Booking flights/transfers/hotels through RSSC

[Boo Boo]

Hi

I am looking to book an Alaskan cruise with Regent (our first with the cruise line).

I have already booked international flights (British Airways currently have a "2 for 1" sale on - with fairly unbeatable fares, so I just took advantage). But we are flying into LA (to visit family) and out of Vancouver - so I need to book internal flights (LA to Anchorage), hotel in Anchorage (1 night), then the train transfers to Seward for the start of the cruise. Also looking for one night post cruise.

Any advantages (or disadvantages) at all to booking the internal flight, hotel and transfer through Regent (rather than booking them myself)?

Anything else useful to know as a "first time cruiser" with Regent?

Thanks
Boo

[Paint Horse]

I arrange the air travel and the car service from the house to the airport through the travel agent, but I let Regent handle everything else. The reason I do this is for the seamless experience. I very much like someone to be standing there with a sign that says Regent, walk this way. This way I need worry about nothing, I hope. As I dislike traveling anyway, anything I can do to minimize problems is what I do.

I understand from others that the main disadvantage to this is higher cost. I cannot say if this is correct as I have never done it any other way.

[cruiseej]

I have already booked international flights (British Airways currently have a "2 for 1" sale on - with fairly unbeatable fares, so I just took advantage). But we are flying into LA (to visit family) and out of Vancouver - so I need to book internal flights (LA to Anchorage), hotel in Anchorage (1 night), then the train transfers to Seward for the start of the cruise. Also looking for one night post cruise. Any advantages (or disadvantages) at all to booking the internal flight, hotel and transfer through Regent (rather than booking them myself)?

Since all you're looking for is a one-way flight from LA to Anchorage, I can't imagine booking through Regent will be advantageous. Take the credit for not using Regent air and book your one-way flight on your own.

For Alaska especially, you can easily book hotels at both ends on your own without paying Regent's premium rates. And the train or bus transfer to Seward is equally easy to book on your own.

The advantage of booking Regent air is that they handle the transfers, and should you get delayed, they'll help get you to the ship. But if you're flying in a day early, you don't really need that protection.

I recommend visiting the Alaska port of call board here on Cruise Critic. You'll find a number of threads on hotels in both Anchorage and Vancouver. Hopefully others here will chime in with their hotel recommendations.

-- Eric

[Carol From California]

We are in Los Angeles and booked an Alaska cruise this summer. This is also our first cruise with Regent. The advantages of booking air through them:

1. They take care of transfers from airport to hotel when you arrive in Anchorage.
2. I heard they also take your bags when you check out of the hotel and they will be waiting for you in your cabin.
2. They fly you in the day before and put you up at the Hiton for free.
3. They have a discounted train rate from Anchorage to Seward. $90/pp. It's a charter. If you book the train yourself it leaves at 6:45 AM...a bit too early for me.
4. They arrange your transfers from Vancouver to the airport.

The cost was about the same, as I was initially going to book air myself, but when I found out they fly you in the day before and pay for the hotel, and with the transfers included I decided to book it through Regent.

[MtnDriver]

It has been my experience that while there is a small premium letting Regent make the arrangements, it leaves me with less to worry about.

[Boo Boo]

Hi

Thank you for the really helpful replies :)

I usually book everything seperately (on other cruises and trips). I would be more inclined to book through Regent for Alaska because it is slightly more "complicated" (have never been to Anchorage before and it is some distance from the Port). For me, that has more potential to go wrong than somewhere like Miami... (which is very straightforward).

I generally "know what I want". Would like the 8am flight from LAX (the only alternative is a very late flight - which doesn't suit us, especially since we don't tend to fully adjust our body clocks from UK time), probably in First Class (long flight and doesn't cost much more than economy). Hilton sounds fine and the train sounds a lot more fun than a coach transfer...

So Regent charter a special train? Can passengers JUST purchase the transfer (with purchasing the flight/hotel) through the cruiseline? What time does the charter train usually leave?

If you book air through Regent, can you specify the flight time (i.e. the 8am direct flight from LAX) or do they tend to just alllocate you "pot luck"?

What I will probably do is research the cost of the options I want myself, plus ask Regent to cost the same things for me. If it works out similar-ish, then going through Regent sounds like a good move (especially if they did put us up in the Hilton for free).

Will be popping over to the Alaska "Port of Call" forum.

