Alaska....how to make it less stressful

[CalDisneyMomof2]

We haven't gone yet, but were planning on staying at the Hyatt and getting there by cab. We're spending 3 full days in Vancouver there then we'll either walk or take a quick cab to the port.

We stayed at the Hyatt and taking a cab is not necessary unless anyone in your party has mobility issues. We walked ( Myself, DH, DS7 & DS5) each of us with at least one piece of luggage from the Hyatt to the port. Maybe 10-12 minutes from entrance to entrance.

Editing to say that I am referring to only hotel to port. Airport to hotel you most definitely need a cab.

 

[xlxo]

For those interested in the Hyatt... it's an 8 minute half mile walk to the cruise terminal. Most of it is a mild downhill.

 

[tch121]

We loved our DCL Alaska cruise. We stayed the 1st night near the airport at a Hampton that had a free airport shuttle. All of us arrived late and we needed a cheap place to sleep. I arranged a car service to drive 6 of us + luggage to the pan pacific. I think it was $80-$100 for the car service. The rate that I got at Pan Pacific was not too much higher than other downtown vancouver hotels but I did have to pay in fill in advance. I think we paid $250 per room. We spent the full day sightseeing in Vancouver, went to the Calipino Suspension Bridge (booked the bus trip through the Pan Pacific), it was awesome. To justify the hotel, we ate our dinner and breakfast on embarkion day at the food court across the street via underground tunnel. There was a drug/grocery store a few blocks away where I walked to pick up bottled water and snacks. DCL picked up our luggage from our Pan room and it was so nice to just walk downstairs and get on the ship.

Which car service did you use? Do you recall?

 

[xlxo]

Aerocar is popular.... http://aerocar.ca/rates/flat-rates/

Personally, I prefer cab's

 

[tnshsms]

I completly understand feeling stressed. I feel like I can do MCO-Port-Ship in my sleep but Vancouver was all brand new. We took light rail from airport to Fairmont Waterfront. Across the street from Canada place and it was super easy on transport. We took the Disney transfer back from port to airport mainly because I wanted easy. There were plenty of cabs and the light rail is easy and close to do as well but I wanted ease. Yes, it was more expensive but I didn't have to think. My trip report is in my signature if you want some tips on what we did.

Have a great time...Alaska was awesome!

 

[sdjen]

My 9 year old and I did this trip in August 2015. Since it was just two of us, wanted easy and safe. We took a cab to the Hyatt on Burrard when we arrived late Friday night. Spent the day sightseeing Saturday and Sunday and then took a $8 cab ride to the port with all our luggage. Super easy. We chose to use the DCL bus back to the airport for convenience. We had a mid afternoon flight so we chose to do a day room at the Fairmont connected to the airport. (we have done the day room at the Hyatt MCO and loved it). This gives us a chance to rest and redistribute luggage, swim and have lunch without rushing.

Couple of things. The Hyatt was great for us. Booked about a year out but got a rate of $145. It was a holiday weekend so rates were really high. It is next to a little indoor mall with a drugstore, McDonalds and Tim Hortons. also only 1/2 block from a train station. Would totally recommend - nice hotel and very friendly staff.

In Orlando we have used the day room and gone and checked in bags 4 hours before flight, just keeping carryons etc.. and not heading to security until time for the flight. In Vancouver if you are flying to the US you cannot do this. you have to accompany your luggage through customs and then right through security and to the gates. I wasn't expecting this so it threw off our schedule a little bit.

Our Alaskan cruise was one of our favorites - you will have a blast!

 

[xlxo]

next to a little indoor mall with a drugstore, McDonalds and Tim Hortons.

A little warning about the Hyatt's indoor mall. The hours of operation and stores are very limited in the evenings if you need to get something. A better choice is Pacific Centre mall 3 blocks to the East or walking 2 blocks to the south for Robson street for amenities.