Disembarking in Vancouver

[Murt22]

The original invoice indicated that we needed to book our own flights AFTER 10:00am and we booked a 12:30PM flight. We just received our final paperwork, and now it says flights no earlier than 12:00noon. Does anyone know how long it takes to get from ship to airport along with immigration time? We will be arranging our own transfer. Thanks

[CDNPolar]

Knowing where you are coming from will help in the answer.  

 

You may have to clear immigration before you leave the ship, and then if you are flying from Vancouver to Iowa, then you will clear US immigration at the Vancouver airport before you get to security.

 

If you book to self-disembark and DON'T put your bags out the night before - take them yourself - you will be fine.

 

Viking have told you no earlier than 12:00 and you are 12:30 so you are following their guidelines.

Edited July 31, 2023 by CDNPolar

[Murt22]

We are actually flying to Seattle.  Thanks for the info on taking our own bags - I thought that would speed things along. We should be good - but we like to have plenty of time to do this. I am glad I looked at the new information.

[CILCIANRQTS]

45 minutes to the airport, 10-15 minutes in the bus holding line (if you take the Viking bus). The rest is a crap shoot - we got through quickly.

[duquephart]

I recall customs being a PITA (you clear US customs in Canada) but it sounds like you will have plenty of time.

[Heidi13]

5 hours ago, Murt22 said:

The original invoice indicated that we needed to book our own flights AFTER 10:00am and we booked a 12:30PM flight. We just received our final paperwork, and now it says flights no earlier than 12:00noon. Does anyone know how long it takes to get from ship to airport along with immigration time? We will be arranging our own transfer. Thanks

 

If you are flying domestically, the original 10:00 recommendation was reasonable, but if you are flying to the US, especially if other ships are docked at Canada Place, the updated time of Noon is more appropriate.

 

Assuming the ship docks on time, you can be walking off with your bags by 07:00 - 07:30. Canada Customs is normally hand in your declaration and proceed, most pax are not stopped and questioned, as required when entering USA. From clearing the ship's gangway, it should take about 10 mins to reach the exit.

 

For self transport to YVR your best 2 options are Uber/Taxi/Limo, which can pick you up as you exit the pax area. Note - this is 1 level below ground. Due to congestion, it can take several minutes to exit Canada Place to street level. You can also book an Uber/Taxi/Limo for pickup outside the Pan Pacific. To reach street level, they have a lift, or you can walk up the exit ramp. By car, the drive to the airport varies significantly based on day of week, weather, construction, etc. On a weekend it can be as quick as 25 mins and during the week 30 - 40 mins. Construction & accidents can add significantly to these times.

 

You can also take the Skytrain straight to the airport. Walk up to street level and 150 yds down Howe Street is an entrance to the station. Follow the signs for Canada Line. Trains take about 25 mins to YVR. Note - they have room for bags on the trains, but it isn't easy hauling bags to the trains.

 

At YVR, upon completion of check-in, you take your bags to US Immigration. Depending on the number of ships in port and how early you get to the airport, the delays at Immigration can be up to 2 hrs. Once clear of US Immigration you drop your bags on the conveyor and head to the departure gate.

 

Approximate time-line:

 - 07:30 disembark with bags

 - 07:40 clear Canada Customs

 - 08:00 pick up Uber/Taxi/Limo

 - 08:30/08:40 arr YVR

 - 09:30/10:00 clear US Immigration.

 

 

[Murt22]

Wow - thank you so much for the detailed explanation. We have Global Entry - does that help with US Immigration? We got it, but haven't used it yet. It sounds as if we should be OK, if no big snafus.

[DrKoob]

8 minutes ago, Murt22 said:

Wow - thank you so much for the detailed explanation. We have Global Entry - does that help with US Immigration? We got it, but haven't used it yet. It sounds as if we should be OK, if no big snafus.

We have Nexus but it didn't make it easier to get out of Canada Place. We took our own luggage and were out and gone within 15 minutes total. Everyone might be walking off with their luggage (and bringing it on board) if the longshoreman's strike continues. They thought they had it settled but the general membership voted a resounding NO!

 

[dd57]

16 minutes ago, Murt22 said:

Wow - thank you so much for the detailed explanation. We have Global Entry - does that help with US Immigration? We got it, but haven't used it yet. It sounds as if we should be OK, if no big snafus.

In our experience, Global Entry is quicker when the airport has separate lines for it, and I'm pretty sure Vancouver does.  You use a kiosk and the lines are usually much shorter.  There is usually an agent nearby if you have issues with the kiosk.

[Murt22]

Thanks.

[sfocruiser]

Also if you have global entry you can now use Canada’s version of pre check “verified travellers”

 

you need your global entry card and be able to use the “front of the line” lane

 

https://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/en/verified-travellers

[LindaS272]

You can also use the free app CBP Mobile Passport—it should also have a dedicated lane. We’ve used it for years coming home to Seattle, and it’s in Vancouver as well.

[CILCIANRQTS]

8 hours ago, dd57 said:

In our experience, Global Entry is quicker when the airport has separate lines for it, and I'm pretty sure Vancouver does.  You use a kiosk and the lines are usually much shorter.  There is usually an agent nearby if you have issues with the kiosk.

Vancouver does have a GE line that helps speed you through immigration.

Last month the discussion with the agent went like this - “Anything to declare?”,  “No”, “Welcome home”. And the GE terminals no longer require any input other than a picture. Pretty simple!

[Traveler1977]

Two weeks ago we disembarked a ship in Vancouver. It was a different cruise line but that shouldn’t matter. There were two ships in port at the time and we thought that might be a problem, it wasn’t. We did self-disembarkation and it could not have gone smoother. Getting through Port customs was little more than turning over your declaration paperwork. Vancouver airport does have a Global Entry/Nexus lanes so once at the airport inquire where they are. Have your Global Entry cards and passports in hand. 
 

The only issue is what day of the week you’ll be disembarking (I don’t recall you mentioning that). Weekday rush hour hour in Vancouver could delay your 30 to 40 cab/Uber ride to the airport. Either way you should make it in plenty of time. 

[Murt22]

Thanks for the information. We disembark on a Monday, so we will likely deal with rush hour. i think there is another large ship there that morning so I was concerned about that.

[Heidi13]

1 hour ago, Murt22 said:

Thanks for the information. We disembark on a Monday, so we will likely deal with rush hour. i think there is another large ship there that morning so I was concerned about that.

 

The traffic around Canada Place and the downtown core is always busy, but once you get out of the downtown core, rush hour traffic isn't a big issue, as your going against it.