Questions about embarking in Vancouver

[Luckymommatoo]

It's my understanding that it's quite different than PC, because Disney shares the space. And it seems like getting through security and customs can take a little while. So if we have a PAT of 11, can we get to the port at 9:30 and then expect to be at the Disney terminal around 11? I wish I were one of those people who could wait until 2 and then just stroll on, but I'm definitely not that type!

Thanks for any info.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

We did this two years ago, and I know that it didn't take 1 1/2 hours, but if you don't mind sitting around after checking in, then you will be fine. What did take awhile for us was the actual boarding.

 

[TestingH2O]

11:00 is the earliest PAT available. I'm not sure the port is even open to passengers much before that.

 

[bamagirl@hrt]

We sailed last week. We stayed at the Pan Pacific for the convenience, but the concierge steered us a little wrong which ended up taking us longer. There is a very streamlined, numbered system if you follow it. 1) Drop off luggage at the lower cruise terminal level (This is where we went awry. Concierge directed us to step 2 first) 2) Go up one level for check in. There are lines for first timers, silver & gold castaway club, platinum and concierge level 3) Security 4)Customs 5)Get on the boat.

There were 3 boats loading last Monday. Our PAT was 11:30. Even with our backtracking, we were on the ship by 12:30. We didn't have to wait for our boarding group; they waved us right on. We went straight to Guest Services for a couple of issues and then to Triton's for lunch. After lunch our rooms were ready. Perfect timing!

 

[tnshsms]

If you are like me and would like to visually walk thru it, see this post. It starts in post 4 but it walks you thru the process. Its a little old but was pretty much right on track in 2016.

https://www.disboards.com/threads/embarkation-time-for-alaska.3509801/#post-55754801

I read thru my trip report again because I didn't remember the timing but it looks like we got to the terminal at 10:15 and they didn't start checking us in til 10:30. We were on the ship by 12:15.

 

[Racer X]

Hi - we were also there last week and i wrote a little about this in my post. We had an 11:00 PAT. We stayed at the PP and like above, they had no clue. You will take your hotel elevator to the lobby. Then a second elevator to the "CS" level. This is the bus parking level as well. After walking a ways you will reach an area where passengers are embarking and disemabarking at the same time. Often from more than 1 ship. This is some of the issue. At that time, nobody knew where to direct us for our luggage. (and other guests as well). As odd as it seemed, it was like, oh - we have a ship to board here for the first time! I finally flagged down a porter who grabbed the luggage. I was a little nervous about it winding up in the right place... but all was well. After that you walk through a bunch of halls and doors finally ending up in check-in, then customs, then a waiting room, then another disney specific waiting area. I think we were on the ship by 12 as well. All in all not the worse thing in the world but certainly not Port Canaveral! Just a hint, make sure you arent just sitting around waiting to be pointed... ask questions and make sure you are in the right lines, etc. Often i spoke to other passengers who were waiting for other ships and didnt realize it. PM me if you would like some more in depth info, i would be happy to assist!

 

[anricat]

I found embarking in Vancouver to simple and straightforward. The terminal is really nice and open with lots of seating. We arrived at around 10 and they had just started taking bags. Originally we were then going to head up to FlyOver Canada, but we had already done it the day before so instead we wandered around and took some pictures of the ship before going into the terminal around 10:15. We breezed through security, customs, passport control and check-in. Other than check-in, we were with other passengers boarding the Norwegian Sun (the only other ship in port that day). We were sitting in the waiting area by around 11, at which time Mickey began greeting, at 11:30, Minnie came out. They started boarding around 11:45, we had boarding number 9 and were onboard right around noon.

 

[DisneyConvert]

So we will be walking from the Waterfront stop of the Canada Line train (from the airport area) in the morning, and wondering about where we go first . . .

Sounds like it depends on whether we go full carry-on or want to check our biggest bags?

Do we approach from street level,
https://goo.gl/maps/W8pxE3etZYA2
or does it make sense to go underground where the taxi's and the automobile's arrive?
https://goo.gl/maps/pJ8fgpJCWuH2

 

[GPaLarry]

We were on the Wonder June 19 as well (still looking for Cabanas upstairs in my home). Our group stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront, across the street from the cruise terminal, super easy to get to check-in. Because we were in a DCL-designated hotel we had one of their desks in the lobby. We drove from Portland, OR, so did not use DCL flight/transportation package. I asked at the desk if they would take our DCL-tagged luggage across the street and onto the ship...they do not. We only get that treatment if we paid for the above package...good to know. Morning of departure (11am boarding time) we walked across the street, down the sidewalk to the left of the driveways in/out for public/cruise parking to the CS level. Walked left and straight ahead to the wall signs directing you where to go/do and in what order. Now, we waited in the luggage check-in (far end of the the terminal) for our daughter and family to drive in (long story why they were not with us). The luggage handlers asked us to keep our bags with us until the others pulled around. They arrived (text/calling in Vancouver is iffy) around noon, we got their luggage with ours, checked it in, son-in-law parked car down the way (you can park anywhere that is not marked/reserved...be sure to reserve space in advance online). As mentioned above, there are several stages of check-in, but remember, you are in Canada going into the USA (Disney Wonder), so extra steps are needed. When we got our KTTW cards (we are gold) we were given a card with group "11" for boarding. However, like others, we were never delayed from then on and were waived right on board. We were on by 12:45 or so and went to lunch at Tritons. Rest of trip was awesome with only one day of light rain in Ketchikan. Our last "at sea" day the sun was out, temps around 75 on pool decks and everyone there got sunburned...happily. Did not see any bears on this trip but did see a hummingbird at Endicott Glacier...must have lived off the "drink-of-the-day." Great fun!

