Question about Disembarking at a Port of Call

[LOZZYPOP]

I am seriously thinking of a cruise vacation for me and DD in 2011 and am very interested in the 6 night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver.

I do have a question though, that I am pretty sure that I know the answer to. The cruise stops in Victoria just before it finishes its journey in Vancouver. We live in Victoria and it would be incredibly convenient, not to mention cost effective, to just go home once we arrive in Victoria.

However, I am pretty sure that it is not allowed (shipping or immigration regulations or some such), could anyone verify that for me? Who could I ask? It wasn't in the FAQ on the Disney Cruise Line site.

We Victorians can be quite "island bound" and if I can avoid the hassle of travelling from Vancouver, so much the better.

[Niwel]

I believe you can.
You still need to fill out the appropriate immigration forms. You still have to pay full fare for the cruise.

You just need to make sure you or your TA puts it in your reservation.

Just my .02: The closing night show is really special. If the cost isn't that much, I would think you might want to just stay on.

[LOZZYPOP]

Thanks for the input. Victoria is our first "foreign" (just not that foreign to me :)) Port of Call and I assumed that we would have to go through immigration here in any case. I knew I would miss some of the entertainment (and dinner!) and would have to pay for the whole cruise even though it would be short one night.

It will probably be a two to three hundred dollars to make it home from Vancouver, not to mention probably a whole day spent in the process. Flying to LA to get to the cruise doesn't bother me nearly as much as dragging myself across the strait after it (ha ha)

I will definitely weigh the pros and cons of each option. I just wanted to know if the option would be available.

[AVP]

Definitely check with a Disney specialist travel agent, because I know Disney is a little weird about letting regular guests join the cruise late / leave early. We had a situation on one of our cruises where the husband of a friend Could. Not. rearrange his work schedule to depart with the ship on time. Our first stop was Key West, and he was able to meet the ship there - but Disney wouldn't allow it. It doesn't seem to be a problem if you're an entertainer, a celebrity or a Disney executive, but average guests don't have the same options.

AVP

[Niwel]

Our first stop was Key West, and he was able to meet the ship there - but Disney wouldn't allow it. It doesn't seem to be a problem if you're an entertainer, a celebrity or a Disney executive, but average guests don't have the same options.

I think the embarkation/disembarkation might only be a problem with San Francisco and Key West... but double check that.

[Martini Mom]

Hey Lozzypop.....I am another Vancouver Island girl, just 1 1/2 hours north of you!! It seems like a good idea but do you think you will really want to leave early....I know that after a vacation, of any length, our family is NEVER ready to go home. We leave on our first WDW vacation in 20 sleeps, we are also doing a 4 night Disney cruise. It is nice to know that if we really enjoy the cruise, like there is any chance we won't, we have the option of cruising on the West Coast.

I know that it is a hassle to travel back and forth to the mainland. From my understanding of cruising you have to leave the ship right after breakfast on your final day. You would have lots of time to get back to Victoria. What about flying home? The cruise ship would dock at Canada Place, the sea plane terminal is right next door....or I'm sure there would be shuttles out to the airport. We flew to the island after landing in Vancouver after a trip and I loved the convenience of not having to take the ferry.

We are actually flying out of Seattle for our trip, it was significantly cheaper than flying out of Vancouver...but I must admit I am not looking forward to the travel time.

Good luck in your planning...it is so much fun.

Lara

[AJDerrick]

I don't know about whether or not you can leave early, but I can tell you that on the last morning there are some people who are VERY sad to be leaving. Hugging waiters goodbye, tears, etc. As a poster here said, the show the last night is the best. I certainly understand the travel factor, but unless you're planning to cruise often I'd probably stick it out and travel home the next morning. You'll dock very early, plent of time to get home.

Have a fabulous time!

[Niwel]

I don't know about whether or not you can leave early, but I can tell you that on the last morning there are some people who are VERY sad to be leaving

You should have seen ME on that last day. I came up from our cabin to Deck 3 just as they started playing the goodbye song. Oh man I knew it would be hard to get off the ship, but tears started streaming down my face as soon as I heard Mickey's voice. I got back to the cabin and my husband thought something horrible had happened to me.

[LOZZYPOP]

I had actually considered doing the float plane home since I live just a stone's throw from the inner harbour but the weight allowance is only 25 pounds per passenger. We plan to spend a few days in Disneyland before our 6 night cruise and 25 pounds each just isn't going to cut it.

After investigating further, I found out that Pacific Coach Lines serves the cruise terminal so that is almost a door to door option that will cost about $100 for both of us. As long as I don't have to drive or find my own way to the ferry, that works for me!

I asked my travel agent about disembarking in Victoria and the port just isn't set up for it. She knows people who have done it though, so it is possible.

[Drince88]

I'm really glad you found a solution that will allow you to enjoy your entire cruise!