Alaska Cruise priority disembarking quest.

[anteween]

We are going on an Alaskan cruise next July. We leave Wittier(anchorage) and disembarking in Vancouver. The boat docks around 7:30-8:00am. Most of the flights I want to leave on out of Vancouver are around 11:00am. Has anyone been on an Alaskan cruise? Have you ever had to have a priority disembarking. I was told by Princess that if I pre-arrange with the purser that it is possible.

Anyone out there with this experience? How long did it take to clear customs?

 

[beejaybeeohio]

go to cruise critic

and post there. As I recall there is a program called something like "bags first" that will get your luggage direct from ship to the airport. This should help you make your 11am flight more easily since you can just go thru screening and not have to worry about checking bags too.

 

[Linda74]

Go to www.cruisecritic.com.....find an Alaska cruise board or a board for your ship and ask there....tons of information for you

 

[Dave M]

I'll save you the trouble. This is one of the best CC threads on the topic. Bottom line: It's risky to book a flight that early.

 

[charford]

Even after the ship docks, the ship will have to pass Canadian customs and immigration. That is not necessarily a speedy process. After you disembark, you will pass through Canadian customs and immigration, and catch a taxi to the airport. Both could involve long waits. For flights to the U.S. from Canada, I usually try to be at the airport at least 2 hours before departure. This is because you pass through U.S. customs and immigration at airport before you get on the plane. The whole process could take 5 hours or more. I would recommend a flight leaving after 1 p.m.

 

[anteween]

Thanks for your help. The link was great. I didn't know about this site. It was very helpful.

 

[Debbie0329]

Vancouver

Why not spend the night in Vancouver - if you've never been there it's a great city - Stanley Park is really nice, lots of great restaurants, take the on/off trolley tour to see the most.

Then catch a flight the next day...

Deb

 

[Andar]

Thanks for your help. The link was great. I didn't know about this site. It was very helpful.

That is a great site to answer your questions. Don't forget to visit the roll call for your particular cruise. We are going to Alaska Sept. 1 and already have our roll call going. Have a great cruise