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

[poohj80]

We opted to fly into Seattle instead of Vancouver for our cruise on HAL in May. Saved us big bucks. We are flying in the day before and staying one night at Inn at the Market. Chose it because it is right across the street from Pike Place Market and figured we could spend the afternoon. (FYI -- they close EARLY -- like 6 p.m., which really surprised me).

We are booked on the Amtrak train the next morning at 7:40 a.m. and plan on getting to the station by 6 a.m. to get our luggage checked and our seat assignments. Debating on whether to upgrade to business class.

Post-cruise we are taking Amtrak back to Seattle and spending four nights then flying home from there. I absolutely love trains and this was an easy decision between renting a car or car service or taking Amtrak.

We are also staying at Pan Pacific, but booked it with AAA discount and got a terrific package deal that includes the breakfast buffet every morning (normally $30/pp) and porter service to the terminal downstairs. We booked it in early January and I don't see that offer any more on their website. HOWEVER, they do have an offer right now for a decent price for harbor view rooms, but you have to pay in full and it does not include breakfast.

We did the same thing last year for our Alaska cruise. I highly recommend Business Class on Amtrak. It wasn't much more and one perk we didn't know ahead of time is that Business Class gets off first in Vancouver which means a shorter wait through customs and for a taxi.

We had also booked Pan Pacific with AAA rate first but then ended up getting it on Hotwire for half the price closer to our cruise. Porter service for your bags to the terminal is included for all guests and does not cost anything extra.

 

[RedSox68]

Quick question: any recommendations for cab/car services in Vancouver? We only need it from Amtrak station to Pan Pacific. Thanks.

 

[RedSox68]

We did the same thing last year for our Alaska cruise. I highly recommend Business Class on Amtrak. It wasn't much more and one perk we didn't know ahead of time is that Business Class gets off first in Vancouver which means a shorter wait through customs and for a taxi.

We had also booked Pan Pacific with AAA rate first but then ended up getting it on Hotwire for half the price closer to our cruise. Porter service for your bags to the terminal is included for all guests and does not cost anything extra.

Pooh: Actually, I have to "slightly" disagree with the highlighted comment above. I had several conversations with them about this very fact because some of their online packages include this service as a bonus. The service is free, but the gratuity is not. If the service is included in your package, then it is "free" because the gratuity is also included. So basically the service is free overall, you just have to tip them if it's not part of your package

Also, Pooh, how did you narrow it down on Hotwire to be sure you got Pan Pacific? That's why I didn't try it because I want Pan Pacific. Thanks.

 

[poohj80]

Actually, I have to slightly disagree with the highlighted comment above. I had several conversations with them about this very fact because some of their online packages include this service as a bonus. The service is free, but the gratuity is not. If the service is included in your package, then it is "free" because the gratuity is also included. So basically the service is free overall, you just have to tip them if it's not part of your package

Well, you don't HAVE to tip them, but it is customary.

 

[RedSox68]

Well, you don't HAVE to tip them, but it is customary.

I know I know -- you're right. Funny thing is, even if I had gotten the package that included that service, I'd probably tip them again anyway

 

[tink1963]

We opted to fly into Seattle instead of Vancouver for our cruise on HAL in May. Saved us big bucks. We are flying in the day before and staying one night at Inn at the Market. Chose it because it is right across the street from Pike Place Market and figured we could spend the afternoon. (FYI -- they close EARLY -- like 6 p.m., which really surprised me).

We are booked on the Amtrak train the next morning at 7:40 a.m. and plan on getting to the station by 6 a.m. to get our luggage checked and our seat assignments. Debating on whether to upgrade to business class.

Post-cruise we are taking Amtrak back to Seattle and spending four nights then flying home from there. I absolutely love trains and this was an easy decision between renting a car or car service or taking Amtrak.

We are also staying at Pan Pacific, but booked it with AAA discount and got a terrific package deal that includes the breakfast buffet every morning (normally $30/pp) and porter service to the terminal downstairs. We booked it in early January and I don't see that offer any more on their website. HOWEVER, they do have an offer right now for a decent price for harbor view rooms, but you have to pay in full and it does not include breakfast.

I agree with poohj80, go for the business upgrade. It is so worth it. And if I recall the upgrade is not much more $$$.

 

[poohj80]

I agree with poohj80, go for the business upgrade. It is so worth it. And if I recall the upgrade is not much more $$$.

I wanna say it was only $14 pp or so for the upgrade when we booked. With Business Class, you also don't need to get to the train station quite so early either.

 

[jilljill]

We opted to fly into Seattle instead of Vancouver for our cruise on HAL in May. Saved us big bucks. We are flying in the day before and staying one night at Inn at the Market. Chose it because it is right across the street from Pike Place Market and figured we could spend the afternoon. (FYI -- they close EARLY -- like 6 p.m., which really surprised me).

We are booked on the Amtrak train the next morning at 7:40 a.m. and plan on getting to the station by 6 a.m. to get our luggage checked and our seat assignments. Debating on whether to upgrade to business class.

Post-cruise we are taking Amtrak back to Seattle and spending four nights then flying home from there. I absolutely love trains and this was an easy decision between renting a car or car service or taking Amtrak.

We are also staying at Pan Pacific, but booked it with AAA discount and got a terrific package deal that includes the breakfast buffet every morning (normally $30/pp) and porter service to the terminal downstairs. We booked it in early January and I don't see that offer any more on their website. HOWEVER, they do have an offer right now for a decent price for harbor view rooms, but you have to pay in full and it does not include breakfast.

I wouldn't plan on getting to the station at 6am, that's a long time to stand around and wait to check bags and get seat assignments. We arrived just around 7am, checked our bags and the line to start the seat assignments didn't open until 7:10. We had no problem getting seats for 7 of us together.
You should check what time the station opens and what time they will start accepting checked luggage.

