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Vancouver Cruise Port Terminal Information

Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 04:53 pm

Vancouver's cruise terminal, situated in the bustling Canada Place complex, provides a stunning departure point for cruises to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Immerse yourself in the city's natural beauty, diverse neighborhoods, and vibrant culinary scene before embarking on your cruise adventure.

Cruises From Vancouver

Vancouver is visited by 19 cruise lines that depart for Alaska, Hawaii, and the Pacific, mostly during April to October.

Some of the cruise lines that depart from the port are:

• Holland America
• Celebrity Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Disney Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises

Vancouver Cruise Port – Embarking

Embarkation typically begins at 1pm and passengers should allow for a minimum of 1 hour for examination of travel documents  and luggage screening in addition to going through U.S. Customs. Luggage handlers, however, start receiving luggage as early as 10:30am.

If you are being dropped off for your cruise, your driver would enter the Canada Place vehicle ramp (parking garage) located at the end of Howe Street (at Canada Place Way) and a traffic attendant will direct you to the drop-off and luggage unloading location.

Short term luggage storage is available at the terminal through Westcoast Sightseeing.

Wheelchair and Scooter rentals are also available.

Vancouver Cruise Parking

Canada Place Cruise Terminal – Disembarking

Passengers disembarking in Vancouver will be required to clear Canadian customs.

For those passengers being picked up by a private car, they would still enter at the Canada Place parking ramp and receive instructions from the attendant. Short term parking is free for the first 15 minutes on levels P1 or P2 of the garage.

Sightseeing in Vancouver

In addition to booking pre- and post-cruise excursions through your cruise line, West Coast Sightseeing offers daily tours of Vancouver, Whistler, Victoria and North Vancouver as well as hop-on, hop-off city tours. The kiosk is located at the ground transportation desk within the cruise terminal.

Weather in Vancouver

There are four temperate seasons in Vancouver, in which the weather stays fairly constant. Summer is a great time to visit, with much less rain than the rest of the year and plenty of outdoor activities. Cooler temperatures accompany the coming of autumn, and spring is especially pleasant. It is usually mild and a bit wet during winter, but cruises are usually cheaper, with fewer crowds.

Hotels in Vancouver Near Cruise Port

See Excursions in Vancouver

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Vancouver cruise port disembarkation day + time 🏔 Getting off the cruise ship in Vancouver (Princess) 🏔 Alaska cruise travel blog

The specifics of disembarkation from the cruise ship when you are in Vancouver may be different based on your specific cruise and what you are doing once you get off the ship.

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

I have also included disembarkation related letters from Princess that were sent to my cabin during the cruise.

In short, you can request to get off the cruise ship earlier or later, depending on what your plans are when you get off the cruise ship.

I had nowhere to be upon getting off the cruise ship.

I was going to be staying in Vancouver for a few days and I couldn’t check in to the place I was staying at, so I delayed getting off the cruise ship until pretty much as late as possible.

I was off the cruise ship at 9:30am.

I did a roundtrip cruise from Vancouver on the Sapphire Princess that ended in May 2023.

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

So I did not have any shore excursion or transportation booked through Princess.

If you are booked on one of these through Princess, one or more of the letters delivered to your room will be different.

Once in Vancouver, I got off the cruise ship carrying my own luggage, and that was that!

I also did not have any flight or train to catch, since I was staying in Vancouver for a few days waiting for my next cruise from Vancouver to begin!

So after getting off the cruise ship, I went to the hostel I was staying at, the Samesun Vancouver .

Since it was still early, I couldn’t access my room, but they had free luggage storage available.

If you have a late flight, I did see a sign for luggage storage at a small store near the cruise port at the PWC building.

As you are walking out of the Vancouver cruise port from the cruise ship towards the tall buildings of downtown Vancouver in front of you, you’ll start walking off to the left side. ( map – small store on the left right before the stairs)

If you are doing a round trip cruise from Vancouver and also getting on a cruise ship in Vancouver, also see my Vancouver cruise port embarkation day . Don’t miss watching the cruise ship sail under the Lions Gate Bridge !

A few days before Vancouver

Early on in the cruise, on day 4 of my 11 day cruise, the first letter was sent out related to disembarking in Vancouver.

This letter was asking me to submit what my onward plans were once disembarking in Vancouver.

It was also a form to book transportation through Princess.

And it was also a chance to be able to give a preference for what time I want to get off the cruise ship in Vancouver.

How much is a transfer booked through Princess?

You can book a shuttle from the Vancouver cruise port to the airport through Princess.

A transfer from the Vancouver cruise port to the Vancouver airport was $29 per person on my cruise.

A transfer from the Vancouver cruise port to the Seattle airport was $79 per person on my cruise.

For a Princess cruise, this is also something that you can pre-book before your cruise by logging into your account at princess.com.

But if you don’t book it ahead of time, you can book it in the first days of your cruise.

How to book a Princess transfer before you get on the cruise ship

• Log into your account at princess.com
• Go to “my account”
• Go to “manage this booking”
• Go to “travel”
• Look for the “transfers” section, and book your transportation from the Vancouver cruise port to the airport in Vancouver or Seattle!

I also have a future cruise booked with a cruise ending in Vancouver, and the price of the transfer is the same as in the letter I received on the cruise ship.

So there appears to be no difference in price whether you book before you get on the cruise or if you book on the cruise ship.

What is the earliest flight you can book out of Vancouver airport?

According to Princess :

For voyages that arrive in Vancouver, the earliest flight departure is 4 hours and 30 minutes after ship’s arrival.

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

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

You might be able to book excursions for Vancouver cruise port through Princess. In the same way you can check the scheduled cruise ship arrival time by logging in to princess.com, you can look to see if there are any excursions offered for Vancouver.

2 days before Vancouver

2 days before Vancouver, there were more things related to the Vancouver disembarkation placed in my cabin.

There were luggage tags, which is how you can figure out what time your disembarkation time is.

If you need more luggage tags than what was given to you, you can ask your room steward.

If you don’t want to take your luggage off the cruise ship by yourself, then you will put a luggage tag on your suitcase and then put it outside your cabin the evening before disembarkation day.

Then when you get off the cruise ship (or your next destination if you have a transfer), you’ll collect your luggage at a designated location.

You’ll put the luggage tags you received from Princess during the cruise on your luggage, and then place your luggage outside your cabin the evening before.

You may be given a specific time to put your luggage out by.

Otherwise, it’s generally recommended to place your luggage before you go to dinner.

Someone will be by later to pick up the luggage outside your cabin.

You also have the option of taking all your luggage off the cruise ship by yourself.

There was also general information and procedures about disembarking from the cruise ship.

What time do you get off the cruise ship in Vancouver?

The Vancouver cruise disembarkation schedule and time that you will get off the cruise ship will vary based on your specific cruise, but here is how it was for my cruise to give you an idea.

Princess cruise disembarkation information

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

• Hotel absolutely nearest to the cruise port: Read the reviews and check availability for Pan Pacific Vancouver

Disembarkation day in Vancouver

You’ll be given a meeting time and a meeting spot on disembarkation day.

Then, from here you will be called to actually get off the ship.

I went to the lounge for the group that had a meeting time of 9:30am.

And then…

I got off the cruise ship for the last time!

It took some time to walk through the Vancouver cruise terminal.

And that’s a bit about disembarking a cruise ship in Vancouver!

My Vancouver disembarkation day was in May 2023. Your experience may vary!

HAPPY GETTING OFF THE CRUISE SHIP IN VANCOUVER!

