vancouver canada princess cruise port

Vancouver, BC, Canada

Cruises from Vancouver depart from spring through fall. Located on the southwestern coast of British Columbia, Vancouver is Canada's third most populous city. The bustling metropolis is known for its cultural diversity, which is on display in areas like Chinatown, brimming with authentic eateries and apothecaries. Gastown, Vancouver's oldest neighborhood, exudes historic charm thanks to cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture harmoniously interspersed with trendy boutiques and galleries. Outdoor activities abound in the urban Stanley Park, home to gardens, beaches, trails, totem poles and the seawall amid a lush forested setting totaling about 1,000 acres. The city is a jumping-off point for whale-watching tours, which reward keen eyes with glimpses of orcas and humpback whales as well as pelicans, puffins and bald eagles. A short hop northward across the harbor into North Vancouver is Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, where seven bridges and a cliff walk delight thrill-seekers.

Driving Directions and Parking Information Canada Place Ship Terminal 999 Canada Place Vancouver, BC, CANADA The Port of Vancouver is 25 minutes from Vancouver's International Airport (YVR). Parking is available at the Canada Place Ship Terminal for C$26.00 per day (for 3 days or more). Rates are subject to change by the Port Authority. Traveling North from I-5 - Take I-5 which will become Provincial Route 99 N. Take the Marine Drive West ramp. Stay straight to go onto SW Marine Drive. SW Marine Drive becomes Granville Street. Granville Street becomes Granville Street/ Granville Bridge. Take the HWY-99N/Seymour Street ramp towards BC ferries/Horseshoe Bay/Whistler. Stay straight to go onto Seymour Street. Turn left onto W Georgia Street. Turn right onto Burrard Street. Burrard Street becomes Burrard Place which becomes Waterfront Road W. The Ship Terminal should be visible from Waterfront Road.

Cruises from Vancouver

An outdoor playground teeming with adventure and awe.

On a cruise from Vancouver, experience cosmopolitan flair, natural splendor and diverse atmospheres without ever leaving the city. Relive history during a visit to Gastown, and shop the markets at Granville Island — known as one of the world’s greatest places. Then set sail to storied cities in Alaska, Hawaii or the California Coast, and indulge your every wanderlust. With Princess®, there’s no shortage of adventure.

Find the Best Cruises from Vancouver

Alaska Cruises

Glaciers, wildlife and mountains await you on a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska. Our roundtrip voyages bring you up close to untouched landmarks, and our one-way Voyage of the Glaciers offers two glacier-viewing opportunities, including Glacier Bay National Park. Fish for salmon in Ketchikan, meet sled dogs in Juneau and pan for gold in Skagway. Experience it all with the #1 cruise line in Alaska.

Find Cruises

Learn more about Alaska Cruises

California Coast Cruises

Visit major landmarks and cities along the West Coast on a cruise from Vancouver. Our Pacific Wine Country itineraries bring you to the vineyards of Napa Valley and to world-famous ports like Santa Barbara and Astoria. Revel in even more of the Golden State on our Classic California sailings that take you from San Francisco to San Diego with possible stops in Monterey and Los Angeles, depending on the itinerary.

Learn more about California Coast Cruises

Hawaii Cruises

On a cruise from Vancouver, unpack once and visit multiple Hawaiian Islands on a 15-day roundtrip adventure or a one-way itinerary ending in Honolulu. Drive through Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Or attend a sunset luau in Honolulu with More Ashore late-night departures and overnight stays included on every itinerary. Island hop with ease in a way that only Princess can offer.

Learn more about Hawaii Cruises

Getaway Cruises

With one- to five-day cruises from Vancouver, there’s always time for adventure. On a three-day itinerary to San Francisco, spend time in Victoria, B.C. before heading to the Golden Gate City. Enjoy two relaxing days at sea on a four-day itinerary to Los Angeles, or get a taste of the Great Land on a four-day Alaska Sampler to Juneau and Ketchikan. Savor the sweet taste of travel with Getaway cruises from Vancouver.

Learn more about Getaway Cruises

Tahiti & South Pacific Cruises

Tahiti and the islands of the South Pacific are the epitome of paradise. Think crystalline waters, thatch-lined bungalows and emerald mountains. On our 29-day cruise from Vancouver, cross from the islands of Hawaii to the South Pacific before sailing to New Zealand and Australia. Savor a combination of relaxing sea days and thrilling adventures ashore as you swim in freshwater cave pools or sip from hand-picked coconuts.

Learn more about Tahiti & South Pacific Cruises

What to Know About Cruises from Vancouver

Vancouver at a Glance

• Language: English and French
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Time Zone: Pacific Standard Time (PST)
• Docking: Your cruise from Vancouver docks at Canada Place located in downtown Vancouver.
• Attire: We suggest dressing in layers as temperatures fluctuate throughout the year and even throughout the day. This includes a light shirt, sweater and jacket.
• Transportation: While taxis are available throughout the city, you can also get around by bus, ferry or light rail.

Things to Do in Vancouver

On a cruise from Vancouver, explore Stanley Park’s aquarium, totem poles and captivating gardens. Ascend the 430-foot Vancouver Lookout to see the city from above, or cross the Capilano Suspension Bridge for a fresh perspective on nature. Savor ramen and dim sum in North America’s second-largest Chinatown. Or spend the day browsing Robson Street’s designer boutiques, department stores and everything in between.

Ships that Cruise from Vancouver

Majestic Princess®

Majestic Princess® is the doorway to history, culture and wondrous destinations. Experience the best of dining and entertainment on a cruise from Vancouver.