 

[RedSox68]

I wouldn't plan on getting to the station at 6am, that's a long time to stand around and wait to check bags and get seat assignments. We arrived just around 7am, checked our bags and the line to start the seat assignments didn't open until 7:10. We had no problem getting seats for 7 of us together.
You should check what time the station opens and what time they will start accepting checked luggage.

Station in Seattle opens at 6 a.m. and checked baggage starts at 6:15 a.m.

As for business class, I spoke with Amtrak twice today and the ONLY amenities it provides is larger seating area and leg room and electrical outlets and comp newspaper and beverage -- and fewer passengers in the car. Although some said previously that they got early boarding and were the first to get off, I was told by two different agents that business class DOES NOT provide early boarding or disembarking from the train. They said that business class and regular class are boarded and let off the train at the same time. They did say, however, that depending on where the business class car is located, (like if it is the first car) then you might have a step ahead of the back cars in getting into the station and to customs first.

When I called, the business class from Seattle to Vancouver for our day was already sold out. But since both our trains originate at the stations and will be empty, I don't see the benefit of upgrading for a four hour trip. They said just get there at least 45-50 minutes ahead and once luggage is checked, get in line and we should have no problem.

 

[poohj80]

Station in Seattle opens at 6 a.m. and checked baggage starts at 6:15 a.m.

As for business class, I spoke with Amtrak twice today and the ONLY amenities it provides is larger seating area and leg room and electrical outlets and comp newspaper and beverage -- and fewer passengers in the car. Although some said previously that they got early boarding and were the first to get off, I was told by two different agents that business class DOES NOT provide early boarding or disembarking from the train. They said that business class and regular class are boarded and let off the train at the same time. They did say, however, that depending on where the business class car is located, (like if it is the first car) then you might have a step ahead of the back cars in getting into the station and to customs first.

When I called, the business class from Seattle to Vancouver for our day was already sold out. But since both our trains originate at the stations and will be empty, I don't see the benefit of upgrading for a four hour trip. They said just get there at least 45-50 minutes ahead and once luggage is checked, get in line and we should have no problem.

I never saw anything in writing about business class loading/unloading perks, but they most definitely boarded first in Seattle and disembarked first in Vancouver and it was not the first car. In fact, we were more toward the back behind the dining car. Did you speak to someone in Seattle or just the Amtrak 800 number?

 

[RedSox68]

I never saw anything in writing about business class loading/unloading perks, but they most definitely boarded first in Seattle and disembarked first in Vancouver and it was not the first car. In fact, we were more toward the back behind the dining car. Did you speak to someone in Seattle or just the Amtrak 800 number?

Both. Doesn't matter -- since the business class is sold out from Seattle, I'm not going to worry about getting it the other way. But thanks

 

[poohj80]

Both. Doesn't matter -- since the business class is sold out from Seattle, I'm not going to worry about getting it the other way. But thanks

Keep checking. It originally showed sold out on ours too but some seats opened up later - I guess some folks changed their plans.

 

[tomoyo]

You might want to call for more info, but I read on another forum that Amtrak is switching the Cascades out for a Superliner in May, which means no business class.

 

[towels]

It may vary from station to station. I know for a fact when DW took a train trip PDX to Tacoma last weekend they had Business class board first. When she came back I think they all disembarked at the same time, but I could easily see it being based on the setup and operations in each city.

Hopefully the switch out is just a rumor. A little extra room goes a long ways.

 

[tomoyo]

Sorry, I should've clarified, the person that started the post said she was contacted by Amtrak about change for the month of May. It's only temporary.

 

[mkladypink]

We are on the repo that leaves out of Vancouver and returns to Seattle. My question is: our embarkation day is the Victoria Day Holiday...what will be closed because of the holiday? I am most curious about the wine/liquor stores as I want to get a bottle of 'something' for the stateroom. From my research it looks like the store in Harbor Centre will be closed (also on Sunday, when we arrive). Does anyone know where else we might 'shop'? Thanks!

 

[mellers]

We are on the repo that leaves out of Vancouver and returns to Seattle. My question is: our embarkation day is the Victoria Day Holiday...what will be closed because of the holiday? I am most curious about the wine/liquor stores as I want to get a bottle of 'something' for the stateroom. From my research it looks like the store in Harbor Centre will be closed (also on Sunday, when we arrive). Does anyone know where else we might 'shop'? Thanks!

Most public services will be closed on Victoria Day, as I recall. That would include all liquor stores, I believe. Maybe somebody knows more, but that is how it was on Canada Day when we visited.

If it's your embarkation day, this probably isn't a concern, but many shops and restaurants will close early for the holiday, I would suspect.

 

[LeslieG]

You might want to call for more info, but I read on another forum that Amtrak is switching the Cascades out for a Superliner in May, which means no business class.

I checked the Saturday, Sunday and Monday before the cruise, and the morning trains have no business class, but the evening trains do. I guess they don't use the same train for both.

Does anyone know what the difference is between the Cascades and Superliner? Besides no business class of course.

 

[poohj80]

For those who have asked about airport shuttle vs taxis vs private car service in Seattle...

We used www.seattleairportexpress.com since we had 5 people and a lot of luggage (would have required 2 taxis). They picked us up promptly, had the booster seat we requested, and were very professional. They had the best rates at the time last year. We used them for airport pick-up to hotel then hotel to Amtrak station.

 

[Epcotopia]

Does anyone know if the 2012 Entertainment Book for Vancouver has the 50% off for Quick Coach? And BOGO for the Trolley Company?

Thanks! We're so excited!