Should I disembark in Vancouver on my b2b?

[GottaKnowWhen]

Brief background: Next August we'll do a B2B: Seward-to-Vancouver-to-Seward. I know nothing about Vancouver except that it is supposed to be a nice city with lots to see. So I have vague plans of getting off and doing something. But then I noticed a thread on the Celebrity board about terrible experiences embarking and/or disembarking in Vancouver. If there is that much hassle, maybe it is not worthwhile to get off the ship.

 

So, if I try to get off for the day in Vancouver, will I be spending all of my time in long lines trying to get off the ship and then again trying to get back on? I've searched and have found much information on B2B processes in general but nothing that speaks to the Vancouver experience in particular...

 

Stan

[cruiseryyc]

I'm not sure you can do this back to back as it might go against the Passenger Services Vessel Act - someone with more knowledge then me will be by to confirm that. You will have to disembark in Vancouver as you will have to go through Canada Customs/Immigration; so once through that you might as well enjoy the city for the day.

[Kamloops50]

Brief background: Next August we'll do a B2B: Seward-to-Vancouver-to-Seward. I know nothing about Vancouver except that it is supposed to be a nice city with lots to see. So I have vague plans of getting off and doing something. But then I noticed a thread on the Celebrity board about terrible experiences embarking and/or disembarking in Vancouver. If there is that much hassle, maybe it is not worthwhile to get off the ship.

 

So, if I try to get off for the day in Vancouver, will I be spending all of my time in long lines trying to get off the ship and then again trying to get back on? I've searched and have found much information on B2B processes in general but nothing that speaks to the Vancouver experience in particular...

 

Stan

If you get off with the self disembarkation group . You shouldn't have a problem. You'll still need your passport ,Canadian Customs form and your B2B card from the ship. You'll have plenty of time to visit Vancouver. You'll probably want to get back on board by 2PM .

I'm not sure you can do this back to back as it might go against the Passenger Services Vessel Act - someone with more knowledge then me will be by to confirm that. You will have to disembark in Vancouver as you will have to go through Canada Customs/Immigration; so once through that you might as well enjoy the city for the day.

Yes this cruise is legal . Because it is closed loop from Seward . You only have to stop in a foreign port not a distant one.

[xlxo]

Thoughts....

• I guess you can walk off at 8am and then try to board again at 1:30pm. Very limited time to see such a large city.
  
• Have you considered extending your stay in Vancouver for a few days and returning on a different boat?
  
• Do you live near Seward? You might find savings flying into Vancouver to start your trip and then flying back out from there.
  

[GottaKnowWhen]

If you get off with the self disembarkation group . You shouldn't have a problem. You'll still need your passport ,Canadian Customs form and your B2B card from the ship. You'll have plenty of time to visit Vancouver. You'll probably want to get back on board by 2PM .

 

Yes this cruise is legal . Because it is closed loop from Seward . You only have to stop in a foreign port not a distant one.

 

Thanks for the info!

[Kamloops50]

Thoughts....

• I guess you can walk off at 8am and then try to board again at 1:30pm. Very limited time to see such a large city.
  
• Have you considered extending your stay in Vancouver for a few days and returning on a different boat?
  
• Do you live near Seward? You might find savings flying into Vancouver to start your trip and then flying back out from there.
  

 

They will have enough tome to ride the Ho Ho tour and see some of the sights from the tour . Don't pre order the tour tickets . Just wait and see what the weather is like . If raining (rains a lot) just stay on board.One day in Vancouver isn't a lot of time. Flights to Vancouver from Alaska are very pricey even if going via Seattle. To fly from Alaska to Vancouver is almost the same as flying to Hawaii from Alaska.

Edited October 27, 2015 by Kamloops50

[reallyitsmema]

They will have enough tome to ride the Ho Ho tour and see some of the sights from the tour . Don't pre order the tour tickets . Just wait and see what the weather is like . If raining (rains a lot) just stay on board.One day in Vancouver isn't a lot of time. Flights to Vancouver from Alaska are very pricey even if going via Seattle. To fly from Alaska to Vancouver is almost the same as flying to Hawaii from Alaska.

 

I agree, they could definitely do a HOHO but I would suggest getting on at Canada Place and taking a full loop. We found that it was very hard to get on Vancouver Trolley at one of the early stops as they always leave Canada Place full. Even trying to get back on a trolley at the Totems in Stanley Park was difficult and not all those waiting in line made the first trolley that stopped.

