B2B in Vancouver

[RweTHEREyet]

clten, thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe it will be better organized by the time May 2014 rolls around.

I will be interested in hearing how it goes for you this year, you did say you were sailing May 2013, correct?

 

[clten]

clten, thanks for sharing your experience. Maybe it will be better organized by the time May 2014 rolls around.

I will be interested in hearing how it goes for you this year, you did say you were sailing May 2013, correct?

Yes, we are doing it again this year. I will certainly report back here if they've learned some things and it was any smoother and if they had any excursions just to pass the time.

 

[woody73]

If you are talking about taking the west coast cruise from San Diego or LA to Vancouver and then do a cruise to Alaska from Vancouver, I remember people who were booked to do those as B2B last year being notified they could not do so and had to choose which cruise they wanted to take. There are custom rules involved.

That was only for the 2011 season. The B2B that year started in LA and ended in Seattle. And it's against the PVSA for a cruiseship to transport a passenger from one US city to a different US city without a stop in a distant foreign port. The closest distant foreign port on that itinerary is over 5 days away. . .

Actually the cruise you are mentioning was done in 2012 not 2011. The 2011 AK cruises started in Vancouver, the 2012 AK cruises started in Seattle.

As I recall, DCL booked guests on the 2012 northbound B2B (L.A.-Seattle), then learned it was in violation of some maritime act. To get around it, DCL made all B2B passengers check out of their cabins after the first segment, leave the ship, then check in for the second segment in a different cabin.

Apparently that did not satisfy the authorities, since guests were not ashore for the required number of hours to meet the act. I don't recall if DCL was fined, or was warned of hefty fines if it happened again.

After learning that the northbound B2B did not comply, DCL contacted the guests on the 2012 southbound B2B (Seattle-L.A.) saying they could take either one of those cruises, but not both. DCL gave a full refund for the canceled cruise, and a discount off the cruise taken.

Woody

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yes, we are doing it again this year. I will certainly report back here if they've learned some things and it was any smoother and if they had any excursions just to pass the time.

Oh wonderful, please do. I am definitely going to be looking for your update.

 

[lbgraves]

After learning that the northbound B2B did not comply, DCL contacted the guests on the 2012 southbound B2B (Seattle-L.A.) saying they could take either one of those cruises, but not both. DCL gave a full refund for the canceled cruise, and a discount off the cruise taken.

Woody

Thanks for the details. I knew that I had seen people posting that they were upset about having to cancel one of the cruises when they had planned to do them B2B.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Thanks for the details. I knew that I had seen people posting that they were upset about having to cancel one of the cruises when they had planned to do them B2B.

As far as the suggestion to tour Vancouver, my DH is meeting the ship in Vancouver. If he flies into Seattle and then takes the Amtrak to Vancouver, we are going to have his luggage, etc. to deal with, so I am not sure that taking a tour in Vancouver will work for us.

We have a long time to work the kinks out, so at this point I am trying to check out all the options.

 

[lbgraves]

So he will be joining you in the middle of the B2B? He will be able to check his luggage when he arrives at the terminal. There is nothing that says you have to stay in the terminal after you do this. You can then go out exploring without his bags. We stayed at the Pan before the cruise and the porters told us to check our bags with them when we got off the ship. They chained them up in their holding area and we picked them up when we were finished around 5:00 and helped us load them into the taxi to go to the airport hotel for that night. Their porter was right at the exit that led into the hotel.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

So he will be joining you in the middle of the B2B? He will be able to check his luggage when he arrives at the terminal. There is nothing that says you have to stay in the terminal after you do this. You can then go out exploring without his bags. We stayed at the Pan before the cruise and the porters told us to check our bags with them when we got off the ship. They chained them up in their holding area and we picked them up when we were finished around 5:00 and helped us load them into the taxi to go to the airport hotel for that night. Their porter was right at the exit that led into the hotel.

Yes, he is joing us in the middle of the B2B. He will have a very heavy bag filled with camera equipment that we won't want to lug around (and he won't check it), so I think exploring once we meet up will not be up for discussion.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Yes, he is joing us in the middle of the B2B. He will have a very heavy bag filled with camera equipment that we won't want to lug around (and he won't check it), so I think exploring once we meet up will not be up for discussion.

In thinking about this, once we get to Vancouver, my SIL will be moving into the connecting cabin, so if we let our cabin steward know she is moving next door, they might get that one ready as quickly as they do the first one we will be in. I have heard that they get the B2B cabins ready before the others. Seems like she and I should get back on the ship and get all of her things moved to the new cabin while we are waiting for DH to board.

