Alaska Cruise Experts!

[Pooh93]

Can you tell me how long it takes after disembarkation to catch a taxi and get to Vancouver international? How long did it take to get through customs at the airport coming back into the U.S.? I know things can fluctuate, but just trying to figure out logistics. We cruise in May 2016.

Thanks much!

 

[sdjen]

We flew home from Vancouver after our cruise this August. From the time we disembarked, got our luggage, went through customs and got on the DCL bus it took about 80 minutes to be at the airport. I'm sure there were plenty of taxis but I didn't see them. For the $ since there were only 2 of us, we chose to take the DCL transport back to the airport. If I remember correctly, it was $25 PP.

From what I understand, you go through customs in Vancouver for US flights -NOT at your US home airport. It's recommended that you are at the Vancouver airport and checked in at least 3 hours before your flight. We did that and then had a 2 minute wait for US customs so we had plenty of time. But, I'm sure there are times where you might have more of a wait and you don't want to miss your flight! One difference I didn't know until we got there is how the luggage check in is handled. When we fly out of Orlando we check our bags 4 hours pre flight and then explore the airport until it's time to go through security and head to the gate. In Vancouver you cannot do this. Once you check in with the airline you have to stay with your luggage and take it to the drop off and then head through security and US customs.

The Vancouver airport is really nice and is pretty user friendly. We loved our Alaskan cruise! - it was amazing! Hope you have a great trip!