Alaska Swing

 

 

DANCEFUN PRE-CRUISE PACKAGES AND INFO

 

Welcome to Vancouver !

Vancouver is a beautiful city not to be missed !
We suggest you consider enhancing your travel to Alaska with a visit to this Canadian gem.

We are offering a pre-cruise package for those wanting to arrive a day or two early.

The package includes pleasant accommodations in the heart of downtown overlooking the bay.
This location gives you the opportunity to visit local restaurants and shops nearby.
Then enjoy a tour of the city and round trip transfers to the ship and back to the airport.

Your pre-cruise will start once you arrive at the Marriott Pinacle Hotel in downtown Vancouver.
We have also listed a variety of travel options to get to the Marriott from both the Vancouver and Seattle International Airports.

For those arriving earlier consider visiting Victoria Island and the Buchart Gardens and its 55 acres of wonderful floral display.

Please review this information packed page. It should answer most questions
and provide reference material to plan the pre-cruise with your friends.


Pre-Cruise Package with Hotel Stay and Transfers

Marriott Pinnacle Hotel Information

Booking your Air

Airport Transfers

 

 

 

DanceFun Pre-Cruise Package

Marriott Pinnacle Hotel Downtown Vancouver
Stay and All Transfers

1 Night DanceFun Pre-Cruise Package
Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay, City Tour & Round Trip Ship Transfers
(Friday, August 9)

Package Includes:

  • Accommodations at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel Downtown
    • Free Hi Speed Internet for DanceFun Guests
  • Vancouver City Tour by MotorCoach
  • 2 MotorCoach Transfers:
    • Transfer Hotel to Cruise Terminal
    • Post Cruise Return Shuttle to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)

City View Pricing:

  • Double Occupancy – $179.00/person
  • Single Occupancy – $293.00/person
  • Triple Occupancy – $141.00/person
  • Quad Occupancy – $122.00/person

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Extra Nights:

  • Double Occupancy – $114.00/person
  • Single Occupancy – $228.00/person
  • Triple Occupancy – $76.00/person
  • Quad Occupancy – $57.00/person

Bay View Pricing:

  • Double Occupancy – $197.00/person
  • Single Occupancy – $329.00/person
  • Triple Occupancy – $153.00/person
  • Quad Occupancy – $131.00/person

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Extra Nights:

  • Double Occupancy – $139.00/person
  • Single Occupancy – $289.00/person
  • Triple Occupancy – $88.00/person
  • Quad Occupancy – $66.00/person


"Tentative" Pre-Cruise Schedule
(Subject to Change):

Friday, August 9
4:00 pm        Check in at the Marriott Pinnacle Hotel
                    Those arriving earlier may check their luggage - see Bell Captain
5:00 pm        A "Meet & Greet" with our Staff and Guests at the Marriott is planned - details TBA
6:00 pm        Then the evening on your own. Check out local restaurant links below.
                    Vancouver Locals are planning a dance for Friday Night - details TBA.

Saturday, August 10
7:00 am         Breakfast on your own (See Dining Options Nearby)
8:30 am         Check out of Hotel with luggage
9:00 am         Load Bus (Tentative)
9:30 am         Depart for City Tour
12:30 pm       Approximate Arrival at Holland Cruise Terminal

RETURN
Saturday, August 17

9:30 am       Load Bus
10:00 am     Return Shuttle - From Holland Cruise Terminal to Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
Safe Travel Home !

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Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel

Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel
1128 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, British Columbia V6E4R5 Canada
(604) 684-1128  
www.marriott.com

The Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel is located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, steps from the waterfront and just minutes from the best entertainment, food and culture the city has to offer.

Marriott Pinnacle PHOTO GALLERY

Marriott Pinnacle MAPS & TRANSPORTATION

Rosen Plaza


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Lobby
The Pinnacle Lobby

 


The Pinnacle Lobby & Grand Staircase

 

guestroom2
King

 

guestroom3
Double Double

GUEST ROOM AMENITIES

  • Air conditioning
  • Alarm clock
  • Bottled water, for a fee
  • Coffee maker/tea service
  • Electrical adapters
  • Individual climate control
  • Iron and ironing board
  • Luxurious bedding - down comforters, custom duvets,
    cotton-rich linens
  • Pillows: down/feather
  • Pillows: foam
  • Rollaway bed
  • Hair Dryer
  • Separate tub and shower
  • Safe
  • Cable channel: CNN
  • Cable channel: HBO
  • Cable/satellite TV
  • Color TV
  • Plug In Panel
  • Electrical outlet: desk level
  • Phone feature: cordless
  • Phone feature: speakerphone
  • Phone feature: voice mail

