Coquitlam Cruiser

I am copying straight from Canada Government web site.  The Arrive Can app must be used to upload your covid 19 pre cruise test before embarkation.  This requirement also applies to Canadian residents.

Providing proof of vaccination

You’re required to upload your proof of vaccination into ArriveCAN before:

• you enter Canada, or
• embarking on a cruise that is travelling outside Canadian waters (for example, if docking in the United States for a shore excursion) or a cruise, or
• embarking on a cruise that will dock in Canada at any point in the itinerary 

This applies to all travellers, including Canadians. ArriveCAN is mandatory and free for all travellers entering Canada, regardless of citizenship or vaccination status.

On 8/2/2022 at 10:56 AM, jackygirl said:

Hi everyone 

We are in the U.K. and traveling to Vancouver to spend 2 nights in a hotel pre Alaska cruise on NCL Jewel.  We travel beginning of October.  I am getting really nervous about the pre testing we need to do to enable boarding.  Is there any indication this requirement will be lifted any time soon?  We really don’t want to travel all the way to Canada only to test positive and have to quarantine for 10 days.  Are there any readers who’ve traveled from the U.K. and able to let me know their experience?

For your information all cruise ship passengers embarking at Canadian ports must compete either a PCR or Rapid Antigen test prior to boarding.   The results must be uploaded to ArriveCan app for smart phones or printed off.  As well prior to leaving the UK you must also complete the ArriveCan app (no test needed).  Canada is not lifting this requirement anytime soon. 
 

3 hours ago, edgee said:

Are you sure an ArriveCan is necessary for Vancouver embarkation where first and only Canadian stop is Victoria? They will have not left the country. By that standard everyone who takes a sea plane from Vancouver to Victoria would have to fill out an ArriveCan. Also why would they need an ArriveCan to depart Canada Place? ArriveCans are to enter Canada, not depart. Seems only one rather than 3 ArriveCans would be needed.

As per Canada govt regs all passengers boarding a cruise ship in Canada are required to submit ban ArriveCAN declaration. 

3 hours ago, ROCruiser said:

Thank you so much for the information. Just to clarify, I need to fill out the Arrive Can within 72 hours boarding the Alaska cruise on September 17. I can do it between Wednesday and Friday (9/14-16). Then one for the bus on September 24 (form fill out between 9/21-23). Then the third one before boarding the Coastal cruise on September 25 (fill out form between 9/22-24), correct? Is it OK to overlap the bus trip and the last cruise with two applications? Sorry, I need to time it so we know when to do it when we have wifi/data. We have already set up the app on our phones with two separate accounts, can we combine the two now or just simply do two separately? Thank you for helping this confused mind.

Correct 

2 hours ago, ROCruiser said:

After reading this thread, I think I might have gotten myself in trouble.  We will be taking an Alaska cruise from SEA September 17, 2022. Get back to Seattle September 24. After debarkation, we will take the Quick Shuttle from Pier 91 to Vancouver. Will stay at the Hyatt for the night before boarding the Serenade of the Seas from Canada Place back to L.A. This cruise will stop at Victoria as the first port, then to Astoria, SF, Catalina Island, then L.A. So how many Arrive Can do I need and when do I apply for these QR codes? So, I need my first ArriCan within 72 hours of checking in for the Alaska cruise, leaving on a Saturday, which means I do it any time after Wednesday 9/14? Then I need one 72 hours before taking the bus up to Vancouver? and then one to board the cruise back to L.A. when do I do that? Sorry, I am totally confused now.

You will need 3 declarations.  One for arrival into Victoria, One Arrive Can for the bus trip from Seattle. use Pacific Hwy, Surrey at port of entry.  The other for Canada Place and vessel name   Upload your vaccination info and await confirmation    It is really not too difficult and you may use one declaration for each person in the party.  May I suggest downloading the app at home first and adding all the pertinent details including attaching your vaccination details.  This will make it much easier for you. Good luck and enjoy

On 7/31/2022 at 3:29 PM, AV8rix said:

What I'm doing is staying the night before the cruise at the Radisson on Cambie, using their 15-day parking rate.  That's because I'm doing a B2B so I'll be on the ship two weeks.  And I prefer driving up the day before rather than taking a chance on good traffic with no holdups anywhere on I-5 on the morning of the cruise.  So it's working out best for me at just about $510 USD for the two weeks.  Plus the Radisson is just a couple of steps from the Aberdeen SkyTrain (Canada Line route) station. 

 

In the past I've always taken the Amtrak Cascades for cruises departing from Vancouver but they won't have that train up and running 'til the end of the cruise season.

You might want to consider parking at the long term lot (Templeton) at YVR.  It is less than half of the cost   of parking at the Radissson.  You need to book in advance and discounts are available if you are a AAA member.  The Skytrain station at right there as well.  Check out the YVR website parking.  

