1 day cruise from Seattle to Vancouver on Grand

[MoyCoy]

What should I expect?

 

 

I could only find a few reviews, unfortunately .

 

I was thinking about taking this cruise to Vancouver in order to connect with my Hawaiian cruise which from Vancouver . I am concerned because the reviews have been mixed. "Party ship, lack of service and entertainment, chaos, .. were all touched upon in the reviews. I read on CC that boarding can be horrendous!

 

Anyone who has experienced the 1 day cruise , please give me your thoughts:D

[val92ag]

My DH and I took this cruise with several friends a couple of years ago. We arrived early in Seattle and were on the ship by 12:30pm. The afternoon was pleasant. The muster drill and for some reason this took approximately 45 minutes that day. We had a lovely dinner with our friends, went to a show, played in the casino, and spent some time in a lounge. The evening was great. I will say the dining room service was not up to the normal Princess standard. The next day we had breakfast in the main dining room and disembarked.

 

Please note for these 1 day cruises, you will carry your luggage on. This cruise did not have luggage delivered to your stateroom. When you depart in Vancouver, you will carry your luggage off.

 

If you are using this cruise to get to Vancouver for another cruise or for a long weekend in Vancouver, this is a great way to go.

 

If you are just taking the cruise to Vancouver, spend the day in Vancouver and return to Seattle. I would not recommend it. It was just a tease (I enjoy cruising), and it was not worth the hassle to board, muster drill, evening entertainment, early morning, breakfast, and disembarkation.

 

I would only take a 1 day cruise again if I were connecting to another cruise or if I was spending time in Vancouver.

 

Smooth sailing on your future cruises.

[MoyCoy]

My DH and I took this cruise with several friends a couple of years ago. We arrived early in Seattle and were on the ship by 12:30pm. The afternoon was pleasant. The muster drill and for some reason this took approximately 45 minutes that day. We had a lovely dinner with our friends, went to a show, played in the casino, and spent some time in a lounge. The evening was great. I will say the dining room service was not up to the normal Princess standard. The next day we had breakfast in the main dining room and disembarked.

 

Please note for these 1 day cruises, you will carry your luggage on. This cruise did not have luggage delivered to your stateroom. When you depart in Vancouver, you will carry your luggage off.

 

If you are using this cruise to get to Vancouver for another cruise or for a long weekend in Vancouver, this is a great way to go.

 

If you are just taking the cruise to Vancouver, spend the day in Vancouver and return to Seattle. I would not recommend it. It was just a tease (I enjoy cruising), and it was not worth the hassle to board, muster drill, evening entertainment, early morning, breakfast, and disembarkation.

 

I would only take a 1 day cruise again if I were connecting to another cruise or if I was spending time in Vancouver.

 

Smooth sailing on your future cruises.

 

Thank You! What time did you arrive? What kind of show did they have? Was it a pain to get your luggage off in Vancouver? What about customs?

Edited August 11, 2014 by MoyCoy

[Disconnections]

Thank You! What time did you arrive? What kind of show did they have? Was it a pain to get your luggage off in Vancouver? What about customs?

 

On our one night cruise, they only offered self-assist luggage disembarkation. They may or may not have made a special accommodation for guests with disabilities, but I'm not sure what it was. I don't remember the show, but I think it was a production show. The menu was also the formal night (7+ day) menu, but that did not appear on our two night cruise the day later.

 

All in all, the timing worked out wonderful for these cruises, considering they embarked/disembarked where we needed to be at that time, due to prior commitments. However, combining a northbound and southbound 1-3night repositioning cruise can make for a nice land/sea cruise for someone.

[generichandle]

My DH and I took this cruise with several friends a couple of years ago. We arrived early in Seattle and were on the ship by 12:30pm. The afternoon was pleasant. The muster drill and for some reason this took approximately 45 minutes that day. We had a lovely dinner with our friends, went to a show, played in the casino, and spent some time in a lounge. The evening was great. I will say the dining room service was not up to the normal Princess standard. The next day we had breakfast in the main dining room and disembarked.

 

Please note for these 1 day cruises, you will carry your luggage on. This cruise did not have luggage delivered to your stateroom. When you depart in Vancouver, you will carry your luggage off.

 

If you are using this cruise to get to Vancouver for another cruise or for a long weekend in Vancouver, this is a great way to go.

 

If you are just taking the cruise to Vancouver, spend the day in Vancouver and return to Seattle. I would not recommend it. It was just a tease (I enjoy cruising), and it was not worth the hassle to board, muster drill, evening entertainment, early morning, breakfast, and disembarkation.

 

I would only take a 1 day cruise again if I were connecting to another cruise or if I was spending time in Vancouver.

Smooth sailing on your future cruises.

 

Jones act violation?

 

Doug

[val92ag]

Jones act violation?

 

Doug

 

 

Not if you spend a night in Vancouver. Or if you are sneaky and sail the same day on another cruise line.....

