Alberta Quilter

I was told by one PC couple that they also receive 10 free Pinnacle Grill dinners each per cruise. If they book multiple cruises B2B, they get 10 dinners for each booking number. That might explain why others get bounced from their reservations, although I think that is wrong. The PC couple invited us for dinner because they were never going to use up all their free dinners. They had three separate cruises booked so received a lot of dinners within about six or eight weeks.

Where would you be going? If to Hawaii, there should be a Hawaiian group onboard with ukulele and hula classes, and Hawaiian crafts. But they’re not onboard on the way back….

There are a few Fairmont hotels in Vancouver. The Waterfront, the Pacific Rim, and the Hotel Vancouver, plus the one at the airport. Make sure you’re talking about the same one with your TA.

I really enjoyed Louisbourg, much more than expected. And we were there when there weren't many costumed staff. In June, I would expect it to be even better.

Agree with this, along as you’re comfortable with driving in the mountains. If you do a tour package with RM, they will take you to all of the sights without you needing to deal with the logistics. But it will come at an added cost and at their timing. You will have much more flexibility on your own. FYI, Parks Canada has just announced higher parking fees at Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake has parking restrictions too. They want people to use transit instead. If you choose to do this portion on your own, I would suggest earlier in August because of weather.

If this might be your one and only trip to Alaska and Western Canada, considering you're coming from Spain, then try to book a cruise tour that includes the Yukon. I particularly liked Dawson City. My sister lived in Whitehorse for a few years and was sad to leave it, she liked it so much. I didn't see much of Whitehorse on my tour due to a late arrival and early departure the following day.

I agree about doing the land portion of the cruise tour first because the land tour days are long and rather exhausting. You'll be able to recover on the cruise. As for the Rocky Mountaineer, I've done two of the three Canadian routes. I enjoyed the three day route from Jasper to Vancouver, via Quesnel & Whistler, more than the two day route from Vancouver to Banff, via Kamloops. I felt the scenery was better (departing from Vancouver is not pretty at all) in the northern route. The only disappointment to the northern route was the section between Jasper and Prince George; we were in a tunnel of trees for much of the first day. Of course, it didn't help that it was pouring rain. It was the end of August. The rain turned to snow, in Jasper, within a day or two of our departure and made headlines. The scenery only improved after that first day; the weather did, too! Whistler was beautiful. The afternoon train ride from Whistler to North Van was very nice, with local residents coming out of their homes to wave at us as we passed. That hardly happened on the southern route... On the RM, do expect delays. We had a one hour delay shortly after leaving Whistler, near Squamish. But on the other trip, we had a five hour delay before being bused to Kamloops on Day 1, arriving at midnight. That was not pleasant but totally out of RM's control (delays in both instances were due to issues with other trains on the same tracks). They actually had to serve us a third meal because of that delay. Do not book any post train arrangements on the day you disembark the RM because of the chance of delay. Oh, and make sure, if your budget allows, to book Gold Leaf. This gets you into the dome cars which has better views, an outdoor viewing platform (for better pictures), better (adjustable) seats, and the ability to move to the dining car below for your meals. More meal options, too. As for the cruise and kids, expect kids. I did my one and only cruise tour in June (around summer solstice). We saw more kids than I expected but I guess school is out a little earlier, in June, in the US than it is in Canada. Although I haven't been to Alaska in August, since school is still out, I would expect them. Even though HAL may not have the image of being family friendly, they seem to be trying to change that image with their kids sail free promos. I would think that Alaska and the Caribbean itineraries would be more inclined to have more children than other itineraries. Hope that helps!

So maybe, the cruise lines recently became aware of the Canadian restrictions. I said in my post that my experience was a few years ago, but it was about ten years ago. I'm surprised that border officials wouldn’t have been aware of it, though.

We had ours shipped to Canada to avoid any issues. I believe they came in the fall in time to plant.

Agree. I'm currently seeing the Volendam Grand Australia menus (which match what richwmn is posting) even though my cruise isn't for a few more months and nowhere near Australia.

This is interesting. I did something similar a few years ago but maybe there is a difference in how I did it, that allowed it to happen. I boarded the ship in Vancouver, sailed on a 1 day cruise to Seattle. From there, on the same ship, we did a 14 day cruise to Alaska. It was two different booking numbers as we booked the 1 day cruise some time after booking the 14 day cruise (mostly because it's much easier for us to fly to/from Vancouver/Victoria than Seattle). I believe I inquired about the PVSA rules at the time; I didn't know until reading this thread about Canadian cabotage laws. Like the OP, the last port was Victoria. We asked, and received permission to disembark in Victoria. We had to take our own luggage off and, of course, go through customs/immigration. Were we just lucky?

Doesn't that prove my point? The captain of your ship didn't follow the Princess map illustrating the route. However, I'm glad that you were able to see such a scenic part of the inside passage.

I was once told, by a captain, that the pretty picture of the route map does not necessarily indicate what will happen. Those are created by graphic designers and not by Captains who chart the route to save fuel. I, like Blackduck59, suspect that northbound will be in open ocean and southbound will be in the Canadian inside passage. Note that HAL considers cruises to be inside passage even if it will be only in the Alaska inside passage. The scenery in the Canadian inside passage is stunning. Hopefully, the route will be as depicted in the map but don't count on it.

Good Morning! My sister and I are planning to cruise from BA in early 2025. We plan to arrive at least one day prior to our cruise, probably two days. I'm wondering if we should bite the bullet and pay for a pre cruise hotel/tour with the cruise line. I did this before when my mother and I went fourteen years ago but it does add significantly to the cost (hotel and tour info are not yet posted on the cruise line website). My sister has never been so I'm sure she will want to do some touring. Any idea how safe it is for two women on their own (who don't speak Spanish)? We do know not to be flashing any bling but I'm sure we'll still stand out as tourists. Thank you for your help!

I know your question is regarding the PNW but have you considered heading east after your cruise? You could take the Rocky Mountaineer (or drive), see the Canadian Rockies - Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper and fly home from Calgary. You could also do it before the cruise and head west to Vancouver for your cruise and then do the PNW. Really depends on the amount of time you have and your budget. But, if going east is out of the equation, I would highly recommend Victoria and the rest of Vancouver Island. I also think Butchart Gardens is a must do, if you've never been before (not inexpensive, though). Tofino/Ucluelet, too. Whistler was lovely when I was there in early September a few years ago.