We spent the morning photographing the ship and then had lunch with Sandy and Brian (met through Cruise Critic) at the Pinnacle Grill. Lunch at the Pinnacle Grill on Holland America is one of the best values at sea. The menu includes a few of the evening entrees, and everything is outstanding. For $10 per person it is worth doing at least one time. The Beef Tenderloin on the lunch menu is outstanding, so I had it twice. Oh, and the crab cake appetizers? By the end of the cruise I was ordering a double order of these delicious treats. My favorite dessert on Holland America is the Fudge Brownie with Coffee Gelato (mine without the Gelato) that is only served at lunch at the Pinnacle. I had it 5 times on this cruise, so I think you would say that I like it.
Our scheduled time for Victoria was 1pm to 11pm. And sure enough, we were allowed off the ship at 1pm. Walt and I were still having lunch at Pinnacle, so we finished up and wandered back to our cabin to get ready to go ashore.
We left the ship around 2pm, picked up a map with suggested walking paths, then asked at the visitor kiosk outside the gift shop for a little more help with the directions to get out of the port area. We decided to walk to town since it was about a 30 minute walk. Along the way we crossed paths with Jeanie and Harry (also from Cruise Critic) and walked to town with them.
It’s a pretty walk along the waterfront. We saw Fisherman’s Wharf with all their pretty houseboats, shops, and restaurants. This is half way to downtown and there are public restrooms here if you need one. We also passed the Parliament Building, the museum (closed on Sunday and it was Sunday), The Empress Hotel, and more waterfront areas. The walk is generally flat and pretty. The Empress is very pretty inside and out, but finding the restroom was an adventure. It’s an old hotel, so things are tucked away. I think if we are in Victoria again, I would like to have a drink in their magnificent bar. It’s pricey, but very elegant.
We decided since it was a warm day to go have a couple of beers and went to Darcy’s Pub on Wharf Street. The four of us enjoyed some local beers and a basket of parmesan garlic fries. I stuck to just one beer since it was hot and we planned to walk back to the ship. After an hour we parted ways with our friends and start our stroll back to the ship.
Besides having a cocktail at the Empress Hotel, I think next time I will arrange a private tour to see more of the area. I do not regret not going to Butchart Gardens. I love flowers, but the distance from port and the short amount of time you get at the gardens did not make it seem worth it to me. Plus, “everyone” goes there, so it’s a zoo right?
As a Jones Act stop for an Alaskan cruise Victoria is very nice. Even if your stop is short, get off the ship and check it out. Unless you have a mobility issue, you can easily walk to downtown. The Zaandam also offered shuttle service for around $15 per person to downtown.