Edited August 11, 2014 by val92ag

[cherylandtk]

I was thinking about taking this cruise to Vancouver in order to connect with my Hawaiian cruise which from Vancouver .

 

Jones act violation?

 

Doug

Nope, (but almost missed this myself and originally posted a different answer.) It is two different ships, Grand to Vancouver, Solstice to Hawaii. No PVSA violation. Edited August 11, 2014 by cherylandtk

[val92ag]

Thank You! What time did you arrive? What kind of show did they have? Was it a pain to get your luggage off in Vancouver? What about customs?

 

 

We traveled light so luggage was not an issue. Customs was not bad either. Smooth process. I cannot remember the show, but it was a great evening of entertainment and fun with our friends.

 

We arrived in Seattle at cruise terminal at 10:30am for the cruise. Did all of our pre-boarding processing. No lines. Waited in the waiting area for an hour, but were in the first group on the ship when they started boarding at 12pm. We knew this was going to be a short cruise and wanted to maximize time on ship.

[val92ag]

OP what date does your Hawaiian cruise sail out of Vancouver?

[MoyCoy]

OP what date does your Hawaiian cruise sail out of Vancouver?

 

The Grand Princess cruise is on 9-21 and My Hawaiian cruise is on the 23rd. We are staying at the Pan Pacific pre-cruise.

[Caribensun]

The one day is best way to get to Vancouver (my opinion). You get an extra cruise credit and day towards loyalty level, food and entertainment too.

Nothing better than being on a cruise ship even for one day.

Enjoy, seadeck2

[swazzie1]

Keep in mind that the casino may not be open on a 1-night cruise. It wasn't open on the ones last September or in mid-May of this year.

 

 

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[more cruises]

We've done several of the one day cruises between Seattle and Vancouver. Love them! The ship is rarely full and boarding in Seattle has been smooth and easy. We sit outside until dark because the view of the coastline is so pretty.

 

Even though the ship usually isn't full it may seem crowded because there are so many family/friends groups onboard and they hang out together in the public areas. No biggie, just something we've noticed.

 

For some reason getting ice in the cabin has been a problem. The excuse we've gotten is something to do with health inspections. I think it's just lazy cabin attendants. (Okay, I know, they aren't lazy, they're overworked but it is still a noticeable lack of service). If ice doesn't appear then try calling room service.

 

The ship usually arrives in port between 2 and 3 am but one time we were docked by midnight. Really made me mad! I look forward to the ship rocking me to sleep and we hadn't even gone to bed yet. The rumor was something about a guest officer onboard who needed to get to Vancouver early.

 

I don't recall the shows or menus.

 

So much to see in Vancouver. Buy a day pass on the bus/skytrain. Go to Granville Island for shopping, bike around Stanley Park, go to Robson Street for shopping and people watching. Gosh, I wish I was there now!

 

Hope you have a great couple of cruises!

[Tweedy]

What should I expect?

 

 

I could only find a few reviews, unfortunately .

 

I was thinking about taking this cruise to Vancouver in order to connect with my Hawaiian cruise which from Vancouver . I am concerned because the reviews have been mixed. "Party ship, lack of service and entertainment, chaos, .. were all touched upon in the reviews. I read on CC that boarding can be horrendous!

 

Anyone who has experienced the 1 day cruise , please give me your thoughts:D

 

 

We are doing our first 1-day from Seattle to Vancouver on the Grand. A few people I work with have done these but in reverse. They've had mixed reviews as well. It will definitely be an interesting experience and will feel very strange getting on the ship and knowing that it is only for one night. Whether I like it or not, we'll just have to wait a few more weeks to see.

[MoyCoy]

We've done several of the one day cruises between Seattle and Vancouver. Love them! The ship is rarely full and boarding in Seattle has been smooth and easy. We sit outside until dark because the view of the coastline is so pretty.

 

Even though the ship usually isn't full it may seem crowded because there are so many family/friends groups onboard and they hang out together in the public areas. No biggie, just something we've noticed.

 

For some reason getting ice in the cabin has been a problem. The excuse we've gotten is something to do with health inspections. I think it's just lazy cabin attendants. (Okay, I know, they aren't lazy, they're overworked but it is still a noticeable lack of service). If ice doesn't appear then try calling room service.

 

The ship usually arrives in port between 2 and 3 am but one time we were docked by midnight. Really made me mad! I look forward to the ship rocking me to sleep and we hadn't even gone to bed yet. The rumor was something about a guest officer onboard who needed to get to Vancouver early.

 

I don't recall the shows or menus.

 

So much to see in Vancouver. Buy a day pass on the bus/skytrain. Go to Granville Island for shopping, bike around Stanley Park, go to Robson Street for shopping and people watching. Gosh, I wish I was there now!

 

Hope you have a great couple of cruises!

 

Thank You! Is there a station near the cruise port where one can purchase a day pass?

[MoyCoy]

Thank You everyone for all of your responses. Very helpful indeed!!!

[caribill]

This might be the easiest and most fun way to get to your cruise to Hawaii.

