Cruise transfer between Vancouver and Seattle?

[Joy2theWorld]

Well, I booked Amtrak from Seattle to Vancouver and I'm considering options for our return trip on Sept. 24. I've been looking into renting a car and spending some time in Vancouver and crossing the border later to avoid all the crowds. However, we have a 6 AM flight the next morning and if we don't get back to Seattle until midnight or so we are going to have a very restless night. We'll have to be at the airport between 3 and 4 am. I'm wondering if spending a few hours in Vancouver is worth all the hassle and a sleepless night. I know Quick shuttle is an option as is the Amtrak bus, but perhaps a cruiseline transfer if available would be even easier.
Any guidance would be appreciated. My biggest fear is having a nice relaxing trip, but then one day at the end that ruins it all.
Thanks!

[jhannah]

There is so much to see in Vancouver that just a few hours would be a waste of time, IMO. Plan on going back some day when you can devote some time to that beautiful city.

[happy cruzer]

Hi, I did this cruise transfer with Celebrityin 1999?. I must say that I thought it went smoothly. It was on a large touring style bus with the restrooms in back and plenty of storage underneath for luggage. The bus did have to stop at the US border at that time all you had to do was exit the bus show your paperwork and back on the bus. But even then we were warned that some buses have all the luggage checked. But no mater what you will have to cross the border so I think it might just be easier with an escort on the bus that has done it many times. Only down side was the bus parked and then we had to drag luggage about a quarter of mile or wait for transport to the terminals (they were only able to take about 4 at a time). This is probably old news but at least it will start you on some of the details to consider.

[Dog Mommie]

I agree w/ Jim. Vancouver is a destination on its own, and deserves days, not hours.

Here's what we did:

Rent the car at the airport (we had enough time to do the little ship excursion around Vancouver and dropping us off at the airport).

Get off the main highway 5 and take the unbelievably scenic drive along the coast to Seattle. Other posters can tell you the correct name...see Western Departures to ask...but it's something like Chucknuit?????:confused:

Loved this almost as much as our cruise!:p

Got into Seattle around 6P.M., had time for dinner and a nap!

[doctork]

The border crossing from Canada often involves a wait on Sunday afternoon; that is the case whether traveling by private car or bus. Some have told me the Amtrak train is expedited, but I can't speak from personal experience on that. The "truck crossing" about one-quarter mile east of the I-5 Peace Arch border crossing is usually faster. All pretty easy, just sometimes a wait (can be up to 2 hours, radio stations give "border crossing reports").

We live about 20 miles south of the border. The Chuckanut Drive mentioned above is spectacularly beautiful on a clear day - views of Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands, as well as a couple nice restaurants along the way (Oyster Bar is frequently recommended). It's exit 250 or 251 off I-5 I think - clearly marked. About 20 - 25 miles then you rejoin I-5.

Vancouver is lovely - I think the suggestion of a bus tour overview might be a good idea, to whet your appetite for a return visit, but a least you get to admire the city.

[Joy2theWorld]

I'm assuming if we could find a bus tour through HAL that they would store our luggage below, right?

[funlovin'cruiser]

I'm assuming if we could find a bus tour through HAL that they would store our luggage below, right?

HAL owns Grayline of Seattle (and Alaska for that matter) which runs tranfers between Vancouver and Seattle. Either you or you travel agent can call HAL Reservations and have them add it to your booking. I think that it is $60 per person, but don't quote me on that. Alternatively, since it sounds like you are doing your air on your own, call World Wide Shore Services (owned also by...HAL) at (800) 355-3023 since they are the part of the company that actually manages the transfers.

Cheers!