Recent Alaskan Cruises - Disembark Time

[DizMagic]

For those of you recently back from the Alaskan cruise, what time did the ship disembark in Vancouver and how long did it take you to retrieve luggage and clear customs (do we have to clear customs)? I have an 8:30 breakfast with the bears at Grouse Mountain on the disembark day and know it will be tight. Just wanted to see how tight.

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Just going to add the instructions you get.




We got off at 7.15am express walk off but that's not this season.

 

[sharksfinatic17]

So you will need to do Express Walk-Off in order to make your breakfast with the bears. Do NOT put your luggage out the night before.

 

[disprincess4ever]

This past Monday they let people with express walk off leave the ship around 7:45.

 

[bcwife76]

A 7:45am express walk off for an 8:30am breakfast with bears will be nearly impossible I have to say. Not only do you have to GET to the bottom of Grouse Mtn, you need to take the tram UP the mountain. Can you change your reservation? I'd make it for 9:30 if you can.

 

[Ovloubet]

I went on the 6/15-6/22 Alaska sailing this year. We did Express Walk-Off, was announced to disembark around 7:45a.

We got to the lobby around 7:50a and a line had already formed. It took us about 5-10 min standing in line to get off the ship & about 10-15 min in the line up the gangway & through the terminal. Customs took 2 mins, walking to get a cab took 2 min, & standing in taxi line took 1 min before we were packing up the bags in the cab.

All in all, it took us about 20-25 min from the time we got in line on the ship to the moment we were in the cab & driving out of the port terminal.

And I agree with the previous poster - if you can, push back the breakfast time. Remember that you disembark on a weekday so there could be more traffic than usual. Even without traffic, I think it's a 30 min drive from Canada Place port to Grouse Mtn.

I'd suggest to stand in "line" with your bags around 7a, so you can be one of the first to get off the ship.

Good luck!

P.S. - Make sure to have your kttw cards ready --- they won't let you off the ship unless they scan your card. *I saw people scrambling because they had packed them in a bag or purse...this will delay you.*

 

[KristiMc]

I would move your reservation back. I don't think you will be able to make 8:30. Are you going to need time to drop off your bags somewhere or do you have your own car?

 

[DizMagic]

The only time I saw available for the breakfast was 8:30. we are staying at the Pan so I thought we could leave our bags there and hop in a cab. It is the LAST breakfast of the season so our only chance. I already purchased tickets so at this point, we will just get there as fast as we can. The tickets are non refundable. I will try and call them closer to the date and let them know we may be a few minutes late but will be there