Vancouver Cruise Port At Canada Place: The Ultimate Guide

Vancouver is the largest city on the west coast of Canada in the province of British Columbia. Additionally, its cruise terminal at Canada Place, in the heart of Vancouver, ferries  passengers to Alaska , Hawaii, Japan, and California.

Most cruise passengers going to Alaska sail from Vancouver or Seattle. If you are sailing in or out of the Vancouver cruise port, it’s best to add a few extra days. Consequently, you can enjoy all this fantastic city has to offer.

Generally speaking, the Canada Place cruise terminal operates for a short season. The cruise ship season usually runs from April to September or early October.

Alaskan cruises operate during the summer months, from May to September. Should you take a cruise in May , the security and immigration process can be slow as the port often has new staff.

California, Japan, and Hawaii repositioning cruises are scheduled when cruise ships are coming to and from Vancouver for the Alaska season. Two ships can dock on its west side and one on the eastern side. 

The Vancouver cruise port struggles to dock mega-ships since they must pass under the Lionsgate Bridge. Its bridge has a 200-foot clearance which means some ships have to lower their mast to clear the road deck. 

The Norwegian Bliss made history by being the largest cruise ship to dock in Vancouver. The port of Vancouver orchestrated its arrival and departure with low tides. Sometimes those arrival and departures happen in the wee hours of the night.

I may be biased because I live in Vancouver, but the Vancouver sail away is by far one of the most picturesque beginnings of a cruise vacation. Having cruised from Vancouver to Hawaii and other locations six times, you need to savor the sail away on an upper deck.

Where Do Cruise Ships Dock In Vancouver?

The Vancouver cruise port is part of Canada Place in downtown Vancouver. Its unique architecture can be seen from Burrard Inlet, which serves as a commercial port.

Canada Place pier is a recognizable landmark with its five white sails that have topped the building since 1986. It was constructed for Expo 86, which showcased the Canadian city to the world.

Each night from dusk to dawn, the Sails of Light illuminate with seasonal, vibrant colors, displays, and animation.

Canada Place was designed to be multifunctional since the cruise ship season is abridged (May to September). Not only does it have a cruise ship terminal but also a hotel, convention centre, movie theatres, shops, and cafes.

At the end of the pier FlyOver Canada operates a multi-dimensional simulated flight over prominent areas of the country. It makes a great rainy-day activity and a must before embarkation.

Cruise passengers can take an  Alaska cruise from Vancouver, BC,   or Seattle. Americans may choose Seattle because the flights are less expensive, and you do not need a passport. However, cruises from Vancouver offer a spectacular sail-away.

The Vancouver Cruise Port welcomes approximately 1,000,000 passengers a year. While Canada closed its ports for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, 2022 saw a huge increase in passengers as the Alaska season reopened.

The  Vancouver cruise terminal reopened  on April 10, 2022, welcoming Holland America’s Koningsdam. The port also sees mainstream lines, such as Celebrity, Disney, Cunard, Seabourn, and Princess Cruises.

As Alaska cruises gain in popularity, new cruise lines are adding ships to the Vancouver port for Alaska sailings. These include Cunard, Azamara Cruises, and Viking Ocean Cruises.

The Vancouver cruise terminal can accommodate up to four ships a day. However, if there are three to four vessels, expect a slow embarkation as all guests must go through the same immigration and customs line.

The process of boarding can also be slow when the terminal reopens. Exercise patience, as the port could be training new staff or familiarizing themselves with processes they haven’t done in a while.

Getting To The Vancouver Cruise Port

When flying into Vancouver, planes land at Vancouver International Airport (YVR) on Sea Island in Richmond. A taxi ride to the cruise terminal will take approximately half an hour, contingent on traffic.

The cost is CAD 38, as designated by the zone fare. If you’re traveling to a hotel south of Pender Street, you’ll have a slightly lower fare of CAD 34.

My preference for accessing the port is by using “Skytrain”. The rapid transit system has a direct line to downtown Vancouver. The trains are quick, inexpensive, and hassle-free. Furthermore, you never have to worry about rush hour traffic.

Leaving the airport, walk across the road and take the escalator to the right. This escalator ascends to the Skytrain’s departure platform. Here, tickets are purchasable at the self-service machines for a direct route to the Vancouver Waterfront station.

It costs CAD 7.75 to CAD 9 per person (depending on the day and time). The Canada Line provides a direct route from the airport to the Waterfront. It takes 25 minutes, and trains leave approximately every six to seven minutes.

At the Waterfront Station, go up the escalators, exit the building, and turn right. Then, walk about one block to Howe Street and turn right. Canada Place and the Vancouver Cruise Terminal are straight ahead.

The following map shows the directions from Canada Place to the Waterfront Station. However, you can follow it from the Skytrain station to the cruise port.

Additionally, you may even see your cruise ship docked in front of you. To access the cruise terminal, you need to follow the ramp’s sidewalk into the parking area.

Signage clearly marks the route for cruise ship passengers, and there are plenty of people to assist you.

Baggage Storage

Westcoast Sightseeing  offers baggage storage for passengers booked on a cruise. It’s conveniently located at Canada Place. Whether needed before or after a cruise, luggage storage is available for day use from 8 am to 5 pm.

Additionally,  PorterGenie  offers 24/7 luggage storage at many locations throughout the city. Service is fast, zippers are safety-sealed, and their prices are competitive.

Vancouver Cruise Port Parking

If you’re driving to the cruise port, the parking garage offers long-term parking, catering to those on a cruise. Be prepared for sticker shock, as the lot charges CAD 32 a day or CAD 224 for 7 days.

Since this is an expensive option and adds to the total cost of your cruise, you’ll want to avoid Vancouver cruise parking downtown.

The value long-term parking at Vancouver International Airport offers long-term parking for a fraction of the cost. For a 7-day stay, expect to pay CAD 120, plus under CAD 10, for the Skytrain trip to reach downtown.

Prices vary with supply and demand. You’ll get the cheapest price booking far in advance. If you want to know the actual cost, you can get an online quote.

Where To Stay In Vancouver

It’s important to note that Vancouver is the most expensive city in Canada. Downtown hotels are as expensive as vacationing in Miami Beach or New York City.

Making a reservation a year in advance can get you the cheapest price and the most selection. Those coming from the US will benefit from the exchange rate.

Should you try to book a hotel within a few months of your cruise, you may be paying premium rates due to limited availability.

If you are seeking a hotel close to the cruise terminal, the Hotel Fairmont Pacific Rim , Pan Pacific Hotel, and Hotel Fairmont Waterfront  are within steps. However these hotels come with the convenience of being within walking distance of the cruise terminal, but they come with a hefty price tag.

If you are mobility challenged or money is of no concern, the Pan Pacific Hotel  is literally at the cruise ship terminal. When you check out, they will porter your luggage to the cruise terminal.

Staying there allows you to sleep in on embarkation day, check out of your hotel and check in to your cruise ship without leaving the building. Can it be any more convenient?

Sutton Place Hotel , and the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre ,  are more economical options. However, they are a cab ride away.

For a budget-friendly stay, the Vancouver YMCA Hotel  offers nice rooms at reasonable prices. Although, it’s not within walking distance of Canada Place.

However, if you are flying in the night before and need immediate sleep, stay in Richmond at  Fairmont Vancouver Airport.  It’s literally in the terminal and offers a luxury stay.

What To Do In Vancouver

Vancouver is a diverse city  on the coast, surrounded by picturesque mountains. Its downtown core offers thriving art, music, and theater scenes. Also, Vancouver has become a foodie heaven with its vast selection of worldly cuisine.