 

[Disneyfriend]

We were on the Wonder June 19 as well (still looking for Cabanas upstairs in my home). Our group stayed at the Fairmont Waterfront, across the street from the cruise terminal, super easy to get to check-in. Because we were in a DCL-designated hotel we had one of their desks in the lobby. We drove from Portland, OR, so did not use DCL flight/transportation package. I asked at the desk if they would take our DCL-tagged luggage across the street and onto the ship...they do not. We only get that treatment if we paid for the above package...good to know. Morning of departure (11am boarding time) we walked across the street, down the sidewalk to the left of the driveways in/out for public/cruise parking to the CS level. Walked left and straight ahead to the wall signs directing you where to go/do and in what order. Now, we waited in the luggage check-in (far end of the the terminal) for our daughter and family to drive in (long story why they were not with us). The luggage handlers asked us to keep our bags with us until the others pulled around. They arrived (text/calling in Vancouver is iffy) around noon, we got their luggage with ours, checked it in, son-in-law parked car down the way (you can park anywhere that is not marked/reserved...be sure to reserve space in advance online). As mentioned above, there are several stages of check-in, but remember, you are in Canada going into the USA (Disney Wonder), so extra steps are needed. When we got our KTTW cards (we are gold) we were given a card with group "11" for boarding. However, like others, we were never delayed from then on and were waived right on board. We were on by 12:45 or so and went to lunch at Tritons. Rest of trip was awesome with only one day of light rain in Ketchikan. Our last "at sea" day the sun was out, temps around 75 on pool decks and everyone there got sunburned...happily. Did not see any bears on this trip but did see a hummingbird at Endicott Glacier...must have lived off the "drink-of-the-day." Great fun!

Thank you for sharing your experience - and I am glad that you had such a lovely trip!

We leave very soon for our Alaska cruise, and are also staying at the Fairmont Waterfront. I am frustrated to hear of your experience with them *not* transferring the luggage, because I called the hotel just two weeks ago and was assured that they *did* provide that service through bell services. I'm not doubting what happened to you, just now wondering if they will handle our luggage transfer or not. Not that it will make or break our trip, but I'll admit that this service was a factor in choosing our hotel.

Anybody else stay recently at the Fairmont Waterfront?

 

[GPaLarry]

Thank you for sharing your experience - and I am glad that you had such a lovely trip!

We leave very soon for our Alaska cruise, and are also staying at the Fairmont Waterfront. I am frustrated to hear of your experience with them *not* transferring the luggage, because I called the hotel just two weeks ago and was assured that they *did* provide that service through bell services. I'm not doubting what happened to you, just now wondering if they will handle our luggage transfer or not. Not that it will make or break our trip, but I'll admit that this service was a factor in choosing our hotel.

Anybody else stay recently at the Fairmont Waterfront?

DISNEYFRIEND, rest assured that the Fairmont DOES offer this luggage service, only the DLC desk DOES NOT unless you buy into their flight/transportation package. The Fairmont is more than happy to deliver your luggage. You will have a great time. One thing that was a hoot was the Diaper Dash on the "at sea" day in the atrium coming back to Vancouver. It is hard on the smaller ships to scrounge up enough crawling babies for this event and we only had two available. There were three races. The first one was won by a baby that flashed across the finish line while the other baby just sat there and looked at her mother like she was being abandoned and wouldn't move. The second race was a rematch, but the "abandoned" baby wouldn't let go of her mother. I guess a third race was needed to determine the ultimate cruise champion, so then a 30ish-year-old guy (maybe the "abandoned" baby's father) in shorts decided he would give it a go. The place was in stitches. "Go!" The "diapered flash" started down the left lane while the dad slowly, deliberately, made his way down the right. Halfway down the course, the "flash" crossed all lanes to the right and cut off the dad and won going away. Fans 3-4 deep on every level gave both a huge hand and the winner got a prize. We laughed about this for hours.
Hint: if you are going on the Liarsville excursion in Skagway, look in the creek you cross on the way to the "panning for gold" platforms...look real hard...as Yoda would say, "rewarded will you be."

 

[PurplePencil]

So we will be walking from the Waterfront stop of the Canada Line train (from the airport area) in the morning, and wondering about where we go first . . .

Sounds like it depends on whether we go full carry-on or want to check our biggest bags?