Thank you - hopefully the cruise is as nice and as civilised as the posters here :)
Boo

[poss]

Boo: Yes, one can purchase the train transfer through Regent even though one is not doing the whole air package. Instead of the $90 per person, I believe it's around $140 pp. And my memory is that the train leaves from the airport in Anchorage. I believe you'd have to be at the airport around 11:00. But check me on all this. Just telephone a Regent rep and they should be able to provide all the specifics. (But I'd double-check. I've been given inexact/contradictory info at times. Usually, though, the Regent reps have been very good and quite helpful with my various queries.)

[OrpingtonT]

If you book air through Regent, can you specify the flight time (i.e. the 8am direct flight from LAX) or do they tend to just alllocate you "pot luck"?

What I will probably do is research the cost of the options I want myself, plus ask Regent to cost the same things for me. If it works out similar-ish, then going through Regent sounds like a good move (especially if they did put us up in the Hilton for free).

Boo

I cruised on Mariner to Alaska and Regent handled the travel arrangements from the UK, so perhaps my experience might be helpful.

You are doing the southbound run, we did northbound, Vancouver to Whittier. We had no requirement to go through LA, so we allowed Regent to find the cheapest, most convenient flights. These turned out to be LHR to Vancouver with BA and a night at the Pan Pacific directly above the cruise terminal. On landing at Whittier (which was used before Seward) we opted for a coach transfer to Anchorage and an early afternoon flight to Seattle with an evening BA flight back to LHR. We were consulted about each leg and were happy but on other trips, (to Osaka and return from Hong Kong) we were given options to suit our rquirements.

The staff (I booked directly with Regent) were most helpful and accommodating and their prices for flights were as good and probably better than anywhere. I couldn't say the same for the price of hotel accommodation as I suspect I could have got a better price booking directly. Even though when we booked in, the receptionist said as we were with Regent she would upgrade us to a suite.

In short, I think Regegent will accommodate your particular needs but cost the itinerary yourself as well.

Alaska is wonderful. I am sure you will enjoy it all. Best Wishes.

[cruiseej]

2. They fly you in the day before and put you up at the Hiton for free.

Just be aware that while they often do this, they don't always, if you're flying from the west coast. Others have reported Regent booking them on an early-morning flight on the day of the cruise departure.

If you book air through Regent, can you specify the flight time (i.e. the 8am direct flight from LAX)

You can request, but Regent may or may not meet that request. They have bulk seat packages with several airlines, and they'll use whatever is more advantageous for them. Your alternative is to specify exactly what you want -- date, time, airline, flight -- for which Regent will charge a $100 deviation fee (assuming the airline you want is available for Regent air bookings).

3. They have a discounted train rate from Anchorage to Seward. $90/pp.

The regular train from Anchorage (downtown) to Seward is $75 pp; Regent's price is higher, not a discount. If you're flying in and getting the Regent charter train from the airport, it's probably worth it. If you're flying in a day earlier, as Boo indicated, it may or may not be worthwhile to go back to the airport to get the train.

If you book the train yourself it leaves at 6:45 AM...a bit too early for me.

Definitely not for everyone! ;) The advantage of that train is that you can spend the entire afternoon in Seward before boarding the ship. There's unfortunately not enough time to take one of the Kenai Fjords National Park day cruises, but you could visit Exit Glacier and the SeaLife Center.

4. They arrange your transfers from Vancouver to the airport.

That's useful if you're going straight to the airport, but Boo was looking to spend a night in Vancouver post-cruise; Regent won't handle next-day airport transfers.

-------

I don't know your travel dates, but doing a quick check in June, I see one way LAX-ANC fares for about $240. If you don't use Regent air, you get a credit; in our case for Alaska this summer, it was $400. (If Regent throws in an overnight at the Anchorage Hilton, then you end up about even with Regent.)

One additional thought. You mentioned wanting to take the 8 am flight from LA which gets into Anchorage shortly after noon. If you want to spend the day in Anchorage and take the train the next day, this certainly works. Another option to consider is going to Seward the first night and staying overnight there, which would allow you to take the morning Kenai Fjords boat trip and see Seward before boarding the ship late the next afternoon.

