travelbuds

6 hours ago, memoak said:

You may have issues with the WiFi on our latest cruise it dropped us numerous times. Worse the further north we got. Disembarked in Vancouver

That doesn't sound promising.

21 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

No need to wait until morning - do it the evening before disembarking.

Here's hoping that the ship's internet will be working as well as Princess advertises.

9 hours ago, Yehootu said:

We plan on taking it while in Victoria as the Wifi should be better than at sea. If all fails, we'll test the next am in Vancouver. But definitely doing it before leaving the ship.

Curious where in Victoria you will find the Wi-Fi. My wife is looking into what Verizon offers so she can do it on her cell phone. She has seen YouTube videos making it look pretty easy.

20 hours ago, doctoranna said:

 We don't plan to trust the WiFi in Vancouver either.  We have already booked appointments at the Convention Center at the pier.

How much time between the COVID test and flight do you think you need  so you can get through customs and security?

11 hours ago, memoak said:

On our coastal cruise to Vancouver last week Internet speed slowed considerably the farther north we went

Is there a problem if we did the proctored eMed test on board before disembarking in Vancouver with our cellphone?

2 hours ago, Gramma of Boys said:

The fact that you're depending on the ship's internet connection (or lack thereof) in that case is the part that makes me nervous.  

With over 3000 passengers trying to use the ship's internet within the last 24 hours of the cruise, we'll need all of the luck we can get. Service is bad enough even during the less busy times. What happens when the service goes dead in the middle of your test? Princess needs to take the initiative and do what is best for it's customers.

13 hours ago, Babr said:

I think that is a question for Princess. Once you leave the ship, collect your luggage, and exit the terminal for testing, it depends on where the shuttle would board and how long it could wait for people who are testing. The purpose of the shuttle is to get people to the airport in time for their flights. Since YVR is recommending arriving three hours before your flight, that leaves a narrow window for shuttles to operate except for flights around noon or later. A lot depends on the number of ships in port.

Here is 2022 schedule for ships in port. https://www.portvancouver.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/2022-Cruise-Schedule-as-of-April-29.pdf

17 hours ago, pattycruisealot21 said:

 

Yeah from what I have learned through my research is that the US is still requiring a COVID-19 viral test no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. Here is the link to the CDC website that I've found tons of helpful information https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/testing-international-air-travelers.html. 

I was having a hard time trying to find a testing clinic nearby but I was so happy when I found a clinic that is actually right next to the cruise ship terminal in Vancouver which is soo convenient!!  It's located in the Vancouver Convention Centre, I booked my test online but I heard that they also accept walk-ins. Here is the link in case it may helpful to anyone: https://covid-medical.ca/covid-19-test-book-online/  Prices are also pretty decent! Hope it helps save some stress 🙂

When you go for testing at the Convention Center, what will you do with all of your luggage? Will you be able to then take the Princess shuttle to the airport? I assume the prices listed are Canadian dollars.

Without making arrangements ahead of time, is it easy to get a taxi at the MG Visitor Center to get back to the ship?

2 hours ago, MichFish said:

More or less I got the same answer.   They no longer do a drive by at the glacier.  
I’ll let you know what I hear. 
Here is the response from Harvs and Marvs:

 If you would like to visit the Mendenhall Glacier, there are a few options:

1. Visit the Glacier prior to the whale watch and take a taxi from the Glacier to the harbor that we leave from. We will provide transportation back to the ship.

2. You can take a taxi from Auke Bay Harbor to the Glacier, and then take either a taxi or the Glacier shuttle back to the ship. 

3. You can take the Glacier shuttle to and from the Glacier prior to or following your tour.

 I think we'll do the second option. Whale watch at 7:30AM. Pack a lunch from the ship and eat after the tour at dock at Statter Harbor or on the taxi ride to the Glacier. Or lunch at Hot Bite. Blue bus shuttle on way back to ship from Glacier. I called M&M tours about the bus. Said we could buy a return ticket from her office directly for 1/2 price. Drivers can no longer take money. On our last trip that we used the bus,  we just paid the bus driver the $7 (at the time) return fare.

