iamaqt2

Just now, martincath said:

Easy yes, but every time you rode you broke the rules unless your bags were small enough to sit in your lap... The risks are very low (automated train = no driver or conductor to see you!) and the timing of Amtrak means no rush hour commuter traffic so it's very unlikely you'll be booted off unlike at say 8am when staff are actively patrolling, stopping people boarding with bikes for example - but unless you're a solo traveler it's also not much of a saving so why take any risk at all? A metered cab to the pier runs maybe $12, same as 4 SkyTrain adult tix, and even for a solo the savings would not buy you a single pint of beer in Vancouver!

 

Especially given OP specifically mentioned having a pair of octogenarians and there's no elevator at the Howe St exit from that platform, I'd definitely be taking a cab/rideshare rather than roaming the rabbit warren of Waterfront to save a buck or two.

 

Back to the crux of the matter for OP @dpelletier - the morning train is normally low risk as it sits in Seattle rather than coming up from Oregon like the evening train, so it generally leaves Seattle on time. The schedule was lengthened by almost half an hour years ago to account for the typical delays from freight prioritization and marine traffic bridge closures, so if you don't have to wait for freight or a bridge you'll actually arrive a bit early! Since personally I'm in the 'board as late as you can' camp, I wouldn't usually have an issue taking the train from Seattle Day Of, except for the fact that you're sailing on a Royal class ship!

 

Majestic, like all of it's sister ships, is somewhat impractical for Vancouver departures - they cannot fit under the bridge except during a variable window around low tide, with the exact tide level making for as short a safe passage period as 30mins! This means that whatever the schedule says, it cannot be trusted: Princess could check tide timetables up to two years in advance, the Canadian government prints them into books and everything, but they do not. Every single year the same thing happens - a series of emails goes out to booked pax, hopefully at least a month in advance but not always, giving you the actual time of departure for your date if it varies by more than an hour or two from the theoretical.

 

Until that email arrives you can't be sure when it will leave port - the good news is that if there's a significant change the time is always bumped later rather than earlier, often into the wee small hours of the next day, but the bad news is that if low tide is say ~3pm they may pull the departure a little earlier rather than sit in port paying for all the hookups for twelve hours extra! So your All Aboard time might end up shifting forward from the theoretical 2:30pm... and if your train is running late on a day like that, the risk of being too late to board increase!

 

TL;DR - on your Majestic cruise I would not take Amtrak on Day Of until you get confirmation of actual departure time change... if it's leaving later than the theoretical 4:30pm and tickets are still available, Amtrak away! If not, then I'd try for a Princess transfer coach if one is available - that way if something goes wrong Princess are on the hook for getting you to the ship, including paying PVSA violations if applicable!

 

Since it sounds like you are flying in to Seattle on Friday afternoon, I'd actually suggest looking at a rental car - by the time you fill the seats you may end up paying less in total than a bus transfer (cruiselines, and QuickShuttle with some bag fees, charge around $79pp - Greyhound/Flix you might pay half that if you get lucky) and while the train is only $34 for Adults if Saver tix are available, even less for Seniors, the limited departure times are frustrating - with a car though you can book it to drive up Friday, and as long as you still return it within the 24hrs if you are late off your plane no problem.

 

Border in a car isn't quite as nice as the train, but is easier than a bus - even if sent to Secondary, CBSA don't need you to unload the bags just hand them the keys and sit around waiting for them to search it! Plus total flexibility in where you stop, which border crossing etc. A cheap suburban hotel either side of the border, an early drive to the pier to drop your elders and bags off, and even if you find the cheapest deals are airport-to-airport only the driver then needs to head out to YVR to drop the car, and SkyTrain on the Canada Line is <$10 and quick, especially if all the big bags have already been dropped at the pier!

I already recommended getting a taxi to the OP.  

I mentioned the Sky Train in case anyone else was looking for more info.

And Translink does not prohibit baggage.  Per their rules:
4. No baggage or objects permitted which may obstruct or interfere with others or cause damage to property.

It's a short 10 minute ride on the SkyTrain almost towards the end of its run and has never been crowded and my bag has never interfered with other passengers.  

9 minutes ago, startedwithamouse said:

For the nightclub?  That's really odd.

Yep, at least the 2 nights I went.. I thought it was odd too.

4 hours ago, DaveOKC said:

Just to comment on earlier post - I do not think you can take the Skytrain to Canada Place.  That route runs from CP to the airport only.  There are other metro train routes that may access it, but luggage is not allowed on those.

 

I've ridden the SkyTrain to Canada Place from Pacific Central Station MANY times.  The raised platform is just across the street from PCS. It's the Main Street/Science-World Station.  It arrives at Waterfront Station and you just ride the escalator up and cross the street.  Easy Peasy.

Yes.  In the 5 cruises I've done since the upgrade process was rolled out, I've bid on upgrades 3 times.  One cruise was completely sold out so no upgrade on that one.  But 2 others were accepted.  Both times for the minimum bid.  I was going from inside to balcony though, so YMMV.

