Heading towards Victoria BC

After leaving Icy Strait we headed towards Victoria BC. It was daytime as we headed down the inland passage. At times, the passage is so close to each side of the ship, that 2 ships would have difficulty actually passing. These passages are the result of tectonic movement which moved pieces of land away from the mainland. They are very deep and mountains rise from the water up to snow in some places. The water is still and smooth and it is like gliding through the air. We spent hours in the main lounge and out on the deck watching the scenery go by. It was a wonderful experience. As night fell, were still navigating the passage. According to the brochure and even the navigation map at the reception desk, the next day we were scheduled to continue our passage through the channel between Vancouver Island and the mainland. In fact, the next morning we awoke not far off the Northern tip of Vancouver Island where the ship had stopped to off-load a sick passenger. At around 7am we were heading south but out in the Pacific, not through the inland passage as we had been promised. We were at sea, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. I was quite upset as this inland passage of Vancouver Island is beautiful and I had looked forward to seeing it. No explanation was provided for the change in route. I visited the bridge that morning and asked the officer of the watch why we were not using the inland passage. He responded rather snootily: "We changed our minds". On board the ship, there were reps of Vacations.com through whom we had booked our trip. When I complained about the change, she told me that the line consistently promises the Vancouver Island inland passage and then opts for the easier Pacific side to Victoria. Of course, it is easier to navigate on the open ocean but the passengers do not get the promised route.

I have lodged a formal complaint with the line through our travel agent. At this time, June 3, I have still not heard a peep from the line. I have complained that they bait and switch by doing this. Of course, they have the right to do anything according to the conditions of a cruise ticket but this is deception of the kind one finds with used car dealer.