Is self debarkation available from the Carnival Spirit in Vancouver?

[tabbycat1]

We have a 12:20 flight leaving Vancouver on Sept. 2nd, after our southbound Carnival Alaska cruise. We tried to arrange for US Direct but, have been informed by Carnival that this service is only available for the Northbound cruises. Does Carnival allow us to self-debark? Their customer service was not too sure about that. They told us that a 12:20 flight will give us time to make the flight but would not advise a flight before 11am. They suggested using their transfer service but, I think it would be quicker for us to be on our own and get to the airport without waiting for their bus to fill up with other passengers. Does Carnival have any type of EZ check? I'm concerned about the time frame and getting through customs.

[Putterdude]

Unfortunately you were likely speaking with a call centre person who doesn't know anything about Vancouver let alone US Direct....yes Carnival participates in US Direct both northbound and southbound so long as your airline participates. I am not a Carnival cruiser so I can not and should not comment on EZ Check. By the way you will make arrangements for US Direct at the Passenger Services Desk once aboard.

http://www.portmetrovancouver.com/about/cruiseandtourism/usdirectprocess.aspx

[SOMBRERO6]

Last Sept. we cruised Carnival southbound from Whittier to Vancouver. The info you will need will be found in your cabin. Fill out the paperwork and take it to the purser's desk as soon as you can. The way Luggage Express works is great and a real time saver! We set our luggage out the night before you debark. Keep what you will need for the next day. Your boarding passes will be printed out by Carnival. The morning you leave they will take you to a room and ck your paperwork, passports, etc. and they will take you to your bus. The bus will be sealed. When you arrive at Vancouver airport the customs agents will board your bus and look at your papers again. The bus will take you to the terminal and you will go thru customs, which took us all of about 5 minutes! We had a 12:20 flight out of Vancouver and had plenty of extra time. We left the ship about 8:15 AM and were ready to board our plane by 10:00 AM.

[tabbycat1]

Thank you both for your great and helpful information. It makes me feel optimistic about making it to our flight in time.

[vancouvercruises]

ABSOLUTELY US Direct runs Southbound.

 

As was stated in a previous post, you sign up for the program once onboard the ship. Luggage is taken from you, you get your boarding cards, and go through a simplified customs procedures. It costs about 25 dollars per person for the bus transfer.

 

Any flights leaving after 10:30 and going directly to a US city are eligible. You should have no problem getting to your flight in time.

 

Sorry Carnival gave you the wrong info.

 

Enjoy your cruise!

[Budget Queen]

Last Sept. we cruised Carnival southbound from Whittier to Vancouver. The info you will need will be found in your cabin. Fill out the paperwork and take it to the purser's desk as soon as you can. The way Luggage Express works is great and a real time saver! We set our luggage out the night before you debark. Keep what you will need for the next day. Your boarding passes will be printed out by Carnival. The morning you leave they will take you to a room and ck your paperwork, passports, etc. and they will take you to your bus. The bus will be sealed. When you arrive at Vancouver airport the customs agents will board your bus and look at your papers again. The bus will take you to the terminal and you will go thru customs, which took us all of about 5 minutes! We had a 12:20 flight out of Vancouver and had plenty of extra time. We left the ship about 8:15 AM and were ready to board our plane by 10:00 AM.

 

This is the US direct program.