough value for one day of travel in Zone 1 and 2, instructions on how to use myki, maps for trains, trams and the city centre, and discounted entry to attractions in Melbourne and regional Victoria.

Trams – Passengers can board trams at signposted stops displaying maps, route numbers and a timetable. Route numbers are also displayed on the front of the tram. Travel within the central area of Melbourne by tram is free, though you will need a myki card if you plan to start or finish your journey outside this central area. For information on the area covered by the Free Tram Zone and a downloadable map, go to the Public Transport Victoria website HERE.

Buses – Melbourne buses run frequently to major hubs, including shopping centres, schools, hospitals, leisure and sports venues, and some of Melbourne’s biggest attractions. Find transportation system maps HERE

Currency

Australia has its own Dollar (A$) and US Dollars are generally not accepted.Most major credit cards are welcome and there are ATM machines readily available. Recent exchange rate is about A$ 0.81 = US$1.00.

Attractions

About three miles east on the beach from the cruise pier is St. Kilda Pier, offers great views of the Melbourne skyline and Port Phillip Bay. This pier is a city destination for strolling, cycling, rollerblading and fishing as well as sunning on the beach. See if you can spot the penguins in the water from the St Kilda breakwater.

Melbourne Gardens is the central part of Melbourne’s cultural life and a key part of the heritage of the city. Stunning landscapes, beautiful lakes and a huge plant collection, the Gardens are a place to hike, relax and discover treasures. Take the Aboriginal Heritage Walk, in the garden, a Free Guided Walk.

Polly Woodside is a tall ship and museum, managed by the National Trust of Australia, it’s located in South Wharf on the Yarra River.

Art – In the Southbank precinct are the Arts Centre and the National Gallery of Victoria. At Federation Square, art and architecture offer a backdrop for a number of art choices, from audio visual shows at ACMI, and the Aboriginal art collection at the Ian Potter Centre NGV.

Spend some time browsing the Queen Vic Market with aisles of fresh produce as well as organic wines, freshly brewed coffee and great baked goods.

Centre Place is the heart of Melbourne’s famous alleys or laneways with its bluestone cobbles representing the stereotypical character of the city’s famous laneways. Changing stencil art and graffiti provide a backdrop for a day of cafe hopping and boutique shopping. Stop and have a beer at Hell’s Kitchen as you sit and watch the crowds in the laneway below.

AC/DC Lane named after the famous Australian musical group, ACDC Lane is the embodiment of Melbourne’s love of native rock ‘n’ roll.

Cherry Bar, 68 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria, 3000. The soul of the Melbourne rock scene was founded by the drummer of the Cosmic Psychos in 2000, this rock ‘n’ roll bar features live music and is a launch-pad for local aspiring musicians.

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Todays Featured Poster • Christ of La Laguna, Tenerifi, Canary Islands

This crucifix has been in Tenerife, Canary Island’s since 1520. The Cristo de La Laguna (Christ of La Laguna in English) is a Catholic crucifix of great historical, artistic and cultural significance. It is one of the most revered Spanish religious sculptures and considered by many as the best European crucifix in terms of artistic quality. The local legend tells the story of a stormy night at the Convent of San Miguel de las Victorias (today Sanctuary of Christ) in the Diocese of Cuenca, in Priego, Spain. That night the nuns heard a knocking at the door, and when they opened it found a large box, with a bright light shining from inside. When they opened the box they discovered the statue of Christ on the cross. It was widely accepted as a miracle. The Cristo de La Laguna is known to have been in Venice for a while and from there, taken to Barcelona and from Barcelona to Cádiz, where it was on display in the church of La Vera Cruz. After that it moved to Tenerife in 1520.

Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.

Join Us – We understand that the last thing you may want is more emails cluttering up your inbox, but we promise we’ll work hard to make this worth your while. Give us a try and if we don’t live up to our promise all you need do is click the unsubscribe link in our emails.

Celebrity Cruise Ships • A Guide

Celebrity Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group. In 1997, Celebrity Cruises Ltd. merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to form Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., and has been a wholly owned subsidiary of the latter since then. The company has its headquarters in Miami, Florida. Celebrity’s signature logo is an “Χ” displayed on the funnel of Celebrity ships, and is the Greek letter chi, for “Chandris”.

