Ferry_Watcher

@CruiserBruce is spot on. Just an FYI, both Princess and HAL passengers will all be merged into the airporter transfer line. Once the motorcoaches are full, they will depart Pier 91. The buses will be on your right side as you exit the terminal building. You will be directed to a airport transfer line once you cross the drive area directly in front of the terminal building. Make sure you pick up your luggage while you are still in the luggage hall.

As a Check-in Agent in Seattle, my friend, @sparks1093 is correct with his post. Agents are only looking to make sure that the first, middle and DOB on a married/divorced woman's birth certificate match her current gov't issued photo ID (i.e., usually her driver's license). On a related note (positive sign of the times), last week we had a gay couple check-in and the booking showed the same last name for both gentlemen (think newlyweds). The passport for one of the couple was still his pre-married name. We just did a last name correction in the check-in system and sent them to the ship. As check-in agents we deal with name change situations all the time - if it is a legit name correction, the passenger is getting on the ship. @mjkacmom, you also hit the mark in suggesting that passports are the most convenient and straightforward to use, and it makes the check-in process so much easier. Actually, I think it was @KPookey who advocated for having passports. Sorry!

Once you arrive at the restaurant, be prepared to stand in what could be a long line (rain or shine).

We were on the Edge May 11-17, 2024 sailing and had booked this excursion thru Celebrity, but then we received a notice that the tour was cancelled months ago. We were so disappointed. Hopefully Celebrity is offering it on future Alaska/Skagway cruises. (We replaced it with a Chilkott Tours' train up, visit the suspension bridge, bus down tour)

I have done the train up, small bus down twice with Chilkoots Tours, and enjoyed it both times. It looks like there is only a thirty dollar price difference between the 2 different excursion options, so I think I would be tempted to go with the 6.5 hour round trip which includes a salmon bake and a stop at the Red Onion saloon. Also, at least the round trip train ride should guarantee you having a 'window' view of the scenery (left side of the train). We spent a fair bit of time standing on the platform between the rail cars. Chilly, but nice.

The Magic Carpet really couldn't be used for embarkation day boarding as the tide change would impact the height level of the ship to the pier. The gangway can, and is adjusted to keep the walk from the pier to the ship at the correct ADA compliant level.

Even though we sailed from Vancouver, the Edge is heading south, so no Inside Passage for us.

My Edge SV deck stateroom has 1 lounger, as does the SV next door to us. In addition there are the usual 2 chairs and one small round table.

Captain Matt Karandreas is in command of the Edge on the 6 day Alaska sailing May 11 - 17.

Can't believe it's finally here!

Guessing that he is flying into either Boeing Field, or maybe Paine Field (Everett).

Thanks everyone - embarking the Edge on Saturday. I appreciate all the suggestions and info..

Sadly, not yet Elite (but working on it : )

Hi, boarding the Edge this Saturday, and it will be our first time on an E Class ship. While we normally book AQ, we opted for a regular SV room for this cruise. Since there is no single MDR, where does a passenger go for a sit-down breakfast (not buffet). Any guidance or other insights would be appreciated. As for dinners dinners - we do have two dinners booked in Eden, and in addition, purchased the 3 specialty dining package (1 lunch / 2 dinners). We love Asian food, so thinking one lunch and dinner at Raw on 5, and maybe one dinner at Le Petit Chef for the other dinner. Any thoughts? Thanks so much.

In Seattle, can are not a problem, plastic bottles are a no-no. No flowers are allowed either.

The ship and the pier-side staff really want passengers all off the ship around 9;30 AM. Once the ship achieves 'Zero Passenger Count', the sooner the terminal doors open for the embarking passengers.

Not sure why CBP Officers were not present. There usually is a quick check of everyone's passports / birth certificates. We have the Luminosa in port today, so it will be interesting to see what happens with those passengers. Not sure if you knew, but there was a death on the Spirit and that caused a bit of a delay for disembarkation and embarkation. I have no details beyond that.

Thanks! It is so nice to hear that passengers appreciate their experience either at Pier 91, or at Pier 66. Thank you!

1 & 3). Yes, private limo vehicles can enter the "U" shaped driveway area in front of the Pier 91 Terminal building.during drop off (embarkation) and can pick you up during Disembarkation. 2). Re Priority Boarding - each cruise line does it a bit differently. I am not sure which cruise line you are cruising on.

We live in the Seattle area, and even though we can take a 3 hour long Amtrak ride to Vancouver the morning of a cruise, we still arrive the day before just to avoid any delays/transportation problems. In fact, that is what we are doing this week - taking Amtrak this Friday morning to catch a cruise Saturday afternoon. And even though we are spending $250 for a hotel out in the suburbs, it is really is worth the peace of mind. I do check-in at Pier 91 in Seattle, and the stress level of passengers who arrive late, but still are able to board is thru the roof. They are stressed, anxious, and snapping at each other. It isn't a great start to a once in a lifetime adventure. Do listen to @eetonaee, and arrive the day before.

I agree. Guessing how close to the glacier will be determined by how much ice is in the water, and how cautious the Bridge team is after the PR fallout from the Napali Coast event.

Appreciate the question. It helpful to share info about this quirky law that can trip up cruisers. The only thing I would add is PVSA would cover any passenger regardless of nationality. Sometimes folks wonder if it just impacts American travelers sailing on a foreign flagged vessel between two US ports without a stop at a distant foreign port - but it applies to everyone. Enjoy your two cruises.

Evel Knieval only put himself in danger doing stunts. The Edge (worth hundreds of millions of dollars) probably had upwards of four thousand souls on board. If all ship captains were allowed to daredevils, or allowed to take chances to enhance passenger experience, then maybe the Icon of the Seas could be the next ship to try give its passengers the best view experience. That would be exciting. While those passengers who were on-board during that sailing got a once in a lifetime view from a cruise ship of an amazing natural wonder, sadly the current on-board passengers suffered the consequences by the having the same scheduled sail-by of the Napali Coast cancelled - either by Celebrity, or by the State of Hawaii. Now the Edge will doing it's new Alaska season sailing (I will be on the Edge next Saturday). Should I expect the Edge to sail super close to a glacier? Do I want the Edge to push the boundaries so I, as a passenger can have an amazing view of a glacier? No. While I want a great Alaska experience, I also want to be safe. I will let you know who the Captain is after I board the Edge next Saturday.

Welcome to Seattle. I saw Eurodam slowly sail by my house very early this morning at about 4:30 AM.

Not sure what the 'speculation' is. The ship clearly went too far into an area that it it should have been more respectful of - as shown by the following: Aerial photos; Eyewitness accounts from fellow CCer's who were on the Edge; Incident occurred at a location that one would have to purposefully navigated to; Common sense would suggest that it is an environmentally sensitive area, and should have been treated as such. Current fallout: Hawaii State Gov't not happy Negative state/national press coverage Negative social media Cancelled Napali Coast visit on current cruise - passengers complaining about 'slick' excuses for the cancelled visit, and wanting OBC for missing the scheduled visit