Does this seem like a pretty good option with our situation?

 

[bumbershoot]

Didn't someone respond in this thread that the stewards would move your stuff if you were moving cabins? Doesn't sound like something you need to do on your own.


Can DH find a *rolling* bag to contain his equipment between now and then? It is just such a shame to be in that gorgeous city, in May no less, and not take a little bit of time to look around.

But at the very least you might be able to simply walk around the area of Canada Place; it's a lovely terminal (I've never been inside, as our honeymoon cruise was out of Ballantyne, but we've walked around CP) and it's neat to see the ships from the outside and SO close.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Didn't someone respond in this thread that the stewards would move your stuff if you were moving cabins? Doesn't sound like something you need to do on your own.


Can DH find a *rolling* bag to contain his equipment between now and then? It is just such a shame to be in that gorgeous city, in May no less, and not take a little bit of time to look around.

But at the very least you might be able to simply walk around the area of Canada Place; it's a lovely terminal (I've never been inside, as our honeymoon cruise was out of Ballantyne, but we've walked around CP) and it's neat to see the ships from the outside and SO close.

Yes, the stewards will definitely move your things, if they are packed, but since we have connecting cabins on the second leg, there is no need for her to pack her luggage when we can just carry her stuff into the next room in far less time than she could pack and unpack.

DH has a very nice rolling bag designed specifically for camera equipment, but he packs everything he owns and it is not something you wish to lug around while touring, and there is no way he would check it anywhere.

We aren't sure if he will fly directly to Vancouver or go to Seattle first and then take the amtrak, but if he ends up in Vancouver, it is possible we could meet at his hotel room, if close by. Or, he could sit in the terminal and SIL and I could go sitesee, hadn't thought of that before.

 

[clten]

Didn't search to see what was reported after the first Alaska cruise returned so I apologize if this is a repeat of information. But I said I'd post when we got back and am happy to say, the Pacific Coast/Alaska b2b process was much smoother this year than in 2011!

They had you complete Canadian customs forms while sailing up to Victoria and turn them in to Guest Services. So when we actually arrived in Vancouver, we didn't have to do anything with Canadian Customs! I know they offered some excursions in Vancouver but not specifically for b2b cruisers. We didn't look into them because it was a dreary rainy day (and we had been to Vancouver before).

Was told there were about 150 of us doing b2b. We did get the standard letter the last night about what to do on turnaround day. They said if you were not coming back onto the ship right away, you would leave at your convenience but had to be off by 9:30. You would check back in when you returned from your adventures (you did not check-in then go out and about because you have to clear US customs before check-in).

They had those of us that were getting right back onboard meet at 9:30 in Studio Sea. About 9:45 someone started going around and checking off the names of everyone that was in the room. She did come back periodically to let us know that there were delays (and gave estimates so that you knew you had time if you needed to use the restroom or wanted to stretch rather than sit). We ended up not leaving Studio Sea until about 10:20. From there it ran rather smoothly. We were escorted off the ship and then back around to US Customs. (Was a little weird to have Princess people letting us know where to go, think the port people were confused on who was who). Very little wait for customs. Once we were through, they directed us to a section of the port to sit down and wait for check-in. Once everyone was through customs, it was only about 5 minutes before they started escorting people to check-in (actually in an organized manner, they had us sit down in rows and then had row by row head over to check-in). One little snafu was after check-in, they had us in line to get back on. We were there for only minutes. But they let us on a few minutes too early. They weren't ready for us so they couldn't scan the KTTW cards and had to write down the cabin #'s. (They only told the first family what was happening so many around us had no clue why they were doing this.)

But overall, it was one of the smoothest b2b transitions (among those that required leaving the ship) I've had which is a big improvement since the 2011 one still ranks as the worst.

PS It was such a great cruise that near the end of week two I was seriously considering if we could manage to stay and do another Alaska cruise.

 

[jilljill]

Didn't search to see what was reported after the first Alaska cruise returned so I apologize if this is a repeat of information. But I said I'd post when we got back and am happy to say, the Pacific Coast/Alaska b2b process was much smoother this year than in 2011!

They had you complete Canadian customs forms while sailing up to Victoria and turn them in to Guest Services. So when we actually arrived in Vancouver, we didn't have to do anything with Canadian Customs! I know they offered some excursions in Vancouver but not specifically for b2b cruisers. We didn't look into them because it was a dreary rainy day (and we had been to Vancouver before).

Was told there were about 150 of us doing b2b. We did get the standard letter the last night about what to do on turnaround day. They said if you were not coming back onto the ship right away, you would leave at your convenience but had to be off by 9:30. You would check back in when you returned from your adventures (you did not check-in then go out and about because you have to clear US customs before check-in).