Learn more about Majestic Princess | Find Cruises on Majestic Princess

Sapphire Princess®

Indulge on a cruise from Vancouver with Sapphire Princess®. Savor international cuisine, listen to regionally-inspired music and unwind at the award-winning Lotus Spa®. The possibilities are endless.

Learn more about Sapphire Princess | Find Cruises on Sapphire Princess

On a cruise from Vancouver, you can also enjoy best-in-class service and expert-crafted activities on board Discovery Princess®, Grand Princess®, Royal Princess®, and Crown Princess®.

Learn more about our ships | Find Cruises from Vancouver

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go.

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Learn more about transfers

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax.

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise in Vancouver. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

View Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

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Vancouver cruise port

• Coordinates 49.289, -123.109
• LOCODE CAVAN
• Local Time 2024-08-29 07:34

Vancouver cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

Vancouver, Canada

Port schedule.

Vancouver, Canada cruise ship port calendar shows all scheduled arrival and departure dates in a timetable format. The cruise calendar displays the ship’s estimated time of arrival including related information such as how crowded is the port, as well as the ship’s next port-of-call.

The following timetable provides valuable information and keeps track of the future cruise ship arrivals from all major cruise lines. In order to find out more about the cruise ship itineraries such as ports, dates, and arrival/departure times just follow the ship’s link.

• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 07:00
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 07:00
• Sapphire Princess 3.214 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 07:30
• Celebrity Solstice 3.420 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 06:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Jewel 2.866 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 07:30
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 08:00
• Ruby Princess 3.672 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 07:30
• ms Zaandam 1.718 passengers 04 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 04 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Seabourn Odyssey 540 passengers 06 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Radiance Of The Seas 2.546 passengers 06 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Royal Princess 4.272 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 05:45
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Solstice 3.420 passengers 08 Sep 2024 - 06:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 08 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam 2.527 passengers 08 Sep 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 29 Aug 2024 - 19:00
• Queen Elizabeth 2.503 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 00:00
• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 30 Aug 2024 - 17:00
• Sapphire Princess 3.214 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 16:00
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 31 Aug 2024 - 16:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• Celebrity Solstice 3.420 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 16:30
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 01 Sep 2024 - 17:00
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• Norwegian Jewel 2.866 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 17:00
• Silver Muse 691 passengers 02 Sep 2024 - 19:00
• ms Westerdam 2.362 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• Ruby Princess 3.672 passengers 03 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• ms Zaandam 1.718 passengers 04 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 04 Sep 2024 - 18:00
• Radiance Of The Seas 2.546 passengers 06 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• Seabourn Odyssey 540 passengers 06 Sep 2024 - 17:00
• Royal Princess 4.272 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 16:00
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 07 Sep 2024 - 16:00

Port of Vancouver bc Hotels

Hotel or Motel in Vancouver, BC

Most Cruise ships dock in Vancouver at the Canada Place Terminal, which is the primary port facility. Other vessels tie up at the Ballantyne Pier.

The main facility is located in the downtown area, next to the convention center. Most ships anchor here, and mostly likely you will embark and/or disembark at Canada Place. Waterfront Station is less than 10 minutes’ walk away.

Downtown Vancouver is quite compact so you will not be far from the cruise ship terminal. Some hotels are located within easy walking distance, other properties are located a short cab ride away.

Cheap Deals for Cruise Hotels

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Closest Hotels to Canada Place

Very handy for boarding is the Pan Pacific Hotel , located on Vancouver’s waterfront and adjacent to Canada Place cruise ship terminal. It’s a beautiful property, boasting amazing views. From the hotel you can see ships sail in. There is also the Fairmont Waterfront hotel across the street. These are the closest hotels from the terminal , both located within easy walking distance (no shuttle required).

There are quite a few first class hotels that are within four or five blocks , within walking distance, or a short inexpensive taxi ride away from the cruise docks. Most downtown hotels are only a $10 to $15 ride to the cruise port, accommodation so close to the pier that you can consider a more budget friendly hotel without a free shuttle service and pay a small fee for the cab.

# Read also: What are the Best Hotels near Vancouver Cruise Port?

4 Hotels in Vancouver with Free Shuttle Service (Walking Distance) to Cruise Port

1. auberge vancouver hotel ★★★★.

Distance from Cruise Port : 4 minutes walk Walking Distance (No Shuttle Needed)

2. Atrium Inn Vancouver ★★★

Distance from Cruise Port : 8 minutes Free Shuttle (Affordable Hotel)

3. Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel ★★★★★

Distance from Cruise Port : 1 minute Walking Distance (No Shuttle Needed)

4. Fairmont Waterfront ★★★★★

• Canada Place Cruise Terminal
• Ballantyne Cruise Terminal
• Port for Alaska Cruises
• City of Vancouver

Nearest Airports

Car parking.

• Seward Alaska Hotels
• Anchorage Alaska Hotels

Vancouver waterfront hotel adjacent to Canada Place cruise ship terminal. Top Location !

Very popular and highly recommended downtown Vancouver BC hotel.

Excellent 4 star hotel within walking distance of Canada Place Cruise Passenger Terminal.

Cruise ships dock in either Canada Place or Ballantyne passenger terminals

Port Metro Vancouver in Canada – Where to Stay ?

Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal Canada Place resembles a ship with its motif of five large sails. Located in the heart of the city, the terminal is right beside downtown hotels, restaurants and shops. Ballantyne cruise terminal , mainly used by Norwegian Cruise Line, is located east of downtown Vancouver (10 minutes). Many accommodation is located within close distance of the cruise terminal.

