I'm not flying into Seattle - I live in Seattle.  So I'm trying to figure out the best way to get to Vancouver.  I'm traveling with a friend, and we'll definitely make the trip to Vancouver on Saturday.  We're considering taking the train - we really don't want to drive.  Have any other Seattleites made this trip?  Any suggestions?

It's my first Olivia trip, and I'm very excited!

MM

good story H & G!

and an even better excuse to spend a day or more in the Vancouver area!

for those who have not cruised before...it's not worth the risk of missing boarding the ship!

I well remember a nightmare time when we were flying back from San Francisco to Vancouver and the flight was delayed about 5 hours for repairs.  There were about 30 - 40 people on the plane who were catching a cruise ship that afternoon and they were frantic by the time the flight took off.  We landed in Vancouver at 3:30 (instead of 10:30) and they had to get through customs and to the cruise ship terminal.  Whoever said that it is close is not correct.  It is a good 1/2 hr cab ride from the airport to the cruise ship dock and that is if traffic is good.  SkyTrain is faster and cheaper, but still a good 15 - 20 minutes.

Anyway, Princess lines met the plane and had a bus waiting to take the folks to the dock.  They held the ship for ove 2 hours to get folks there.  Not something I would ever want to go through.  Coming the day before is the ticket for sure.

Now to find decent accomodation for a decent price.   

Thank You for your Reply RFDiana...i am researching also, I am with you, driving from Seattle is well,,,bothersome.  good update on the flight out after the noon hour...

As a general rule, it's safest to arrive the day before because it allows for traveling circumstances that have the potential to not get you to the ship on time for boarding, i.e., weather, flight cancellations, etc.  Lots of people do, though.  All aboard is generally around 4:00 so if you have an early flight in the day of, it may be okay.  And, taking into consideration that the airport in Vancouuver is only not far to the port.  Also, remember when your'e booking return flight that it's after 12 noon, which is what Olivia recommends, as we don't know the exact time embarkation will begin.  Again, play this by ear as well since the airport is so close.  As far as hotels, we are all still searching/researching but some ladies have already booked. Some are considering flying in to Seattle, taking Amtrak, driving, but crossing the border was too much for me LOL. Could be some delays there with some choices of transportation from Seattle to Vancouver.  Hope this helps

Diana

So, is everyone arriving the day before or day of? if day before, where is best (cheapest) place to stay the night? And I noticed that american airlines is through the roof expensive, (no wonder they are going under). seems United and Delta have the best prices...any thoughts on that?(air fare). thanks for all the responses so far...