-- Eric

[poss]

Eric: Remind me (and Boo), please, how luggage is dealt with if one is doing the "regular" (early-bird!) train to Seward. My memory (not completely reliable these days) is that a person can bring aboard only a very small piece of baggage, and that the rest is collected and somehow transferred to Seward (in some cases, even to the ship itself?) Makes me uneasy to give the luggage up to anyone except Regent reps, though presumably people do it all the time. Also: Do you remember whether (or in what ways) the Regent "special" train is in any way "better" than the regular train? Is the glass-top observatory car on both? Is there commentary on both? (I'd ask Regent these questions, but I'm not sure I'd get completely accurate answers.)
Thanks!

[Carol From California]

[quote=cruiseej;19370219]Just be aware that while they often do this, they don't always, if you're flying from the west coast. Others have reported Regent booking them on an early-morning flight on the day of the cruise departure.

There are no flights that leave from Los Angeles that would arrive the SAME DAY, early enough for the time the train departs...which is why if you are leaving from LAX, they do fly you in the day before. If you are flying in from a different city I am not sure about the flights. I was only speaking about Los Angeles.

The regular train from Anchorage (downtown) to Seward is $75 pp; Regent's price is higher, not a discount. If you're flying in and getting the Regent charter train from the airport, it's probably worth it. If you're flying in a day earlier, as Boo indicated, it may or may not be worthwhile to go back to the airport to get the train.

You are correct. It's $75 pp. I was thinking about the GoldStar service which is more. We considered that at first.


That's useful if you're going straight to the airport, but Boo was looking to spend a night in Vancouver post-cruise; Regent won't handle next-day airport transfers.

Since Regent flies you in the day before (from LAX), then they provide transportation to the hotel (Hilton) and transportation the following day to the train station...if you book the air with them.

-------

I don't know your travel dates, but doing a quick check in June, I see one way LAX-ANC fares for about $240. If you don't use Regent air, you get a credit; in our case for Alaska this summer, it was $400. (If Regent throws in an overnight at the Anchorage Hilton, then you end up about even with Regent.)

One additional thought. You mentioned wanting to take the 8 am flight from LA which gets into Anchorage shortly after noon. If you want to spend the day in Anchorage and take the train the next day, this certainly works. Another option to consider is going to Seward the first night and staying overnight there, which would allow you to take the morning Kenai Fjords boat trip and see Seward before boarding the ship late the next afternoon.

We are booked on the 8 AM non-stop flight from LAX, but Regent won't absolutely CONFIRM this until a certain number of days before the flight. We are staying at the Hilton (on Regent) and then train following day from Anchorage to Seward.

[cruiseej]

There are no flights that leave from Los Angeles that would arrive the SAME DAY, early enough for the time the train departs...which is why if you are leaving from LAX, they do fly you in the day before.

You may be right, Carol. I was just repeating information another passenger had given previously: "The cutoff flight arrival time for same-day Regent transfer to the ship is 1:00PM." The 8 a.m. flight from LAX arrives at 12:20...

A different passenger reported that "we were told that if we wanted to fly in a day earlier, we'd have to pay a $100 pp air deviation fee (plus any difference in air costs) and $395 pp for hotel and transfers". Most people seem to report what you've said: if you pick the train transfer, Regent does fly you in the day in advance and put you up at the Hilton. I just wanted Boo to know, from what I've read here, that this may not happen in all cases. As always, the best thing is to talk with Regent (or your TA, who will talk to Regent) to get accurate information for the specific cruise in question.

-- Eric

[Ashgoodman]

Thanks Carol. We're basically the same itinerary as you. Two couples leaving from LAX (We haven't received our tics yet, but TA said early this week) and taking the train to Seward on Wed.

[Boo Boo]

Thank you everyone - great responses and a lot to think about. Another thread, that I started on the Alaska forum, has suggested maybe going to Seward the day before and doing a Kennai Fjord Cruise on the day of departure - so that may be another option too...

Decisions, decisions! :)

I will book the cruise early this week (Tuesday or Wednesday - it is public holiday in the UK tomorrow) and also ask them about flight/transfer options - so I can compare that with what I come up with myself.

Boo

[wripro]

This discussion about Alaska cruises has very little to do with the original post regarding booking flights/hotels through Regent. The vast majority of the time it is way more expensive to book through Regent (or any cruise line) than on one's own. Hotels are charged by the person, not the room (the cruise line has to get its cut from somewhere) and the taxi fare to the ship is a small fraction of the difference. It does, however, provide a certain sense of security to some so if that is worth the enormous price difference than it is an individual decision.

