DaveOKC

Some people are reporting that they were only quoted $45 a day, so ask about that. Further, others have used the 10% discount with gift cards to lower this even further to about $40.50.

I would not rely on that. Too many experiences of myself and others say that HAL often cuts things very close timewise. One time in Vancouver they were SO late in getting us to the airport that we had to run through the terminal to make our flight - it was so close that they shut the aircraft's door right after we got onboard! And there was absolutely no reason for it, except that HAL's bus was in no big hurry (we waited an hour on the bus before it left). Now I only take HAL transfers when I have PLENTY of time.

Flying First Class is nice, but it really does not help you get though security. I have TSA precheck for that, but I doubt that will work in Canada (piease correct me if I am wrong).

No, for all HAL sailings. From the HAL website undet TravelWell. Scroll down this link to where it gives you a link to a PDF file for good explaintion of the rules for HAL from the US (note dated May 4, so current). https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/frequently-asked-questions/faq-for-cruises-from-usa.html

Keep in mind that early in the season you may not be able to get as close to the glaciers (or into Tracey Arm) as you may like (due to ice in the water),

As I understand it, those at home tests are not accepted, unless they are one of the "proctured" ones where a person over the internet watchs you do it. You should go to the HAL website for current information on how many days ahead of time you can do the test (usually 2-3 days but it depends on your situation). This is for tests done at a pharmacy, urgent care, etc.

Stayed at the Doubletree a couple of years ago - nice facility and great staff. Had dinner at hotel and it was very good and resonable price. They upgraded us to a suite - GREAT room! Free shuttle to the pier. Be sure to get the warm choc. chip cookie at checkin!

Just checked my reservation and it still says the same thing for $50 (nothing about Crew Appreciation): Upgrade your base cruise fare to our Have It All premium package and receive our best amenities -Shore Excursions, Drink Package, Specialty Dining, and Wi-Fi -for only $50 per person, per day.

Thanks, I will. Touring Alaska (part of the US) from and to a US port (Seattle).

Can you use it on a future cruise? I think (not sure) that you have a year to use it.

Good idea!

They are great about taking the bags to the ship from your room. We were on a HAL deal and the bellhop would not even take a tip from me for doing this! He stated that it was part of the HAL package. Quite a surprise. Not sure if this applies to the hotel package, so I would ask.

My basic opinion is that for this season I will avoid travel to Canada, regardless of who is to blame for the issues (meaningless to me who is creating the problems, they do exist and I try to avoid them).

I would contact my booking company and ask for a list of "perks" in WRITING. All to often these things can fall between the cracks so to speak. We book with Holland America (HAL) through a company rep and we see all the perks on our invoice - we take this with us on our cruise, just in case.

Since excursions for early September have been cancelled (train combination tours) I have to believe it is not the excursion people's not being prepared. This is from the White Pass & Yukon Railroad's website, which fairly clearly (IMO) identifies the problem: Cross Border Tours – Service Suspended for 2022 Operating Season After months of working towards restoring the Carcross and Fraser Train Service Combination, we unfortunately must announce that we are unable to provide these offerings for the 2022 Season. We have delayed this difficult decision for several months in the hopes that we could find a workable solution for all involved and provide passenger service on these international routes. The challenges of logistics, restrictions, and uncertainty around wait times would have made it impossible for us to provide a consistent high quality service without delays and would create significant disruption to the passenger experience.

How about not letting the train enter into Canada from Skagway without major headaches for the excursion people. Sure messed up alot of people's excursions.

Where does the Amtrak bus depart from? The train station is about a mile or so away from the pier, so you will need a taxi. Quick Shuttle leaves right from the pier.

Agree - remove the shore excursion money and replace with paid crew incentives. Less hassle to be sure.

I agree that it is still up in the air on when this will happen (if ever). I just wanted to bring it up so that everyone can consider it for their situation.

Quick shuttle - have done this and liked it. I think they leave the pier at 9 AM and get to SEA around 1 PM. It was very convenient IMO.

According to an article I saw today on Yahoo Finance, the US is considering removing the Covid test requirements for flights, so look into this further before adjusting your plans. Personally I am sailing into and out of Seattle this season just to avoid this type of situation.

I have booked with them before and thought they did a great job. I think they need this information to cross into Canada, so it is likely "standard preceedure" for them.

Before you change your travel plans, I just saw the following article on Yahoo Finance, which could change the whole situation: "Travel industry leaders are hopeful the Biden administration will finally end a major COVID-era hassle for Americans traveling abroad and for international travelers who want to visit the United States: A negative COVID test within 24 hours of boarding a U.S.-bound flight. That requirement has been in effect since late last year, when the Biden administration ended a ban on travel into the United States from a variety of countries and replaced it with the negative-test requirement. At first, the rule said travelers could show a negative test within 72 hours of their departure time, but that was tightened to 24 hours. While it’s a worry for Americans traveling abroad, who might get stuck overseas while recovering from COVID, it’s a bigger barrier for foreigners who want to come to the United States: Booking a trip means risking a wrecked itinerary if a positive COVID test prevents them from even arriving. The skies may soon brighten. “We are optimistic this requirement will be lifted by summer, so we can get the benefit of all the international in-bound travelers,” Christine Duffy, chair of the U.S. Travel Association and president of Carnival Cruise Lines, told Yahoo Finance at the recent Milken Institute annual conference in Beverly Hills. “The Commerce Dept. has been working closely with the travel industry and the administration is aware of the issue.”

check the cdc website. It appears to me that at this time a Covid test is required to fly into the US. Of course, you could drive into it.

Earlier this week we heard about the long security lines at Vancouver airport and now the same day testing on your own to get back to US (from Vancouver)! JUMP JUMP JUMP! I wonder if the Canadian officials are doing this stuff on purpose??