Enjoy an enlightening look at historical Vancouver and explore beautiful Victoria or the wilds surrounding Whistler before crossing into Washington State where you will see the highlights that define Seattle.
NOTE: this program begins in Vancouver, British Columbia (Canada) and ends in Seattle, Washington (USA). Departure flights need to be booked out of Seattle’s Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Due to the nature of this program, it is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or for those that require use of a wheelchair.
When reserving this program, please make sure to advise which option you prefer on Day 2 and let us know if you have any special dietary requirements. The team at RSSC Reservations can assist in adding these details to your booking.
DAY 1
Disembark the ship and enjoy a half day Vancouver highlights tour, including a visit to Stanley Park.
Visit the gems that make Vancouver the vibrant city it is. The tour begins with a drive through Gastown, Vancouver’s Oldest neighborhood, and continues through culturally rich Chinatown, a melting pot of Asian cuisines and stores. Then enjoy a visit to Stanley Park, where there is one of the most impressive collections of totem poles in downtown Vancouver. Tour past English Bay Beach and on to Granville Island, home of Vancouver’s most famous food market. Hidden gems on the Island will be pointed out to ensure they are not missed.
Following your tour, proceed to your hotel for check-in. The remainder of the day is at your leisure and lunch and dinner are on own.
NOTE: Hotel rooms may not be ready until late afternoon. Should your room not be ready upon arrival luggage can be stored with the hotel concierge so you can head out to enjoy the sights of the city or have lunch at the hotel or nearby.
DAY 2
Following breakfast you will depart on one of the below tours.
At least 60 days in advance, please contact RSSC Reservations to advise which option you prefer.
Option 1: The Best of Victoria
Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, is located on gorgeous Vancouver Island and is considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. It is famous for the historic Empress Hotel, the Parliament buildings, and the Butchart Gardens.
Upon leaving Vancouver, you will take a scenic ferry ride from the Vancouver mainland through the Gulf Islands to Swartz Bay on Vancouver Island. Upon arrival on the island, you will visit the internationally renowned Butchart Gardens. This National Historic Site began with an exhausted limestone quarry that was transformed into the now picturesque Sunken Garden. Today the garden showcases 55 acres of themed garden displays, including a Japanese Garden, Italian Garden and Rose Garden. Enjoy High Tea at the Butchart Gardens. High tea includes a selection of items including trifle, scones, savory sandwiches and delicacies, homemade sweets and a selection of teas.
From here, drive to Victoria’s downtown area which features the Inner Harbor, The Fairmont Empress Hotel, Mile 0 and historic Chinatown. There will be free time to explore downtown Victoria at your own pace. Wind down the day with the scenic return sail aboard BC Ferries and then return by luxury coach to your hotel. The evening is at your leisure with dinner on own.
Option 2: Wonders of Whistler
Escape the city and emerge in the wilderness nestled against Vancouver. Journey via luxury coach the Sea to Sky Highway, alongside a coastal fjord and the rugged Coast Mountain Range. Stop along the way to ride the Sea to Sky gondola and ascend 850 meters (930 yards) to the top to soak up the panoramic perspectives of Howe Sound cradled by the Coast Mountains. It’s here that you can cross the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge and walk along forest trails to the observation platforms. The tour then continues north to Whistler Resort.
Upon arrival in Whistler, visit the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre (SLCC). Following the tour of SLCC and lunch, join a short, guided walking tour of Whistler Village (optional). After learning a bit about Whistler and getting a lay of the land, there is plenty of free time to explore at our own pace. Visit the shops, stop in an art gallery, or do as the locals do and find the perfect patio along the village stroll for a moment to relax at this stunning mountain resort. When your time in Whistler is coming to a close, re-board the bus and enjoy the scenic drive back along the Sea to Sky Highway to where your tour began. Enjoy an evening at leisure with dinner on own. Lunch is included at the Squamish Lil'Wat Cultural Centre.
DAY 3
Following breakfast and check out, start the drive to Seattle.
