Vancouver debarkation flight times

[Volunteer12]

Hi. My Crystal Serenity cruise debarks in Vancouver at 8a.m.  Is it doable to book a noon flight from YVR to get home in 1 day?  (Hate to learn the hard way!)

[CruiserBruce]

Welcome to Cruise Critic!

 

If you have no mobility or legal complications, noon should be fine. This is typically discussed on the West Coast Departures board, here:

 

https://boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/315-west-coast-departures/

 

In fact here is an active discussion on the topic:

 

 

[Heidi13]

On 3/1/2024 at 7:10 PM, Volunteer12 said:

Hi. My Crystal Serenity cruise debarks in Vancouver at 8a.m.  Is it doable to book a noon flight from YVR to get home in 1 day?  (Hate to learn the hard way!)

 

If everything goes well, you should be able to make a Noon flight, but a number of variables can impact the risk levels.

 

You didn't mention how many ships are in Vancouver that day, which can have a huge impact in getting out of Canada Place. If it is a 4 or 5 ship day, it can be chaos departing the cruise terminal by bus or taxi.

 

The day of the week will also be a factor in both traffic issues between the port and airport and the number of people checking in for flights. The one benefit is once clear of downtown, you are heading against rush hour.

 

Destination - are you flying international, USA or domestic, as the recommended arrival time varies. With international, they suggest 3 hrs before departure. With US flights you clear US Immigration in Vancouver and with the number of early morning departures, the airport can be busy. A quick trip out to the airport will get you ahead of other cruise pax.

 

If it is a week day with lots of ships, you best bet for a speedy trip to the airport is using Skytrain. Distance from baggage pick-up to the platform is about 400 - 500 yds and includes stairs. Arrival is right at the airport. Those Skytrain cars are also better able to accommodate luggage. Trip to the airport is about 1/2 hr. Provided you have sufficient mobility and can handle your luggage up/down stairs, this is your best option for a speedy transit to YVR.