CruiseWherever

Why not just rental the van at the port from Hertz and return it back to the airport?

I think RCL is getting ready to change the Diamond Lounge for Diamond Plus or above, because there are too many Diamond out there.

Good Morning everyone – thank you for all of your advice of the last 24 hours. BIL finally got a hold of Canadian Immigration and explained the situation. They basically said that sine his DUI was only 3.5 years ago he would automatically be denied entry, however, they did tell him that he could apply for a Temporary Resident Permit. Unfortunately this takes about 90 days and there is no guarantee. He was actually told that since the trip is in 2 weeks he could fill out all of the paperwork and get together everything that is required (long list of items – 2 recent photos passport size – all of his court records, etc…..) and the agent that he meets with when going thru immigration he could then explain to that agent that he was only recently made aware of the DWI policy and explain the situation that this is for a surprise 50th Wedding anniversary for his parents – show the agent all of the completed paperwork and POSSIBLY the agent will process the temporary resident permit for a fee of $200 or so.

 

My thoughts on this is that the Canadian government is willing to make exceptions based on each individual and for that I am grateful and they actually appreciated the fact that he called them and explained the situation and asked what he could do to be able to board this ship. I think they don’t appreciate people lying and trying to get on over on them – honesty is the best policy and it sounds to me after speaking with the BIL – that the Canadian immigration department appreciated his call and not just trying to scam the system by trying to sneak across the boarder. It does sound like you really cannot get around the process now that passports are mandatory. So, with this said it sounds like there is a 50 – 50 shot that he will be allowed. Now he gets to gather everything necessary for the temporary resident permit and hope for an understanding officer that will allow him to board the ship. The trip is 100% non-refundable so at this point BIL is going to try to get in. Worst case scenario he flies to Vancouver and they say no. He will then have to purchase a ticket to fly back home but at least he will have given it a shot.

 

My advice to everyone in a similar situation – call Canada and explain your situation and hopefully things will work out well.

I will still do what your BIL going to do but one day early and fly into Seattle than drvie to Vancouver stay over night, and if they will not let him in at least he can fly from SEA to catch up with the ship in Alaska.