[Fisherwoman]

We did this cruise last year. While it was fun I found it exhausting as we didn't sleep much. Look at it this way, you get three meals, ship entertainment (we had a good show), a bed and transport to Vancouver. Rolling your luggage off the ship is easy, you take the elevator to the debark ramp and go down the ramp into Canada Place to clear customs. There are escalators and elevators in Canada Place. You only need to roll your luggage up to the Pan Pacific. No stairs, no worry. If you have too much luggage, pay a porter as they would be happy to help you. You miss the taxi lineup at Canada Place and are right in the hotel!

 

My daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter do this cruise twice a year. They are almost Elite as it gives them one cruise credit. They love it as it includes babysitting for them! They couldn't go to a resort hotel in Canada and get the same amenities for the price they pay. Enjoy your one day cruise and I'll see you on the Solstice on the 23rd!

[MoyCoy]

We did this cruise last year. While it was fun I found it exhausting as we didn't sleep much. Look at it this way, you get three meals, ship entertainment (we had a good show), a bed and transport to Vancouver. Rolling your luggage off the ship is easy, you take the elevator to the debark ramp and go down the ramp into Canada Place to clear customs. There are escalators and elevators in Canada Place. You only need to roll your luggage up to the Pan Pacific. No stairs, no worry. If you have too much luggage, pay a porter as they would be happy to help you. You miss the taxi lineup at Canada Place and are right in the hotel!

 

My daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter do this cruise twice a year. They are almost Elite as it gives them one cruise credit. They love it as it includes babysitting for them! They couldn't go to a resort hotel in Canada and get the same amenities for the price they pay. Enjoy your one day cruise and I'll see you on the Solstice on the 23rd!

 

Your awesome. Thank you for your response here and on our roll call.

[cidymom]

We are considering this one day cruise as a weekend getaway. Are you saying that Adventure Ocean for kids is open on that day? That would be great as I will be travelling with my son. Thanks.

[Vexorg]

I've done a one-day cruise in the other direction before, and if you were going to do one of these, the Seattle -> Vancouver direction seems to be the way to go. Boarding in Vancouver was a mess with four ships in that day (I heard there were people who spent as long as four hours in line) and departure was delayed three hours since there were still 600 people in line to board at the scheduled departure time. Dining room service was slow that night (and there were rather long lines too) and the casino was closed on the one I went on. Seattle should be better since there are only two ships in port at Smith Cove at any given time, but don't be surprised if disembarkation in Vancouver is a mess.

 

Personally, If I'm going to make the effort to do something like this again, I think I'd rather just do a 3-day coastal.

[Colo Cruiser]

Yes the longer the better.

[martincath]

We've done both directions - our experience is pretty consistent with most of the above replies. Packed ship, a lot of party people, all Anytime Dining and deal with your own luggage, bar/food service is definitely a bit slower/lower quality. Still a total bargain for gaining Status or trying out a different ship - and at the right price we'd do it again.

 

The production show every time was British Invasion which was pretty awful (being British probably had a big impact for us in terms of how ghastly the fake accents and tacky the pseudo-British stage props seemed - if you've only experienced the UK via Hollywood movies it will be much less offensive). Don't use casino so can't comment on whether or not it was open and for how long.

 

MoyCoy also asked about somewhere to buy Day Passes - either at Waterfront Station, just a few blocks from Canada Place, any 7-11 store, or any other grocery/pharmacy that displays the 'FareDealer' sticker in their window. $9.75 for an all-day Adult pass, $7.50 for Concession (5-13 & 65+).

[Fisherwoman]

We are considering this one day cruise as a weekend getaway. Are you saying that Adventure Ocean for kids is open on that day? That would be great as I will be travelling with my son. Thanks.

 

Last year they opened the Adventure Ocean up at 7PM. If you have a child and want a cheap getaway with free babysitting this is the way to go! My 9 year old granddaughter has done 5 of them and loves it! I'm driving them to Seattle on Sunday! We all did it last year. It's too short for me but it was a lot of fun.

[MoyCoy]

We've done both directions - our experience is pretty consistent with most of the above replies. Packed ship, a lot of party people, all Anytime Dining and deal with your own luggage, bar/food service is definitely a bit slower/lower quality. Still a total bargain for gaining Status or trying out a different ship - and at the right price we'd do it again.

 

The production show every time was British Invasion which was pretty awful (being British probably had a big impact for us in terms of how ghastly the fake accents and tacky the pseudo-British stage props seemed - if you've only experienced the UK via Hollywood movies it will be much less offensive). Don't use casino so can't comment on whether or not it was open and for how long.

 

MoyCoy also asked about somewhere to buy Day Passes - either at Waterfront Station, just a few blocks from Canada Place, any 7-11 store, or any other grocery/pharmacy that displays the 'FareDealer' sticker in their window. $9.75 for an all-day Adult pass, $7.50 for Concession (5-13 & 65+).

 

Thank You! Do you know if the specialty restaurants are open on 1 day cruises?