Inflation! 

 

3 hours ago, MichFish said:

Interesting - the description on the web site says they still do it.   I tried to call - but no answer.  I just sent an email to find out for sure.     
Thanks for the heads up!

Please let us know if you get a different answer. Thanks.

We went to Anan with Michelle (Island Wings) the third week in July. We had been on Misty Fjord flights with her in the past and she suggested that we go see bears the next time. She gave us the general dates for watching the bears have a salmon feast, so we booked our cruise for those dates. The salmon didn't have a chance. 

On 4/5/2022 at 4:35 PM, MichFish said:

I would recommend Harv and Marvs.  They came highly recommended to me.   When I visited Juneau last I used them.  And in May I’m going again and have already booked them. 
 

They do stop by the glacier.  

 

My wife and are are going with Harv and Marv in June this year. They said they no longer can or will be dropping passengers off at Mendenhall Glacier. Said we'd need to call for a taxi.

On 4/7/2022 at 8:03 AM, Cambria2 said:

 

I booked independently with Island Wings air.  

 

We have flown with Michelle (Island Wings) 3 times, 2 times to Misty Fjords and once to Anan for salmon runs and bear watching. Planning to go with her again next summer. Fun experience.

7 hours ago, muffin said:

Mmmmm…..wonder what the 12-17 extra fee is for? Perhaps for national park visitor entry? 

I talked to a Juneau taxi company today. Was told if you have a National Park Pass, the entry fee of $5 is removed from the $17. She really didn't give a clear explanation, at least to me, for the other $12. Sounded like a way for the driver to get more money, as if the tip isn't good enough. She said I could be dropped off a mile or so short of the Visitor Center to avoid the $12 charge and walk the rest of the way. If no Park Pass, can pay $5 at the Center. Maybe someone on this board can give a good explanation for the extra $12.

On 4/1/2022 at 12:44 PM, Protirees said:

 

For cruisetours that begin with the landtour, ................................. No testing is required for disembarkation in Vancouver.

But will a negative test be required to board plane leaving Vancouver and going to US at end of cruise?

My wife and I are doing a 4 day land package to Denali in May prior to our cruise (Royal) and will be stopping at Victoria, BC and disembarking in Vancouver. 

In Alaska, what if you are doing a 4 day Princess land package prior to embarkation? Will Princess offer the Covid test during the land portion 2-3 days prior to embarkation? Hope to call Princess tomorrow.

For what it's worth, maybe nothing, I was told by Princess that the land tour should be treated as the start of embarkation and have the test done at home 3 days prior to land tour. She said, however, that  could change as the embarkation date approaches. I told her I'll check back in another month, and she said "good idea". Our land tour starts May 31.

If doing a 4 day Princess land tour prior to embarkation in Alaska, will Princess offer Covid test on that tour within 3 days of embarkation?

8 hours ago, leck57 said:

 

 I have been away for a few days up to the Great Barrier Reef and Cairns.

 

The outside area I am referring to is just outside Crooners (Port) and outside the Shops (Starboard). The doors to even get out there are tucked away somewhat. I have attached the deck plan link from the Princess site.

 

https://www.princess.com/deckPlans.do?shipCode=RP

Thank you, 

Barrier Reef is on our bucket list. Areas you referred to are part of the "would be" promenade?

On 9/10/2021 at 2:08 AM, leck57 said:

There is a outside deck area on deck 7 where we were often one of about 10 people on it. 

Am looking at the deck plan. Trying to find the area you are referring to. Can you help? Thanks.

Thank you. Cutting four pages down to two shouldn't be too hard to do. Does Princess still put out the port and shopping guides?

It has been a while since last cruised on Princess. Wondering if the Princess Patter is still delivered daily now that the Medallion is in place.

2 hours ago, Don9992 said:

GO GREEN! GO WHITE!

Go Green!