Hello,
We will be a group of 5 (ages 80, 76, 58, 54, and 16 when we travel). Grandma & Grandpa can still "get around," but prefer not to walk long dstances, if possible. We hope to stay 2 nights pre-cruise at the PanPacific. I've read here that Taxis are small and can only hold 3-4 people w/luggage.
It's also worth noting that taxis from the cruise terminal, regardless of size, will only take 2 people (or at least would only take 2 people the last time I was there, last summer.) However, you can book cars which will hold more people. We used
Ridebooker and got a pretty good deal by booking a large (9 or 10 person) van, which held us, my folded mobility scooter, and all of our luggage.
1. Any tips on the best/most cost effective airline/airfare from GRR to YVR? (I'm assuming round trip YVR is better for us than SeaTac to minimize transfers & too much walking for the "Grandparents" but please correct me if there's a better way!)
Alaska Airlines is probably the most common airline for this neck of the woods, and if you get their
affinity credit card, you can get a companion airfare for $100 (or at least you could last time I checked--double-check). You also generally get 25K miles when you apply, which might get you a free ticket. Many of us who live in Seattle (including me) have the card, but I don't know if they go to Grand Rapids, so I'd check first. As to whether or not YVR is better than SeaTac, not necessarily. You would have a longish bus ride from SeaTac, but it is less difficult to go through customs on the bus than in the airport (my opinion as a mobility-challenged person). If there is a big price difference in favor of Seattle, go to
QuickShuttle. They will take you directly from SeaTac to the Pan Pacific Hotel.
(Worth noting: If you do take the QuickShuttle, either get a meal to go which you plan to eat before your reach the border, along with some water, or drinks and border-safe snacks, because it is a long ride and there isn't a meal stop. There is, however, a restroom onboard.)
Alternatively, if you wanted to spend one night in Seattle and one night in Vancouver (while one technically can get up Canada Place on the day of the cruise, I wouldn't recommend it), if you stay at the Best Western Executive Inn, you can take the QuickShuttle directly from the hotel to the Pan Pacific, and the Executive Inn is located close to the Space Needle and several museums.
2. What is the best/most hassle-free way to get 5 of us (with "average" luggage) from YVR to Pan Pacific? Limo?
We used Ridebooker, but somebody might have a cheaper, better option. You'll definitely want to hire a car, though.
3. What is the best way to get 5 of us (with "average" luggage) from back to YVR from the port on departure day?
You definitely want to hire a car (either through Ridebooker or someone else's option). You don't want to take a taxi. If you're going to Sea-Tac, take the QuickShuttle. It will take you directly to the airport.
4. Should we plan on flying home the same day the cruise ends? or should we stay overnight at an airport hotel and try to fly out early next day?
If you're flying out of YVR, I'd book for after 3 p.m. You should be fine. However, I'd seriously consider staying overnight at Seattle and flying out the next morning, just in case there's a problem at the border. That said, you're still probably safe if you fly out after 5 p.m. and catch the first QuickShuttle.
5. I have seen some tips on getting good Pan Pacific rates on Hotwire. Is there any way to book a harbor-view room using Hotwire or other discount site? (Wishful thinking here...)
Sometimes they have special rates for
AAA or Entertainment members at the Fairmont Waterfront, as well as the Pan Pacific. Both are close enough to the port to be very convenient. I also noticed that the QuickShuttle offered some package deals--you might see what they have to offer, if you fly into Sea-Tac