The city has great public transportation, so you do not need a rental car. Furthermore, if you get a rental, you’ll be paying for parking downtown, including at your hotel.

Vancouver’s Stanley Park is renowned for being one of the best urban parks in the world. Why not rent a bike and explore the park by pedal power? You can also explore the park on a trolley, horse carriage, or hop-on hop-off bus.

Stanley Park has a fantastic aquarium, multiple beaches, a sea wall, and totem poles.

The downtown area is easy to explore on foot, by public transit, or by rental bikes. There are plenty of taxis, and the Aquabus provides transportation across False Creek to Granville Island.

From the waterfront, you can walk to Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood. Here, the Gastown steam clock delights visitors with its whistling clock, which spouts steam every 15 minutes.

In North Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge is a tourist favorite. You can access the park by a complimentary shuttle bus from downtown. You can also use the shuttle to reach Grouse Mountain further up Capilano Road.

Grouse Mountain provides fun for the whole family. Once you’ve taken a gondola to the top, you can see two grizzly bears (named Grinder and Coola), watch a lumberjack show, a bird of prey demonstration, and enjoy great views of the city.

While you can use US dollars at most establishments, you may not get a good exchange rate. So, exchange your cash and use Canadian dollars instead.

Where To Eat In Vancouver

Vancouver is known for its multiculturalism. So, whatever your taste buds, you can find it in the downtown area. Dim sum, sushi, Thai, Lebanese, Italian, Chinese, and West Coast Seafood are all readily available.

To kickstart your Alaska cruise, why not enjoy seafood at a patio restaurant on Granville Island? The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant has all your favorites, with fantastic views of False Creek.

The Cactus Club Coal Harbour offers a mix of west coast dining with seafood. Its oceanfront location downtown makes it a great choice. However, expect a long wait during busy times.

For that caffeine kick in the mornings, there’s no better place than Tin Hortons. “Timmy’s,” as the locals call it, makes donuts, fresh sandwiches, soups, and wraps, for those eating on the run.

Embarkation

Every cruise ship embarking from Vancouver stops at a U.S. port, so every passenger needs to go through screening and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Even if you don’t intend to get off in port, you must still clear customs and immigration.

If you are not traveling with a Canadian or United States passport, you must get an ESTA or Electronic System for Travel Authorization.

ESTA is an automated system that determines visitors’ eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

The application to get an ESTA is made online. The form is rather lengthy, and you do not need to print out the application once completed.

If you are flying into Canada, Canada has introduced a new entry requirement, known as  eTA or Electronic Travel Authorization, for visa-exempt foreign nationals. Exceptions include U.S. citizens and travelers with valid visas. Like the American ESTA, applications are made online.

Debarkation

When debarking in Vancouver, the process may be slow when there are three vessels in port. Allow 30 minutes or longer to get to the airport. If you’re flying internationally, you DO need to arrive three hours before your flight due to long lines at security, customs, and immigration.

If you disembark within the first 30 minutes, you can usually get a taxi or rideshare quite quickly. Alternatively, you can use the Skytrain again.

However, if you’re in one of the last groups to leave the ship, you could be waiting a while for a taxi or rideshare due to availability. So, if you have an early flight, opt for early debarkation or do self-debarkation instead.

Final Thoughts

I sailed my first cruise to Alaska in 2009 out of Ballantyne Pier. While the commercial pier is closed to cruise vessels, Canada Place cruise ship terminal remains the sole port for those going to Alaska, Hawaii, and beyond.

It’s no secret Vancouver needs a new cruise terminal, one that can accommodate large and meg-ships. Until then, Alaska-bound ships will continue to sail out of Canada Place.

Sunday 27th of August 2023

We are taking a Pacific Coast cruise from Vancouver to San Diego. The first stop is in Victoria, B.C. and then our second stop is in Seattle, Washington. You mentioned in your article that "Every cruise ship embarking from Vancouver stops at a U.S. port, so every passenger needs to go through screening and U.S. Customs and Border Protection." Does this mean that we would clear U.S. Customs in Vancouver and not have to go through U.S. Customs in Seattle even though we will be stopping in Victoria first?

Forever Karen

That is correct. When you board in Vancouver, you will go through US Customs and Border protection at the port, and not have to do it again. Every ship that leaves Vancouver, either goes to Alaska, Hawaii, or down the coast to California. So the US border control has set up a screening area at the Vancouver cruise terminal.

Sunday 11th of June 2023

on return journey ?is the distance from the cruise terminal to the sky train an easy walk with luggage

Thursday 27th of July 2023

@Forever Karen, Hi! Thank you for such a great article. I have this same question. Can you also send me the map?

Janet, it's about 2 blocks and easily walkable with luggage. I've sent you an email with a map.

Monday 8th of May 2023

A very nice overview article. It could be further enhanced by directions to the terminal itself as many, including me the very first time, stood outside the Pan Pacific Hotel on the street and said “where do I go”. Some went the wrong way down into the parade ramp. Some went into the hotel. Some went around the side of Canada place.

You can just go into the convention centre entrance and 100 feet in on your right should be elevators and stairs to the cruise ship terminal level.

Tuesday 16th of May 2023

Thanks for the info. There are several ways to get to the cruise terminal and one of them is through the parkade.

Tuesday 25th of April 2023

Looking for an activity appropriate to kids age 7 and 10, from 5:30 pm to 10 pm. Ideas?

MarySue, You could visit the Aquarium in Stanley Park, go to the Kids Only Market at Granville Island, or visit Science World.

Monday 17th of April 2023

Sounds good. Thanks, Karen.

Privacy Overview

Vancouver cruise port

• Coordinates 49.289, -123.109
• LOCODE CAVAN
• Local Time 2024-04-28 16:10

Vancouver cruise ship schedule

• Temperature

• Quantum Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 03:00
• Norwegian Jewel 2.866 passengers 29 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 07:00
• Ruby Princess 3.672 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 07:30
• Grand Princess 3.122 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 07:30
• Crown Princess 3.674 passengers 30 Apr 2024 - 08:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 01 May 2024 - 06:00
• ms Zaandam 1.718 passengers 01 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Eurodam 2.525 passengers 03 May 2024 - 07:00
• Radiance Of The Seas 2.546 passengers 03 May 2024 - 07:00
• Discovery Princess 4.402 passengers 03 May 2024 - 23:15
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 04 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam 2.527 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 05 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Solstice 3.420 passengers 06 May 2024 - 06:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 06 May 2024 - 07:00
• Ruby Princess 3.672 passengers 07 May 2024 - 07:30
• ms Zaandam 1.718 passengers 08 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Spirit 2.414 passengers 08 May 2024 - 07:00
• Grand Princess 3.122 passengers 08 May 2024 - 07:30
• Silver Nova 728 passengers 09 May 2024 - 00:00
• Majestic Princess 4.272 passengers 09 May 2024 - 03:15
• Ovation Of The Seas 4.819 passengers 09 May 2024 - 06:00
• Celebrity Summit 2.590 passengers 10 May 2024 - 06:00
• Seabourn Odyssey 540 passengers 10 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Edge 3.373 passengers 11 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 11 May 2024 - 07:00
• Sapphire Princess 3.214 passengers 11 May 2024 - 07:30
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 12 May 2024 - 05:00
• Celebrity Solstice 3.420 passengers 12 May 2024 - 06:00
• ms Noordam 2.366 passengers 12 May 2024 - 07:00
• Norwegian Jewel 2.866 passengers 13 May 2024 - 07:00
• Oceania Regatta 803 passengers 13 May 2024 - 08:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 13 May 2024 - 08:00
• Ruby Princess 3.672 passengers 14 May 2024 - 07:30
• Viking Orion 930 passengers 15 May 2024 - 00:00
• Seven Seas Explorer 829 passengers 15 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Zaandam 1.718 passengers 15 May 2024 - 07:00
• Explora 1 1.473 passengers 17 May 2024 - 07:00
• Radiance Of The Seas 2.546 passengers 17 May 2024 - 07:00
• Royal Princess 4.272 passengers 17 May 2024 - 23:00
• ms Koningsdam 3.194 passengers 18 May 2024 - 07:00
• Celebrity Solstice 3.420 passengers 19 May 2024 - 06:00
• Brilliance Of The Seas 2.580 passengers 19 May 2024 - 07:00
• ms Nieuw Amsterdam 2.527 passengers 19 May 2024 - 07:00
• Disney Wonder 2.456 passengers 20 May 2024 - 08:00
• Ruby Princess 3.672 passengers 21 May 2024 - 07:30
• ms Zaandam 1.718 passengers 22 May 2024 - 07:00
• Silver Shadow 466 passengers 22 May 2024 - 07:00