Hotel prices are somewhat cheaper around the airport, Richmond area than in downtown. Many discounted hotels or cheap motels are located close to Vancouver’s international airport, most properties offer a free airport shuttle service too, and free car parking. Next morning take a taxi or shuttle to the cruise port terminal. Alternatively you can take the Sky-Train (subway) to downtown.

See Also # Best Hotels in Vancouver Canada Place ( Cruise Terminal ) # Cruise, Hotel & Airport Transfers

Canada Place and Ballantyne Cruise Ship Terminals

Vancouver Canada Place Cruise Terminal — most ocean liners tie up right at the waterfront in downtown Vancouver, at the Canada Place cruise terminal. Canada Place consists out of the five-star Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel and the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre. The Vancouver Float Plane (Seaplane) terminal is 2 blocks away.

The facility is owned and operated by Port Metro Vancouver and can service up to 4 luxury cruise ships. Plenty of affordable and more luxurious hotels can be found within close distance. The terminal is directly across the street from the Fairmont Waterfront hotel and one block from the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel.

The facility is located in the heart of downtown, right by Waterfront station. The Waterfront station is frequently served by buses, the SeaBus (to North Vancouver), the West Coast Express commuter train and the SkyTrain.

Address : 999 Canada Place

Taxi Rates to Canada Place Terminal

From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – $30-$35

From Downtown Hotels – $5-$8

From Stanley Park/Vancouver Aquarium – $13-$15

From Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – $65-$70

From Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal – $40-$45

From the Bus Depot – $11-$13

Ballantyne Pier Cruise Terminal — the cruise pier at Ballantyne is located east of the city centre, not far from Canada Place. The Ballantyne pier is frequently used by NCL (Norwegian Cruise Line).

The pier is about 10 minutes by taxi from most downtown Vancouver BC hotels. Ballantyne is about 40 minutes from Vancouver YVR international airport (approximate driving time 45 minutes).

Berths : 2 (East Berth and West Berth)

Address : 851 Centennial Road

How to get to Ballantyne cruise facility from downtown

Driving : from downtown proceed east on Hastings Street to Clark Drive. Turn left on Clark to the foot of Clark and turn right on Stewart Street. Proceed to Ballantyne which is almost 1KM west of the foot of Clark. Ballantyne pier is on your right-hand side.

Taxi Rates to Ballantyne Pier

From Vancouver International Airport (YVR) – $40

From Downtown Hotels – $15

From Stanley Park/Vancouver Aquarium – $20

From Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal – $75

From Horseshoe Bay Ferry Terminal – $50

From the Bus Depot – $12

phone: 604.665.9000

fax: 1.866.284.4271

web : portmetrovancouver.com

Leading homeport for Alaska Cruises

Ships leaving the harbor of Vancouver sail pass the massive green of Stanley Park, beneath the iconic Lions Gate Bridge to the natural wonders of the Inside Passage and Alaska. For many years the port of Vancouver is a leading homeport for Alaska cruises.

Several cruise companies such as Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, Royal Caribbean (RCL), and Princess Cruises offer roundtrip or one-way cruises to Alaska ( Anchorage Whittier , Seward Alaska ). Vessels berth at either Canada Place or Ballantyne passenger piers. Amenities for cruiseship passengers include individual baggage carts, food and drink concessions, full wheelchair access, full customs service, car and bus parking and taxis.

Some motels and hotels or located within walking distance, many properties are only a short cab ride away.

Guests staying downtown can visit a variety of city centre attractions, shopping on Robson Street is within easy reach. The Vancouver Art Gallery and Queen Elizabeth Theater are within walking distance of many establishments.

Western Canada’s largest City, located in British Columbia

Vancouver is Western Canada’s largest city. The city, located in British Columbia, is sheltered by Vancouver Island and the Pacific Range mountains. Vancouver boasts superb outdoor activities and great shopping opportunities, fine dining and lively nightlife. From affordable place to stay, to luxury 4 and 5 star hotels, to comfortable b&b’s, to self-catered apartments, we can offer you great value accommodations before or after your cruise vacation out of Vancouver in BC Canada.

Nearby the Canada Place passenger terminal is Gastown , the oldest part of the city. A must see is the steam powered clock standing at the corner of Cambie and Water Street.

Vancouver is a multicultural city with a rich ethnic mix of Canadians and foreign immigrants. Immerse yourself in Chinese culture in North America’s second largest Chinatown, after San Francisco. It’s centred on Pender Street near Gastown in downtown Vancouver BC, a few blocks east of the cruise terminal.

Do not miss a visit to Stanley Park with its totem poles, miles of walking trails and spectacular views of the city and the bay. Definitely worth is renting a bike to see everything in this huge park. Situated right on the waterfront on Vancouver’s west side is Granville island. It’s a fun place to visit, shop and to grab a quick bite. You can get there by aqua seabus or false creek ferry. The view from the boat is worth the trip.

Take the free shuttle from Canada Place to get to the top of Grouse Mountain by gondola. Reachable by cable car, Grouse Mountain is a favourite spot for skiing, paragliding and hiking. By the end of the day take a harbour cruise along the coast of Vancouver. Admire the wonderful skyline of the city and see seaplanes taking off and landing. During the cruise you will get also a great insight into Vancouver’s port and other maritime industries.

Whistler — 80 miles north of Vancouver, British Columbia, lies the resort municipality of Whistler . This world renowned town offers world class ski and mountain bike facilities. Take a ride with the Whistler Gondola to admire the spectacular scenery. Whistler boasts also a wide variety of first class restaurants, shops and luxury hotels.