[GottaKnowWhen]

Quote:

Originally Posted by xlxo Thoughts....

I guess you can walk off at 8am and then try to board again at 1:30pm. Very limited time to see such a large city.

Have you considered extending your stay in Vancouver for a few days and returning on a different boat?

Do you live near Seward? You might find savings flying into Vancouver to start your trip and then flying back out from there.

 

They will have enough time to ride the Ho Ho tour and see some of the sights from the tour . Don't pre order the tour tickets . Just wait and see what the weather is like . If raining (rains a lot) just stay on board.One day in Vancouver isn't a lot of time. Flights to Vancouver from Alaska are very pricey even if going via Seattle. To fly from Alaska to Vancouver is almost the same as flying to Hawaii from Alaska.

 

Thanks for the suggestions.

I will be flying from the US Midwest to Anchorage to begin this epic journey.

I had first thought I would start in Vancouver (and we would have put a few days on the front end prior to boarding the ship). On arrival in Seward we would have spent another 2-3 weeks in Alaska. But 7 days on board really didn't seem like enough. So I added the 2nd cruise, southbound from Seward. The 2nd cruise becomes the first leg of the cruise portion. So, fly to ANC, go to Seward, board the ship. South to Vancouver, back north to Seward. A couple of days there, then to Denali for 4-5 days, then a drive to Homer for a couple of days, then Anchorage a couple of days and a flight back home.

 

Round trips from here to Anchorage and those to Vancouver are about the same. Another good option would have been to start in Vancouver, north to Seward, two weeks in that part of the state, then back on the ship to return to Vancouver. But that doesn't work with our calendar limitations or with the seasonal calendar and wouldn't have put us in Denali at the time to take the photography workshop we'll be in.

[Putterdude]

There is abolutley no PVSA violation with getting off the ship nor is it a closed loop cruise, it's 2 seperate cruises.

 

The idea of a HOHO is a good one as it a terrific way to see a great deal of the city in a little time. But as suggested by another poster you would likely be better off to just stay on the bus for the whole loop. I would also recommend the the Vancouver Trolley people if only for their live narration.

 

Instead of a HOHO you may care do do a little research into what the city has to offer and make some other arrangements say even by cab or another tour company. You may also find the ship will offer some tours of Vancouver that may interest you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[BCHappyGal]

You can take the free shuttle bus to Capilano Suspension Bridge it leaves from right in front of the cruise ship terminal -

Enjoy a FREE walking tour with the Tour Guys

 

REad my list and come back at us with questions

 

Info on Vancouver from a local!

 

My favorite must do attractions are

 

1) Grouse Mountain – http://www.grousemountain.com – this is a wonderful scenic mountain only about 15 mins from downtown Vancouver. Ride the airtram to the top for lots of fun activities that include a loggers show, birds of prey show, 2 movies (1 about the Vancouver area and 1 about the 2 Grizzly Bears who make their home on Grouse Mtn) ride a chair lift higher up the mountain to visit the wind turbine that generates approximately 30% of the power required for Grouse Mountain Resort and visit with 2 live Grizzly Bears. Thrill to a 2 hour Zip Line Tour. Enjoy a meal in any of the restaurants. Caveat only spend the money to go up on a clear day.

2) Capilano Suspension Bridge – http://www.capbridge.com – this is Vancouver’s oldest tourist attraction and I still enjoy visiting it! Located on Capilano Road just before you reach the Grouse Mountain parking lot. Walk across a suspension Bridge originally erected in 1889 over the Capilano Gorge. This bridge stretches 450’ end to end and hovers 230’ above Capilano River. Wonder the trails thru the rain forest, walk thru the treetops on the new Tree Top Adventure, traverse a Cliff Top walk, visit the trading post for a huge selection of souvenirs, watch native weavers and/or carvers at work.