Note: The group will pass through the Canada/US border including US Customs and Immigration. Guests may or may not have to disembark the bus. Passports must be on hand and anyone requiring Visa’s to enter the USA should have their documents available.
Once you have crossed the border, a stop will be made in Everett at the Boeing Future of Flight Aviation Center. A tour here takes you through the history of aviation in the Pacific Northwest with their impressive gallery and hands-on exhibits. Boxed lunches will be served following the tour and the journey will continue to Seattle.
In Seattle, drive around the city to catch glimpse of some of the city’s most affluent neighborhoods. Each one tells a different part of the story of how Seattle went from a Wild West hub to the metropolis it is today. Enjoy an informative driving tour of the city from the perspective of a Seattleite, who will recount history and interesting stories that make the city unique.
Following your tour, proceed to your hotel for check in.
Dinner is on own this evening.
DAY 4
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before checking out and transferring to the Seattle Tacoma (SEA) airport for your flight home.
Transfers will be arranged based on the flight details provided. For guests with late flights, luggage storage will be available at your hotel until your transfer time.
Land Program Details Step by Step:
•Please note: The order of sites visited may vary to avoid congestion. All program timings are approximate, given here for general reference purposes and subject to change.
•Itineraries with the most up to date details (at the time) will be issued when you are emailed your final cruise documents 21 days prior to sailing. Final itineraries with the most up to date details will be provided by the Destination Services Team once you board the ship. Please review your final itinerary carefully for any amendments.
•The hotels used for your land program will be the hotels listed in this document unless you have been advised otherwise in advance of the land program start date.
•A departure transfer is not included if guests leave before the last day of the program.
DAY 1
9:00am Disembark the ship in Vancouver
Vancouver City Highlights tour
1:00pm Arrive at your hotel for check in
Should rooms not be ready upon arrival, guests may store luggage with the hotel concierge
Lunch and dinner on own
Overnight at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia or similar hotel
DAY 2
OPTION 1 Best of Victoria:
Includes: Coach, Guide, Commentary, Roundtrip Ferry Crossing, Admission to Butchart Gardens, Tea Buffet Lunch at Butchart Gardens, Sightseeing Downtown Victoria, taxes and gratuities
7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
8:30am Depart the hotel and travel to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
10:00am Ferry to Schwartz Bay
11:30am Transfer to Butchart Gardens
12:00pm Visit Butchart Gardens + High Tea Lunch
3:30pm Victoria driving tour and free time
7:00pm Ferry to Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal
9:00pm Return transfer to your hotel in Vancouver
Dinner on own
Overnight at Rosewood Hotel Georgia or similar hotel
OPTION 2: Wonders of Whistler
Includes: Coach, Guide, Commentary, Admission to Sea to Sky Gondola, Admission to the Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Center, Lunch, taxes and gratuities
7:30am Breakfast at your hotel -
9:00am Depart the hotel and travel to Sea to Sky Gondola
10:00am Sea to Sky Gondola, Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge (100 meters)
12:00pm Travel by motorcoach to Whistler
1:00pm Squamish Lil’Wat Cultural Centre (lunch here)
3:00pm Walking Tour of Whistler Village and free time
7:30pm Return drive to your hotel in Vancouver
Dinner on own
Overnight at Rosewood Hotel Georgia or similar hotel
DAY 3
7:30am Breakfast at your hotel
9:00am Depart for the Canada/US border and Seattle
12:00pm Visit the Boeing Future of Flight Museum + Boxed Lunch
1:45pm Seattle city tour highlights
3:00pm Check in to your hotel
Dinner on own
Overnight at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel or similar hotel
DAY 4
7:00AM Breakfast at your hotel
11:00am Hotel Check-out time
Transfer to the Seattle-Tacoma airport based on flight details provided
Luggage storage is available at the hotel for guests with late flights
Extra Nights:
•All extra nights booked through the cruise line are confirmed at the same hotel used on the LAST NIGHT of your program.
