tonygabe

Warms my heart to think about it!

tonygabe

Thanks, this is so helpful. The picture you provided was beautiful. I was thinking use a full week and both weekends so 9 days from the east coast. I typically get 1 one-week trip and 1 two-week trip per year and was saving the two-week trip for another destination. I could potentially reconsider if the practicality of traveling with children dictates a round trip from Vancouver rather than a 1-way trip and additional flight travel. A lot to mull over - thank you.

Gardyloo

With nine days you have time for a round trip from Vancouver and really nothing more. Flight timing becomes an issue; I wouldn't try to depart on a cruise the same day you've flown in from the east coast - to iffy in the event of any flight delays, and when departing Vancouver the options will be either too early in the morning to get to the airport from the cruise terminal if the ship arrives that day, or else an overnight redeye, which will be hard on everyone. There are few mid-day departures from the west coast to the east coast; when you add the time change to the flight time, you'd be arriving too late in the evening - or wee hours. So the nonstops all tend to leave before 8 or 9 AM, or closer to 10 PM - midnight, not a happy prospect with little kids.

Thus you'd probably be best advised to fly in on day one and spend a night in Vancouver, sailing the next day, then on your return, spend a day and night in Vancouver and fly out the next morning. That would make for 10 days, or 9 if you go with a redeye on the day your cruise ends.

sandragoodlife

Have you considered Acadia National Park? Beautiful scenery, lots of hotel choices, nice walks and many choices on boat rides.

zoeyz1249

Garden of the Gods Recreation Area. Located in southern Illinois, this area has unique rock formations and views of forested pristine hills that stretch for miles. In addition to these views, you can also experience horseback riding and game hunting.