Vancouver Intercontinental Airport (YVR) — YVR airport is appoximately 30 minutes away from the cruise terminals. The airport is located on Sea Island in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, about 12 km or 7.5 miles from Downtown Vancouver. Shuttles, taxis and limousines are readily available to transport passengers to downtown hotels.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport — 162 miles to pier, approximate driving time 4 hours. See hotels nearby .

Parking — both Canada Place and Ballantyne Pier offer plenty of short-term parking for picking up and dropping off cruise passengers and their luggage.

More than 750 car spaces for long-Term overnight parking near Canada Place are available at the VINCI Park 2 level parking garage, located at the North end of Howe Street at Canada Place Way. It is accessible 24 hours per day.

Reasonable priced lodging with shuttle service transport

Pre or Post cruise accommodation with free shuttle service to the piers — only a few hotels offer a shuttle service to the Canada Place embarkation terminal.

Hotels with free shuttle service to/from the Airport — many places to stay around Vancouver airport provides a free complimentary 24hour shuttle transportation service to and from international airport.

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Vancouver cruise port embarkation day in 2023 (x2) 🏔 Getting on the cruise ship in Vancouver (Princess) 🏔 Alaska cruise travel blog

The way you get on the cruise ship when get to Vancouver may be a little different based on which direction you’re coming from when you arrive at the cruise port.

But overall, I will say that I thought the Vancouver embarkation process was easy!

For a cruise from Vancouver, you board the cruise ship in downtown Vancouver at Canada Place.

The Vancouver cruise ship terminal is at Canada Place. ( map )

Once you are at Canada Place, there are signs that will tell you which way to go.

And from there, it’s easy!

You will literally just follow the signs!

I saw signs to the cruise check-in from the direction I came from, and I’m just not sure if there might be other entry spots. But I would expect there to be signs no matter which direction you are coming from!

But below will give you an idea of what you can expect on embarkation day at Vancouver cruise port!

• for women: hiking shorts | for men: hiking shorts
• for women: hiking pants | for men: hiking pants
• capris for women
• hiking/walking/travel sandals: for women | for men
• hiking shoes: for women | for men
• When you fly: If you have an iphone, you can put an airtag tracker in your luggage so you can better keep track of it! Buy just one , or buy a pack of 4 . (Read the reviews !) This also makes a good travel gift !

I had 2 embarkation days in Vancouver in 2023.

I did a round trip cruise from Vancouver to Alaska on the Sapphire Princess that started at the end of April.

I did a one-way cruise from Vancouver to Anchorage (Whittier) on the Majestic Princess in May.

Both times, I thought the embarkation process in Vancouver was pretty easy!

I did not have anything booked through Princess before the cruise.

I didn’t book my flights through Princess or have any shuttles booked through Princess.

I got to Vancouver a few days before the first cruise to make sure I would make it to Vancouver and be relaxed for the start of the cruise.

For the second cruise, I arrived back in Vancouver by cruise ship, and then stayed for 3 days in Vancouver before the next cruise began.

It’s a good idea to show up to Vancouver at least a day before your cruise begins.

I had 2 nights in Vancouver before my first cruise, just in case!

This way I could arrive in Vancouver and comfortably take it easy before the cruise begins!

When I had my cruises from Vancouver in April and May, it was possible to select a check-in time on the Princess app, so that’s what I did.

I selected a time that was a bit later.

Part of it was because I thought it might be busier earlier on in the day, and part of it was so I could take my time getting to the cruise port.

As of August 2023, you don’t select a check-in time: How to see your boarding time for a Princess cruise .

What is the latest flight you can book to fly into Vancouver airport?

According to Princess :

For voyages that depart from Vancouver, the latest flight arrival is 3 hours prior to ship’s departure.

What you CAN do, and what you SHOULD do are different!

Personally, having a flight arrival into Vancouver airport that is 3 hours prior to when the cruise ship will leave Vancouver seems like an incredibly stressful day!

And not just a stressful day, but a stressful few days before too, as you wonder if you will make it to your cruise ship on time!

Flight delays are not uncommon, and if your flight is scheduled to arrive into Vancouver airport just 3 hours before, and you have even a slight delay, well… you very well might not make it on the cruise ship!

In addition to flight delays, you might end up spending extra time going through immigration in Canada, if you are flying from the US or another foreign country.

You might also be spending extra time waiting for your luggage to arrive at baggage claim.

If you are flying in at the last minute, you might want to do carry-on only so you can get yourself out of the airport more quickly!

So, it really is a very good idea to arrive to Vancouver at least a day before so you can get on the cruise ship feeling relaxed!

You can log into your account at princess.com , and look for “itinerary” to see when your cruise ship will be leaving Vancouver.

It’s actually a good idea to check this itinerary even if you aren’t curious about what time you will be leaving Vancouver, because port times can change and you won’t necessarily be notified about it.

And, this is how you can check your check-in time for your cruise from Vancouver too.

Vancouver airport to Vancouver cruise port

By car, it takes around 20 to 30 minutes to get from Vancouver airport to the Vancouver cruise ship terminal.

So as long as there is no traffic, you can expect it to take 30 minutes to get from Vancouver airport to the Vancouver cruise port by uber or taxi.

By public transportation, it takes around 30 minutes to get from Vancouver airport to Vancouver cruise port.

The train station near the cruise port is Waterfront Station.

And then you will want to add in 5 to 10 minutes to walk from the train station to the cruise port.

It’s easy to take the train from the Vancouver airport to the cruise port.

Use google maps to navigate public transportation in Vancouver!

Just click on the public transit icon!