I was able to contact CBP through the Trusted Traveller portal and was able to receive the answer I was seeking.  Another option.  

17 hours ago, shipshapegirl said:

Thank you so much!  You have answered a question my travel agent could not find.  

Just to confirm if travelling by bus, the border crossing is Pacific Highway, Surrey, BC.  Peace Arch border crossing is strictly for passenger (cars) vehicles no buses or commercial vehicles allowed.  I worked at the border for a number of years

As a reminder please also complete the Arrive Can app for CBSA.   
 

As far as I know Shoppers Drug do not offer Covid tests in BC. I would recommend a proctored test versus various on line providers using your own unopened test kit. The cost from lifecenters.ca for 2 people is $25 CDN. Very easy booking process. You will need a tablet or big mobile phone.  

I made my renewal Nexus appointment as soon as the portal opened last April.  I received my appointment date for July 6 in Blaine WA. My new Nexus card arrived last week.   One difference this time around is you don’t receive a retina scan just finger prints.  I asked about the reason and neither US CBP nor CBSA would answer me.  Anyway be persistent in checking the Nexus website as appointments do show up.  

Long term parking Templeton Station at YVR is inexpensive and right on the the Canada Line to Canada Place / Waterfront Station.  I can’t comment on hotels which offer long term parking.  Perhaps someone else could provide more options. 

SkyTrain is really easy from the airport to the hotel. Stop is adjacent to the River Rock.  

Fellow cruisers, there is a testing site located within the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel adjacent to the cruise terminal in Vancouver.   It is not cheap however.  Empower is the name of the clinic.  Hours are only 8-4 daily.  

6 hours ago, 3rdGenCunarder said:

I want to call and scream at them  just to get it out of my system. More than anything, I'm annoyed that they have not contacted me. That's a lousy way to do business.

 

I am so tired of dealing with all this covid #$%^&*! QE currrently has an outbreak, so it's likely that my cruise will not have the launderettes, the thermal suite in the spa, the usual lectures, etc. I have to deal with the bus instead of the train because Amtrak can't get its act together. Everything looks like a hassle and a disappointment. I have to keep reminding myself that Alaska is gorgeous and the trip will be worth it.  (It's hot as hell here today, so please forgive the crankiness)

 

So, is there a list of approved companies that will do the online proctoring? 

Acculab and Switch offer proctored tests 

No Covid test required for entry into Canada.  Check Health Canada website for verification 

We live in BC and use the Templeton long term lot.  NB if you are AAA members you might be entitled to a significant discount

On 4/14/2022 at 8:26 AM, maui07 said:

Nope, up to 5% of your cruise could be un vaxxed, they are giving exemptions for 5-12 year olds. Ovbiously under 5's arent vaxxed either. 

Some cruises do not permit any exemptions and if the cruise embarks from a Canadian port ie. Vancouver then you are subject to Canadian vaccine regulations and no exceptions. 

On 2/22/2022 at 7:09 PM, Ferry_Watcher said:

If a cruise passenger is in need of taking a transfer back to the US after a cruise ending in Vancouver, BC, I am guessing that they are trying to get to SeaTac to fly home.  It may be that the cost of flying out of Vancouver, BC is either much more expensive than flying to/from Seattle, or the outbound Vancouver flights involve long layovers or connections.

 

In addition, unlike the examples that were cited (all US cities), Vancouver, BC is in Canada, and thus flying directly into Canada is an international flight which requires a passport.  Not all US cruise  passengers have passports, or necessarily want to fly internationally.

 

I am not sure what the point was that you were trying to make regarding the bus transfers - maybe you could explain.

Well these cruisers if non passport holders they can’t enter Canada 

Able to get an interview today at Blaine for July 6

On 4/7/2022 at 4:33 PM, Sprocket said:

Received the email this morning hubby has been waiting to rebook since original appointment was cancelled.  No appointments at Blaine and it was supposed to open for booking April 5th website says they are still closed.

 

I was able to get an interview today at Blaine for July 6

4 hours ago, Woody14 said:

Prices downtown near the port are crazy expensive.   best bet could be the long term lot at YVR

And Skytrain will take you direct to the cruise ship terminal in 20 or so minutes 

20 hours ago, hallasm said:

I do not fully understand your conclusion regarding ‘Baltic states’  in relation to your comment: “cannot risk any potential opportunity for reprisals and need to protect their clients”

Simply stated cruise lines must protect their clients against possible harm.  Specifically St Petersburg will be a no go as some cruise lines now have announced 

I would suggest that all cruise ships will not call at St Petersburg and may even abandon calling on the Baltic states because of Putin’s irrational invasion of Ukraine.  The cruise lines cannot risk any potential opportunity for reprisals and need to protect their clients. 

Just announced Canada ports closed to cruise ships to Feb 22 at the earliest. Alaska and New England not happening this year