We will be getting off a cruise ship in the morning and have one day in Vancouver before we fly home the next day. Which area should be stay in to maximize the short time we have there...near the cruise terminal such as the Fairmont Waterfront or Pan Pacific or a dowtown location such as the Wedgewood. Any opinions would be appreciated.

There are not great distances involved in being near the cruise terminal or downtown, but even though it's only 6-8 blocks difference, I would recommend going downtown. It's going to be a little more convenient, but the main reason will be that it will give you an opportunity to meet people and enjoy an environment that is going to be outside of the whole "cruise scene". (I'm not knocking it here. I'm just saying that it makes some sense to diversify your experience a little more, since you can.)

Thanks for the advice. Also, what would you say is a not miss for the short time we are there?

Stanley Park and Robson Street during the day, and at night a Skyride up Grouse Mountain to look out over Vancouver as the lights come on.

Can anyone explain what makes Robson Street such an attraction? I've been there many times, and it has seemed pretty ordinary to me.

Before Robson St, I would choose such attractions as the Sun Yat-Sen Garden, the UBC Museum of Anthropology and Nitobe Gardens, Granville Island, and even Gastown. Granted UBC is a long way from downtown, but the attractions are first class.

I can't get that excited about Robson St. either, laverendrye. We always prefer to stay down by Stanley Park, around the Lord Stanley or Bayshore. In Vancouver I want a view of the water and mountains.