What time embarkation at Canada Place

[localady]

I just wondered if anyone could comment on embarkation at Canada Place. Last year due to them needing to "reboot" the Ship:eek: , we were unable to board before 3pm. I also remember that it was slow because of a delay from the US Customs ppl not being there to process us before actually boarding. Just wondered if any of this seasons Alaska cruisers could address this????? What time were you able to embark your ship???

Thanks in advance:cool:

[DonMaryCar]

We were on the Statendam's May 23rd sailing. Landed in Vancouver at noon and as soon as we boarded bus went straight to Canada Place and boarded very smoothly. We were on board at 12:30 and there were quite a few on board. We did back to backs and for the 2nd week when they boarded in Seward they started allowing passengers on at 11:20. The crew said they try to start embarkation at 11:30.

Have a great cruise

;)

[Krazy Kruizers]

:)

HAL is using the new boarding time pretty much at all ports - even foreign ones.

:)

[localady]

Thanks soooo much for the information!!! I knew they were trying to do this at most ports, just wasn't sure that they would be able to in Vancouver with US Customs!

[dam1050]

I also remember that it was slow because of a delay from the US Customs ppl not being there to process us before actually boarding. Just wondered if any of this seasons Alaska cruisers could address this????? What time were you able to embark your ship???

On my Volendam sailing in May I arrived at Canada Place very shortly after 12 Noon and was able to board immediately. The key to boarding quickly is to have your immigration documents filled out beforehand on the HAL website and the printout in your possession. This will enable you to bypass long lineups inside and get priority check-in.

The cabins themselves are not ready until around 1:30 pm , however you may drop off your carryon luggage with staff on the Lido deck for safekeeping and enjoy exploring the ship or relax in the buffet in the meantime.

Have a great cruise.

Dave

[localady]

Thanks Dave!

Being frequent cruisers we always fill out and sign our immigration forms for HAL prior to embarkation! Makes life much, much easier!! Thanks for the information all!!:D

[Barocl]

Just returned from Alaska on the Statendam. The US customs people do not open until 12:00 noon. So all the people that arrived after that time are quickly processed. On the other hand if you arrive around 10:00 am you will sit around until the US customs opens. Take care.

[Esme]

localady - same thing happened to us last year in Vancouver. US Immigration did not arrive until nearly 2pm and by the time they set up and started processing everyone we weren't on the ship until after 3pm. The excuse we heard was that they didn't have enough staff and there was more of a need for them at the airport. Who knows. :rolleyes:

Glad to hear that the early boarding time is now in process at Canada Place. Guess the US are not sending more Immigration people to Vancouver to handle the jobs at the airport and the cruise ports.