• West Coast Departures

2023 Canada Place Cruise Terminal, Vancouver Embarkation: Your Experience?

By richart , March 15 in West Coast Departures

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What was your experience in 2023 embarking from Canada Place? I've read horror stories about how badly run the process is and the extensive time spent in line.  We are cruising the first weekend of May 2024...looks like there will be two large ships in port...about 6500 passengers. We are staying at the Pan Pacific which should help because we can have hotel staff handle the luggage and we can walk to the terminal. While not handicapped my wife does have some orthopedic issues which cause problems when standing for extended periods. My initial thought is stay in the hotel until check out time, go somewhere within walking distance for lunch, and then head to the cruise terminal. Maybe the lines will have diminished by then. Anyway, I would really like to hear  about your experience this past cruising season out of Canada Place.

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CruiserBruce

Have you looked down the board? It has been reported on many times. Early season seems to be worst.

5 minutes ago, CruiserBruce said: Have you looked down the board? It has been reported on many times. Early season seems to be worst.

Yes, I have in fact. But most of the experiences are dated so was looking to find out how things went this past summer.

Just now, richart said: Yes, I have in fact. But most of the experiences are dated so was looking to find out how things went this past summer.

There were dozens of discussions about people's experiences. Its crazy crowded with long lines. 

Disney Wonder just sailed out of Vancouver earlier this week on Monday.  Maybe also hit them up on their roll call to see how it went, though one ship in port won't be as chaotic as two big ships lie your situation, let alone three or four.  

The next sailings out of Vancouver aren't until April IIRC.  

Sailed out of Canada Place a few years ago.  Our sailing was the first Princess ship calling at Vancouver for the spring/summer season.  With only one ship in port, I wouldn't call it chaotic, but unlike other embarkation ports, there were very slow lines and many switchback queues.  It isn't a huge open facility like most modern cruise ship port buildings.  It's a lot like waiting in line at the DMV... with all your luggage.  On the outside Canada Place is a striking piece of mid-80s architecture, on the inside (at least in the cruise terminal portion) it looks like a Carter administration government building.  My local post office was built during the Carter administration, so I know how drab and boring that looks.  Come to think of it, when Canada Place is filled with cruisers trying to embark, it looks a lot like our local Social Security office... but everyone has luggage.

Urban trekker

One thing - you mentioned you are sailing the first weekend of May - is that the May 3- 5 weekend.

If so that the weekend that the Vancouver International Marathon and over 18,000 runners will converge on Canada Place to pick up their race kits etc. and then on the morning of May 5 will finish the race just to the west of Canada Place.

Thankfully you are staying at the Pan Pacific so other than been busier than usual shouldn't affect your getting on the ship.

There is a food court in the waterfront center across the street from the Pan Pacific which you can access from Canada Place - no need to go outside - there is an underground connection.

I will arrive on the Bliss on April 5 but we are the only ship in town that day so I won't be able to give you much help.

Hope this helps you somewhat.

I embarked in Vancouver on July 2, 2023. I thought that the process was fairly well organized. Yes, we had to wait in line, but my mindset was that some waiting was to be expected. The process took about 1.5 hours from beginning to boarding the ship and that included a delay of about 30 minutes because the ship arrived late into the port and the ship was not ready for us to board. But even with that, I was on the ship at 11:30am.

Hopefully you'll get some more personal feedback OP, but failing that I suggest perusing last years trip reports and roll calls - if you focus on just the ones in April/May you'll get a better idea about early vs. late season issues.

Personally I think your plan of let the hotel deliver bags, do lunch, come back later is a good idea - but I would add that you should request a wheelchair for your missus. Organizing one on the day without booking it in advance will be challenging - much better to request it right now. When it comes to ortho issues, sleeping in an unfamiliar bed after a flight is likely to magnify any kind of bone and joint pain/stiffness - better to play it safe!

Many don't realize that when sailing Alaska out of Vancouver you are required to go through US Border and Customs during the embarkation processes which adds another line that you wouldn't experience if departing from a US port.  The declaration piece at customs is done via electronic terminals that scan you passport and do require some help if you haven't done it before which also slows down the process, as does the number of Customs officers available.

On 3/14/2024 at 9:52 PM, Urban trekker said: One thing - you mentioned you are sailing the first weekend of May - is that the May 3- 5 weekend. If so that the weekend that the Vancouver International Marathon and over 18,000 runners will converge on Canada Place to pick up their race kits etc. and then on the morning of May 5 will finish the race just to the west of Canada Place.

We are departing May 6th on the Celebrity Solstice from Canada Place and booked the Marriott Pinnacle Downtown to be in close proximity the prior weekend. From the BMO Marathon website, it looks at though the entire area around the hotel will be taken over for the weekend.

Should we consider staying elsewhere? We've been to Vancouver MANY times both for cruising and long weekend getaways and don't "need" to be in the center of the action. Actually, we were hoping to do the Sea to Sky Gondola since it's been out of service due to the sabotages when we were last in town. That said, not even sure if we could get the shuttle with road closures on May 5th.

Any and all feedback from locals welcomed!

At least when you embark the marathon mess will be over but you are actually near ground zero on Sunday May 5, 2024. You are in the chute area for the finish of the race. If you are going to change get a hotel that is east of Burrard.

I am a long time volunteer with the Marathon - this will be my 18th year of volunteering and believe me it is real zoo - even to cross the street you sometimes have to walk a whole block to get around the barricades.

Hope this helps.

We will be embarking our cruise on the Noordam on Sunday, May 5th. Arriving YVR at 11am, and taking SkyTrain to Waterfront Station...  hoping to arrive Canada Place around 1:00-1-30 (after immigration and such, only carry-on luggage).  It doesn't appear that the marathon will affect these plans.... correct?  Not correct?

Kevin's girl

On 3/15/2024 at 12:39 AM, jeromep said: Sailed out of Canada Place a few years ago.  Our sailing was the first Princess ship calling at Vancouver for the spring/summer season.  With only one ship in port, I wouldn't call it chaotic, but unlike other embarkation ports, there were very slow lines and many switchback queues.  It isn't a huge open facility like most modern cruise ship port buildings.  It's a lot like waiting in line at the DMV... with all your luggage.  On the outside Canada Place is a striking piece of mid-80s architecture, on the inside (at least in the cruise terminal portion) it looks like a Carter administration government building.  My local post office was built during the Carter administration, so I know how drab and boring that looks.  Come to think of it, when Canada Place is filled with cruisers trying to embark, it looks a lot like our local Social Security office... but everyone has luggage.

