DCL Transfers in Vancouver?

[Shanti]

What are people's experiences with DCL transfers in Vancouver? Has anyone taken a transfer bus the day before the cruise from the airport to the Fairmont Waterfront? I know they offer this, but don't know exactly how it works, as I've only taken transfers on the day of a cruise. I know they also offer a transfer from the Waterfront to the cruise port (which I understand is extremely close to the hotel). What is that transfer like? Do they just walk you over and manage your bags for you? The main reason I'm considering it is that I was injured in a car accident a few months ago and don't want to stress my body by pulling our luggage around. Has anyone here done this?

 

[ACQUADUCK]

Sorry you have been injured hope for a good recovery.
To eliminate what you are concerned about we stayed at the Pan Pacific above the cruise terminal they transfer the luggage to the ship for you, and you can get to the pan by subway train, or taxi.

 

[dvcdisney]

Sorry you have been injured hope for a good recovery.
To eliminate what you are concerned about we stayed at the Pan Pacific above the cruise terminal they transfer the luggage to the ship for you, and you can get to the pan by subway train, or taxi.

That's exactly where we stayed...Pan Pacific...it's a bit costly as everything in Vancouver can be.

It was VERY convenient. I was a bit nervous about it since our only experience with luggage transfer is from WDW resorts. And in my mind, it was being transferred by Disney. In this case, there was other ships there and I was afraid it would end up on another cruise. Anyway, I didn't have anything to worry about. As I said, it was very convenient.

Another option is Fairmont Pacific Rim (or Fairmont Waterfront which is even closer) which is also a very nice hotel. It's across the street so it's not too far away. We've stayed there before, but not before a cruise, but I see lots of people walking over. It's not too far.

 

[Shanti]

We're staying at the Fairmont Waterfront before the cruise. We can't change our reservation at this point, and also don't want to. Will the Fairmont carry bags over to the port for you? Has anyone taken the DCL transfer from the Fairmont Waterfront to the port? What is that like, given that it's so close?

 

[ACQUADUCK]

That's exactly where we stayed...Pan Pacific...it's a bit costly as everything in Vancouver can be.

It was VERY convenient. I was a bit nervous about it since our only experience with luggage transfer is from WDW resorts. And in my mind, it was being transferred by Disney. In this case, there was other ships there and I was afraid it would end up on another cruise. Anyway, I didn't have anything to worry about. As I said, it was very convenient.

Another option is Fairmont Pacific Rim (or Fairmont Waterfront which is even closer) which is also a very nice hotel. It's across the street so it's not too far away. We've stayed there before, but not before a cruise, but I see lots of people walking over. It's not too far.

Agree I booked very early at PP and got a good deal.

 

[GPaLarry]

Last June we drove up from home in Portland, OR and stayed in the Fairmont the night before departing. The hotel is just across the street (well marked for pedestrians) from the terminal. DCL did not do our transfers, so we took our luggage to check-in the day of the cruise ourselves. If they do it, they will run it across the street for you and you won't see the check-in bags until afternoon outside your stateroom.
Day before, son and I parked the minivan in the terminal parking lot after dropping off others and luggage at the hotel. There is a lot packed into that terminal as well as check-ins for a couple of other cruise lines...BE SURE YOU SORT OUT THE DCL CHECK-IN AREA. There are ramps and elevators in all these areas to help you get around. We scoped out the place the night before so that we could take our luggage and kids/gkids to the right place at the right time the next day.
At the end of the cruise you will probably come out of the terminal to a turn-around area where your transportation will be waiting. For the cruise, be sure to take a camera and binoculars...you'll have a great time.

 

[lilsonicfan]

The Fairmont Waterfront is directly across the street from the Pan Pacific and the cruise port. I am not sure if anyone will take your bags across for you; however, it is really really close. It's pedestrian friendly, though the curbs are oddly quite high in that area. Check out google streetview. I could throw a rock from the front of the Fairmont to where you can walk down into the cruise terminal, and I have a terrible throwing arm.

 

[Cruising Engineer]

Hope you are getting better from your accident.

We stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront before our first cruise to Alaska. It is a first class hotel. Call them and ask if Bell service would transport your luggage to the cruise terminal because of your current condition. A good tip can go a long way with a bell hop (like across the street).

This time we are staying at the Pan Pacific. Either way, if you are unable to maneuver one or two bags, you would still need help no matter where you stayed.

 

[bcwife76]

I second asking the bell hop to help with your luggage across the street; there will be no shuttle as it's literally yards away from the port. I'm sure they would be happy to help, Fairmont has awesome customer service.

 

[bumbershoot]

It’s possible that walking to the shuttle and from the shuttle drop off would be as long as just walking.
If they have a shuttle.

Asking a Bell Services person for luggage help will almost certain yield a “yes”.


Somewhere in the depths of my photos I have a video of where the two areas are. I stood in one spot and turned 180 degrees. It’s across the street.