[Bearnaise]

This discussion about Alaska cruises has very little to do with the original post regarding booking flights/hotels through Regent. The vast majority of the time it is way more expensive to book through Regent (or any cruise line) than on one's own. Hotels are charged by the person, not the room (the cruise line has to get its cut from somewhere) and the taxi fare to the ship is a small fraction of the difference. It does, however, provide a certain sense of security to some so if that is worth the enormous price difference than it is an individual decision.
I don't think you can stereotype "the vast majority" of "free air" deals as "way more expensive". Having booked "free air" twice now with Regent (Alaska, Tahiti), I've seen the air credit almost match what it would have cost me to do on my own (though air fares are hard to peg since they fluctuate over time), making the Regent air a far better deal with the other "perks" factored in.

Then you have specials like the $999 biz-class upgrades on Asia cruises that may be a great deal. Unless one is using air miles to "purchase" or upgrade the tickets, whether it's cheaper or not to book on one's own has to be made on a case-by-case basis.

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I agree with Bearnaise that Regent Air is sometimes a good deal, and sometimes not. We've used it twice to Europe, and for all 4 of our PG trips. Once to Florida as well, and once we rolled our own, and they turned out to be a wash. We're doing our own air to Rio in December, because we got a good deal on a Business flight through Panama.

As for booking hotels thru Regent, this only works in Tahiti, imho.

To the OP, I'm not even sure if Regent will book you a one-way LA to Alaska trip. Maybe they will of course, but I agree that in this case it's probably not cost-effective.

[wripro]

Wendy,

That is exactly my point. All the responses here have been about Alaska and pretty much relegated to airfare. The questions posted by the OP was in relation to hotels as well and in other areas buying hotel accommodations or even airfare through any cruise line will cost more, except when there is some special deal.

[cruiseej]

This discussion about Alaska cruises has very little to do with the original post regarding booking flights/hotels through Regent. The vast majority of the time it is way more expensive to book through Regent (or any cruise line) than on one's own...

The original post actually was specifically about someone inquiring about Alaska. I'm sure there might be different advice useful for a more generic question about Regent air and hotels, but I think those of us who posted were trying to help with OP's specific questions and needs: one-way travel from LA to Anchorage, and a hotel for one night on both ends of the cruise. It's hard to separate air and hotel in this case, because Regent often includes the hotel in Anchorage for free if you use their air.

-- Eric

[Wendy The Wanderer]

Sorry, you're right. I hope I get to test to see if Regent is better for air to Alaska--my instinct tells me it would be, but that's mostly because airfares in Canada are much higher than the US.

[Ashgoodman]

We're supposed to be on the May 20 Alaska cruise on the Mariner. We made arrangements many months ago for two couples to be next to each other (Another couple of friends are up in Canada and booked the same cruise with a different agent) on the same flight up. They put us on different flights at totally different times out of LAX...

We paid extra to spend a couple of more days in Vancouver at the end of the cruise. Despite our hotel reservations, they have us returning right after the cruise (No mention of what happened to the extra charge) and they have my wife and I going to the wrong city on the return that they booked.

Needless to say, I am very unimpressed with Regent and our trip hasn't even begun yet. I was also going to book another cruise on Regent for a different three couples, including us, just because of their reputation. I'm putting that off to see what happens this time. It's our first cruise on Regent, and so far, possibly our final cruise on Regent if this is an example of what is to come. Our TA is supposed to rearrange with Regent. I'm waiting to see how that works out.

[Bearnaise]

We're supposed to be on the May 20 Alaska cruise on the Mariner. We made arrangements many months ago for two couples to be next to each other (Another couple of friends are up in Canada and booked the same cruise with a different agent) on the same flight up. They put us on different flights at totally different times out of LAX...

We paid extra to spend a couple of more days in Vancouver at the end of the cruise. Despite our hotel reservations, they have us returning right after the cruise (No mention of what happened to the extra charge) and they have my wife and I going to the wrong city on the return that they booked.

Needless to say, I am very unimpressed with Regent and our trip hasn't even begun yet. I was also going to book another cruise on Regent for a different three couples, including us, just because of their reputation. I'm putting that off to see what happens this time. It's our first cruise on Regent, and so far, possibly our final cruise on Regent if this is an example of what is to come. Our TA is supposed to rearrange with Regent. I'm waiting to see how that works out.
If you used this TA originally to book all your arrangements, IMO you shouldn't have received any bookings until the TA had assured they were done right in the first place. Unless you made the original plans directly with Regent and are only now using the TA to "correct" them, I'd blame the TA, not Regent. After all, isn't that what they get paid for?