Something to truly look forward to 🤣

On 3/18/2024 at 9:31 PM, julia said: We will be embarking our cruise on the Noordam on Sunday, May 5th. Arriving YVR at 11am, and taking SkyTrain to Waterfront Station...  hoping to arrive Canada Place around 1:00-1-30 (after immigration and such, only carry-on luggage).  It doesn't appear that the marathon will affect these plans.... correct?  Not correct?

In theory the marathon shouldn't impact you in the slightest - all the road closures are west of Canada Place, and whether you disembark at the back of the train and pop out at Granville & Hastings, or the front and come up through Waterfront station itself on Cordova, you should be able to walk without anything preventing you accessing the direct routes... but there will be many people walking from the finish toward SkyTrain, or just to go for brunch somewhere in Gastown, so the sidewalks will be unusually full of sweaty, tired people with medals on! Feel free to congratulate any of the finishers you pass, and try not to trip anyone up with a wheely bag! 😉

Hopefully your inbound flight is on time and your passage through CBSA is smooth - I would consider precompleting ArriveCAN if I were you (it's no longer required, BUT it allows you to predeclare your customs paperwork and skip to head of that line - when scanned at the kiosk, instead of answering all the questions you should just see 'You already completed this - any changes or still the same?') It's not a big time saving, you answer the same couple of minutes worth of questions as at the kiosks, but literally every second might make the difference if your flight ends up delayed so doing that preflight, on your own phone at home, is one less worry for the airport as the clock counts down toward "Oh crap, the ship sailed already!" o'clock...

In almost every embarkation port we are boarding later. So many people want to board early that makes for long lines everywhere. We now go have lunch and then show up around 2:00 for a 4:00 or 4:30 departure and there are no lines

On 3/18/2024 at 4:30 PM, Piperpals said: Many don't realize that when sailing Alaska out of Vancouver you are required to go through US Border and Customs during the embarkation processes which adds another line that you wouldn't experience if departing from a US port.  The declaration piece at customs is done via electronic terminals that scan you passport and do require some help if you haven't done it before which also slows down the process, as does the number of Customs officers available.

From what I've been reading you are absolutely correct. The shuffling from baggage check, to cruise line check in to U.S. customs all on different levels seems confusing and slow. The hotel will check our bags for us and I have ordered our Princess medallions so that will speed up checking in with the cruise line. Now if U.S. Customs at the cruise port has a Global Entry lane, that will speed things up even more...maybe. Regardless, it is what it is and we are there to have a good time so we're not going to let any issues at embarkation dampen our spirits. Departure time is supposed to be 3:45 pm so we plan to have lunch and start the check in process about  1:00 to 1:30 pm. Hopefully by then the lines will have died down, our bags may be in our cabin, and we will be ready to enjoy the week.

1 minute ago, richart said: From what I've been reading you are absolutely correct. The shuffling from baggage check, to cruise line check in to U.S. customs all on different levels seems confusing and slow. The hotel will check our bags for us and I have ordered our Princess medallions so that will speed up checking in with the cruise line. Now if U.S. Customs at the cruise port has a Global Entry lane, that will speed things up even more...maybe. Regardless, it is what it is and we are there to have a good time so we're not going to let any issues at embarkation dampen our spirits. Departure time is supposed to be 3:45 pm so we plan to have lunch and start the check in process about  1:00 to 1:30 pm. Hopefully by then the lines will have died down, our bags may be in our cabin, and we will be ready to enjoy the week.

The US customs takes almost no time at all. Basically you are scanning your passport and looking at a screen. There are usually at least a dozen or more stations there

I am staying at the Auberge Hotel and plan on walking over with my suitcase to Canada Place. Are there signs so I will know where to find the porters to give them my bag? I have only arrived by cab in the past. Thanks in advance. 

Hopefully someone can give you a better answer than I since I have yet to embark out of Vancouver, I have read the following on posts on this board:

1. Porters are available at curbside. 2. Baggage drop off is on Level P2.

3. Princess used Level D4 (Convention Center) for baggage drop off during one passenger's cruise.  

52 minutes ago, richart said: Hopefully someone can give you a better answer than I since I have yet to embark out of Vancouver, I have read the following on posts on this board: 1. Porters are available at curbside. 2. Baggage drop off is on Level P2. 3. Princess used Level D4 (Convention Center) for baggage drop off during one passenger's cruise.  

This is really, really helpful. Thanks!

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Everything You Need to Know About Embarkation Day

Last updated: August 6th, 2023

• Find a Cruise

Embarkation day for your cruise vacation is an exciting day. You get to board the ship and check into your stateroom. You’ll likely have a glass of Champagne or other drink in your hand within moments of boarding, activating vacation mode.

Before you board, it’s good to know what to expect so you can maximize the first day of your cruise and not miss out on anything exciting. Being prepared for embarkation day also means your cruise will start off on the right foot, so it’s smooth sailing (figuratively speaking; we’ll take care of that in the literal sense!) for your entire time on board.

What is embarkation day?

Embarkation day is the first day of your cruise. It’s the day you arrive at the cruise terminal to embark on your vacation.

Disembarkation, similarly, is the last day of your cruise, when you disembark from the ship, whether you’re staying an extra day in port or catching a flight back home.

What time can you board your cruise?

The time you can board your cruise varies depending on what kind of stateroom you have and what time your cruise departs.

You can always check the Celebrity Cruises mobile app to confirm what time your ship sets sail on embarkation day. Be prepared for an initial rush when boarding begins and another rush right after lunch.

To avoid long lines at security and the check-in desk, plan on getting there right when boarding begins. Lines also tend to be much shorter during the last hour of boarding, but then you’ll be missing out on a few hours on board on embarkation day!

If you’re planning to arrive later, make sure you know when embarkation check-in ends, as this is usually before your ship sets sail. For coast guard purposes, the check-in time ends earlier, and if you get there after that cut-off time you won’t be able to board, even if the ship hasn’t pulled away from port yet.

What do you wear on embarkation day?

Comfort is key on embarkation day, and it’s okay to keep it casual on the first day of your cruise.

Many people wear bathing suits underneath their clothes or pack their suit in their carry-on so they can head to the pool right away. Others prefer to dress up so they can have nice photographs taken of the entire family as you board the ship.

Because you may be waiting for your luggage to be returned to you, some people pack an extra outfit in their carry-on to change into for lunch or dinner. It really depends on your preferences. We recommend bringing a sweater or light jacket in case you get chilly in colder climates, or a hat and shorts if you’re cruising to a tropical destination.

Find out more about what to wear on a cruise .

How do you check in for a Celebrity cruise?

One of the best ways to start your vacation and get onto the ship quickly and easily is to use the Celebrity Cruises online check-in before you arrive at your embarkation port .

While checking in online, you can provide all the information needed to expedite your time at the port so you can get on your ship faster. You’ll receive a handy Xpress Pass, which indicates that you’ve completed check-in.

Keep in mind that checking in for cruises isn’t the same as checking in for a flight. While you may be used to checking in for your flight no more than 24 hours before it takes off, with Celebrity Cruises, online check-in time is cut off a few days before embarkation day, so don’t leave checking in until the last minute.

Government regulations require cruise lines to submit their final list of departures at least an hour prior to sailing, so don’t procrastinate on getting to the cruise terminal if you didn’t complete the check-in process online.