HOTEL SERVICES & AMENITIES High-Speed Internet
  • Buffet breakfast, fee: 21.00 CAD
  • Coffee/tea in-room
  • Continental breakfast, fee: 13.00 CAD
  • Full American breakfast, fee: 16.00 CAD
  • Concierge desk
  • Full-service business center
  • Phone calls: toll-free
  • Room service
  • Marriott Pinnacle Health Club
  • Indoor Pool - 52 ft lap pool
  • Whirlpool
  • PLEASE NOTE - DanceFun Group Guests receive Complimentary Hi-Speed Internet !
    Public areas: Wireless
  • Guest rooms: Wired (Wired-for-Business), Wireless
  • Normally a daily rate of 15.95 CAD, the following features are available in your guest room:
    1. High-speed Internet access
    2. Unlimited local phone calls
    3. Unlimited long distance calls (within the country), not available in all markets

    DanceFun Group Guests -- Free !


Check-in and Check-out

  • Check-in: 4:00 PM
  • Check-out: 12:00 PM
  • Express Checkout

Smoke-free Policy

Parking

  • On-site parking, fee: 7 CAD hourly, 35.24 CAD daily
  • Valet parking, fee: 43.37 CAD daily
  • Above rates includes applicable taxes
    (21% Parking Tax & 12% HST)

Driving Directions

 

DINING & ENTERTAINMENT

Hotel Dining - The Showcase Restaurant & Bar

  • International
  • Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • An award-winning dining experience among downtown restaurants in Vancouver, Show Case Restaurant and Bar features simple ingredients that create extraordinary meals. Enjoy a variety of diverse international flavors along with exceptional service.

 
Bar
The Showcase Bar
  Dining Room
The Showcase Restaurant - Dining Room

Outside Dining Options

There are several dining choices close to the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel. Check with the Concierge for recommended restaurants and directions. Below are a few choices for breakfast or a quick coffee. Take this link for a more extensive list of nearby restaurants.

Caffe Artigiano 0.1 mile(s)
Italian
A perfect cup of coffee - gourmet salad, italian paninis.

  • Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Dress code: Casual
  • Phone:  1 604 655 5333

Starbucks
200 Burrard Street
Vancouver
Directions: Go southeast on West Hastings toward Thurlow St. (0.2 mi.) Turn left onto Burrard St.(0.1 mi. past Thurlow). Pita Express is on the corner. Starbucks is on the right just past West Cordova Street. If you reach Canada Place, you've gone a little too far.

Urban Fare 0.1 mile(s)
American
A Market with gourmet food!

  • Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Dress code: Casual
  • Phone:  1 604 669 5831

p2b bistro & bar 0.1 mile(s)
Continental
p2b bistro & bar is a modern, upscale-casual bistro emphasizing fresh, local, and sustainable ingredients used to deliver simply prepared, chef crafted food.

  • Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • Dress code: Casual
  • Phone:  1 604 689 9211
More about the Marriott Hotel

Photo Gallery

Dining at the Marriott - Hours, Menus


THINGS TO DO IN VANCOUVER

Check out the hotel's website for a wealth of information and things to do in Vancouver. Go to the Marriott's Vist Local Area page. Scroll a third down the page to see the weather forecast or a link to the Visitor's guide to Vancouver. Go down a littler further to see tabs on Dining Nearby, Upcoming Events, Local Activities, Local Attractions and Transportation.


Click: Visit Local Area

Look for: "In This Section" - Includes -

  • Visitor's Guide Vancouver
  • Maps & Transportation
  • Dining Nearby - Eateries nearby with descriptions, directions and more
  • Local Activities

Click: SHORETRIPS

If you prefer a guided tour, ShoreTrips is offering two great pre-cruise excursions in Vancouver:

  • Victoria & Butchart Gardens by Ferry
  • Whistler & Shannon Falls Tour

Both tours are available Monday-Friday and you'll be picked up and dropped off at the hotel.
For more details on each excursion, click the ShoreTrip link.


You can also stay in and enjoy the hotel's 52 ft. indoor lap pool and whirlpool or have a workout in the newly expanded fitness center.
LiteBite   LiteBite

 

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Air On Your Own

 

DanceFun is not offering group air for this cruise.
A Group requires 10 or more seats from ONE gateway airport. Even if we get 10 guests for a group air package, there is still the chance some may cancel and reduce the group to less than 10 and then all remaining guests are forced to buy at higher rates.
And lastly, we aren't finding group rates a real savings. In fact in some cases the rates are higher.

