Need step by step help for luggage handling upon arrival at Vancouver

[Karlzmom]

I know someone here can help me out. DH and I are still gasping at the rate for the Pan Pacific and are thinking of booking elsewhere. The big question mark relates to how one arrives at the port in the morning and gets luggage checked in. The last two years we stayed at the Pan and are very happy with the Bell Services-Check in but are trying to get a REAL view of how it all works if you are coming in by taxi or on foot. DH is "that guy" who needs the step-by-step (distances, where there are lines, etc.) and I have not been able find the detail needed to make us comfortable. TIA for any help.

 

[bcwife76]

When you enter the cruise terminal from underneath (so you're on the ground floor) there are signs right away for luggage drop for each cruise line. When we cruised out of Vancouver at the end of September there was our cruise (Disney Wonder) and two Holland America ships leaving at the same time. It was very well marked where we as Disney passengers were dropping off our luggage and there were also Disney employees all over to ask.

 

[Karlzmom]

BCWife: Thank you! I imagine if arriving on foot you would enter through the Pan Pacific lobby or the convention center, correct?

 

[bcwife76]

Nope, you actually go underground. So if you are looking at Canada Place and the pier straight on, near the right hand is a ramp going underground to parking. Cruise passengers actually walk down there (there is a sidewalk, don't worry you don't walk with the cars lol) and you enter the terminal from down there. It almost looks like you are going the wrong way but don't panic, you are not. And your fellow cruisers will be around you. As soon as you enter the doors there will be signs directing you to luggage drop.

 

[Karlzmom]

Thank you so much! Now to re-assess the hotel options. I had all the pricing options down months ago when it was "settled." Now, I'm sure availability/pricing has changed......can't complain much though. LOL!

 

[anricat]

To piggy back on the original poster's question, can we drop luggage at Canada Place and then go finish sightseeing? We want to do Flyover Canada prior to embarking. I assume we can dump our luggage and then not enter the cruise terminal and go do the Flyover Canada attraction?

 

[anricat]

Thank you so much! Now to re-assess the hotel options. I had all the pricing options down months ago when it was "settled." Now, I'm sure availability/pricing has changed......can't complain much though. LOL!

If it helps, we're staying at Blue Horizon on Robson St. It was recommended by some fellow DISers. It has good reviews on various websites and the price is quite good.

 

[Karlzmom]

If it helps, we're staying at Blue Horizon on Robson St. It was recommended by some fellow DISers. It has good reviews on various websites and the price is quite good.

Thank you for the tip Anricat! You'll be a bit of hike up Robson for the brick and mortar Japadog but I highly recommend it as you are out and about. You can get fries at the "store" that are not available at the sidewalk carts. If you can't make it to the store, make sure you try a dog....its a "must do" in our family.

 

[mollyclairesmom]

To piggy back on the original poster's question, can we drop luggage at Canada Place and then go finish sightseeing? We want to do Flyover Canada prior to embarking. I assume we can dump our luggage and then not enter the cruise terminal and go do the Flyover Canada attraction?

Yes, we did this exactly. We dropped our checked bags off in the terminal, then went up to fly over Canada (they kept your carry ons behind the counter while we rode), then watched the prepping of the ship for a little while, and then it was our PAT.

 

[xlxo]

DH and I are still gasping at the rate for the Pan Pacific and are thinking of booking elsewhere. The big question mark relates to how one arrives at the port in the morning and gets luggage checked in.

If you share your cruise date and hotel budget range.... we can make suggestions. Yes there is significant savings staying a few blocks away. Further away... around a $10 cab transfer will take you and your luggage to the terminal.

Have a look at this streetview link. You'll see the path where the taxi's and cruise passengers generally walk down to check-in.
https://www.google.ca/maps/@49.2874...4!1s7s-0Hzxl0CuQqo-GzV5kOQ!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

Don't be surprised if things change when there are multiple ships boarding that day.

 

[anricat]

Thank you for the tip Anricat! You'll be a bit of hike up Robson for the brick and mortar Japadog but I highly recommend it as you are out and about. You can get fries at the "store" that are not available at the sidewalk carts. If you can't make it to the store, make sure you try a dog....its a "must do" in our family.