3) Capilano Fish Hatchery is also located on Capilano Road and is a great place to view salmon jumping up the fish ladders to get around the Cleveland Dam. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capilano_River_Regional_Park

4) Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge – http://www.lynncanyon.ca - is also located in North Vancouver and is much less touristy than Capilano but it also is not as spectacular. The bridge is slightly higher above the water but much shorter in span. Located in a Provincial Park this bridge comes with some nice hiking trails and you will find an ecology centre in the park as well as picnic tables and a food concession outlet. Should you choose to enjoy the Lynn Valley Suspension Bridge always cross the suspension bridge first and then hike down the trail to the lower (Twin Falls wooden) bridge to cross back over the Lynn Valley River and return to your car – that way you are hiking downhill rather than uphill. It is also free to visit this suspension bridge!

5) Stanley Park – http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/ - is the crown jewel of Vancouver's parks. As one of North America's largest urban parks, covering over a 1000 acres and offering an abundance of activities. Enjoy the totem pole collection near the Brockton Point Light House, hiking trails, beaches, water parks for the kids (young & old), rose gardens, miniature train, petting zoo, aquarium –http://www.vanaqua.org – many view points, and several restaurants.

6) Vancouver Aquarium – http://www.vanaqua.org – is Canada’s largest aquarium and is committed to the conservation of marine life and education. Located in Stanley Park this is a fun place for the family to visit.

7) Fly Over Canada incorporates state of the art technology in an Imax theatre to show you supernatural Canada, Fly from coast to coast taking in breath stealing views of Niagara Falls, Lake Louise, The Rockies & more. Spectacular! http://www.flyovercanada.com

8) Gas Town – the location where Vancouver originated. The name is derived from a very colorful character named Gassy Jack who was one of the first settlers in the area and a salon keeper – while in Gas Town don’t miss your photo op with the statue of Gassy Jack and by the Steam Clock.

9) At the start of Gas Town is the Harbor Centre Tower http://www.vancouverlookout.com a great spot to start your tour of Vancouver with a birds eye view of the city. Either take the elevator up to the lookout level or go to the top and enjoy a meal in the revolving restaurant.

10) China Town is only about 6 blocks over from Gas Town and is the largest China Town north of San Francisco. While in China Town enjoy a visit to the Dr Sun Yat Sen Classical Gardens http://www.vancouverchinesegarden.com and also make sure you visit the world’s thinnest building it is only 6’ wide!

11) Granville Island – http://www.granvilleisland.com – is a huge public market area which not only sells fruit & veggies but you can also buy frozen fish to be shipped to your home. Many artists make this their home and you can watch them at work in their studios – making this a great place to buy unique souvenirs. The Granville Island Brewery is also located here and you can stop in for a free tour & tastes. There are theatres for live performances and many fine restaurants. A fun way to get to Granville Island is via the Aquabus – http://www.theaquabus.com

12) Burnaby Village Museum – http://www.burnabyvillagemuseum.ca – is an open air museum with over 30 restored homes, shops, school, church and a 1912 carousel situated on 10 acres

13) Gulf of Georgia Cannery – http://www.gulfofgeorgiacannery.com – is a restored fishing cannery located in the historic fishing village of Steveston (part of Richmond). Here you see exhibits that showcase the history of the fishing industry in British Columbia. Once finished in the museum it is great fun to walk along the fishing docks and see the fishing boats which are selling their catch. There are also some excellent restaurants located here.

14) The Vancouver Maritime Museum located on the shore of English Bay is fun for the whole family with lots of hands on exhibits for the kid in all of us. Here to you will find the ship St Roch which the RCMP sailed from Vancouver to Halifax via the Northwest Passage and then completed the return journey in 1944. You actually get to tour this ship. http://www.vancouvermaritimemuseum.com

15) Queen Elizabeth Park http://www.vancouver.ca/parks/parks/queenelizabeth The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.

The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver's first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City's drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen's mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.

16) Fort Langley is the restored wooden fort built by the Hudson’s Bay Company as a trading post. It is the origin of British Columbia and was the first capital. This Fort is operated by the Federal Parks Board. http://www.fortlangley.org

17) If you are a wine lover you might want to rent a car and spend a day visiting a few of the many excellent wineries located in the Fraser Valley only about a 1 hour drive from your hotel. Almost all of the wineries offer free tastes & tours. Two of the wineries have excellent restaurants on the premises. This makes for a very fun and relaxing day. Check out the Fraser Valley Wine Association web site for a map of winery locations and a brief description of each winery http://www.fvwa.ca

18) VanDusen Botanical Garden is a scenic 55- acre garden of international renown – a living museum of plants collected from around the world and artistically displayed amidst rolling lawns, woodlands and five tranquil lakes, all in the heart of Vancouver and just 15 minutes from downtown.