[Wendy The Wanderer]

I agree that your TA should have been on top of your wishes, and made sure Regent got it right. You paid the deviation fee, presumably, and should have got the right flight home.

But, Regent doesn't control seating, so be aware, when you get your correct flights from LA, you will have to check with the airline and see if you get be seated together.

[Peek-a-boo]

You booked this through a travel agent? Sorry, but if this was a good TA you would not even know of this mess. He/she would have taken care of this seamlessly and you would have been none the wiser. If your travel agent booked it, they should be dealing with this....have you thought that maybe the TA made the wrong booking?

[MtnDriver]

I would have to agree. Your TA represents you in this process. If you did not get what you asked for, it might have been Regent's mistake OR it might have been the TA...either way, the TA should see that it gets fixed.

[Ashgoodman]

I know that this should have been caught by the TA before being sent out to me and have been in contact with him to straighten it out. However, he checked his records and Regent was notified about our desires for the travel well in advance of the ticketing. He said that "It will be taken care of."

Regent isn't the only one that I'm displeased with over this.

We were planning on going online to adjust any seating problems, but now we will need to wait longer to take care of any seating rearrangement.

[Boo Boo]

Just a quick note to thank everyone again :)

I have just booked our cabin (for our first ever Regent cruise and our first Alaska cruise - so excited!), so will look at the flight/hotel arrangements over the next few days.

Boo

[lkakers]

Just wanted to chime on this thread, as I'm newly back from Regent, and Seward, and the Grandview train.


They have a discounted train rate from Anchorage to Seward. $90/pp.



The regular train from Anchorage (downtown) to Seward is $75 pp; Regent's price is higher, not a discount. If you're flying in and getting the Regent charter train from the airport, it's probably worth it. If you're flying in a day earlier, as Boo indicated, it may or may not be worthwhile to go back to the airport to get the train.

Before our cruise, we booked the Grandview train from Seward to Anchorage at $90/pp. On board, when they sent around the flyer asking everyone's post-cruise arrangements, the flyer indicated that for those people using Regent's air, the Grandview Train transfer was $75/pp. We had to fight a little and show our credit card statement with the $90/pp charge, but we got the $15/pp credited to our onboard account.

However, I will say that even at $90/pp, I feel that the Regent price still represents a discount from the regular Alaska Railroad train between Anchorage & Seward -- mainly because the Regent charter (a one-level train) has the panoramic domed windows. To get a seat with those windows on the regular train, you'd have to upgrade to their GoldStar class which is on an upper level, and costs $160/pp. Plus, on the Regent one, you get free softdrinks/coffee/tea service which again, you'd have to upgrade to GoldStar to get.

If any of you opt to take the train and your weather is half as nice as it was two days ago, that train ride will be priceless. The views are amazing, and I found the train to be infinitely more comfortable and congenial than a motor coach.

I posted a more extensive review of my train experience on this thread: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=986327

Just MHO! Cheers, and happy travels, all.

[cstrick]

Re: Flight arrangements from New York to Vancouver. Has anyone done this through Regent? Do they fly you in the same day ? I looked on line and it seems that the flights that will get you there on time are limited.

[bigal22]

Now that air travel is included, Regent seems extremely reluctant to discuss details on he phone of the flight. My flight will be from JFK to Vancouver. Anybody have any idea of how Regent has handled this trip. ie: Fly from JFK by what method to Vancouver via what stops if any etc? And what time to make a 5PM sailing.

[Travelcat2]

It really is difficult to get from JFK to Vancouver (YVR). No one (except Regent) can tell you for sure how you will be routed. However, Regent's first choice are members of Star Alliance (United, U.S. Air, Air Canada, etc.) Then there is the issue getting you there by 1:00 p.m. (typically the deadline for cruises departing that day).

The earliest flight I could find (using Star Alliance) arrives in Vancouver at 1:30 p.m. (U. S. Airways connecting through Phoenix).

They may decide to use Delta (they have in the past) since they have a flight that arrives in Vancouver 12:19 p.m. (through Salt Lake City).