Just book the drop and go.  You can add the Princess Plus once you board.

2 minutes ago, 2MellowCruisers said:

Over the years I have checked on prices to move back.  I agree on the prices.  Much, much more now.  Also, I remember the traffic being bad but it seems like every time we visit it is worse than before.  I guess that is the nature of things.  Each and every time we fly in, I am looking out the window of the plane and thinking how much I miss it.  Great, now the pendulum is swinging back towards Seattle area again!

Welcome back! 😉😉

3 minutes ago, 2MellowCruisers said:

Have fun!  Twenty some odd years ago we lived in Renton for about a year and a half and loved it up there.  Made some great friends that we still visit back and forth with to this day.  Had to move back to CA for work but we are now making decisions about where we will retire.  The decisions being made are based on cruise ports. 😁 Currently we have to either drive a good distance or fly.  Narrowing it down to San Diego, Los Angeles or Seattle areas.  We are on Royal in July.  Looking forward to your posts.

It's changed so much from 20 years ago.. it was very much a Boeing blue collar bedroom community.. now it's overdeveloped and overpriced. There is a huge amount of revitilization going on though.   Good luck on your new home search, and Renton would be a great choice to retire.

Have just started packing and gathering things.  The beautiful thing about cruising from your homeport is the lack of pressure to not forget to pack something.  Ordered a few last minute things from Amazon, charged up the camera battery, and made some last minute excursion decisions.  Will be booking onboard as I have OBC I want to use.  Now the hardest part of all.  The waiting.  

Had the same thing happen to me.  I had already placed a courtesy hold on the booking online, then called the Casino line.  They had to escalate it to the higher powers that be, and within 3 days it was showing up correctly in my travel summary.  Ever since they switched the call center to the Phillipines it's been more difficult to iron out these issues with the CSA's.

The train ride from Seattle is great.. beautiful scenery.   The major downside is how early you have to board and the swaying of the train did make my hips ache.  Once you arrive at Pacific Central Station in Vancouver there are taxis waiting right outside who can drive you to the port.  This is also where Greyhound and FlixBus drop off.  I would normally advise just walking across the street and catching the Sky Train to Canada Place, but the cost of the taxi for 3 of you will only be a few dollars more.
The major advantage of riding the train is that you don't have to get off when crossing the border.  If you ride the bus you are required to exit the bus, retrieve your baggage and stand in line to clear customs.  Then restow luggage and reboard bus.  
However in case there were an issue with the train, there are 3 other companies who do bus service to Vancouver.
Greyhound.com
Flixbus.com
Quickcoach.com

Quick Coach actually drops off just outside the cruise terminal. 

I was on the Majestic last month and the DJ set up in the Piazza and everyone danced there.

I absolutely hate the closet light but am fine with the nightstand ones.  They are much less annoying and bright.  I just bring some painters tape and feel around for the "bubble" on the side of the closet light and cover it just before bed and remove it in the morning.  It would have been nice if Princess had designated a switch just for that light.

On 6/14/2023 at 8:02 AM, aquilegia said:

Whereabouts in the app can you request them?  The only choice I have in the room section of My Preferences is bed configuration.

You have to be on the ship to request them.  In the room service menu for ordering drinks and food is also an option called stateroom amenities.  You can order buckets of ice, pillows, robes, etc. there.  

1 hour ago, ckylec said:

I’m posting this while sitting in the stunning lobby of the Paradise Inn. It’s not cool, it’s cold! 36. There is still PLENTY of snow

Ok.. I shouldn't laugh at this.. I was trying to be diplomatic about the weather.  But yeah, It's effing cold and snowy on our mountain. It's the PNW.

2 minutes ago, Buckeye10640 said:

I was on this cruise last month. I actually found the lines at IC went more smoothly as they were splt between food and drinks. They were shorter than what I have experienced in the past.  I found the line in Horizon Court to be slower. And yes Victoria is pretty much just another sea day. Our arrival  time was pushed back an hour and we did not bother getting off. Its too bad they cant find a way to get the ships in port sooner, its a nice stop if actually given time to visit. 

That's good to know that it sped things up.  Guess I know where to get my midday pick me up.

33 minutes ago, Italy52 said:

Just returned from the Royal to Alaska out of Seattle.  Embarkation was very quick for us.  If Elite, Room Service would not switch out mini bar -- told us to have our room steward do that, which he gladly did.  Had a wonderful room steward.  Toilet vacuum did not work on two occasions as the ship was having some plumbing issues.  However, kudos to Princess for getting it fixed shortly after our requests and did a follow-up call to ensure all was OK. 

 

Cruise Director was wonderful.  The ship was very crowded and quite a few kids were running around -- we adjusted as this was not our first cruise and we know how things go. 

 

There seems to be a shortage of staff still in the bar service areas and the buffet so be patient.  We noticed on our cruise at least, there must have been a lot of early risers and people who preferred to use the buffet as it was always crowded.  We have done 20 cruises with Princess and always eat in the buffet because we are light eaters --- we were amazed to see a crowded breakfast buffet at 7 AM.