To search and compare airfare on your own, we suggest a couple of things: 

Start with a good search engine that compares many airlines at once, and then allows you to book directly with the airline. 
A couple of current favorites we like are Kayak.com and Mobissimo.com. These will compare many airlines (and other search engines). You can also adjust the search window on these engines as to the time of day you would like to depart or arrive.

When using search engines -
We have found it best to search here, but book directly with the airline for better service. This is especially true in the case of flight changes, delays, and cancellations – so you don’t get kicked around in these situations. When push comes to shove, the Airlines treat their direct-booked clients better.
AND -- We always recommend Travel Insurance ! See our Cruise FAQs for more about travel insurance.

If you would like DanceFun to reseach and book your air for you, we offer:

Air Consulting Service
• Research Flights and find the best price & schedule for your needs
• Consult as to the best choice & price for your situation
• Book the Flight & Send confirmation to you (up to 4 persons per Flight Intinerary)
• Plus Follow up assistance as needed

Fees for Service:
• $35.00 for Initial Consultation and research from 1 gateway for up to
4 guests on one reservation
• $25.00 per additional gateways


For reservations call DanceFun at 1-866-326-2338 or 1-405-282-8989
Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Time.


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Airport Transfers / Shuttle Service


Holland America Shuttle Service

Serving Vancouver International Airport              (YVR)           45 minutes

This Shuttle Service is a good and reliable service, but ONLY for the day of Embarkation or Disembarkation and ONLY within certain flight times on those days.  IF you are arriving on the day of Embarkation before 2:00 pm, we recommend this service. Note: Transfer rates are subject to change and any unused services are non refundable.

  • Serves the Vancouver International Airport (YVR)
  • Service is $28.00 each way or $56.00 round trip per person
  • Available on days on embarkation & disembarkation only
  • Reservations, payment & flight arrangements are required to Holland America at least 14 days prior to sailing.
  • Latest Flight Arrival by 2:00 PM
  • Arrival - On days of sailing, Cruise Line representatives with Holland America signs will be stationed in the airport baggage claim area or outside the customs area (depending on local customs regulations), to greet and assist guests. If you don't see the representatives, please have one paged. Guests must claim their own bags. Ship bag tags should be attached before leaving home.
  • Earliest Flight Departure 11:00 AM
  • Departure - Transfer procedures to be advised by the ship

 

Serving Seattle International Airport: Sea-Tac            (SEA)           5 hours

This Shuttle Service is a good and reliable service, but ONLY for the day of Embarkation or Disembarkation and ONLY within certain flight times on those days.  IF you are arriving on the day of Embarkation before 10:00 a.m, we recommend this service. Note: Transfer rates are subject to change and any unused services are non refundable.

  • Serves the Seattle International Airport (SEA) - Sea-Tac
  • Service is $65.00 each way or $130.00 round trip per person
  • Available on days on embarkation & disembarkation only
  • Reservations, payment & flight arrangements are required to Holland America at least 14 days prior to sailing.
  • Latest Flight Arrival by 10:00 AM
  • Arrival - On days of sailing, Cruise Line representatives with Holland America signs will be stationed in the airport baggage claim area or outside the customs area (depending on local customs regulations), to greet and assist guests. If you don't see the representatives, please have one paged. Guests must claim their own bags. Ship bag tags should be attached before leaving home.
  • Earliest Flight Departure 3:00 PM
  • Departure - Transfer procedures to be advised by the ship

 

For availability contact DanceFun at 866-DANCEFUN (866-326-2338) or Holland America at 1-800-426-0327.

 

Public Transportation - Options from Vancouver International Airport to Downtown

Canada Line

YVR to Downtown - $9
Downtown to YVR - $4
The Canada Line is Vancouver’s new rapid transit rail link connecting YVR to downtown Vancouver in 26 minutes and to downtown Richmond in 18 minutes. It’s a fast and easy way to get to the city centres. You can conveniently access trains from both the International and Domestic Terminals.
Canada Line’s YVR-Airport station is centrally located between the International and Domestic Terminals. As you exit the train, turn left for domestic flights or right for U.S. and international flights.
Need more information? Visit Canada Line's website the latest schedules, news and events along the Canada Line. For information about fares, visit www.translink.bc.ca.

Canada Line Accessibility

The Canada Line is accessibile by elevator from both the arrivals and departures level. For assistance in locating the Canada Line, please ask one of the friendly Green Coat Volunteers located throughout the terminals.

Directions to Canada Line for passengers flying in to YVR

 Arriving from within Canada?
If you’re picking up checked bags, you are at Arrivals, level 2 of the Domestic Terminal. Go to Level 3, and walk toward the Link Building (located in between the International and Domestic Terminal). Follow the signs marked Canada Line or ask any of our Customer Care staff in red or green vests for assistance. 

