Connection from Vancouver Airport to Dock

[Yorkman999]

We're flying into Vancouver in August for an Alaskan Cruise. Our plane arrives in Vancouver from Annapolis Md via Toronto at 12:33 P.M., and the ship departs at 4:30 P.M. Will that give us enough time to to get from the airport to the dock, given the boarding must be done 1 1/2 to 2 hours before sailing at 4:30? Should I change to an earlier flight?

[Gunner22aa]

There are no delays enroute. It is less than a 30 min taxi ride ($30-35)from YVR to Canada Place (cruise terminal) and the airport is one of the most efficient in Canada. Constantly voted the best airport in the country in several catagories. Assuming your flights all are on time you can be at the cruise terminal in less than 2 hours after you land.

[cruiseryyc]

Yes you should change to an earlier flight, better yet fly in the night before and spend a night in Vancouver. Arriving at 12:30 with a ship departure at 4:30 gives you no wiggle room at all; you will have to clear Canadian Customs/Immigration at the airport it could take 10 minutes or an hour or more; the plane could be delayed getting to Vancouver; any number of things could go wrong. Come in the day before and relax the morning before your cruise departs.

[SadieN]

Change to an earlier flight. Once it took 2 hours to get thru passport control in Vancouver.

[Kartgv]

and find the "Vancouver Answers from a Vancouverite" thread. Over 3800 posts on that thread, so you can search and get complete and up to date information. It was very helpful to us before our last cruise leaving out of Vancouver. Here's the link.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=723387

[Glaciers]

Many suggest arriving a day early to allow a buffer for delays. You are cutting it very close. If you haven't already you may want to consider trip insurance.

[donh1]

It is rapid transit right to downtown Vancouver. As long as you are mobile with your luggage you shouldn't have a problem. People are correct in saying that if your schedule permits travel the day before.

[Cruise Junky]

How long is your connection in Toronto? that's where you're going to hit Customs and Immigration. I'd really try and come the day before if you can.

[SadieN]

Originally Posted by Cruise Junky

How long is your connection in Toronto? that's where you're going to hit Customs and Immigration. I'd really try and come the day before if you can.

Oh missed the connection in Toronto part.

OP- if you cannot change the flight bring carryon luggage as you will have to run to the ship.

Is your cruise one way or roundtrip?
If one way (ending in Seward/Anchorage/Whittier) you won't be able to join at a later (US) port because of the PSVA.