Embarkation time for Alaska

[phinz]

Phinz - how long was the Seattle experience? Was that on Princess?

I'll let you know in about three weeks.

 

[DVC Doc]

Does anyone know if Global Entry is offered at the Vancouver terminal?

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

They apparently still haven't figured things out. This is from another cruise site. They were boarding the Crown Princess from Vancouver:

"Altho we knew 3 ships in Port and that security and customs likely to be slow, we went at 2:30 and sat in a huge room for 4 hrs waiting to get called for Security line/ then Customs, got on ship at 7PM....lost 6 hrs. Some went at 12 and got on at 6PM.

Capt had to reroute us next day because we lost entry to Glacier Bay due to this delay,........
The weather was unbelievably gorgeous the whole trip. However, it felt like a 6day cruise.......never again will I tolerate this. One person with us had Global Entry and was able to use it AFTER we went through security (4 hrs). There were not enough interpreters for the foreign groups + too many people."

Apparently they can't handle more than one ship in port at a time very well, reading further into the issue (including the input of someone who works in security at the port).

Losing entry to Glacier Bay because of boarding issues would make me livid since it's really the highlight of an Alaska round trip for most people.

Ugh!! That is all kind of "YIKES"! I really hope it was a one off or something else was going on that doesn't happen often (like unannounced inspection(s)) however I'm sure three ships puts a strain on their system.

Heather

 

[phinz]

Does anyone know if Global Entry is offered at the Vancouver terminal?

It is, but only once you're called. My quoted passengers didn't get called to security for 4 hours.

 

[poison ivy]

Thanks Poison Ivy for that awesome post!

When you refer to DCL docs, is that the blue spiral booklet with the cruise info we were sent? Not sure I got any other docs or tickets! Hope I have what we need to get through!

Thanks Pooh2. glad you found it helpful.

yes it's the spiral booklet. On the inside jacket, you'll see the names and barcode for each passenger in your stateroom. you need to have this booklet with you. Also printout from the DCL website: the Online Check-in signature form and Recent Travel History and health Questionnaire.

So just to recap: Have the following items on your person at embarkation:

1. passport
2. spiral bound DCL booklet
3. Online Check-in signature form
4. Recent Travel history and health questionnaire form

 

[The Grays]

DO you need to sign up ahead of time for that passport kiosk to speed check-in up?

 

[poison ivy]

DO you need to sign up ahead of time for that passport kiosk to speed check-in up?

No. All US and Canadian citizens will automatically be put in line for the kiosks.

 

[KipperBun]

Also printout from the DCL website: the Online Check-in signature form and Recent Travel History and health Questionnaire.

I know where to find the Online check-in form but where do you find the Recent travel history and health questionnaire? I looked all over the DCL site and couldn't find it.

 

[jenpink]

For my past few cruises they have emailed it to me the week or so before the cruise. Other times I have filled it out at the terminal.

 

[poison ivy]

I know where to find the Online check-in form but where do you find the Recent travel history and health questionnaire? I looked all over the DCL site and couldn't find it.

Looks like they emailed it to us as an attachment, exactly 1 wk before we set sail on May 25, 2015 last year. Can't believe I still had it.

___________________________________________________________________________________

Disney Cruise Line | DisneyCruiseLine@familyvacations-disneycruise.com

Monday, May 18 02:22 PM


1 Attachment

Important Travel History and Health Questionaire

May 18, 2015


Reservation #:

Dear James,

At Disney Cruise Line, nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our Guests and Crew Members. Therefore, we want to provide you with some important information about the check-in process for your cruise vacation.

As you may be aware, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 travel notice for U.S. citizens to avoid nonessential travel to the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone and is actively tracking close contacts of those who may have been exposed to Ebola in the United States.

We want to take a moment to assure Guests that we do not have any Crew Members from these countries onboard our ships. In addition, we actively screen all new and returning Crew regarding their recent travel history and close contacts prior to boarding. In an abundance of caution, we have decided to extend this screening to our Guests.

If you or a member of your stateroom party have traveled to the West African nations of Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone or have been in direct physical contact (having cared for, lived with, or had direct contact) with a confirmed or suspected Ebola case within 42 days prior to the start of your cruise vacation, please contact us at 1-866-325-2112 or 407-566-3510.

Additionally, to expedite the boarding process, all other Guests are asked to print and complete the attached Travel History and Health Questionnaire for your stateroom party and bring it with you to check in for your cruise.

We look forward to your arrival and appreciate your cooperation and understanding regarding the importance of this added measure.

Sincerely,

The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line

___________________________________________________________________________________


So we printed it out: This was last years form. Not sure if it will be modified for 2016.

 

[amberwc]

Thinking about this... Do I need to have distractions/games ready from my 7 and 5 1/2 YO kids? Thinking that there is so much going on board that I don't want to pack extra entertainments, but do we need to get through the terminal?

 

[76Disney]

Wow! This is super helpful! Thank you!!

 

[labdogs42]

Thinking about this... Do I need to have distractions/games ready from my 7 and 5 1/2 YO kids? Thinking that there is so much going on board that I don't want to pack extra entertainments, but do we need to get through the terminal?

Maybe an iPad or iPod with movies or games? I usually have something like that one me anyway for travel.

 

[76Disney]

When we initially did our online check-in for our upcoming May 23 Alaskan Cruise, we were Gold Status and our given Port Arrival Time was 12:30 p.m. Since then, we have now graduated to Platinum status... Is it possible to be reassigned an earlier Port Arrival Time? Should we call Disney and ask or can we just arrive earlier? Is there a separate check-in line for Platinum members in Vancouver? (SO excited that we have finally reached this level!!)

 

[anricat]

I don't think Platinum has a PAT. I think the status allows you to show up whenever you darn well please.

 

[The Grays]

What happens if you show up early?

 

[anricat]

What happens if you show up early?

If the port is full, you have to wait. Otherwise, you can go in and wait. Your boarding position will be based on your PAT.

 

[poison ivy]

When we initially did our online check-in for our upcoming May 23 Alaskan Cruise, we were Gold Status and our given Port Arrival Time was 12:30 p.m. Since then, we have now graduated to Platinum status... Is it possible to be reassigned an earlier Port Arrival Time? Should we call Disney and ask or can we just arrive earlier? Is there a separate check-in line for Platinum members in Vancouver? (SO excited that we have finally reached this level!!)

there was a separate check in for Platinum and Concierge so you'll be fine. We were gold with the earliest PAT and were given boarding group 3. Platinum and Concierge were called to board ahead of us.

What happens if you show up early?

You can show up as early as the cruise terminal entrance opens its doors and you'll be processed thru screening and security and arrive at customs. if the DCL check-in is not open yet, I'm not sure if you'll wait in that big holding room before or after customs.

Eventually you'll move on to the DCL booths. They won't ask about your PAT at all in the terminal. It's used to assign you a boarding number when you check in - which has nothing to do with what time you line up and proceed thru the embarkation process at the port.

By the time we went down at 10:30am there were a lot of people ahead of us so I know you can get in much earlier.

 

[xlxo]

Do I need to have distractions/games ready from my 7 and 5 1/2 YO kids? Thinking that there is so much going on board that I don't want to pack extra entertainments, but do we need to get through the terminal?

Don't forget to get them started early for character photo's when in the cruise terminal.

 

[Yhaira Grigsby]

On Debarkation in Vancouver, do i need to prearrange my transport to hotel in Vancouver or can I get a taxi on the spot?