Arriving from the U.S.A or an international destination?

Once through the customs and immigration arrivals process, walk toward the exit to our International Arrivals Greeting Area. Exit the building following signs marked Canada Line. Before the parkade entrance, an escalator and elevator will take you up to the Canada Line platform. 

Taxis

More than 500 licensed taxis currently serve the airport, including wheelchair accessible taxis.
Taxis are a quick and easy way to get to and from Vancouver International Airport. Taxis are available 24-hours a day, seven days a week. Taxis charge a metered rate based on time and distance. The approximate fare to downtown Vancouver is between $34 - $36 (taxes included).  No reservations are required for mini-vans or wheelchair accessible taxis. Let the curbside staff know your needs and they’ll get the right vehicle. 

Arriving from Canada on a domestic flight and need a taxi?

If you have just arrived and are picking up luggage, you are located in the Domestic Terminal Arrivals, Level 2. Simply make your way outside of the terminal on Level 2 to the taxi stand.

Arriving from the U.S.A or an international destination and need a taxi?

Once through the customs and immigration process, you’ll enter the International Arrivals Greeting Area. Walk outside the building on the same level and look for the taxi stand.
All taxis who pick up passengers from the airport are fully licensed and all drivers must complete a training course in safe driving, customer service and helping people with special needs.

Sedans & Limousines

Why not ride in a black town car or limousine with a guaranteed rate next time you’re coming to or going from YVR?
Aerocar Service is the airport’s licensed sedan and limousine provider complete with luxury sedans, stretch SUV’s or limos to suit any taste.
See the latest rates 'to and from' the Vancouver International Airport.
Contact information for Aerocar Service:
By Phone*:    1-888-821-0021
By Email*:  info@aerocar.ca
*24 hour reservations availailable*

Car Rentals

Car Rental Companies

Car rental facilities are conveniently located just steps from the terminal on the ground floor of the parkade. Companies operating their vehicle pickup and return services directly from these facilities include:

Off-site Car Rental Company

Off-site car rental company close to the airport: 

A direct dialed phone for Enterprise car rental shuttles is located at the car rental bus shelter in the Economy Parking Lot.
 Accessible Car Rentals
Accessible car rentals are available at YVR. Please ensure you give your rental company 48 hours advanced notice to ensure availability.

 

Transportation from Seattle International Airport (Sea-Tac) to Downtown Vancouver

QUICK SHUTTLE: VANCOUVER, SEATTLE EXPRESS SHUTTLE
Quick Shuttle provides affordable and reliable transportation from Sea-Tac Airport, Downtown Seattle, Bellingham Airport to Vancouver Airport, Downtown Vancouver and Cruise Ship Terminals aboard luxury coaches. Quick Shuttle provides complimentary doorstep service to all major Hotels.

We only recommend this shuttle service if you are coming into Seattle a day or two before the cruise. If arriving on the day of departure, please use the Holland America Shuttle because the cruise line will guarantee your arrival at the pier prior to departure.

The trip from Seattle (Sea-Tac) to Downtown Vancouver is 5 hours. You will be processed through Customs at the Canadian border. The shuttle drop-off is at the Renaissance Hotel which is across the street from the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown Hotel. When making your reservations be sure to ask for the Renaissance Hotel destination.

Quick Shuttle picks up and drops off passengers in the parking lot outside of Door 00 at the south end of the Baggage Claim level. You can check in with your service at the Airporter Check-In Counter near Door 00 on the Baggage Claim level.

Quick recommends passengers arrive at departure locations, a minimum 15 minutes before departure.
Weather and other factors may affect operating conditions, therefore times cannot be guaranteed
.

Reservations are required for all shuttle service and tickets are non-refundable.

For Reservations
Call 1-800-265-212
To make reservations on line, go to www.quickshuttle.com - purchase ticket

Sea-Tac to Downtown Vancouver

Adult
Senior/Military
Student

One Way
$58.50
$55.00
$49.00

Round-Trip
$103.00
$98.00
$85.00

Departs Sea-Tac Airport N1
6:30 am
N2
8:30 am
N3
10:00 am
N4
1:30 pm
N5 2:30 pm
(Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)
Arrives Downtown Vancouver N1
11:45 am
N2
2:00 pm
N3
3:40 pm
N4
6:50 pm
N5 7:45 pm
(Mon, Fri, Sat, Sun)

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For reservations call DanceFun at 1-866-326-2338 or 1-405-282-8989
Monday – Friday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Central Time.

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