Another way to avoid lines on embarkation day is to book The Retreat , which comes with priority check-in and a host of other benefits that will make your vacation unforgettable.

If you’re sailing on Celebrity Edge, you can upload a photo of yourself using the check-in app. Then, when you arrive at the state-of-the-art terminal, your face will be recognized and you’ll be whisked inside in mere minutes.

Make sure you arrive with the proper documents in hand, like a passport (if you need one for your cruise). You’ll also want to have any applicable visas with you if required for international ports you’ll be visiting.

When planning your pre-embarkation day to-do list and schedule, it’s also wise to book a flight that gets to the embarkation port a day before. That way, you have time to spare to account for any flight delays and still get to your ship on time. In fact, Flights by CelebritySM can even help you out with that. Flights by CelebritySM gives you competitive rates for airfare, flexibility so you can personalize flight plans, and 24/7 assistance available with any of our specialists. Leave the details to us for a seamless vacation from start to finish.

What do you do with your luggage on embarkation day?

As soon as you arrive at the port, you’ll be met at the vehicle drop-off area by couriers who will take your luggage and put it onto racks. From that point it will be brought onto the ship and delivered to your stateroom.

To make this process easier, you can print off luggage tags at home from your cruise account at the same time you check in. These luggage tags have your name and stateroom number on them and can be stapled around your luggage handle.

With Celebrity Cruises Open Access, you’ll have access to your stateroom as soon as you board, so be sure to pack your essentials in your carry-on so you can freshen up before exploring the ship.

What should you put in your cruise carry-on bag?

Not all of your luggage should go with the couriers, however. Keeping a carry-on, duffel bag, or even a backpack with some key essentials in it is wise to have with you while boarding the ship.

Just like on an airplane, keep important items with you that aren’t easily replaceable on vacation, such as laptops, prescription eyeglasses, medication, and special jewelry.

In your carry-on luggage, you’ll also want to pack a swimsuit or spa clothes. Your luggage may not be delivered to your room right away, even if you do have access to your stateroom.

If you’re cruising from Miami (or another sun-soaked embarkation port), you don’t want to miss out on pool time because you don’t have your suit with you.

Another cruise embarkation tip if you want to get to your room as quickly as possible is to pack a handheld that you can carry on the stairs. The elevators on embarkation day have a longer wait, since more people are utilizing them to get to their room or first point of interest after boarding.

Don’t worry–wait time for an elevator usually decreases drastically after embarkation day.

What do you do when you first board a cruise ship?

When you arrive, it’s officially the start of your vacation. If you’re hungry, you can head to one of the onboard restaurants for lunch or scope out the bars and lounges. Grab some al-fresco bites by the pool, or head to the buffet for a variety of options. The Retreat guests can dine in Luminae for lunch on embarkation day as well.

Get to know the ship and discover all of the exciting things to do on a cruise . Go beyond your stateroom to worlds unknown, whether it’s your first time watching the skyline fade behind you from a cruise ship or first time exploring a gym at sea.

Watch: What To Do On A Cruise Ship

Post up in a sunny deck chair, or be one of the first to hit the pool. Stop in at the Destination Concierge desk to continue planning the day-to-day details of your trip, or get to know more about the destinations you’re sailing to.

It’s also okay to unwind and do nothing! After all, this is vacation, and you have plenty of time to unpack.

Cruise Embarkation Tips

If you haven’t cruised with Celebrity before, embarkation day can be filled with little unknowns and frequently asked questions. If it’s been a while since your last cruise vacation, you might need a refresher on what you can do on embarkation day that can benefit you for your entire cruise, from special offers at the spa and little known dining tips to ways make vacation even more fun for the kids.

We’ve put together seven tips to help you make the most of Embarkation Day:

Check for Special Embarkation Day Offers in the Spa

Persian Garden

If this is your first time cruising, you might not know this savvy spa secret: spa treatments are often discounted on embarkation day.

You can get a great offer on a massage, facial, body wrap, and other spa treatments on embarkation day at the onboard spa. Sometimes these offers even extend to the next morning.

Embarkation day is also a good time to ask for a tour of the cruise ship’s spa facilities and ask any questions at the front desk to learn more about your options for pampering during the cruise.

In addition, there may be seminars you can attend that are led by spa technicians. At these seminars, you’ll learn wellness tips and more about treatments that will help your body and mind feel rejuvenated.

Make Restaurant Reservations

You can often find special embarkation day offers for the ship’s specialty restaurants. On the first night of the cruise, others are excited to check out their table in the Main Restaurant. However, if you can wait until the next night, you could benefit.

Even if you don’t want to dine in a specialty restaurant your first night, embarkation day is a good time to make reservations for later on in the cruise if you haven’t already done so online.

Specialty restaurants do fill up, especially on days at sea or early departure port days, so don’t delay and miss out on the chance of dining at the restaurant of your choice.

If you think you’ll want to reserve numerous specialty restaurants, embarkation day is also a good time to review available dining packages.

If you have any concerns about seating, dietary concerns, or your scheduled dining time in the Main Restaurant, embarkation day is a good time to talk to the maître d’. They can help make sure your dining experience on board is as easy as possible.

Go to the Fun Factory Open House

If you’re cruising with your family , you’ll want to explore the kids club, Fun Factory, on board. Embarkation day typically has an open house for the kids club rooms, during which you can stop by to tour the facility together as a family.

This gets your children comfortable in the space while having you there. It also gives you a chance to speak with the caregivers who will be interacting with your child and ask any questions you may have about the schedule or activities of the kids club.

During the open house, you can get your kids registered and sign any necessary paperwork so they’re ready to have an exciting and fun-filled cruise—and give you some much-needed adult time!

Take Time to Unpack on Embarkation Day

Once your luggage arrives at your stateroom, it’s a smart idea to take some time to unpack before dinner. While you’re at dinner, your stateroom attendant will come in to freshen up your room, turn down your sheets, and leave information for the following day of the cruise. It’s always nice to come back from dinner to a tidy room.

You can then kick off your shoes and relax on the bed or couch with Celebrity Today, the daily itinerary you’ll receive each evening during your cruise that tells you what to expect on board or in port the following day. It comes with a comprehensive schedule that lists when and where every activity, seminar, and show is taking place, plus the opening hours for restaurants, lounges, the spa, and the Fun Factory.

To enjoy this relaxing ambiance, take some time out from exploring the ship to unpack. Maybe get a glass of wine from the Sunset Bar or one of the other bars and lounges on board to enjoy before you do so to make the unpacking process more fun—after all, it’s embarkation day and you’re officially on vacation!

Don’t want to spend any time unpacking? Consider booking The Retreat experience, which comes with a dedicated team of attendants, concierges, and butlers who will unpack for you, giving you even more time to enjoy your vacation.

Introduce Yourself to Your Stateroom Attendant

Your stateroom attendant will likely end up being a highlight of your cruise. Our stateroom attendants are friendly and provide top-notch service. They want to make your accommodations as comfortable and as relaxing as possible.

You’ll likely see them in the hallways outside your stateroom, and they’ll be quick to say hello. This is a good time to introduce yourself and make any initial requests you may have, such as only stocking the mini fridge with red wine and not white wine, or changing the bed configuration if it’s not already to your preference (you can have the beds pushed together to make a king size bed, or split up to make two separate beds).

Head to the Sail Away Party

When your ship pulls away from port, it’s a fun time to be outside on one of the decks and watching your embarkation port get further and further away as you sail off into the horizon.

A fun way to celebrate this is at a sail away party, where you can order a glass of champagne to celebrate the start of your cruise and mingle with other guests who will be on board with you during the cruise.

