QPR/QON repositioning cruises

[tyty]

This has already been discussed in another thread, but for those who still aren't aware of the costs, etc. of these cruises, here's the BCF press release from Friday:


BC FERRIES OFFERS SPECIAL (SPRING) REPOSITIONING CRUISES

VICTORIA – BC Ferries is offering two repositioning cruises between the Lower Mainland and Northern Vancouver Island, on March 3 from Tsawwassen to Port Hardy and March 4 from Port Hardy to Tsawwassen.

Whether travelling by vehicle or on foot, passengers can take advantage of this opportunity to choose one-way passage northbound to Port Hardy, southbound passage to Tsawwassen; or round-trip passage from Tsawwassen. Special promotional fares starting at $59 per adult and $139 per underheight vehicle will be in effect. B.C. seniors can travel for just $39.50.

These unique direct sailings are designed to promote Life on the Coast and attract visitors to enjoy a seldom-travelled ferry route. By travelling a circle route, customers can also explore the many attractions found on Vancouver Island in the early spring.

Northbound on the Queen of the North
• Depart Tsawwassen 9:30 a.m. Friday, March 3
• Arrive Port Hardy 11:00 p.m. Friday, March 3

Southbound on the Queen of Prince Rupert
• Depart Port Hardy 10:00 p.m. Saturday, March 4
• Arrive Tsawwassen 3:00 p.m. Sunday, March 5

Reservations are required. They can be made on the BC Ferries website or by calling toll-free to 1-888-223-3779 between 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.

[Koastal Karl]

Yes I know I am actually thinking of doing the Queen of Prince Rupert cruise. It should be intersting being an all nighter.

[tyty]

Indeed it would be.

The only time I've been on the QPR was for a quick trip to Sandspit in August 2003. The w/b trip from Prince Rupert was a daytime sailing and the return trip e/b was overnight. Believe me for that long crossing you want the overnight sailing, as there's NOTHING to see but water during the daytime.

The only thing I found with the night sailing is that it was almost impossible to get any sleep in a stateroom. They are located right above the vehicle deck and I must have been right over top of a semi truck with a refrigerator running because the noise I was hearing certainly was NOT the ship itself.

The other thing was being able to feel the springs of the bed. I don't remember this being an issue when I rode on the Queen of the North in the early 90s... but I was just a little kid back then.

[Koastal Karl]

Yeah I am thinking about doing this reposition cruise and was thinking about getting a cabin. Otherwise you would have to just sleep in one of the lounges if you can manage to sleep at all. Do you how many cabins are on the Prince Rupert??

[Mike C]

When I went on the QPR, there were a lot of cabins. But I ordered a shower, and we never got it. I booked a month in advance.

[Koastal Karl]

yeah I just booked today for the southbound cruise on March 4th and 5th from Port Hardy to Tsawwassen on the Prince Rupert and I got a cabin. I dident get the one with the shower cause all they had left were the other ones without the shower. So what do people do that dont get cabins?? Just sleep in the lounges or whereever??

[Mike C]

When I was on, several people slept in the Reclining Seats lounge. All the northern ferries have one of these. It costs you on the QOTNorth

[Mike C]

Lower Mainlanders: For those of us doing the southbound cruise, I found a flight to pile on to in the morning. The details:

Airline: Pacific Coastal
Stops: None
Flight #: 803
Dept. YVR (Vancouver): 10:00 am
Arr. YZT (Pt. Hardy): 11:15
Duration: 1h. 15m
Date: Sat. Mar. 4, 2006
Total Cost (PP): $187.83
Found on: www.expedia.ca
Dept. Port Hardy on QPR: 10:00 p.m.

Note: I might not go due to schedule conflicts. I'll see.

[Koastal Karl]

Who else is planning on going???

187.00 for a flight to Port Hardy? I guess if you could go March 3rd on the North northbound would be cheaper than flying but I see what your saying now if you cant go the 3rd.

[Mike C]

Yeah, that's what I was wondering, for a trip to Port Hardy? I flew as an unacompanied minor with my sister, and it cost us over $500. Round trip to comox. My mom was pissed at Pacific Coastal.

[Retrovision]

I know this is a long shot, and I can't tell from the webcam, but does anyone know if the QPR has gone from TSA to Deas yet?

[Koastal Karl]

I saw her on Saturday still at Tsawwassen but someone on here mentioned she was going to be heading to Esquimalt Drydock.