Question regarding HAL Transfer from Seattle Airport to Pier 30

[Alaskabound77]

Good morning, everyone. We bought the HAL tranfers for the shuttle from the Seattle airport to Pier 30. Can anyone give me some detailed instructions of what exactly we need to do regarding getting our luggage from the carousel to the bus, location of bus in the airport, etc? I will have two very small children with me and am a little anxious about this part of the trip.

Thanks!

[talltexan]

This thread may be helpful to you http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=788926 It seems like many don't think the HAL bus is worth the trouble.
For other options you might consult this one where SeattleCruiselover has answered hundreds of questions about transportation and lodging http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=720705

[Krazy Kruizers]

Personally -- I would hire a limo - especially with 2 small children.

[Alaskabound77]

Talltexan-
Thank you for the response. My problem is that both kids legally need carseats but they don't need carseats on the buses. We could probably get away with it in a limo, but I would feel just terrible if we did get in an accident. At least on a bus, the kids are less likely to be injured as the bus is bigger. So I'm pretty much forced into this option even though it is less than optional (I've been advised that we will not be able to find a cab with an infant and a toddler carseat).

[CoconutFish]

My info is from last September.

There will be a HAL rep (in a red shirt) near the luggage carousel. This person will direct you. It is a breeze if you just follow the instructions.

For us, there was an area about 15 feet away from the carousel, roped off, exclusively for HAL luggage. All luggage is collected from this location and transported to the ship.
Then, it was a long walk from this end of the baggage area to the other, where the buses were waiting just outside the doors. There is only one way to go and you walk until you see more HAL reps and the buses. The buses will be clearly marked "HAL". It was a 20 minute trip to the ship.
Have a great cruise!

[jtl513]

I agree that the HAL bus is not worth it, but since it's a done deal: don't worry about it. You will find red-jacketed HAL greeters in the baggage claim area who will guide you. On occasion we've had them walk with us to conveyor belt and chit-chat, other times they just direct you. With kids in tow you are likely to get extra help.

Once you've identified your bags (or taken them to) one of these service reps they will take care of the bags and direct you to the bus boarding location. When you get off the bus you will have to identify yours bags, insure they are properly marked for your cabin (i.e., no tags have been ripped off) and turn them over to a porter. Tip the porter about $2 to $3 per bag. I also give the bus driver $2 or $3 (not per bag).

[Alaskabound77]

I agree that the HAL bus is not worth it, but since it's a done deal: don't worry about it. You will find red-jacketed HAL greeters in the baggage claim area who will guide you. On occasion we've had them walk with us to conveyor belt and chit-chat, other times they just direct you. With kids in tow you are likely to get extra help.

Once you've identified your bags (or taken them to) one of these service reps they will take care of the bags and direct you to the bus boarding location. When you get off the bus you will have to identify yours bags, insure they are properly marked for your cabin (i.e., no tags have been ripped off) and turn them over to a porter. Tip the porter about $2 to $3 per bag. I also give the bus driver $2 or $3 (not per bag).

Thanks for the info! And I always appreciate info on how much to tip.

[wrp96]

One thing you may want to do, in order to make transporting the luggage easier, is as soon as you get down to baggage claim pay the $3.00 to rent one of the smart cartes to haul your luggage and carryons. That way you will leave one parent with completely free hands to control the little ones.

[Kate's Mom]

My husband and I are traveling with our one y/o less than two weeks and decided that using a limo service is so much easier. For only a few more dollars, we will have help with our luggage, carseat, stroller and so forth.

[Alaskabound77]

Thanks, Kate's Mom. I still think the shuttle is best for us with two kids. I do not bring carseats on planes so we won't have that hassle. I treated myself to a Beco Butterfly carrier that the baby LOVES so that leaves me with the 4 yo who can walk or ride in the umbrella stroller if he insists. I really like the idea of dropping off our luggage at the airport and not dealing w/ it again until it shows up in our room.

[mp006]

We just got back from Seattle and stayed in a Seattle airport Hotel. We booked the Seattle Express Shuttle ahead of time for only $12.00 per person one-way (going back to the airport with them is only $10.00 if you do the first leg with them). Driver was on-time (actually early) and even with picking up other passengers, we made it to port within a half-hour.
If you check the west-coast board you'll see links to their shuttle.