Check the schedule in your stateroom for embarkation day to see if your ship has a party on board to celebrate the ship setting sail. These parties are often on the sunset deck or pool deck and have live music.

Visit the Shore Excursion Desk

ShoreX Service

If you’re not sure what you want to do during days in port, stop by the shore excursion desk for help.

The most popular shore excursions fill up quickly—sometimes even in advance of the ship sail date since you can reserve them online. Top excursions that are still available on embarkation day will likely fill up soon after the ship sets sail as cruisers learn more about the different ports of call in informational seminars that are conducted the first couple days of the cruise.

Beat those guests to booking by having your own one-on-one consultation with the shore excursion desk, who will answer any questions you have about different excursions and the best fit for you and your interests in each destination.

Ziplining in Talkeetna, Alaska

Book Your Cruise and Get Ready for Embarkation Day Fun

A cruise is a special type of vacation since you get to start relaxing and having fun the second you get on board. All those other pesky vacation logistics like transportation, figuring out where to eat, and finding entertainment is all done for you. Browse itineraries on our website and get ready to sail on an incredible luxury cruise.

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• Canada / Embarkation and Debarkation

Debarkation in Vancouver

by Prof. Cruise · Published May 21, 2019 · Updated June 26, 2019

If you saw me in line waiting for cruise embarkation you might momentarily mistaken me for the dorky, naively sanguine Sue Heck from “The Middle” as I hop around like I need to pee, peppering my fellow cruisers with overexcited questions: “where are you eating lunch?” “wanna wear one of these matching shirts depicting a cruise ship at the end of a rainbow for sail away? I brought enough for all 3,000 of us!”

You might smack your husband on the arm for a second time and whisper, “I think that’s really her.”  To which he’ll reply, “you realize the characters on your little programs are fictional, right?”  To which you’ll reply, “of course.  No, I think it’s that Prof. Cruise.  The one who writes the overly wordy cruise blog and reminds me of Sue Heck due to her social awkwardness and refusal to give up despite her obvious lack of talent.” 

Yeap, it’s me, Prof. Cruise!  And I won’t apologize for being excited!  But I will apologize for the blog.  Sorry, it’s the best I can do.  And it’s about to get even worse, because this post is about the crappiest part of a cruise: debarkation. 

What’s Debarkation and Why Does Prof. Cruise Hate it so Much?

For anyone who doesn’t know what debarkation means, it means getting off the boat at the end of your cruise.  And having done it 14 times now, I can tell you, unequivocally, it sucks.

That woman from embarkation would no longer recognize me as the same person in the debarkation line.  In fact, she wouldn’t recognize me as a person at all, but rather a furry, moss green monster with googly eyes, a sullen unibrow longing for an aggressive tweeze, a conspicuously missing nose, and a smell suggesting I live in the refuge of a fictional New York City street. 

But she’ll whack her husband in the arm again and say, “is that who I think it is?  Oscar?”  And her husband will sigh and query the rest of the line: “anyone know if there’s a bar still open somewhere?” To which the green grouch in question, me, will answer, “yeah, I could use one too.”

The Debarkation Process on Princess

I was particularly morose standing in the eerily dead casino of the Golden Princess waiting in line for my latest debarkation because I’d only been onboard for 3 nights – a tie for my shortest cruise ever. It had been a quick Mother’s Day escape from the one I mother, and now I was headed back home to Seattle from Vancouver on the Greyhound.

As a brief aside, I would be joined on the bus by a needy older woman and her equally frisky dog who were clearly being shipped from one child to another because, “it’s only fair!” I wondered who my son, as an only child, would be shipping me off to in a few years and recalled an earlier conversation I’d enthusiastically participated in, à la Sue Heck: “cruising is cheaper than a nursing home.” And that was the first thing out of my mouth upon arriving home: “cruising is cheaper than a nursing home!” “Oh, hi mom.”

Disembarkation Documents

Anyway, the previous day my room steward had played the roll of killjoy, “there goes your extra tip, Martin,” and dropped off the following documents to my cabin:

Along with this gangway pass that looked very official, but that I use for a makeshift bookmark to this day because no one ever asked for it.

Are Disembarkation Groups Mandatory?

Counter to my usual dramatic exit, being hauled off kicking and screaming by security as the last person to leave the ship, I needed to get off as early as possible. If I waited until “Self Help 16,” my bus would’ve been approaching the border and that lady’s dog would have tried to hump the leg of our driver two times already. So I stopped by guest services to inquire about joining an earlier group. “Those times are just suggestions for self help passengers to help with flow. Get off with whichever group you want.”

It was further explained that if I had an organized disembarkation tour or a transfer purchased through Princess or if I was claiming tagged luggage after leaving the ship, I should stick with my assigned group and meeting location.

Self Help within the Context of Disembarkation

So at 7:30am, I joined “Self Help 1” in the Explorer’s Lounge expecting to be led in a “cognitive reframing exercise” to help myself adjust to life back on dry land. But instead I was quickly shepherded to a seat and asked if I had all my bags with me. It turns out “self help” within the context of disembarkation means you independently carry off all your luggage. It’s also sometimes called “express walk off,” which is less confusing to my weird brain.

Where to Line Up on the Golden Princess to Disembark Quickly

I almost couldn’t type “disembark quickly.” The little devil on my shoulder kept jabbing me in the hand with his trident. But as I waited in the Explorer’s Lounge, the little angel on my other shoulder kept encouraging me to go home to my adult responsibilities. And she guided me forward from the front of the Explorer’s Lounge toward the Casino where people would be ushered off the ship as soon as disembarkation began. There was a line of about 20 people in front of me, but once general passengers were given the okay to disembark at 8:15am, I was off very quickly with a last sad “beep” of my ship card and greeted with no wait at Canadian customs.

Note: no one ever asked for my “gangway pass” which, according to the pass, I was to “have in hand as you disembark.”

Debarkation Procedures at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal in Vancouver

Collecting Your Luggage in Vancouver

If you have luggage to collect in Vancouver, it will be grouped by tag color and you will pick it up prior to passing through customs. There were many friendly terminal employees present to direct passengers and provide help in locating bags.

Passing Through Customs at the Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal

I turned in my declaration card (provided by my room steward along with the other debarkation documents) to the agent and was asked where I was from and how I was getting home. I was tempted to throw a tantrum and answer with “do I have to go home?” but instead sighed and said “the bus” at which point I was ushered through. Surprisingly, I did not have to show my passport.

Navigating the Cruise Terminal in Vancouver

Follow the appropriate sign for your desired form of transportation. Proceed through Door A for the taxi line.

Note on taxis: although I didn’t take a taxi on this occasion, I have taken taxis at the Vancouver terminal in the past and, having disembarked later, the line was very, very long and took nearly an hour. If you have tight travel plans and require a taxi, I strongly suggest you get off the ship as early as possible.

As for me, I made good time and decided to walk to Pacific Central Station so I could see a bit of the city and burn off <1 of the roughly 40 desserts I’d eaten in the past three days. I veered right and took the escalator up to “exit to city.”

Extra Credit Tip: If you aren’t in a rush, exit to the city for beautiful views and a chance to snap some photos of your ship docked in Vancouver.

Traveling to the Airport from the Cruise Port in Vancouver

Taxi from the cruise terminal to the airport in vancouver.

Although I always take the train or bus home to Seattle from Vancouver, my research suggests that a taxi to the airport will cost roughly $35 and take around 30 minutes.