They had those of us that were getting right back onboard meet at 9:30 in Studio Sea. About 9:45 someone started going around and checking off the names of everyone that was in the room. She did come back periodically to let us know that there were delays (and gave estimates so that you knew you had time if you needed to use the restroom or wanted to stretch rather than sit). We ended up not leaving Studio Sea until about 10:20. From there it ran rather smoothly. We were escorted off the ship and then back around to US Customs. (Was a little weird to have Princess people letting us know where to go, think the port people were confused on who was who). Very little wait for customs. Once we were through, they directed us to a section of the port to sit down and wait for check-in. Once everyone was through customs, it was only about 5 minutes before they started escorting people to check-in (actually in an organized manner, they had us sit down in rows and then had row by row head over to check-in). One little snafu was after check-in, they had us in line to get back on. We were there for only minutes. But they let us on a few minutes too early. They weren't ready for us so they couldn't scan the KTTW cards and had to write down the cabin #'s. (They only told the first family what was happening so many around us had no clue why they were doing this.)

But overall, it was one of the smoothest b2b transitions (among those that required leaving the ship) I've had which is a big improvement since the 2011 one still ranks as the worst.

PS It was such a great cruise that near the end of week two I was seriously considering if we could manage to stay and do another Alaska cruise.

The 2014 repo cruise up to Vancouver won't be as seamless since the ship will not be stopping in Victoria like it did this year. The cruisers will have to clear Canadian customs when exiting the ship in Vancouver.

Have to say we stayed off the ship for a while before checking back in for the AK cruise and it took us about an hour to get thru security, customs and then check in since no one knew what to do when we showed them the letter received. Even when we went to check in we were told to go to the Castaway Club line as I was heading to the Concierge/Platinum and they told me I was going to the wrong line, I had to tell them we were Platinum cruisers and that's where we were to check in and they were still telling us to go to the Castaway Club line. We just walked up the Concierge/Platinum line to check in.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Didn't search to see what was reported after the first Alaska cruise returned so I apologize if this is a repeat of information. But I said I'd post when we got back and am happy to say, the Pacific Coast/Alaska b2b process was much smoother this year than in 2011!

They had you complete Canadian customs forms while sailing up to Victoria and turn them in to Guest Services. So when we actually arrived in Vancouver, we didn't have to do anything with Canadian Customs! I know they offered some excursions in Vancouver but not specifically for b2b cruisers. We didn't look into them because it was a dreary rainy day (and we had been to Vancouver before).

Was told there were about 150 of us doing b2b. We did get the standard letter the last night about what to do on turnaround day. They said if you were not coming back onto the ship right away, you would leave at your convenience but had to be off by 9:30. You would check back in when you returned from your adventures (you did not check-in then go out and about because you have to clear US customs before check-in).

They had those of us that were getting right back onboard meet at 9:30 in Studio Sea. About 9:45 someone started going around and checking off the names of everyone that was in the room. She did come back periodically to let us know that there were delays (and gave estimates so that you knew you had time if you needed to use the restroom or wanted to stretch rather than sit). We ended up not leaving Studio Sea until about 10:20. From there it ran rather smoothly. We were escorted off the ship and then back around to US Customs. (Was a little weird to have Princess people letting us know where to go, think the port people were confused on who was who). Very little wait for customs. Once we were through, they directed us to a section of the port to sit down and wait for check-in. Once everyone was through customs, it was only about 5 minutes before they started escorting people to check-in (actually in an organized manner, they had us sit down in rows and then had row by row head over to check-in). One little snafu was after check-in, they had us in line to get back on. We were there for only minutes. But they let us on a few minutes too early. They weren't ready for us so they couldn't scan the KTTW cards and had to write down the cabin #'s. (They only told the first family what was happening so many around us had no clue why they were doing this.)

But overall, it was one of the smoothest b2b transitions (among those that required leaving the ship) I've had which is a big improvement since the 2011 one still ranks as the worst.

PS It was such a great cruise that near the end of week two I was seriously considering if we could manage to stay and do another Alaska cruise.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. A lot of people say they will report back and then don't follow thru or just forget, so thank you for coming back here to report. I hope you are doing a trip report as I have only seen one so far from the most recent Alaska sailing. If there are more, I haven't been able to recognize from the title. I am glad to hear you enjoyed it so much that you wanted a "do'over."

