Same day flight question for RCCL out of Vancouver

[jayally1968]

For those that have flown into Vancouver for your cruise on RCCL and took the train to the pier how much time did you give yourself? I can get a flight coming in at 11:22am and then planned to take the Skytrain to Canada place. I figure it would take until 12:15pm for bags and customs and getting to the station and then 30 minutes to Canada place and then the short walk to the ship. If we make a 12:30 train we should be there around 1- 1:30pm. Is this doable or should be spend more money for a hotel the day before? This is costing a lot more than I anticipated so I want to save money but I also don't want to risk being late for the ship.

[OfTheSeasCruiser]

For those that have flown into Vancouver for your cruise on RCCL and took the train to the pier how much time did you give yourself? I can get a flight coming in at 11:22am and then planned to take the Skytrain to Canada place. I figure it would take until 12:15pm for bags and customs and getting to the station and then 30 minutes to Canada place and then the short walk to the ship. If we make a 12:30 train we should be there around 1- 1:30pm. Is this doable or should be spend more money for a hotel the day before? This is costing a lot more than I anticipated so I want to save money but I also don't want to risk being late for the ship.

 

I'm not sure of the exact timing, but I personally wouldn't risk that.

 

Have you been to Vancouver? We loved it there when we visited last May, and thought it was well worth the pre-night stay.

[emerald444]

For those that have flown into Vancouver for your cruise on RCCL and took the train to the pier how much time did you give yourself? I can get a flight coming in at 11:22am and then planned to take the Skytrain to Canada place. I figure it would take until 12:15pm for bags and customs and getting to the station and then 30 minutes to Canada place and then the short walk to the ship. If we make a 12:30 train we should be there around 1- 1:30pm. Is this doable or should be spend more money for a hotel the day before? This is costing a lot more than I anticipated so I want to save money but I also don't want to risk being late for the ship.

 

I live here in Vancouver

Absolutely you can make it

The sky train to the port is right there at the airport

It will take thirty mins from airport to Canada place the seaport is right there at Canada place lots of time you land at eleven thirty it will take approx 30 mins for bags and customs then a quick 30 sky train to Canada Place

Seaport is there! ENJOY

[Starry Eyes]

I live here in Vancouver

Absolutely you can make it

The sky train to the port is right there at the airport

It will take thirty mins from airport to Canada place the seaport is right there at Canada place lots of time you land at eleven thirty it will take approx 30 mins for bags and customs then a quick 30 sky train to Canada Place

Seaport is there! ENJOY

 

Do you perhaps mean IF their flight and luggage are timely, they absolutely will make it?

 

On the other hand, if their flight is delayed a couple hours or more, they may well miss their ship!

 

OP, are flights the day before workable and affordable for you? Are you just trying to avoid the cost of a hotel? If so, book the flight the day before. Book a cheap hotel either at the airport or in the city; many very good deals can be had on opaque sites like Priceline. trains in Canada may be very reliable, but airlines, um, not so much.

[wendychloecruiser]

Depending on your boarding time, technically you could be fine... BUT what if your plane is a mere couple of hours late, or two or three 747's land at the same time or??? Would it be better to fly in a day early, stay at a hotel slightly cheaper somewhat outside of vancouver but on the skytrain line. You could even stay in Richmond, which is the city that YVR is located. There is a really nice little hotel at the seabus terminal across the harbour in North Vancouver at the Lonsdale Quay This wouldn't be the cheapest option but you could watch the ship come in which I personally find entertaining.

Edited January 10, 2015 by wendychloecruiser

[wendychloecruiser]

Duplicate post

Edited January 10, 2015 by wendychloecruiser

[Langley Cruisers]

...This is costing a lot more than I anticipated so I want to save money but I also don't want to risk being late for the ship.