Public Transportation from the Cruise Terminal to the Airport in Vancouver

The subway is another great option if you want to save money or if the taxi line is long. The Canada Line can be accessed less than 100 yards from the Cruise terminal and also takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport. You can use a credit card to purchase your ticket, so don’t worry about changing money. A one-way ticket is currently $4.20, but prices are set to increase July 1, 2019, so check here if you’re traveling after that date.

Other Transportation Options to the Airport from the Vancouver Cruise Terminal

Go here for other transportation options from the cruise terminal to the airport in Vancouver.

Final Thoughts on Debarkation in Vancouver

Except for the long wait from my chosen meeting time of 7:30am to actually disembarking well after 8 o’clock, the process went very smoothly. Getting off early was key to avoiding lines for customs and transportation.

And with that, I wish you all a very smooth, yet very unhappy disembarkation. Because if you’re unhappy upon disembarking, it means you were happy cruising. And a happy cruise is what I wish for everyone because:

Class dismissed.

*Check out my Alaska port posts here . And don’t forget to subscribe to the blog (scroll up to the top right if on a computer and keep scrolling if on a mobile devise) and follow me on social media:

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Given name Sarah, but also answers to Prof. Cruise. Retired after 10 years as a college professor to focus full-time on her primary research interest: travel. With a concentration in cruising.  Home port: Seattle.  Mom of a shaggy-haired dog and a shaggy-haired human.  Lover of books and dessert.  Fancies herself a bit of a comedian – you’ve been warned.

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We've been queuing 2.5 hours and we're still not at US customs

15 replies to this topic

Depends on which article you read - the RC blog or the Travel Pulse one. :-)

BTW, here is the hyperlink to the Travel Pulse article for those who need to tap or click their screens:

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/royal-caribbean-international-cancels-radiance-of-the-seas-cruise-to-alaska

What time did Holland America tell you to be at the terminal?

We were in San Diego getting on the Koningsdam, our boarding time was 1:30 pm.

We sat and waited for our boarding time at 1:30 and basically walked on the ship with maybe 10, going through the scanners, getting our ships ID card and then on the ship.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

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We've been queuing 2.5 hours and we're still not at US customs

15 replies to this topic

Depends on which article you read - the RC blog or the Travel Pulse one. :-)

BTW, here is the hyperlink to the Travel Pulse article for those who need to tap or click their screens:

https://www.travelpulse.com/news/cruise/royal-caribbean-international-cancels-radiance-of-the-seas-cruise-to-alaska

What time did Holland America tell you to be at the terminal?

We were in San Diego getting on the Koningsdam, our boarding time was 1:30 pm.

We sat and waited for our boarding time at 1:30 and basically walked on the ship with maybe 10, going through the scanners, getting our ships ID card and then on the ship.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

https://www.marinetraffic.com/en/ais/home/centerx:-123.062/centery:49.294/zoom:14

• Campervan/RV hire 23:55
• Vancouver cruise embarkation 23:31
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• B.C new rule on Airbnb starting May 1st 16:55
• Renting a car on Vancouver island or in Vancouver? yesterday
• long Luggage storage yesterday
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• Canada Place Taxi's 25 April 2024
• Night market in Richmond 25 April 2024
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• Bringing Firearms to Canada
• Cannabis - Entering Canada
• How do I plan a trip?
• Arriving and Departing
• *** FIFA 2026 VANCOUVER ***
• What will FIFA 2026 mean for Vancouver?
• ***** TRANSPORT *****
• How do I use public transit in Vancouver?
• What are the little ferries to Granville Island?
• *** PUBLIC TRANSIT ***
• Buses To and From Tsawassen and Swartz Bay Ferry terminals
• What is the Compass Card?
• **GETTING AROUND TOWN**
• Is there parking close to Amtrak?
• Can I use American $ in Canada?
• Are there any museums?
• ******* MONEY *******
• ****** SIGHTS ******
• Currency Topics
• What should we see while visiting Vancouver?
• ***** FOOD AND DRINK *****
• Cocktails and music
• Capilano or Lynn Valley suspension Bridge?
• Where can cruise ship passengers store their luggage? 2022
• What about food trucks?
• *** CRUISING ***
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• ** GETTING OUT OF TOWN **
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I've been on 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I wish I'd known before sailing in the Mediterranean.

• I've been on 50 cruises around the world and took my first Mediterranean route last year.
• Picking the right time of the season to go can make a big difference in your trip.
• Before packing, I always check to see if any of the experiences I've booked have a dress code.

As someone who's taken over 50 cruises all over the world, I know firsthand how popular cruising is this year. But one seabound itinerary people often forget to add to their bucket lists is a Mediterranean cruise .

The dreamy ships take passengers around European destinations like Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

After taking my first Mediterranean cruise last year, here's what I think everyone should know before booking the route.

Going early or late in the sailing season means fewer crowds and better weather.

Many cruise lines, like Virgin, Celebrity, and Disney, start the Mediterranean season in early spring and sail through early fall.

Going early or late in the season usually means you'll have more tolerable weather and smaller crowds in some of the big destinations like Athens .

I made the mistake of going on my Mediterranean cruise at the end of May (over Memorial Day weekend).

Some ports of call, like Nice, France, were easy to get around, but others like Rome were packed to the gills. I wanted the day to end before we even made it to the Vatican on our tour.

Arriving at your embarkation port early is key to having a smooth sailing.

My biggest tip for any cruise — but especially for Americans traveling to Europe for a Mediterranean cruise — is to arrive at your embarkation city at least a day before your sailing starts.

This gives you plenty of time to ensure you make it to the port, especially with the airline delays that typically spike in the summer. The boat isn't going to wait for you i f you don't land on time

Even though it means paying for lodging and likely a few meals before boarding the boat, getting a good night's sleep before a jam-packed vacation is worth it to me.

As a bonus, arriving early also gives you a chance to explore the city.

Be sure to pack at least one shirt with sleeves and bottoms that cover your knees.

Some of the major European tourist destinations have strict dress codes — typically everyone must at least cover their shoulders and knees out of respect.

If you're planning on checking out Vatican Ci t y in Italy or the Meteora monasteries in Greece, b e sure to pack at least one outfit that fits the bill.

Most cruise ships have laundry services (self-serve or valet), so you can wear the same dress-code-approved outfit for a few excursion days if needed.

Food tours are a great way to see a city, taste local dishes, and learn some history.

If you're looking for a unique excursion that still gives you the highlights of a European city, I recommend booking a food tour . I've done tours in places like Amsterdam, Budapest, and Paris, and I've never been disappointed.

Food tours can be booked through third-party travel operators, like TripAdvisor or Viator, and offer the chance to see some of the major landmarks of a city, try local dishes, and learn some history all in one outing.

The tours are usually led by locals, which means the guides can also give you some good recommendations if you have time before you need to return to the ship.

Consider booking tours through third-party sites.

Mediterranean cruises can last anywhere from seven days to two weeks, depending on the company and itinerary. Booking every excursion through the cruise line can add up, but luckily, there are typically more affordable options through third-party companies.

But I only book with third-party operators if the ship docks right at the city I want to explore because I never want to miss the all-aboard time.

For example, on my Mediterranean cruise last summer, the ship anchored at Cannes, and I was able to keep my eye on it throughout my excursion.

If the ship docks in a secondary location and you have to travel to the big tourist destinations , I always book excursions through the cruise line. For instance, the day my family and I explored Rome, the ship docked in Civitavecchia, Italy, and we had to take a two-hour bus ride into the city.

Booking with the cruise company guarantees your return to the ship, even if your excursion runs late.

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