Leaving From Ballantyne Pier

[Cruizin Dan]

We are leaving on RCCL from Ballantyne Pier in Vancouver [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]. What is the distance to the pier from the Downtown/Waterfront area [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img]?

We are staying at the Metropolitan Hotel and are only 4 blocks from the newer Cruiseship Pier right by the Pan Pacific Hotel [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img]. ALso will cabs take you there if it is a short distance [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_razz.gif[/img]?

For those experienced Alaskan travelers [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif[/img] please let us know!

cruiser dan

[Del]

The Ballantyne pier is only a short distance from the Canada place Pier. Maybe 5-10 minutes by Cab.

Del

[Urban trekker]

It is about 2 miles from your hotel location - have you checked with your hotel to see if they have a shuttle to the pier.

Enjoy your cruise and Vancouver

Dennis

Sun Princess to Alaska May 2000
Norwegian Sun Panama Canal 4/11/04
Norwegian Sun - Pacific Coastal 4/27/04

[ell52]

cruiser dan,

The Met is a beautiful hotel! You won't have any trouble getting a cab to the pier. The doorman will gladly flag one for you.

[img]http://escati.linkopp.net/cgi-bin/countdown.cgi?trgb=000000&srgb=00ff00&prgb=ff00ff&cdt=2004;9;26;17;00;00&timezone=GMT-0800[/img]
Coral Princess - Trancanal on Sept 26, 2004

[Cruizin Dan]

Thanks to all for your replies [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] I was worried it was either to close for a cab to want to bother with or to far. Gee I never thought of asking the hotel for a shuttle service [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] Okay next question, what is close to the Metropolitan Hotel besides the obvious attractions ie. restaurants, shopping, etc? [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]

cruiser dan

[bedford]

Hi Dan
I am very fortunate to live in Vancouver. The Met is located in the hub of downtown. You are about half a block from the Vancouver Art Gallery. Depending on how much time you have, I would recommend taking a cab (should be no more than 15 minutes depending on traffic) to Granville Island which is full of artist studios, theatres, craft shops and the Public Market which sells fresh fruit and vegetables and often has craftspeople selling from tables. Below ground from you is the Pacific Centre, a two storey mall with many of the usual Gap, Banana Republic i.e. many clothing and shoe stores. You are also close to the 2 major department stores : Sears and The Bay, plus a huge drug store: London Drugs. You are close to Robson Steet which over the years has changed from an interesting street with a mix of owner-operated little shops to an uber-cool strip containing many hip clothing stores, Virgin Records etc. There are also a lot of restaurants on Robson: Earls is a lighter upper-end burger plus. Cin Cin specialises in Mediterranean wood-grilled food and is supposedly a favourite of the stars. The Diva at the Met has always had rave revues ($$$). But while in Vancouver you should have sushi. I recommend Sakae, 745 Thurlow (a short walk from the Met) 604-669-0067. There is also a lovely shore walk. Head north (north is heading towards the mountains), down Howe as though you are going to the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, turn left at the bottom and hook into the walkway. There are a couple of cafes or Carderos Restaurant which would make good lunch spots.

Take care and enjoy Vancouver!

Bedford

[Cruizin Dan]

Bedford, Thank you so much for that great info. I will print it off and take it with me. I look forward to visiting some of these places.

cruiser dan