When you are looking at google maps to figure out how to get to the cruise port by public transportation, change the “departure” time to a day of the week and time that you’ll be leaving the airport to get a better idea of what your options are. ( map )

Can you walk to the Vancouver cruise port?

Depending on where you’re coming from, it can be reasonable to Canada Place.

The area around the cruise port (aka Canada Place!) is a public area in downtown Vancouver, so yes, you can walk to the Vancouver cruise port!

You can take a bus or train to get near the cruise port, and then walk the rest of the way.

Depending on which stop you get off at, it will probably be around a 10 minute walk.

More for your cruise from Vancouver:

• Sailing under Lions Gate Bridge (be out on the open deck for sailaway!)
• Best Alaska shore excursions

More for your Princess cruise:

• Princess cruise activity schedule (including embarkation day activities)
• Princess cruise dining menu (including embarkation day dinner menu)
• Princess cruise wifi
• TV in the Princess cruise ship cabin

A little bit below about my experience getting on a Princess cruise ship in Vancouver!

• Just in case: Rain poncho for a day out and about
• for higher quality ones, look at vortex diamondback binoculars
• merrell waterproof shoes for women (one of the best shoe brands for the outdoors)
• merrell shoes for men
• Summer sled dog Yukon camp
• Alaska rainforest walk
• Mendenhall Glacier ice adventure

My embarkation day in Vancouver

This will take you through my Vancouver embarkation day that was on May 13, 2023. This was my second embarkation in Vancouver.

So I arrived to Vancouver by cruise ship on the Sapphire Princess, and I had 3 nights in Vancouver before my next cruise on the Majestic Princess started.

I stayed at a hostel in downtown Vancouver in the neighborhood of Gastown.

The hostel was called the Samesun Vancouver .

It was perfect for what I needed… which was a place to sleep close enough to the Vancouver cruise port!

On the morning that my cruise started, it was an easy bus ride through Vancouver from the hostel to the cruise port.

Google maps makes navigating public transportation in Vancouver super easy! Just select the public transit option.

I used a compass card to pay for my bus fare.

I bought a public transportation compass card at the Vancouver airport before I took the train from the airport to downtown Vancouver. There is a ticket machine at the train station.

I got off the bus near Waterfront Station, which is a train station near the Vancouver cruise port.

• Allegro dining room (12pm to 1:30pm)
• World Fresh Marketplace – the buffet! (all day until 10:30pm)
• Burger and Lobster Grill (11am to 10pm)

Before you get on the cruise ship (so like, now, if you have received your cabin number), it’s helpful to know which part of the cruise ship you are on (front/foward, middle, back/aft) and what deck, so you will immediately have an idea of what to look for.

You can google for your cruise ship name and “deck plan” so you can take a look at a map to see where exactly your cabin is located.

At any time once you get on the cruise ship, you can go get food.

On Princess cruise ships, you can go to the buffet that is on the lido deck at the back of the cruise ship, or at least one main dining room will be open.

You can find the hours of food spots around the ship on the back of the daily activity schedule that will be on your desk when you arrive to your cabin.

More for your Alaska cruise from Vancouver

• Ketchikan excursions
• Juneau excursions
• Skagway excursions

HAPPY EMBARKATION DAY AT VANCOUVER CRUISE PORT!

• What is embarkation day like? Sample: Vancouver embarkation day
• What is disembarkation like? Sample: Vancouver disembarkation and Whittier disembarkation
• Dinner food menu on my Alaska cruise

Alaska cruise guide: Best itineraries, planning tips and things to do

Alaska might be one of the most beautiful places in the world, but it's rugged and can be tricky to get around. Explore the Last Frontier by cruise ship, and you can travel to gold rush towns, glaciers, Alaska Native heritage sites and natural areas brimming with wildlife in comfort, even luxury.

When planning an Alaska cruise, you have many things to consider: when to go for the experience you're anticipating, which cruise line is best suited to your travel style, the best Alaska cruise ports to visit and which shoreside activities you want to prioritize. It's not the kind of trip you want to throw together at the last minute — especially since the best fare deals typically go to organized travelers who book early.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

If you're eager to spot bald eagles in the wild, ride a dogsled atop an ice field or pan for gold after a hearty salmon feast, an Alaska cruise is calling your name. Dive into The Points Guy's Alaska cruise guide for all the planning tips you need for your dream cruise up north.

Why cruise Alaska?

Most people have similar reasons for cruising Alaska. They want to admire its rugged beauty, seek out wildlife (such as eagles, bears and whales) and learn about its Native cultures and gold rush history. It's so far from the rest of the mainland U.S. that it's become a bucket list destination, especially for travelers looking to visit each of the 50 states.

One of the key reasons to cruise Alaska versus taking a land tour is to visit destinations along the Inside Passage that you cannot reach by road. Plus, many of the state's famous glaciers are best viewed from the sea.

If you want to see landlocked areas, such as Denali National Park, you can tack a cruise line-operated tour onto the beginning or end of your sailing for a seamless land and sea vacation. It's easier than fumbling with multiple train, bus, ferry and hotel reservations to cobble together the same trip on your own.

A cruise can also make an Alaska trip more affordable. Instead of taking a long and expensive flight to Anchorage or Fairbanks, you can choose a cruise that sails round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver (note, you won't be able to tack on a post-cruise land trip to Denali if you do this). Restaurant prices in Alaska can be high, but a cruise bundles meals, accommodations and transportation into one price that, with sales, can be cheaper than you'd think.

Related: Best Alaska cruise tips to help you make the most of your time aboard and ashore

When do cruises go to Alaska?