 

International Cafe had two lines:  one for coffee and one for food service.  LOVED this as it took away the confusion as to what line one should be in or people cutting in lines.

 

The Casino was also great with wonderful Casino Hosts that were friendly and ready to help whenever necessary.  AND, there was no strong smell from smoke like other Princess ship casinos.

 

Our port times were adjusted a couple of times:  once in Juneau (due to mechanical problem that was fixed while the ship was sailing) and the other was Victoria.  Victoria was a wasted port as we only had a couple of hours and not enough time to go anywhere or do anything.  In Skagway we tendered due to the rock slide -- tender service was well organized and quick. 

 

Disembarkation was quick and fast.  Our documentation said walk off would be at 8 AM but the ship cleared a little earlier so that was a nice plus.

 

We didn't attend any shows or eat in the dining room.  I also didn't save any of my Patters.

 

Hope you have good weather and an enjoyable cruise.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was just on Royal in March and I agree about the bar staff and casino staff.  The staffing shortages seem universal as I was also on Majestic last month and it was the same.  Definitely need to have patience.  My favorite place to get coffee in the AM is in the pastry area of the buffet as the IC lines are loooong. 
Agree Victoria is a wasted port, but they just use it as a formality to satisfy the PVSA.  I have no plans to get off the ship.
Interesting about the buffet crowding.  Good thing I'm a late riser so I can miss the crowds LOL.

2 hours ago, ckylec said:

I’ll be on the Royal Princess with you. I, too, kept checking the roll call to see if anyone started one up. This will be my first cruise.

I’m currently in Forks, WA finishing up our time in Olympic NP. Today we head to Paradise in Rainier NP for a few days before heading back to Seattle to board on Saturday. 

Welcome to your first cruise!  The Royal is a wonderful ship with fantastic staff.  I was just on her in March for a Coastal Cruise.  The Forks area and the rainforest up that way are gorgeous.  Paradise is a fabulous drive but it's still pretty cool this time of year.  You may still see patches of snow up that way.  Look forward to seeing you onboard!

1 hour ago, CruzeQueen2 said:

@iamaqt2 Thanks for doing this. Please post the officer board if you have a chance. Have fun!

Absolutely!

38 minutes ago, ChristiCruising said:

We’re cruising inside passage with Glacier Bay RT from Seattle on Royal Princess in September and would love to see any patters/daily activity calendars and menus plus any excursion photos you can share! 

I'll post all the dailies, menus, and as many activities as we do on the ship.  I haven't decided on our excursions yet, but will definitely post pictures as we go.

Hi all.  I've previously done a couple live froms.  This will be the first where there has been NO roll call.  I booked rather late, and when looking for a roll call to join there was NOTHING.  I've been on cruises with slow roll calls, low roll calls, and 2-4 participant roll calls.  But this will be my first cruise where there has been no roll call.  To be fair, Alaska cruises have always been low participation anyway because they draw so many first time cruisers, but this is my first time experiencing this.   
I was initially doing this cruise solo, but have convinced a friend to join me.  She is not a first time cruiser, but she IS a first time cruiser on more than a one night repo cruise.
Seattle has been great for the 1 night repo cruises between the Alaska and Mexico cruise seasons and we've always taken advantage of those for Girls Nights Out.  
So this will be a fun trip to introduce her to what an actual cruise looks like. 
I'll be posting dailies, menus, and pics of the activities we do onboard and off the ship.  
If you have any questions ask away and I'll do my best to answer.

4 minutes ago, beshears said:

If you have been on the Riviera deck 14 in a balcony room, would you give me YOUR pros/cons of this room?

It's an easy walk up and down from the Lido deck.  Cons would be that it's harder to get an elevator this close to the lido deck.

You can either choose to request it in the room in the app, or just ask your room steward.

8 minutes ago, Korimako said:

I'm not sure I understand this. What exactly is a mass market travel website and where would I find out about them? I know here on CC it's forbidden to name names, but a point in the general direction surely would be allowed?? Would they allow me to self-book?

 

It would be any of the big travel booking sites.. just type into your search bar "book a cruise".  I'm sure one of them will pop up.

Having been in there multiple times just to see if it was worth it... don't bother.   
Go to any lounge, open the Medallion App, and order drinks and snacks.  Better outcome and less judgement.

You can also preorder and set a delivery time on the app for the following day..  however, the execution on that was a big miss.  I ordered my breakfast at midnight to be delivered at 7 am the following day.  I got woken up at 1:15 in the morning by the delivery person.  I made sure to let guest services know that was unappreciated.

Just now, memoak said:

There are 2 sets of pub lunch menu. One has fish and chips, ploughmans lunch and bangers and mash. There is a different one that has scotch eggs, shrimp and chips and shepherd’s pie. If they only have one lunch on your cruise you may get one or the other or a combination 

Thanks.  We had the fish and chips menu... and seeing what others were being served, nothing appealed.  Wish I had gotten the second menu.