As a Hilton Diamond member, I have a late checkout of 1pm. This membership is connected with my Velocity Platinum status. 

Luckily I had packed light (although I could have left one of the jackets at home) because I needed the room in my luggage for the purchases I had collected on my trip.

I took a reconnaissance walk to check where I had to go to board the Clipper, without my luggage. The attendant informed me that it was going to be a full boat and there would be long lines to go through US customs. On the way back I accidentally bought a jumper that I couldn’t resist.

I decided to while away the time at Bartholomews while waiting to go to the Clipper. I absolutely loved Victoria as a safe and happening city with plenty to do! 

I grabbed my (heavier) luggage and walked down to the harbour. There are plenty of stairs to the lower harbour but you have to go around the visitor centre to be able to find a ramp, which adds to the distance. So I decided to struggle down the steps when this Amazonian amazing young woman insisted on carrying my luggage to the bottom… people are always willing to help. After checking in my bag, I decided to stop at the Cafe in the Steamship Terminal and ordered a  Chowder and a drink. It was quite hot!

When it was time to board I had to go through USA Customs which was fuss free. Just a few questions about where I’m going and when was the last time I was in the states.

There were complimentary ice, water bottles , fruit juices, coffee and sodas that one can help themselves to in the comfort class on the ferry, plus a welcome Prosecco.

The sea was very calm so it was a smooth ride. No offers of drugs or briefings about life jackets on this trip. Visibility was also excellent so we could see the Olympic mountains and more snow capped ones in the distance.

Getting off was quite efficient and the border was simple with one question, do you have any food? I said yes commercial food and he waved me through. It didn’t take long to get an Uber outside the terminal but the traffic through Seattle was a crawl. It took a while to get onto the freeway. And it’s a Sunday night!!! The Uber driver blamed the World Cup for the traffic snarls. 

It took around 30 minutes to get to the Hilton Seattle Airport and Conference Centre. This was a much older building than the last but my room was spacious and comfortable. No room service here! I had to sit at the bar to order food that I wanted to take up your my room. (I was also given 2 water bottles to carry to my room when I checked in).

I had chosen a classic flatbread for dinner which consisted of three cheeses and pepperoni and I finished the Unsworth Pinot Gris from Vancouver Island.

Good night