Nearly every major cruise line has a presence in Alaska from May through mid-September, with some offering sailings as early as April or as late as October. The season is short due to weather. Cold temperatures, icy waters and a long snowy season are not conducive to early spring and late fall cruises.

Alaska cruise weather can be chilly (in the 40s to 50s) first thing in the morning and at night. However, if it's a sunny summer day, temperatures can shoot into the 70s and even low 80s. It also rains a lot in Alaska; it's drier in the spring than in the summer.

When you want to go will depend on which activities you want to do, how you feel about cool weather and rain, and the price. Cruises at the beginning (April and May) and end (September and October) of Alaska's cruise season are generally a bit cheaper than those in June, July and August.

Related: Best time to cruise to Alaska

Best Alaska itineraries

Where do Alaska cruises even go? Most sail along the Inside Passage, a maritime route along the state's southern coast (and into British Columbia and Washington state) that weaves around the area's thousand islands. Some venture farther north into the Gulf of Alaska; these are often one-way cruises that begin and end at the ports near Anchorage.

Learn more about the best Alaska cruise itineraries for your next vacation.

Inside Passage

The Inside Passage is the most popular Alaska cruise route. Weeklong itineraries generally embark in either Seattle or Vancouver, British Columbia — though some itineraries originate in Juneau. A few lines, such as Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line and Cunard Line, offer 10-night Inside Passage cruises from San Francisco, Seattle or Vancouver.

Glacial ice carved this passageway long ago, and today, cruise ships and fishing vessels thread their way through the islets and channels to see some of the most spectacular natural sights in the world.

You'll find magnificent mountains (often snowcapped, even in the summertime), lush forests, waterfalls, fjords and calving glaciers. If it's marine life you've come to see, you'll find it in abundance, from whales and dolphins to sea lions and harbor seals. On land, you'll likely spy bears and Dall sheep while eagles, puffins and a host of seabirds circle above.

Many people trek to Alaska to commune with nature, but there's also history here that you shouldn't overlook. Shore excursions and onboard lectures will explain the cultures of the Indigenous peoples of Alaska, as well as more recent inhabitants from the Russian community in Sitka and the fortune-seekers who moved to Skagway during the Klondike gold rush in the late 1890s.

Popular Inside Passage ports of call include Juneau, Icy Strait Point, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Haines, Sitka and Skagway. Most cruises will visit three or four ports of call.

Additionally, you'll have one day spent cruising the Inside Passage and one focused on "scenic cruising," where you can enjoy the landscapes but won't go ashore. This is not nearly as boring as you might think since you'll see incredible sights like Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve or Hubbard Glacier .

One nice thing about the Inside Passage is how calm the water is because you're sailing between land masses. If you worry about seasickness, an Inside Passage trip is the best Alaska cruise itinerary versus a sailing where your ship transits rougher, open waters.

Related: The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler

Gulf of Alaska

If you book a weeklong Gulf of Alaska voyage, you'll also enjoy exploring parts of the Inside Passage and its ports that could include a mix of Juneau, Skagway, Sitka, Ketchikan, Haines and Icy Strait Point.

You'll have up to two days of scenic cruising, in addition to sailing the Inside Passage. Because Gulf of Alaska cruises sail farther north, scenic destinations might include College Fjord, in addition to Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier.

Generally, these one-way sailings travel from Seward or Whittier (the cruise ports closest to Anchorage) to Vancouver (or vice versa). Most itineraries are seven nights, but you'll find a handful that are longer.

For these itineraries, you'll need to fly into or out of Anchorage and take a train or bus to/from the cruise departure ports, which can take an hour or two. You can book the transportation on your own or through your cruise line.

Gulf of Alaska sailings — especially those in late August and September — can encounter rough seas in the gulf portion of the voyage. Be prepared if you're particularly prone to seasickness.

Related: One-way Alaska cruises vs. round-trip: Which is best?

Longer sailings from the West Coast

Finally, you'll find some round-trip San Francisco itineraries — usually 10 or 11 nights long — as well as longer sailings between San Francisco and Vancouver. These cruises are best suited to travelers who love days at sea.

On a 10-night cruise, you'll have four sea days (for example, two days from San Francisco to Juneau) plus a day of scenic cruising at a spot like Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Endicott Arm, Hubbard Glacier or Glacier Bay National Park. The waters before you enter the Inside Passage can be calm, rough or anything in between, depending on when you go.

Ports on these longer sailings might include Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan, Icy Strait Point and Victoria, British Columbia.

You can also find one-way repositioning cruises between Southern California ports (Los Angeles and San Diego) and Vancouver at the beginning or end of a ship's Alaska cruise season.

Related: The best luxury Alaska cruises you can book right now

Cruisetours

Cruise lines understand that not all of Alaska's best sights lie along the coast. Denali National Park and the city of Fairbanks are well inland. And some coastal highlights, like the Kenai Peninsula, aren't typically visited on a seven-night cruise. So the cruise lines created their own "cruisetours": vacations that combine a weeklong cruise with a two- to seven-night bus tour.

On a cruisetour, you'll sail on a one-way Gulf of Alaska cruise, so your cruise starts or ends in Alaska. Depending on the tour itinerary you choose, you might visit Seward and the Kenai Peninsula, Alyeska, Talkeetna, Anchorage and Fairbanks — as well as spend one to three nights in Denali National Park.

Some lines also offer Alaska cruisetours that venture into Canada's Yukon, including a few Holland America tours that combine half a cruise with a cruisetour that starts or ends in Skagway.

