Alaska PAT?

[Seamama]

Thinking of taking Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver... What are the PATs for the Alaska cruise? Just want to make sure I'm ok w/ a train that arrives in Vancouver around 11:30am. Thanks!

 

[midwestpat]

Thinking of taking Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver... What are the PATs for the Alaska cruise? Just want to make sure I'm ok w/ a train that arrives in Vancouver around 11:30am. Thanks!

The earliest is 11:00 - 11:30 and they have time slots every half hour until 3:00 to 3:30. (At least, that's what it shows for our Alaskan trip in June 2014.)

 

[Seamama]

The earliest is 11:00 - 11:30 and they have time slots every half hour until 3:00 to 3:30. (At least, that's what it shows for our Alaskan trip in June 2014.)

Cool- thanks!

Another question: I know folks recommend going a day early when driving there but does anyone how critical this is when going via Amtrak? I figure it should be safe since there's no traffic to contend with. Plus, there's a 4 hr cushion if it's supposed to arrive around 11:30am and the last PAT time ends at 3:30pm.

Just thought of one more thing: Does any one know exactly which station to get off at in Vancouver?

Thanks!

 

[WRUNDELL]

We are taking Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver this June as well and we are going a day early. Better be safe than sorry. You will most likely be ok, but any delay (mechanical, etc) and you would be crushed if you didn't make the ship. I just don't feel comfortable having that possibly hanging over me.

Believe it is the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver you arrive at.

Good luck!

 

[Seamama]

We are taking Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver this June as well and we are going a day early. Better be safe than sorry. You will most likely be ok, but any delay (mechanical, etc) and you would be crushed if you didn't make the ship. I just don't feel comfortable having that possibly hanging over me.

Believe it is the Pacific Central Station in Vancouver you arrive at.

Good luck!

Thanks! Yeah, if we drive, I would just leave insanely early... like 4am! But we think it'd be more relaxing (and I think cheaper) to take the train. Just wish there were an earlier departure. Of course this is for a trip next summer so who knows, the schedule could change...

 

[DisneyCowgirl]

Grandmother took train from Texas to New Mexico a couple of years ago. There was a car accident on the track and the train was delayed 7 hours. I'd definitely plan to arrive the day before.

 

[midwestpat]

Grandmother took train from Texas to New Mexico a couple of years ago. There was a car accident on the track and the train was delayed 7 hours. I'd definitely plan to arrive the day before.

We always make plans to arrive a day early too, even without a train in the equation. You never know if your plane will be delayed or flight cancelled, if traffic woes will prevent you from driving enough miles to make it, etc. And who wants that kind of stress and time constraints at the beginning of a trip? We let the travel drama play out the day before, get a hotel for the night, and then leisurely go about our morning and make our way to the port when we are ready. Much less stress.

 

[WRUNDELL]

We are on the Sunday 7:40am Amtrak from Seattle. Get in Vancouver at 11:40am on Sunday and will have the day to enjoy the city. Have a hotel near the port and will get up at our leisure on Monday and make our way to the port for the cruise!

 

[Seamama]

Thanks, everyone. Usually I worry about unexpected delays too but I'm having a hard time feeling good about booking a hotel for one night when we live only 2+ hours from the port... actually, come to think of it, maybe I should switch back to my driving plan. We really could leave at 4am and should still make it there w/ plenty of time to spare. Though we'll also be super-tired when we get there. A hotel the day before is nice just so we can be refreshed and ready for an exciting vacation. Well, at least it's not till next year so we have time to work this out! Appreciate everyone's input.