Five agents of the home-based TravelManagers network attended North America’s big Cruise3Sixty industry cruise conference in Vancouver in June. Here they share their thoughts on the Canadian city and nearby Whistler resort.

The five TravelManagers kick up their heels at the Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver. From left: Lyn Tyson (Pymble NSW), Chris Dobson (Geraldton WA), Diane Craig (North Balgowlah NSW), Michelle Michael-Pecora (Castle Hill NSW) and Julianne Hall (Southport Queensland).

We went because:

It was an opportunity to get an insight into cruising from a worldwide and different perspective. Throughout the conference we were able to speak one-on-one with representatives and heads of major shipping lines, airlines, destinations, hotels and attractions, inspect a variety of ships, and take part in very relevant and interesting training programs.

There was also the chance to network with the cruising world beyond Australia and see why America is so far advanced. It was great to meet colleagues from around the world and share experiences and stories, and form friendships that will prove beneficial in the future.

Don’t miss:

All that Vancouver and nearby Whistler have to offer. We believe you should spend at least four days there before or after a cruise or cruise/rail holiday. There’s so much to see and do.

- The hop on, hop off bus for a great orientation tour of the city

- The natural beauty and history of Stanley Park - make sure you take the horse-drawn carriage ride

- Stanley Markets - a wonderful array of delicious food and creative goods

- Shopping

- A buzz around the river on the fun Aquabus

- Granville Island by ferry

- Gastown

- Grouse Mountain to see the grizzlies

- Whistler - it’s much more than a ski resort. Try high tea at the Fairmont Chateau. Dine in one of the great restaurants. Try ziplining, or take a ride on the Peak 2 Peak gondola.

Don’t bother:

Visiting downtown eastside Vancouver, especially at night. There are lots of addicts and homeless people - some quite well-dressed.

Also, staying in the upper village at Whistler should be avoided if you don’t like walking or have a mobility problem. Stay near the main shopping village.

Favourite meals:

Seafood chowder at The Mill on the Vancouver waterfront. Breakfast at the Fairmont Chateau in Whistler. Fabulous room with great mountain atmosphere, wonderful food, and fantastic service. A great start to any day. And the pesto chicken quesadilla (roasted chicken, blended cheeses, sundried cranberries) and margaritas at the Cactus Club are simply unforgettable.

Best shopping experience:

A visit to Robson Street is a must when shopping for shoes and that new suit. Granville Island is awesome for fresh produce, seafood, art, unique and locally made goods, and psychics.

Worth a splurge:

The Waterfront Fairmont Hotel (We wanted to bring the beds home with us) Leather & suede coats and other goods at Danier Leather in Whistler.

Also, the Gondola Peak 2 Peak ride in Whistler. A wonderful experience, from the spring weather at the bottom to the snow at the top, proving Whistler is a lot more than just a ski destination. Ziplining in Whistler, too.

We wish we’d left home with:

An extra large suitcase and fewer clothes and shoes so we could have brought back more. Perhaps a Mountie, too.

We’d warn clients:

To check the cost of a glass of wine at the Fairmont before ordering. $Can18 was a bit of a shock. Don’t forget the added taxes when making a purchase. Remember the gratuities for all services. Have change for taxis and tipping - it’s expected everywhere.

There is a cheap and convenient rail service to and from the airport to downtown Vancouver. Pack an umbrella and/or a raincoat.

The ‘London Drugs’ store sells everything from mobile phones, to shoelaces – a one stop shop open all hours.