**** Vancouver FAQ Thread **** A few updates in main post!

[chernabogfamily]

So, if I'm reading this right, to get from the airport to the cruise terminal would be $8.75 for adults and $7.50 for children (since it is a Tuesday cruise). If so, that is cheaper than the $50 per person roundtrip that Disney wants to charge for the bus. How convenient is it to get to the train station at the airport? How convenient is it to get from the train station to the port? If these are just a short walk, this is definitely something to consider.

I am also interested in this info. We are on the Jun 7 cruise, and are looking to get to the Pan Pacific Hotel from YVR the evening beforehand.

 

[Pocahantas]

I just got two rooms at the Pan Pacific for May 9 for $143 each through Hotwire. I am very excited!

What info did Hotwire use to describe the hotel? I am curious because I am seeing a 5* for my dates listed at $160 but I am having a hard time telling if it is the Pan Pacific or Sutton Place.

 

[poohj80]

What info did Hotwire use to describe the hotel? I am curious because I am seeing a 5* for my dates listed at $160 but I am having a hard time telling if it is the Pan Pacific or Sutton Place.

I'm curious too as I am only finding 4* hotels on Hotwire, no 5*.

Thanks!

 

[megsablue]

So, if I'm reading this right, to get from the airport to the cruise terminal would be $8.75 for adults and $7.50 for children (since it is a Tuesday cruise). If so, that is cheaper than the $50 per person roundtrip that Disney wants to charge for the bus. How convenient is it to get to the train station at the airport? How convenient is it to get from the train station to the port? If these are just a short walk, this is definitely something to consider.

I am also interested in this info. We are on the Jun 7 cruise, and are looking to get to the Pan Pacific Hotel from YVR the evening beforehand.

Correct - it would be $8.75 and $7.50 respectively. On the way back from Waterfront Station (near Canada Place) to YVR it would be $3.75 and $2.50 respectively because the YVR add-on fares only apply to fares leaving YVR.

At YVR, the Canada Line station is fairly close. You walk out from the International Arrivals area - cross the taxi lanes (there's a crosswalk guard there) and the station is right across the street. You go up the escalators or elevator to the station.

At Waterfront Station there's two exits - if you exit through the main exit, it's around a block and a half to Canada Place/Pan Pacific. If you exit from the side exit (Howe Street) as you exit, you'll be looking at Canada Place/Pan Pacific and it's not even half a block from there.

I've found it pretty easy to use the Canada Line when I need to head to the airport, but I'd pack as light as you can. If you have more than 1 piece of luggage each, it can make it harder to navigate (though my DH has done it before).

As a side note, rush hour for transit is from 7:30am - 9:00am (coming into Vancouver) and from 4:40pm - 6:00pm (going to Richmond/YVR). If you can avoid these times, I would! If you can't you can't, just be aware that it will be busier during these times.

 

[Lollipop's Mom]

I just updated the first post with this map - this shows the walking route/distance from skytrain station to port. We did this when we went on a weekend cruise on NCL and it wasn't bad with a small suitcase.

 

[DenverVal]

What info did Hotwire use to describe the hotel? I am curious because I am seeing a 5* for my dates listed at $160 but I am having a hard time telling if it is the Pan Pacific or Sutton Place.

Choose the zone it's in, choose 5 stars, and no more than two occupants. If you enter more, it doesn't come up. I booked through the Pan Pacific's website and noticed that there is a surcharge for additional adults ( I have an 18yo), but not for children. However, if you include the kids in your search, it won't work. Sutton Place has the same amenities; there's no way to tell.

 

[plutojudy]

Just rechecked with Dreams. Transfers are $50. per person.

 

[sheri117]

Choose the zone it's in, choose 5 stars, and no more than two occupants. If you enter more, it doesn't come up. I booked through the Pan Pacific's website and noticed that there is a surcharge for additional adults ( I have an 18yo), but not for children. However, if you include the kids in your search, it won't work. Sutton Place has the same amenities; there's no way to tell.

I entered two rooms and 8 occupants (4 in each room), and it came up. It was the only 5 star showing, and for my date (05/09) it was $143. I wasn't positive, but ended up lucky! So, for me, more than two occupants didn't make a difference (although we have two adults and two kids in each room).