Due to Vancouver’s mild climate, plants bloom at the Garden year-round. This same climate creates a unique environment where plants from varying climate regions thrive and grow – at VanDusen you will see plants from the southern hemisphere, tropical areas and the high Arctic tundra along side native species. The Elizabethan Maze (one of only six in North America) provides year-round fun.

19) UBC Botanical Garden located at the University of British Columbia covers 110 acres and includes an Alpine, Asian, Native, Food, and Japanese Gardens. http://www.ubcbotanicalgarden.org There is also a treetop walk which is great for “fit” explorers who are not afraid of heights – however I would not recommend it for anyone who has any mobility issues. Also these gardens are not as well maintained as I would expect a botanical garden to be!

20) Enjoy a FREE walking tour of Vancouver. The Gastown tour starts in front of the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the statue of Gassy Jack in Gastown. The Downtown tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Olympic Cauldron. The China Town tour starts at the Vancouver Art Gallery and ends at the Chinese memorial statue. All of these tours start at 11am. The Granville Island Tour starts at 3pm at the bus stop just at the entrance to Granville Island. Check these tours out at http://www.tourguys.ca The Tour Guys have added an afternoon walking tour of Granville Island and 2 evening tours….

21) A new addition I have just found for the FOODIES in the gang! Check out 2 companies that offer food tasting tours http://www.foodietours.ca and http://www.offtheeatentrack.ca – both offer an excellent tour http://www.foodietours.ca visit much more high end restaurants in the heart of the west end of Vancouver (tourist/hotel district) while http://www.offtheeatentrack.ca concentrates on more casual independently owned eateries in various areas of Vancouver! (Gastown, Main Street Area, Vancouver East)

I just enjoyed Foodietours “Guilty Pleasures Gourmet Tour” and was very impressed with the organization, quality of restaurants & refreshments, guides knowledge of foods and the eateries we were visiting as well as the area we were walking in. Felt it was excellent value for the money provided you did not spend the extra $20. For the alcohol! This company also offers a tasting tour on Granville Island Public Market and of the Vancouver Street Food Carts.

As for Off the Eaten Track - this company offers culinary tasting tours of various areas of Vancouver. The brunch tour visits local establishments in East Vancouver while the dinner tour concentrates on the Main Street area and the Railtown Urban Eats tour is an area adjacent to GasTown. All are Fabulous! The Railtown Urban Eats tour would blend well with the free walking tour offered by http://www.tourguys.ca … you could easily do the free walking tour of GasTown and then meet up with this tour company for your lunch - the food is plentiful & wonderful you will not leave any of the tours hungry!

For the tourist in town you actually meet at Waterfront Station and the company drives you to the tour location and then of course back at the end. Just to give you a hint of what to expect - the Gems of Main Street tour started in a Chocolate Shoppe – how can it be anything but wonderful when one starts out with chocolate…. And of course we must mention the rum cocktail concoction at the Tiki Lounge paired with a pork slider & the Pizza Joint owned and run by a chef who actually worked at the Vatican making pizza for the Pope – now if it is good enough for the Pope it has to be good enough for us! After 5 great stops with the history of the area being shared by our guide Bonnie we were all absolutely stuffed! Great job Bonnie!

 

 

 

 

 

Vancouver has a bunch of hop-on hop-off buses

 

http://www.vancouverpinkbustours.com/

 

http://www.vancouvertrolley.com/tours/hop-on-hop-off

 

http://bigbus.ca/home/

[chrismakris]

If it's a beautiful day I would either do Stanley Park or Granville Island. Leaving the downtown core to go up to Grouse Mountain just doesn't sit right with me with only a short window of time in Vancouver before you have to get back on.

 

I would personally do a stroll around Granville Island and have some lunch there while listening to one of the musicians play by the water.

 

Don't forget to grab a couple of Lee's Doughnuts before you head back.

[Cruise_More_Often]

For a short walk, just head out the front of the terminal building and turn right. Go to the Convention Center next door and walk along the sidewalk to get down to the Seawall. It's just gorgeous walking along the water, watching the seaplanes take off and land, seeing the beautiful, modern apartment buildings. If you have time, you can go all the way to Stanley Park before retracing your steps back to the cruise terminal.