•When you book extra nights through the cruise line, you will be transferred to the airport per the flight details provided. Check-out time is 12:00pm (subject to change). Meals other than breakfast are on your own after Day 4 of your program.
Transfers:
•All guests booking their flights independently are required to ensure the cruise line has their most up to date flight details so that transfers to the airport can be arranged. If flight details are not received 14 days before your cruise start date, transfers will not be arranged.
•Should you book any extra nights on your own or your flight is not on the last day of the program, transfers are not included.
•Should you have a late departing flight you may wish to book an extra night so that you have occupation of your room until your departure. You will be asked to vacate your room by 12:00pm. Day rooms can only be purchased directly through the hotel.
What to bring:
•For Victoria, guests should bring a jacket and wear sturdy walking shoes.
•For Whistler, guests should bring a jacket, gloves, hat and wear sturdy walking shoes or boots. The temperature drops significantly at higher elevations, even in the summer months.
Documents and Visa Requirements:
A passport that is valid at least 6 months after travel is required
Please check with your local embassy for any visa requirements for your nationality for entry into the USA from Canada.
Failure to have the required documents ahead of time will result in denial of travel and guests will have to pay for any expenses incurred in order to not proceed with the program.
Note: during the summer it can take up to an hour or longer to cross the border between the US and Canada. Guests will most likely have to disembark the bus.
Accommodations:
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
801 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1P7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-682-5566
Fairmont Olympic Hotel
411 University St, Seattle, WA 98101
Phone: (206) 621-1700
*We will only source different hotels in unforeseen situations. If similar hotels are required they will be of equal ratings and standards and you will be notified of the change. If you are not notified of any changes before your departure then you will be staying at the hotels listed in this program.
Program includes:
2 nights at the Rosewood Hotel Georgia or similar hotel - Deluxe king room
1 night at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel or similar hotel - Deluxe king room
Local English-speaking tour guide on sightseeing tours
Airport transfer
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
Breakfast on Days 2, 3 and 4
Lunch on Days 2 and 3
Beverages at lunch in Whistler: Juice, coffee, tea, water
Porterage at hotels, airports and pier (based on 2 pieces of luggage per person)
Staffed Hospitality Desk/Concierge Desk at Vancouver hotel
Optional tours to either Victoria or Whistler on Day 2
Please Note: Guests booking their own flights (independent of the cruise line) are responsible for ensuring that the cruise line has the updated departure information, so your transfer can be arranged. If you book additional nights independently of the cruise line, a departure transfer is not provided. If we do not receive flight details a minimum of 14 days in advance, transfers will not be provided.
Program does not include:
Any meals and beverages not listed above
Hotel incidentals including room service, mini bar and laundry
Visa fees if required to cross the Canada/US border
Gratuities to drivers and guides
Please note: Land programs that encompass multiple days ashore customarily include extensive and prolonged activity, while those of shorter durations typically have more moderate activity levels. However, each program varies, and participants should be prepared to negotiate a mixture of surfaces which may include inclines, cobblestones, sand, and gravel or natural paths. There may also be a need to climb steps or stairs on occasion. Guests who utilize a wheelchair and those with mobility concerns are advised to check with the cruise line in advance to see if any portion of the tour program may not be considered suitable for their individual situation. Weather appropriate clothing; hats; sunglasses; and flat, comfortable walking shoes are generally recommended.
Please note: All land programs are capacity controlled and subject to availability. Programs falling under the minimum number of required participants are subject to cancellation. Pricing listed is also subject to change to meet unexpected cost increases for transportation, land arrangements or currency fluctuations. Once purchased, pricing is guaranteed and not subject to change. Land Programs must be purchased no later than 90 days prior to your sail date. Cancellations made within 90 days or less prior to the sail date are subject to 100% cancellation penalty. There are no refunds for unused portions of any program.
Price: $3,399 per guest based on double occupancy.
Land program promotions are per person for guests 1 and 2 for one pre- or post-cruise program only, subject to terms.