 

[clten]

Have to say we stayed off the ship for a while before checking back in for the AK cruise and it took us about an hour to get thru security, customs and then check in since no one knew what to do when we showed them the letter received. Even when we went to check in we were told to go to the Castaway Club line as I was heading to the Concierge/Platinum and they told me I was going to the wrong line, I had to tell them we were Platinum cruisers and that's where we were to check in and they were still telling us to go to the Castaway Club line. We just walked up the Concierge/Platinum line to check in.

I was just impressed that they (DCL) was a lot more organized this year than 2011. It may have more delays with adding Canadian immigration but I'm hopeful that they know this can be a rough turnaround and addressed a lot of the issues.

Yeah, I was not going to comment on the check-in people. Since it was DCL's first cruise of the season embarking there I expected some bumps. Our check-in person was the worst: she printed my KTTW card 4 times and my sister's 0. Then she said that it was okay as long as I just used the last one she printed. She had the last three and couldn't tell which one was the last so she told me she was sure I'd be fine. When another person was trying to help her out and asked her if she needed lanyards she told them no and I told her she was going to. She argued with me and then when she found out she was wrong told me I had to forgive her it was her first day (I was giving her some latitude for that but when she told me that same thing for the 6th time and printed out the 4th card, I had enough and the supervisor who was hovering in the back came over to finish it.) I don't count that as a bump in the road, I just calculate that into being the first of the season.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I was just impressed that they (DCL) was a lot more organized this year than 2011. It may have more delays with adding Canadian immigration but I'm hopeful that they know this can be a rough turnaround and addressed a lot of the issues.

Yeah, I was not going to comment on the check-in people. Since it was DCL's first cruise of the season embarking there I expected some bumps. Our check-in person was the worst: she printed my KTTW card 4 times and my sister's 0. Then she said that it was okay as long as I just used the last one she printed. She had the last three and couldn't tell which one was the last so she told me she was sure I'd be fine. When another person was trying to help her out and asked her if she needed lanyards she told them no and I told her she was going to. She argued with me and then when she found out she was wrong told me I had to forgive her it was her first day (I was giving her some latitude for that but when she told me that same thing for the 6th time and printed out the 4th card, I had enough and the supervisor who was hovering in the back came over to finish it.) I don't count that as a bump in the road, I just calculate that into being the first of the season.

Did you by chance do a trip report?

 

[dolphingirl47]

I also did the back to back although we opted to spend some time exploring in Vancouver rather than heading straight back on the ship. I have started my trip report and I will post the installment about the embarkation day for the Repo cruise later today. If you are interested, you can find it here:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?p=48819314#post48819314

Corinna

 

[lilpooh108]

I was just impressed that they (DCL) was a lot more organized this year than 2011. It may have more delays with adding Canadian immigration but I'm hopeful that they know this can be a rough turnaround and addressed a lot of the issues.

Yeah, I was not going to comment on the check-in people. Since it was DCL's first cruise of the season embarking there I expected some bumps. Our check-in person was the worst: she printed my KTTW card 4 times and my sister's 0. Then she said that it was okay as long as I just used the last one she printed. She had the last three and couldn't tell which one was the last so she told me she was sure I'd be fine. When another person was trying to help her out and asked her if she needed lanyards she told them no and I told her she was going to. She argued with me and then when she found out she was wrong told me I had to forgive her it was her first day (I was giving her some latitude for that but when she told me that same thing for the 6th time and printed out the 4th card, I had enough and the supervisor who was hovering in the back came over to finish it.) I don't count that as a bump in the road, I just calculate that into being the first of the season.

My parents did the 2011 DCL Alaska out of Vancouver and commented on how shocked they were by the rudeness of both customs and the people checking in. Up until then they'd only been through the Port Canaveral system and of course, that's pretty smooth.

Curious to know---does DCL automatically know that you're on a B2B, or do you have to notify them ahead of time?

TIA.

 

[dolphingirl47]

They did know. We got a letter on the last sea day with the arrangements and a green boarding pass and this was then followed up with a phone call to check if we were planning to return straight to the ship or if we wanted to spend some time in Vancouver.

Corinna

 

[lilpooh108]

They did know. We got a letter on the last sea day with the arrangements and a green boarding pass and this was then followed up with a phone call to check if we were planning to return straight to the ship or if we wanted to spend some time in Vancouver.

Corinna

Thanks! Started reading your TR by the way. Love your obsession with Walgreens.

I'm the same way with places I visit....for a while after my first London visit I was obsessed with Boots and all things Marks & Spencer Foodhall related In Paris I'm obsessed with Monoprix, and if I see a Carrerfour I literally go bananas. We were in Italy driving past a Carrerfour and I screamed "OMG, a CARRERFOUR" and our driver thought I was insane. So I understand