Spot prawns are the type of shrimp that live in the waters of the Pacific Northwest, and every spring they leap out of the water and onto the plates of restaurants throughout the region. Ok, they don't really leap...I think there's a net or something involved.

They are a very tender prawn, and hardly need cooking (some people eat them raw); they are mildly sweet and delicious, and are considered a sustainable seafood. They get their name from white spots on their tails after they're cooked.

Lucky travelers to Vancouver on May 7, 2011, should head to the annual Spot Prawn Festival at Fisherman's Wharf near Granville Island where chefs from around town will be cooking the prawns in a number of ways. What a great way to try them! The season runs for 8 weeks, so you'll be able to try these yummy treats at area restaurants through May, June, and early July.

A few great restaurants to try spot prawns (call to verify availability):

• Raincity Grill on English Bay near downtown
• Coast (downtown)
• The Boathouse on English Bay near downtown
• Refuel in Kitsilano neighborhood (cab from downtown)

If you're a Disney fan who's always wanted to see Vancouver, the 2011 cruise season is your chance to combine the two experiences. Disney Cruise Line will be running 18 Alaska cruise sailings from Vancouver to Alaska this season on their ship, Disney Wonder. But the mouse has announced that it will only sail from Vancouver for one season, and have committed it elsewhere for 2012. They could be back to Vancouver in 2013, but why take your chances? Seems to me this is the year for sailing Mousketeers to come to Vancouver.!

Click to check out my 10 best Vancouver hotels for cruise passengers.

If you're lucky enough to be visiting Vancouver right now, you're seeing the city all dressed in pink. No, it's not an ad for breast cancer awareness--it's the annual blossoming of the cherry trees, and Vancouver has thousands of them. The city also has a festival dedicated to the trees, running this weekend through May 1. More info at Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival.

There are lots of festivals coming up as summer approaches, and I'll write more about them as time is nearer, but if you want to plan a trip "on theme" here are a few highlights:

• Vancouver Farmer's Markets (including one at Nelson Park, near major downtown hotels), May 14 - Oct. 22
• Vancouver Shakespeare Festival: Bard on the Beach, June 2 - Sept. 24, 2011
• Vancouver International Jazz Festival, June 24-July 3, 2011
• Vancouver Gay Pride, July 16-31, 2011
• Vancouver Fireworks: Celebration of Light, July 30 - Aug. 6, 2011

Vancouver is the best port to start your Alaska cruise! In just a few weeks the first cruise ships will arrive in beautiful Vancouver. Due to U.S. government regulations on foreign registry and staffing, cruise lines must make a stop in a non-U.S. port during any cruise. So an Alaska cruise requires stopping in Canada. Vancouver is the logical port for this and many cruise lines start and end their cruises in Vancouver.

Over the next few weeks I will be adding cruise-related content on the site. I invite you to check back frequently as I add tips for Vancouver shore excursions, cruise hotels, getting to the Vancouver cruise terminal, and more.

Meanwhile, check out my guide on airlines that fly to Vancouver International Airport, and my thoughts on the alternate Vancouver airport in Bellingham, Washington, to help get your cruise planning started.