 

[sheri117]

What info did Hotwire use to describe the hotel? I am curious because I am seeing a 5* for my dates listed at $160 but I am having a hard time telling if it is the Pan Pacific or Sutton Place.

I wasn't sure which it was - but I took a chance, and it was the Pan Pacific. I was the only 5 star listed for my date. I think the two hotels are described exactly the same, and you just have to hope for the best!

I figured even if it was Sutton Place, we'd work it out anyway, and at least I'd know it was a nice hotel.

 

[Pocahantas]

I wasn't sure which it was - but I took a chance, and it was the Pan Pacific. I was the only 5 star listed for my date. I think the two hotels are described exactly the same, and you just have to hope for the best!

I figured even if it was Sutton Place, we'd work it out anyway, and at least I'd know it was a nice hotel.

Did you notice if it was 80% Hotwire customer recommended or 90%?? I have read in a few places that people who won the Pan Pacific had the 90% rating and Sutton Place was usually around 80%. So I am really curious.

 

[sheri117]

Did you notice if it was 80% Hotwire customer recommended or 90%?? I have read in a few places that people who won the Pan Pacific had the 90% rating and Sutton Place was usually around 80%. So I am really curious.

It was 90%.

 

[nanaguide]

A newbie here - I have never used Hotwire or Priceline. Do they immediately charge your credit card for the room? We are going on the August 2 cruise and rooms are pretty expensive then. I thought I might try these sites.

 

[Evette]

A newbie here - I have never used Hotwire or Priceline. Do they immediately charge your credit card for the room? We are going on the August 2 cruise and rooms are pretty expensive then. I thought I might try these sites.

I used Hotwire.com to book the Pan Pacific for the night before our cruise on the June 7th sailing and they DO charge your credit card immediately. For my date of June 6 for three adults the cost of the room was $200.00 before taxes etc. This was my first time using the site and I was very happy we got the Pan Pacific.

 

[Pocahantas]

It was 90%.

Thanks that is what I needed to know.

 

[poohj80]

A newbie here - I have never used Hotwire or Priceline. Do they immediately charge your credit card for the room? We are going on the August 2 cruise and rooms are pretty expensive then. I thought I might try these sites.

But, you do not know which hotel you are getting until after you pay so you are taking a risk that you may not get exactly where you want. if you're flexible, it can be a great tool!

 

[DenverVal]

A newbie here - I have never used Hotwire or Priceline. Do they immediately charge your credit card for the room? We are going on the August 2 cruise and rooms are pretty expensive then. I thought I might try these sites.

The boards over at betterbidding.com will help guide you through the process. Read the stickys on the home page.

 

[mellers]

For those heading to Seattle, there's a great deal on a Groupon for a Deception Pass Jet Boat Tour, but it's only available for about 2.5 more hours:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/deception-pass-tours-seattle?utm_campaign=deception-pass-tours-seattle

 

[mellers]

Clipper Vacations is offering some Spring sales--May visitors to Seattle may want to take note:

http://www.clippervacations.com/

 

[dkmjgal]

Looking for suggestions for our upcoming trip. We are sailing on the August 16th Alaska cruise. We are flying into Seattle on Sat. Aug. 13th and taking Amtrak to Vancouver on Sunday. We should arrive in Vancouver around noon on Sunday. We are staying at the Marriott Pinnacle.

1) What is the best way to get to our hotel? I'm thinking a taxi probably?
2) What would you say are the not to be missed things while in Vancouver?
3) Best options for getting around? I'm thinking public transportation and good old fashioned walking?
4) Best way to get to port on Tuesday? Taxi?

Any and all suggestions are appreciated.
Thanks-
Kelly

 

[adnil530]

For those heading to Seattle, there's a great deal on a Groupon for a Deception Pass Jet Boat Tour, but it's only available for about 2.5 more hours:

http://www.groupon.com/deals/deception-pass-tours-seattle?utm_campaign=deception-pass-tours-seattle

I missed that deal, dang! But thanks for the great tip/reminder I didn't even think about checking groupon. I'll now check Seattle and Portland since we are driving up and will be taking our time coming back.

Linda