Pamthecat

Victoria to Vancouver (Canada Place)

BC Ferries run between Vancouver Island and the mainland. The Swartz Bay terminal is on the Island about 30 minutes from Victoria - it goes to the Tsawwassen terminal about 30 minutes from Vancouver. Whole ferry trip is 1hour and 35 minutes.

There is public transportation to the ferry from Victoria - about $5.00.

You can walk on to the ferry - about $20.00

On the other side , there is a translink public transportation bus that can take you directly from the Tsawwassen ferry terminal to the Skytrain. The Skytrain then goes to Waterfront Station which is about a 5-10 minute walk to the cruise ship terminal. Bus is $5.50 and Skytrain isn't much more. The whole bus/skytrain thing will take about 1+ hour. Google Translink for details

There is another connector bus that you can catch either in Victoria or you can buy tickets directly from the driver when you are on the ferry. I don't think the busses are on every ferry crossing. Some of these busses are cruise ship connectors and others are just busses that go downtown.

A cab can take you from Tsawwassen directly downtown for about $60 in about 30 minutes. You can reserve a large cab or a limo for a bit more $, but not much. This will take your whole family and luggage.

Cabin Plugs - Star Princess

I have purchased a power plug "expander" which allows me to "safely convert 1 grounded outlet into 3 grounded outlets (The package says 15 AMPS, 125 vac, 1875 watts, 60 hz - it doesn't say anything about a surge protector). It has a three prongs and isn't an extension cord, it sits close to the wall and just turns 1 plug into three. Should I get an extension cord too?

I have been searching on the various sites about plugs and adapters and I hope I've got it right... Comments?

So the forecast is for rain. It is an interesting struggle packing bug spray, rain gear, a fleece, swim suit, dressy casual and formal wear all in 1 suitcase...

Thank you to the poster for the info about Frogg Toggs rain gear, knit gloves and scarf. Also I'm glad to hear that the ski jacket is overkill - I've got a waterproof shell that I can wear a fleece or hoody or long sleeve shirt underneath - so hopefully that is ok. I have good runners for excursions but no boots....

Thanks for the information from the poster re formal night...

"I was one of the more dressed-up ladies (cocktail dress one formal night long evening gown the next.) I saw ladies dressed for formal night wearing everything from pants and sweaters to simple dresses to skirts and blouses to glitzy beaded gowns. I didn't notice any guys in tuxes and many of the men weren't even wearing suit coats."

Any more info from folks re ladies wear and "dressy casual" for the other dinners?

thanks again folks

I just received a message from Princess to come to Canada Place in Vancouver early (between 10am and 12 instead of 1-3) because of multiple ships in port that day and problems with customs.

Can anyone provide some recent information on embarkation in Vancouver?

How long did it take?

What should I expect?

Also who exactly takes your luggage when you show up?

Thanks everyone!!

I booked at Dukes. Thank you everyone!!

Hello All,

Well the car rental is organized for Juneau ($67 for the day) and now I'm sorting out Skagway.

Has anyone rented a car in Skagway? Is it easy to get around? What company did you use and where did you go? How did you plan your day?

Excursions in Skagway -- I'm trying to sort through the excursion options. I'm hesitant to sign up for a super long 7 hour excursion and I'm also trying to avoid the super expensive excursions. We are a family of 4 adults (one is a 16 yr old actually).

1. dog mushing and camp -- Is there more than one of these companies in Skagway? Can I drive there or do I need to pay for the transportation as well?

2. Crab fishing (deadliest catch) sounds like fun,- but I think it is booked up on the day we are in town.

3. Interested in train, but it seems very long - is there a shorter train?

4. Dyea Dave - also interested but again looks like the trip is 7 hours - shorter version?

3. Other ideas folks could recommend?

Thanks!!

Hello All

I'm looking for some advice about Anchorage hotels and where in Anchorage we should try to stay. I'm hoping to find somewhere that is not super expensive. We are 2 parents with two grown kids (21 and 16) - so 4 adults essentially. We will be there in August.

I've been looking at Springhill Suites Anchorage University Lake as it has a shuttle to the airport, but I think that it is too far away from everything and we might feel stranded. We are only in Anchorage a day and a half. Springhill Suites University Lake is priced at $220 per night.

Thanks!

Hello All,

I have found many of the links on this site talk about warm climate cruises, but not as much about northern cooler climate cruising to Alaska. How do I pack for this type of cruise / weather? I am travelling in August

Ladies -- I'm wondering what footwear you brought for on board and for excursions? For dinner, hanging around the boat and looking at scenery and going on excursions.

Also Ladies - how formal is formal night on the star princess to Alaska and what does smart casual even mean for a regular every day dinner

Finally -- for an excursion, jeans, runners, sweatshirt and raincoat? good enough or do I need a different coat or shoes?

Never been on a cruise before..... interested in all perspectives...

I would be interested in learning from folks who have been on an Alaskan cruise with Princess. With the weather, rain, trips to glaciers, formal nights - how rugged or warm do I need to pack? Footwear? I'm going this August 2016.

Also - does Princess still have an app so that people in your group can find one another? I heard about Princess@sea app that was free and used the ship intranet - but was it cancelled? Wifi is very expensive so I'm looking for a free option

How do I download the Princess@sea app before I board?

I don't want to pay for expensive wifi.

I board in Vancouver