Panama Canal transit QE

[lissie]

3 hours ago, babs135 said:

Trying to remember !!!  It could have been deck 5.  What I can say is that it was one that is not usually open to passengers as it  is used by the crew.  

Oh that's cool - so they opened it for the Canal? 

[watsonbeau]

Going back to flights, my easy option is book my own KLM as my nearest airport is Humberside. Only 20-30 mins home from there, otherwise Manchester which would have to be overnight hotel for jet-lag then train back which would then be on a Sunday so likely few services running and on the Platinum Jubilee weekend to boot.

 

Do Cunard have the option for a transfer from ship to Vancouver airport - I think they do similar in New York on TAs etc but no idea for Vancouver.  Otherwise taxi from port I guess. 
 

Also I know I need ESTA to enter USA 🇺🇸 but what about 🇨🇦 Canada as we would just be disembarking then straight to airport ? 
 

sorry for more questions ! 

[babs135]

12 hours ago, lissie said:

Oh that's cool - so they opened it for the Canal? 

Yes, they open it just for the day.  

[LadyL1]

If you book flights with Cunard and things go ”pear shaped”, the booking is all under one umbrella, and they will sort.

Hopefully all will go ahead as planned, but if you book cheap non moveable/refundable air fares independently, where would this leave you?

I am not trying to put a downer on your plans, but think of the situation as per the pandemic: what option would give you least worry and angst.

With the Cunard booking, there is every chance there will be transport to airport in Vancouver and possibility of a day coach tour prior to the late afternoon or evening flight home.

You are taking on a magnificent trip so hope all goes well and you have a wonderful time.

[watsonbeau]

Yes I am beginning to think I might stick with Cunard, and as you say if all goes downhill, Cunard will have to sort out the situation re flights etc as you say.  Plus I can't seem to find out what the testing requirements are to enter Canada, even if only for transit. 

 

Will just have to figure out if to go for Vancouver or San Francisco as end point.  Thinking Vancouver as would like time in SF to see the sights as a stop over doesn't look to be an option.

 

Any further thoughts from anyone most welcome !

[elmsliebev]

1 hour ago, watsonbeau said:

Yes I am beginning to think I might stick with Cunard, and as you say if all goes downhill, Cunard will have to sort out the situation re flights etc as you say.  Plus I can't seem to find out what the testing requirements are to enter Canada, even if only for transit. 

 

Will just have to figure out if to go for Vancouver or San Francisco as end point.  Thinking Vancouver as would like time in SF to see the sights as a stop over doesn't look to be an option.

 

Any further thoughts from anyone most welcome !

We're doing it t'other way round, and flying Manchester-Heathrow-Vancouver on 10 July, then flying back from Miami as we are having 3 nights in Miami when we disembark at Fort Lauderdale. Because of the current situation we've booked through a local TA and with Cunard flights. We've upgraded to Premium Economy for just over £300pp return which I thought was a good deal. We'll also look at Business Case when BA have a sale on!

I need to check Canada visa requirements but we will be staying overnight pre-cruise and then have a day there too (changeover day 😀).

Edited January 10, 2022 by elmsliebev