 

Understood but seriously - you do not want to do this. I mean, any number of factors are beyond your control. Please reconsider coming in the day before your cruise. Perhaps you can save money in other areas such as not dining in Specialty restaurants onboard, or the casino... you get the idea. :)

 

If you would reconsider, there is a West Coast Departures board here where you can search the threads for Vancouver hotels and get some ideas.

 

You asked, and this is my advice. I know many will say yes, you can make it, but I am advising against it. *shrug*

[gvlgolflady]

For those that have flown into Vancouver for your cruise on RCCL and took the train to the pier how much time did you give yourself? I can get a flight coming in at 11:22am and then planned to take the Skytrain to Canada place. I figure it would take until 12:15pm for bags and customs and getting to the station and then 30 minutes to Canada place and then the short walk to the ship. If we make a 12:30 train we should be there around 1- 1:30pm. Is this doable or should be spend more money for a hotel the day before? This is costing a lot more than I anticipated so I want to save money but I also don't want to risk being late for the ship.

 

We flew into Vancouver for our Alaska cruise; had a lot of problems with Delta. My son in law's luggage somehow was sent to Salt Lake City; my daughter's and my luggage arrived on time. Son in law had to go out the next morning before boarding the ship and buy clothes. Luggage never caught up with us.

 

With all the problems that can occur; I don't think I would consider flying in the day of. Just my 2 cents worth.

Edited January 11, 2015 by gvlgolflady

[jayally1968]

I decided to book the day before and got a rate of $82 for a one way flight on Air Canada rouge (I hope the seats are not as bad as I read) out of Los Angeles and that saved $127 so I put that into a hotel. We leave LA at 1pm and get into Vancouver at 3:48pm nonstop. I booked a room at the Sandman City centre for $117 + fees for a total of $144.14 which came to more than I wanted but I am glad it's done. For those familiar with the area what station would we get off at for the hotel and what would be the best way to get to Canada Place? Would you recommend walking with a carry on and large suitcase or is there a shuttle?

[Desiree]

You would get on the skytrain at the airport and take it to Vancouver City Centre (Canada Line). Your hotel appears to be close to that station. The Canada Place cruise ship terminal is at the Waterfront skytrain station. This is the last station. There are 2 ports in Vancouver though - Canada Place and Ballantyne. Just make sure which one your ship is at. Have a great trip!

[Desiree]

Oh and I'd just walk from skytrain. Waterfront station is very very close to Canada Place.

[alldantia]

The Canada Place cruise ship terminal is at the Waterfront skytrain station.

[Starry Eyes]

I decided to book the day before and got a rate of $82 for a one way flight on Air Canada rouge (I hope the seats are not as bad as I read) out of Los Angeles and that saved $127 so I put that into a hotel. We leave LA at 1pm and get into Vancouver at 3:48pm nonstop. I booked a room at the Sandman City centre for $117 + fees for a total of $144.14 which came to more than I wanted but I am glad it's done. For those familiar with the area what station would we get off at for the hotel and what would be the best way to get to Canada Place? Would you recommend walking with a carry on and large suitcase or is there a shuttle?

 

I think you made the correct decision in flying in a day early. Enjoy Vancouver and have a nice cruise.

[tigger-ttfn]

For those that have flown into Vancouver for your cruise on RCCL and took the train to the pier how much time did you give yourself? I can get a flight coming in at 11:22am and then planned to take the Skytrain to Canada place. I figure it would take until 12:15pm for bags and customs and getting to the station and then 30 minutes to Canada place and then the short walk to the ship. If we make a 12:30 train we should be there around 1- 1:30pm. Is this doable or should be spend more money for a hotel the day before? This is costing a lot more than I anticipated so I want to save money but I also don't want to risk being late for the ship.

 

You can get special luggage tags from RCCL to take advantage of US DIRECT and bypass customs. Very simple and I also took the RCCL tranfere to also asure I would not miss the ship if my flight was delayed and it was. Got on board at 3PM and muster was at 4PM. Very close.