Celebrity consistently has the highest overall rating on CruiseCritic surveys along with the most ships on their top ten cruise ship survey.

Celebrity Millennium 2000 • 91,000 GT •2,137 passengers • refurb in 2019

Celebrity Infinity 2001 • 91,000 GT 2,170 • passengers • Refurb November 2020

Celebrity Summit 2001 • 91,000 GT • 2,158 passengers • refurb in 2019

Celebrity Constellation 2002 • 91,000 GT •  2,170 passengers • Refurb April 2020

Celebrity cruises characterizes itself as a more upscale experience featuring longer and farther reaching itineraries. They are also noted for their onboard lecture series called Beyond The Podium, with notable guest lecturers often with a focus on the region being visited. They often provide a number of onboard classes from painting to jewelry making and “behind the scenes” tours. Celebrity also pride themselves on their live musicians performing in venues throughout the ship along with the quality of their theatre stage productions.

Onboard you are more likely to find lawn croquet than water flumes and naturalist lectures rather than scavenger hunts. Every ship features a number of speciality restaurants, wine bars and cafes.

Solstice Class

Celebrity Solstice 2008 • 121,878 • GT 2,850 passengers • Refurb October 2021 – Celebrity Solstice is one of our most decorated ships at sea with a world of innovations. The first Lawn Club at sea. The first cruise line to have five women redesign its staterooms. Outstanding cuisine takes dining to a whole new level. Celebrity Solstice® also features Canyon Ranch Spa® and fitness center. Pamper yourself with spa treatments.

Celebrity Equinox 2009 •121,878 GT •2,850 passengers• refurb in 2019

Celebrity Eclipse 2010 •121,878 GT• 2,850 passengers• Refurb November 2020

Celebrity Silhouette 2011 • 122,210 GT• 2,886 passengers • Refurb January 2020

Celebrity Reflection 2012 •125,366 GT •3,046 passengers • Refurb February 2023

Edge Class

Celebrity Edge 2018 •130,818 GT • 2,918 passengers – The Edge Class of ships was designed to shatter expectations. Featuring luxuriously designed rooms that erase the boundary between indoors and out, a cantilevered Magic Carpet SM soaring above the sea, and a collection of 29 world-class restaurants, bars, and lounges, Celebrity Edge has been voted Best New Ship by the editors of Cruise Critic.

Celebrity Apex (Edge class 2020 129,500 GT 2,918 passengers – Featuring luxuriously designed rooms that erase the boundary between indoors and out, a cantilevered Magic Carpet soaring above the sea, and a collection of 29 world-class restaurants, bars, and lounges.

Celebrity Beyond (Edge class 2022)

Galapagos Expeditions Ships

Celebrity Xpedition 2001 •2,842 GT •96 passengers • refurb in 2015

Celebrity Xperience 2017 • 1,610 GT • 48 passengers

Celebrity Xploration 2017 • 319.5 GT

Celebrity Flora 2019 •5,739 GT •  100 passengers

Future Ships

Celebrity Ascent (Edge class 2023)

Todays Featured Poster • The Trevi Fountain

The Trevi Fountain, an 18th-century fountain in Rome, Italy is on almost every Rome “must see” list. Designed by Italian architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini it stands an impressive 75 feet high and 150 feet wide, and is the largest Baroque fountain in the city and one of the most famous fountains in the world.

Back in the fifties a popular movie came out called Three Coins In The Fountain. It was about three American roommates working in Italy who made wishes to meet the man of their dreams by throwing coins into Trevi Fountain. Before that movie it wasn’t a practice to throw coins in Trevi and over the years that movie scene has morphed into a tradition. Now it’s throwing a coin over your right shoulder into Trevi Fountain to guarantee that you’ll return to Rome.

In the mid sixties Trevi Fountain again became the center of attention when Federico Fellini’s movie La Dolce Vita staring Marcello Mastroianni and Anita Ekberg was released. Trevi Fountain is the night scene of Anita Ekberg in a strapless black dress dancing and wading through the fountain.

Join us as we visit historic treasures, natural wonders and vibrant cities set against backdrops that are endlessly changing and visually magnificent. Celebrate a world of travel experiences with these decorating accessories that are perfect for framing.