Your tour might include a ride on the scenic Alaska Railroad . Some activities are included in the cost of the cruisetour; other outings can be booked like shore excursions, depending on your interest and budget. If you're hoping to see the northern lights, booking a cruisetour in September might be your best bet to see the aurora on a cruise vacation.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Best Alaska cruise lines

Most big-ship and luxury cruise lines send at least one cruise ship to Alaska every summer. Some of the best Alaska cruise lines are Holland America and Princess Cruises because they have especially long histories in the region and offer cruises, as well as cruise and land tour combinations, on multiple ships each season.

If you want a more active trip in less touristed areas, a great choice would be a small-ship expedition line, including Alaska specialists such as Alaskan Dream Cruises and UnCruise Adventures.

Ships in all price ranges sail a variety of itineraries, so don't let budget stop you from visiting. If luxury is what you're after, you can find lines that will go overboard pampering you on your journey north.

Related: A beginners guide to picking a cruise line

Best cruise lines for extended trips to Alaska

If you want to cruise Alaska but also see some of the interior and enjoy a stay in a lodge or hotel, go for a cruisetour package from either Holland America or Princess Cruises. Both have fantastic itineraries that take passengers not only to the Inside Passage, but also to Anchorage, Denali National Park, the Yukon, Kenai Peninsula, Talkeetna and Fairbanks. Princess and Holland America even own a handful of their own lodges.

Best Alaska cruises for families with kids

Carnival, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian, Princess and Royal Caribbean all have extensive kids clubs aboard their ships that cater to all ages, from babies to teens. Little kids will adore meet-and-greets with beloved characters on board Disney cruises, or hanging with Dr. Seuss characters when sailing with Carnival. Older kids will love the rock climbing walls, video game stations, sports courts, go-karts and laser tag on Royal Caribbean and NCL ships.

Related: Best Alaska cruises for families

Best cruise lines for adventure-seekers

Active travelers might prefer expedition-style voyages on smaller ships that include more time for adventurous activities, such as hiking in the Tongass National Forest, wildlife and glacier viewing from Zodiac rafts or kayaks, or even overnight camping. These ships often feature complimentary shore excursions, kayaks and bikes for guest use and onboard scientists and naturalists.

If you've got active teens who have an interest in nature and the environment, an expedition voyage could be exactly what will keep them engaged and off their devices. Just expect the majority of your shipmates to be older adults.

Look to UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, HX (formerly Hurtigruten) and Lindblad Expeditions for the best adventure cruises.

Related: Pros and cons of small-ship cruising in Alaska

Best for multigenerational groups

Sailing with grandparents, parents, aunts, uncles and kids? Try Celebrity Cruises, Holland America and Princess Cruises. These cruise lines, especially on their newer ships, offer something for everyone — as well as a higher caliber of onboard dining than on the cheapest cruises.

Kids can hang out in the youth lounges while parents hit the spa or try a wine-tasting class. Everyone can come back together for dinner and evening entertainment or onboard activities suitable for all ages.

Best for couples and big celebrations

The luxury cruise lines are your best bet if you're a couple and enjoy spacious suites, gourmet food, pampering (many luxe lines hire butlers to cater to every passenger) and the opportunity to meet other like-minded cruisers. The personalized service and all-inclusive nature of luxury voyages might also be attractive to anyone celebrating a milestone, such as an anniversary, big birthday or retirement.

Look at Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises and Viking.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for couples

Things to do in Alaska

Alaska cruises offer a wide range of activities in port, with options for active travelers, wildlife lovers, history buffs and shoppers. Whether you're traveling with young kids or require more sedentary recreation, the Alaska cruise ports won't disappoint.

Related: Best shore excursions on an Alaska cruise

Wildlife tours are available in every port. Hop a bus, kayak, boat or plane to look for bears, eagles, whales, sea otters and other wildlife. Note that moose don't regularly show up in the Inside Passage; you'll need to head farther north to find them.

Book a fishing trip to try your hand at catching salmon or halibut, or go out crab fishing for a glimpse into that type of work.

Active travelers can explore Alaska by sea kayak or canoe, hike on glaciers and through rainforests, zip line, bike, ride an ATV and even snorkel (you'll need a dry suit). You can even opt for a round of golf at the course in Haines.

In Alaska, sightseeing doesn't only take place on the ground. Floatplane and helicopter tours take you around scenic areas like Misty Fjords or land you on a glacier, perhaps for a dogsledding or hiking adventure on the ice. If you prefer to stay grounded, you can find informative trolley tours of ports like Skagway.

Alaska cruises provide plentiful opportunities to learn about Native Alaskan culture. You can get a taste of the gold rush life by trying your hand at panning for gold, attending a salmon bake or visiting a dogsled camp. A hike on the Chilkoot Trail or ride on the White Pass Railway lets you follow in the footsteps of the miners who came to seek their fortunes. Cap your day by trying out locally brewed craft beers.

Shopping abounds, and you can buy everything from diamond jewelry to T-shirts and other souvenirs. You'll need to look carefully for Alaskan-owned stores selling local handicrafts, but they're worth seeking out.

Related: Alaska cruise mistakes you never want to make

Best Alaska cruise ports

The best Alaska cruise ports are also the most crowded because no matter which type of itinerary and cruise line you select, you'll likely visit a mix of the same ports. The immediate port area will be filled with tourist shops and eateries. If you want to see nature at its finest, you must book a tour or venture farther afield.

If you want to see some of Alaska's most rustic and charming villages or stick to wild places, book a voyage with a line like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise to visit destinations like Baranof Island, Chichagof Island, Petersburg and Wrangell.

