Airport Transfers

[AJSkarbo]

I am booking my flight and transfers through HA for the first time. The flight information seems fairly straight forward, however, there is not much information about the transfer from the airport(Seattle) to the ship. I am flying in the morning of and should arrive in Seattle around 830 AM. Can I chose when to take a transfer to the cruise terminal? I'd like a chance to grab some breakfast at the airport since I am arriving so early and if I remember correctly, there aren't too many food options once I arrive at the cruise terminal. My travelling companions who I will be sharing a cabin with will be arriving at 10:30 AM and 12:30 PM, can I check in without them or do I need to wait for them to arrive at the cruise terminal? Thank you for any help!

[CruiserBruce]

Don't buy the transfers. They are rarely the best deal. Either Uber,  or walk out and do STILA, the contract towncar service out of the airport.  That is the best deal.

 

There are ZERO breakfast options near the port. 

[Seasick Sailor]

Yes you can grab a great breakfast in the airport. We have been in Sea Tac so many times.. visiting friends as well as cruising to Alaska. 

An easy airport to transfer. We just walk to taxi stands. It's quick. About a 15 mile route to cruise port. Normally $50. 

[DAllenTCY]

There are advantages to using Holland transfers.

 

Should you or your luggage be delayed, airport reps can be of great assistance.

 

 

David

[Seasick Sailor]

Oops, forgot. Yes you can check in without your roommates. 

[AJSkarbo]

3 hours ago, CruiserBruce said:

Don't buy the transfers. They are rarely the best deal. Either Uber,  or walk out and do STILA, the contract towncar service out of the airport.  That is the best deal.

 

There are ZERO breakfast options near the port. 

My TA quoted me $29 for the transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal. Lyft looks like it could be $40+.

[AJSkarbo]

2 hours ago, Seasick Sailor said:

Oops, forgot. Yes you can check in without your roommates. 

Perfect! Maybe I can board before them and get the choice closet space ;) Thank you!

[CruiserBruce]

4 hours ago, AJSkarbo said:

My TA quoted me $29 for the transfer from the airport to the cruise terminal. Lyft looks like it could be $40+.

Are you a solo? Then yes, the cruise line is the better deal...but otherwise it is $29 per person, where Lyft is for the car.

[Roz]

I mostly sail solo, and find the ship's transfers are often less expensive than other options.  Most times how it works is there is a HAL rep in the baggage claim area and they direct you to the bus or van. 

 

Once you leave the secure area, I'm not sure how many breakfast options there are at SeaTac.  My fear is that if you don't proceed immediately to the baggage claim, your suitcase will be pulled from the carousel and end up at unclaimed luggage which is another story.  Maybe some of the SeaTac experts can jump in here and help.

 

The info you've been given about checking in by yourself is correct.  If your friend is delayed or is a no show, this allows you to board and take the cruise.

[catl331]

6 hours ago, AJSkarbo said:

Perfect! Maybe I can board before them and get the choice closet space

You will be able to check in first, but no one will be allowed to board until about 11:30.  I suggest you eat at the airport and wait for the 10:30 person to arrive, then share a taxi/Uber/Lyft. 

[just_cruising_along]

The cruise transfers (at least the ones we have taken) are based upon your date and arrival of your flight. I am not aware of any "choosing" the time you can pick up your shuttle -- but things change all the time and maybe someone else has opinions on that aspect. Depending upon your arrival time, and the number of other people arriving at that same date/time, you may be asked to wait and then loaded onto the bus as a group. So you arrive at the airport, go to the baggage claim area and gather your bags and the find the signs/persons that say Holland America. Sometimes this process is quick, but if you arrive at a popular date/time, there can be some standing around.  In Japan, at the airport, we were met by the HAL person holding up our names and we were escorted into a private town car. As for SeaTac...There are breakfast places at SeaTac, but not as many once you exit to the baggage claim area. (There are more choices within the secured area - behind the TSA lines.)  Here is a website with some details.  SeaTac Restaurants  Hope this info helps.  Have a great cruise.

[AJSkarbo]

Thank you all for the great information! I will be sure to grab some chow before leaving the secure area and will check in with the cruise line rep at baggage claim right after to avoid issues with my bag.