 

[GottaKnowWhen]

I appreciate the good suggestions! I have been doing a copy/paste into my Alaska Cruise Notes file; once I have finished up plans and prep for my Dec 2015 cruise I will move on to Alaska 2016 and spend some quality time reviewing my options. Thanks again. I am still a bit put off by the comments about terrible disembarkation and embarkation processes in Vancouver, but I also suspect that the "horrible" experiences being reported are probably unique to a particular set of circumstances.

 

Stan

[elisebev]

Which cruise are you on?

 

I have just booked to go to Alaska on celebrity Millenium on 19th August 2016. First time to alaska

 

This thread was very useful as I'm also planning time in Vancouver before the cruise

[GottaKnowWhen]

Which cruise are you on?

 

I have just booked to go to Alaska on celebrity Millenium on 19th August 2016. First time to alaska

 

This thread was very useful as I'm also planning time in Vancouver before the cruise

 

I saw you on the roll call... We are on Millennium on Aug 12th from Seward, returning to Seward from Vancouver on the 19th...

 

Stan

[NancyIL]

If I were doing two Alaska cruises, I would choose two ships to see different ports and glaciers. For instance, the Island Princess sails from Whittier to Vancouver on Wednesday, August 10th - going to Hubbard Glacier, Glacier Bay, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. That allows for 2 nights in Vancouver. Then - sail to Seward on Millennium on the 19th, with the additional port of Icy Strait Point. To me, it would be a shame to do two Alaska cruises and still not see Glacier Bay. However, if you stay on the Millennium for both cruises, you could do an excursion to Tracy Arm from Juneau on one cruise, and perhaps a flyover of Glacier Bay from Skagway on the other.

[BCHappyGal]

I appreciate the good suggestions! I have been doing a copy/paste into my Alaska Cruise Notes file; once I have finished up plans and prep for my Dec 2015 cruise I will move on to Alaska 2016 and spend some quality time reviewing my options. Thanks again. I am still a bit put off by the comments about terrible disembarkation and embarkation processes in Vancouver, but I also suspect that the "horrible" experiences being reported are probably unique to a particular set of circumstances.

 

Stan

 

Disembarkation in Vancovuer is a breeze...

When you get out past customs follow the big overhead signs that say "City Centre" that will lead you to the street once there for Gas Town keep left and you will be in Gas Town in 3 blocks - you can always stop and go up to the top of the Harbor Centre Tower for a lovely view out over the city ...

keep right and you are in front of the Pan Pacific Hotel and Vancouver's Convention Centre..

All the tours leave from here - plus this is where you will be able to see the show "Fly Over Canada" excellent! Take the free shuttle bus to Capilano! Walk 2 blocks to see the 2010 Olympic Tourch...

There is also a visitor Information booth just inside the doors to the Convention Centre.

 

RE embarkation will be a bit slower as you must go thru US customs .... but nothing to worry about!

Edited November 13, 2015 by BCHappyGal

[NMLady]

Have a great day!

Edited November 15, 2015 by NMLady

[notentirelynormal]

BC Happy Girl said it well. Of course get off the ship! Vancouver is a wonderful city. It is a personable city. There is a lot to see and do in Vancouver even for a short time. It happens to be a downtown area where you can walk and just enjoy unlike many many downtown areas. With a little research you can have a very enjoyable few hours.

[BCHappyGal]

Also don't forget the FREE walking tours offered by http://www.tourguys.ca they are excellent and leave daily at 11am from the corner of Howe & Georgia about a 10 min walk from the cruise ship terminal.

[Robinsoncruiseso]

We get on and off in Vancouver at least 4 times a year. Getting off is always easy. Boarding time has a lot to do with how many ships are in port. They will usually have lines for those traveling with a US/Canadian documentation and all other. Make sure to get in the correct line. When getting to immigration, they have the self serve passport scanning terminals and the counter. We find the counter lines move faster. Getting through security (first line) is normally the longest. With one or two ships in port, we get through in about 30-45 minutes. 4 ships...two hours. If you arrive later in the day, which you would if roaming the city, you should have very little wait. August is a great month to visit. You could also get a day pass on the Skytrain and see much of the city. Have a great trip and welcome to the Pacific Northwest.

[Kamloops50]

Vancouver also has an in transit and crew line which is faster . You have to ask for it.