Ketchikan is known for three things: Native Alaskan (Tlingit) totem poles, Misty Fjords National Monument and the city's distinction as the Salmon Capital of the World. The town has more standing totem poles than anywhere else in the state; see them at the Saxman Native Village and the Totem Heritage Center. Access the Misty Fjords by kayak, floatplane or scenic cruise. Fishing excursions are plentiful here, too.

Ketchikan is where folks go to see the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show, with athletes wielding axes and saws in traditional lumbering activities. It is also the jumping-off point for a Bering Sea crab fishing tour.

Alaska's capital city is interesting because no road leads from here to the rest of the state. It's located at the base of Mount Juneau, and you can only get there via boat or small plane — even residents have to bring their cars to Juneau via ferry. Home to Mendenhall Glacier, this is a popular port for hikes by, kayak tours to and helicopter landings on the glacier.

For a view of the city and cruise port, take a ride in the sky on the Mount Roberts Tramway. Various wildlife-viewing trips (whales, bears and more) and visits to dogsled camps and salmon bakes leave from Juneau.

If you're interested in Alaska's gold rush history, Skagway — 90 miles northwest of Juneau — is a port you shouldn't miss. In fact, it's the gateway to the Klondike and Dawson mining district in Canada's Yukon territory, where prospectors searched for gold in the late 1890s. The historic district still has a Wild West feel, though that's been a bit commercialized for the modern era. This port can get crowded in summer when several ships can call on the same day.

Skagway is an easy port for independent travelers who want to explore the town or go for a hike on their own. It's most famous as the terminus for the White Pass Railway into the Yukon.

Sitka is as much a working fishing town as it is a tourist destination. Sitka's Russian heritage also sets it apart from other Alaskan ports on your cruise itinerary. See St. Michael's Orthodox Cathedral with its onion dome and the Russian Bishop's House.

Before the Russians came, the Tlingit people settled here. You can learn about their history and culture at the Sitka National Historical Park and Sheldon Jackson Museum of Native Alaskan Art. Wildlife enthusiasts might want to visit the Alaska Raptor Center, or go bird- and bear-watching.

The population of Haines remains less than 2,000, according to the United States Census Bureau, and it isn't yet as touristy as some of the other Alaskan ports, such as nearby Skagway. It's known for great fishing (salmon, halibut and trout) and an eagle preserve — because eagles know where the best fish can be found.

Animal lovers and kids tend to enjoy a visit to the Kroschel Center for Orphaned Animals here. For a special tour, go bear-watching at twilight.

Icy Strait Point

Icy Strait Point is notable among Alaska cruise ports because the area and its attractions are all Native Alaskan-owned. Most port and tour staff hail from Hoonah, Alaska's largest Tlingit village. The port is set on Chichagof Island, which is known for its large bear population. Wildlife lovers have plenty of opportunities to search for whales and eagles here; adventure-seekers won't want to miss the ZipRider, with its course of six zip lines.

Scenic cruising

Most Alaska itineraries include some "scenic cruising," where your ship sails past incredible natural sights. You'll rarely leave the ship during these sail-bys (unless you happen to be aboard certain expedition, luxury or small ships that offer the chance to get on board a skiff to get closer ... but, even then, you're still viewing these sites from the water).

Onboard naturalists generally narrate what you're seeing, so head to the observation lounge (or tune to a broadcast on your in-room television) to learn about some of the top sights featured on scenic cruising days.

Top scenic cruising destinations in Alaska include Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve , Hubbard Glacier, Tracy Arm (Twin Sawyer Glaciers), Dawes Glacier at Endicott Arm and College Fjord.

Related: Hubbard Glacier vs. Glacier Bay: Which is the better scenic cruising spot in Alaska?

When to book an Alaska cruise

The best time to book an Alaska cruise is when a cruise line first opens bookings on that sailing, often more than a year in advance. You'll have your pick of itineraries and cabins — balcony cabins are popular in this scenic destination — and often the best fares.

Because Alaska has such a short season with a limited number of ships and is a dream trip for many, cruises are in high demand and people plan early.

If you wait to book, you're not entirely out of luck. Cruise lines often run sales in the fall or in the early months of the year (a period known in the cruise industry as " wave season "). You can take advantage of discounted fares, free upgrades or complimentary add-ons, such as Wi-Fi, gratuities, restaurant meals, beverage packages and tours. Some of the most desirable cabins might be sold out; being flexible about your sail date or itinerary can help.

In general, waiting until the last minute is not the best idea, unless you live in Seattle or Vancouver and don't need to book flights. While some less preferred sail dates or cabin categories might be available a few months out, spurring cruise lines to drop rates, you might have trouble finding affordable airfare and pre- or post-cruise hotel accommodations that do not consume your cruise savings.

Related: When is the best time to book a cruise?

What to bring on an Alaska cruise

When it comes to packing for an Alaska cruise, your mantra should always be: dress in layers. On the same day, you might be warm in town but chilly on your tour to a glacier. If you plan on hiking, kayaking or riding on a dogsled, you'll need the appropriate activewear.

Definitely pack for rain; consider skipping the umbrella and instead bringing a wide-brimmed waterproof hat, rain jacket, rain pants and waterproof shoes or boots.

This is also the trip for a camera with good telephoto lenses and binoculars. For more on what to bring on an Alaska cruise, check out our Alaska cruise packing list .

Bottom line

An Alaska cruise is a memorable experience. The beauty of the land and its immense history; the thrill of seeing bears, moose and bald eagles; and the mysteries of the surrounding marine life will astound you. It's a trip worth taking the time for planning and doing right — because who knows if or when you'll make it back to the Last Frontier.

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