Thanks! I'm a vegetarian, but I'm sure someone else will appreciate the tip!

 

[jtba]

Thank you so much! Now to re-assess the hotel options. I had all the pricing options down months ago when it was "settled." Now, I'm sure availability/pricing has changed......can't complain much though. LOL!

we stayed at the delta suites a few blocks away from the cruise terminal last year. nice and clean, friendly staff. the price fit the bill. there is mini review of it in my TR.

 

[Karlzmom]

Thanks! I'm a vegetarian, but I'm sure someone else will appreciate the tip!

They have a "veggie dog"

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I know someone here can help me out. DH and I are still gasping at the rate for the Pan Pacific and are thinking of booking elsewhere. The big question mark relates to how one arrives at the port in the morning and gets luggage checked in. The last two years we stayed at the Pan and are very happy with the Bell Services-Check in but are trying to get a REAL view of how it all works if you are coming in by taxi or on foot. DH is "that guy" who needs the step-by-step (distances, where there are lines, etc.) and I have not been able find the detail needed to make us comfortable. TIA for any help.

We had town car service for the same cruise @bcwife76 was on. They dropped us off under the port and made it so easy. It seriously was a complete no brainer. The driver knew exactly where to go, dropped us and our luggage off and it was effortless. The cruise port is extremely well organized, I was very impressed.

 

[Karlzmom]

Has anyone stayed at the Pinnacle Harbourfront? I've found a rate of $163/night (+tax for a total of $199) for harborfront rooms. It looks like the walk isnt' bad and it would be about $145 less per night average than what I have currently with the Pan. Sadly, I could only get the government rate for one night and the second night is BRUTAL! We are looking for August 12-14th (we are taking Celebrity to Alaska then doing a one-night at the Pan before boarding the Wonder for the trip to California). TIA!

 

[sharksfinatic17]

Has anyone stayed at the Pinnacle Harbourfront? I've found a rate of $163/night (+tax for a total of $199) for harborfront rooms. It looks like the walk isnt' bad and it would be about $145 less per night average than what I have currently with the Pan. Sadly, I could only get the government rate for one night and the second night is BRUTAL! We are looking for August 12-14th (we are taking Celebrity to Alaska then doing a one-night at the Pan before boarding the Wonder for the trip to California). TIA!

Yep, we stayed there last June. The rooms were fine. Nothing fancy. We walked with our luggage to the port.

 

[bumbershoot]

There are SO many good hotels in downtown Vancouver. Thinking you have to do the Pan just ignores all the great options.

Thanks! I'm a vegetarian, but I'm sure someone else will appreciate the tip!

They have a veggie dog that's very nice. DS just gets his plain with mustard, but I get the Oroshi, with shredded daikon and a soy sauce with green onions on it. SO delicious! DH likes his with the pickled vegetables on it. And all of us get the veggie dogs.

There's also an Yves-brand "hot" dog cart on Robson down from Sutton Place Hotel (terrific hotel, absolutely fabulous).

On our last trip to Vancouver we stayed at the Hyatt Regency (club level, incredible) which was a whopping 8 minute, gentle downhill, WALK to the cruise terminal. Though I didn't know you go past the Pan to enter the cruise passenger area, so add a minute to that time.

 

[Karlzmom]

Went ahead and booked the Pinnacle. We have used Last Minute Travel Club before, so I'm confident with them. If people are looking for rates still, we have been able to beat the various list prices for the Airport Fairmont and now the Pinnacle be a not-insignificant amount. I would recommend giving them a look if you are still shopping. Thanks for all the help!
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[anricat]

Went ahead and booked the Pinnacle. We have used Last Minute Travel Club before, so I'm confident with them. If people are looking for rates still, we have been able to beat the various list prices for the Airport Fairmont and now the Pinnacle be a not-insignificant amount. I would recommend giving them a look if you are still shopping. Thanks for all the help!
​

I already booked a pre-paid room at the airport Fairmont, but someone on my cruise meet group mentioned that it was on Last Minute Travel Club for half of what I paid. I can cancel for a $30 fee and I'm thinking I might do it. Even with the $30 penalty, it's STILL a better deal.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

We used Last Minute Travel for our hotel, and it was a great deal. Our Harbourfront hotel was $136 American. Great location!