In my opinion (and I am not a TA -- just have had Regent do our bookings several times), they would want you to arrive as early as possible. Otherwise, they would have to put you up in a hotel. Please let us know how you were routed when you get your tickets!:)


P.S. Regent has never really wanted to talk about flights before the time they are ready to book them. Things change -- so, they do not want to promise anything.

[bigal22]

There must be some of you out who have had notification of tickets. Anything to say?

[Rally]

There must be some of you out who have had notification of tickets. Anything to say?

Unless you live in Anchorage, Seattle or Vancouver it is almost impossible to get to Anchorage intime for either the train or the motor couch, so Regent will end up flyinig you in one day early and putting you up at the Anchorage Hilton.

[Travelcat2]

I know that this should have been caught by the TA before being sent out to me and have been in contact with him to straighten it out. However, he checked his records and Regent was notified about our desires for the travel well in advance of the ticketing. He said that "It will be taken care of."

Regent isn't the only one that I'm displeased with over this.

We were planning on going online to adjust any seating problems, but now we will need to wait longer to take care of any seating rearrangement.


I believe that what most of us are saying is that it was up to the TA to contact Regent and arrange it with them (and follow up as necessary). As Wendy said, we are assuming that you paid the $100.00 per person deviation fee in order to fly in early. When you book with a TA, they take on the responsibility of insuring that everything is booked the way their client prefers it (remember, it is the TA that is getting the commission).

In terms of seating on the plane, typically the passengers arrange that with the airlines. Regent assigns seats based on availabiliy on the day the flights are booked. Again, your TA could have easily gone in and taken care of it for you. However, many TA's prefer that you look at the seating schedule and select your seating.

Even if you do not end up sitting next to your friends on the flights, hope you have a great cruise!


Note: As repeated many times on this board, it is really important to book with a TA with Regent experience. IMO, the above scenario is much more complex that most -- something that really requires Regent expertise.

[bigal22]

ra

















RALLY........going to Vancouver, not Anchorage.

Still no info from Regent but I noticed that The ship is scheduled to sail from Vancouver at 5PM. This is 2PM NY Time. Allowing for at least 5 hrs flight time and more for transfers etc and 2 hrs required before flying, this means flight time at about 6 AM at least. I would assume that there would be a sizeable group at JFK and hardly time for same day flight.Would this mean day before flight with Regent footing the hotel bill??

[bigal22]

I'm finding out too much,too late..ie. after the deed is done.

Getting to the ship on same day is a can do....United and Delta fly t\west from JFK at 6 to 6.30 AM to change at places like San Fran or Salt Lake and change for Vancouver. Means getting up about 2AM to get to JFK on time.

Also, and I'm afraid to ask.......did I gather from these postings that at the end of the cruise THERE IS A SIX HOUR TRAIN RIDE TO ANCHORAGE TO THE PLANE?????????

[Dreps]

I think it's more like 4 1/2 hours. But it was a beautiful journey. We did it from the Anchorage airport to Seward.

[DaveFr]

I'm finding out too much,too late..ie. after the deed is done.

Getting to the ship on same day is a can do....United and Delta fly t\west from JFK at 6 to 6.30 AM to change at places like San Fran or Salt Lake and change for Vancouver. Means getting up about 2AM to get to JFK on time.

Also, and I'm afraid to ask.......did I gather from these postings that at the end of the cruise THERE IS A SIX HOUR TRAIN RIDE TO ANCHORAGE TO THE PLANE?????????
FYI, Continental, Air Canada and United (flown by Air Canada) all have nonstops from Newark to Vancouver. The flights leave at 7 or 7:30 am and arrive in Vancouver before 11 am. Hope this helps.

Dave

[bigal22]

Dave...thanks for te info and will advise my TA.But it seems that whereever I looked nobody came up with the Newark direct flight to Vancouver.

[liindajean]

Now I'm confused.not sure if we should chance Regent's free air..to Ft Lauderdale. I seem to have heard that since the ship sails at 1700, they fly you in on the same day. Since we'd be coming from Phx, a lot of the flights are red eyes. Hmm..do we want to start our cruise that way?
I realise no one can answer that question but us, but are there any thoughts out there?

[Tyler919]

Al,

Continental 1817 leaves EWR at 730am and arrives YVR at 1044 am. Operates M-F starting 7/31 til Aug 28. I think you said you were on our 8/26 cruise, so should work. Air Canada also has similar service.