Remember that if you carry all baggage on it must fit through the scanner (the same size as TSA)

 

[Ravenne]

We sailed last week. We stayed at the Pan Pacific for the convenience, but the concierge steered us a little wrong which ended up taking us longer. There is a very streamlined, numbered system if you follow it. 1) Drop off luggage at the lower cruise terminal level (This is where we went awry. Concierge directed us to step 2 first) 2) Go up one level for check in. There are lines for first timers, silver & gold castaway club, platinum and concierge level 3) Security 4)Customs 5)Get on the boat.

There were 3 boats loading last Monday. Our PAT was 11:30. Even with our backtracking, we were on the ship by 12:30. We didn't have to wait for our boarding group; they waved us right on. We went straight to Guest Services for a couple of issues and then to Triton's for lunch. After lunch our rooms were ready. Perfect timing!

Ok, so if you have luggage to check, you drop that off at the lower cruise terminal level FIRST, then go upstairs to check in and get KTTW cards, etc?

Can you also do kids club check in at port like at PC or is that done on the ship only?

 

[Disneyfriend]

DISNEYFRIEND, rest assured that the Fairmont DOES offer this luggage service, only the DLC desk DOES NOT unless you buy into their flight/transportation package. The Fairmont is more than happy to deliver your luggage. You will have a great time. One thing that was a hoot was the Diaper Dash on the "at sea" day in the atrium coming back to Vancouver. It is hard on the smaller ships to scrounge up enough crawling babies for this event and we only had two available. There were three races. The first one was won by a baby that flashed across the finish line while the other baby just sat there and looked at her mother like she was being abandoned and wouldn't move. The second race was a rematch, but the "abandoned" baby wouldn't let go of her mother. I guess a third race was needed to determine the ultimate cruise champion, so then a 30ish-year-old guy (maybe the "abandoned" baby's father) in shorts decided he would give it a go. The place was in stitches. "Go!" The "diapered flash" started down the left lane while the dad slowly, deliberately, made his way down the right. Halfway down the course, the "flash" crossed all lanes to the right and cut off the dad and won going away. Fans 3-4 deep on every level gave both a huge hand and the winner got a prize. We laughed about this for hours.
Hint: if you are going on the Liarsville excursion in Skagway, look in the creek you cross on the way to the "panning for gold" platforms...look real hard...as Yoda would say, "rewarded will you be."

GPaLarry,

Thank you for the clarification. I think I understand now! Bell services at the Fairmont Waterfront will take our luggage, but we can't do it through the actual Disney service desk at the hotel.

Thanks for the tips as well. I really cannot be more excited for this trip!

 

[Luckymommatoo]

Thought I'd update -- we took a cab from our hotel around 10:30. It was great -- the cab took us directly to a Disney-designated section of the parking garage. Porters took our luggage out of the cab, we got tags (since ours never arrived), and they took our luggage away. There were Disney CMs from there on out directing us through. We had almost no lines, and were sitting in the Disney terminal by 11. They started boarding at 11:15. We were boarding group 9 and were called at 11:45.

 

[xlxo]

Generally boarding is busiest 11am to 1:30pm. If you can avoid arriving at these two hours, you will have a better experience.... especially on a multi-ship day.

 

[anricat]

Ok, so if you have luggage to check, you drop that off at the lower cruise terminal level FIRST, then go upstairs to check in and get KTTW cards, etc?

Can you also do kids club check in at port like at PC or is that done on the ship only?

Correct. They take your bags lower level and then you take an elevator up to the upper level where you're joined with other passengers from other lines to go through security, etc. Once you're in the waiting area, yes, there's a check in deck for kid's club check in. However, if the line is long and they're boarding, skip and do it on board.

 

[anitag888]

Wow, I'm kind of surprised by some of the confusion. We sailed on 5/28, and everything was simple and streamlined, and everyone we asked for assistance, whether with the Pan or with DCL was very helpful. Even those who were unable to answer questions did a great job locating someone who was able to help us. (We needed an earlier boarding because my daughter was experiencing some physical distress as a result of her disability). Yes, there were a lot of lines and directions to follow, but things were clearly marked and easy to follow. Disembarkation. now that was another story

 

[Racer X]

Generally boarding is busiest 11am to 1:30pm. If you can avoid arriving at these two hours, you will have a better experience.... especially on a multi-ship day.

Perhaps you read another thread - it took them about an hour from cab to ship... how much faster do you want?

 

[Racer X]

Wow, I'm kind of surprised by some of the confusion. We sailed on 5/28, and everything was simple and streamlined, and everyone we asked for assistance, whether with the Pan or with DCL was very helpful. Even those who were unable to answer questions did a great job locating someone who was able to help us. (We needed an earlier boarding because my daughter was experiencing some physical distress as a result of her disability). Yes, there were a lot of lines and directions to follow, but things were clearly marked and easy to follow. Disembarkation. now that was another story

Glad all worked out well! Asking is definitely helpful. My original point (not really a complaint, but certainly open for improvement) is that the hotel does *NOT* IMO cater to the cruising public staying there... which is a huge missed opportunity. Why do i say this? No offer for luggage. Nothing in room. No signs in elevator. No signage in lobby or lower level.