Vancouver is one of the top cruise ports in North America and offers cruise lovers a variety of options for incredible cruise vacations. As a major port city on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver is the perfect starting point for Alaska cruises, along with other exotic destinations.
This comprehensive guide will provide you with everything you need to know about taking a cruise from Vancouver.
Why Choose a Vancouver Cruise?
There are many advantages to embarking on your cruise from Vancouver:
Convenient Access to Alaska Cruises
Vancouver is the primary departure point for Alaska cruises during the summer cruise season. Major cruise lines like Princess, Holland America, and Royal Caribbean offer Alaska itineraries ranging from 7-14 nights. Cruising from Vancouver allows you easy access to Alaska’s beautiful glaciers, wildlife, and natural scenery.
Proximity to the Pacific Ocean
Vancouver’s location on the Pacific coast allows for exotic cruise itineraries to destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, California, and the South Pacific. Cruises to Hawaii from Vancouver are especially popular.
Pre- and Post-Cruise Stay in Vancouver
Beginning or ending your cruise in Vancouver makes it easy to explore this vibrant, multicultural city. Spend a few days visiting top attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Gastown before or after your vacation at sea.
Cruise Terminal Convenience
The Vancouver cruise port facilities are located downtown, providing simplicity and convenience. Vancouver has two primary cruise terminals, Canada Place and Ballantyne, located near shopping, restaurants, and attractions.
Value and Affordability
Alaska and West Coast cruises from Vancouver provide an excellent value, especially compared to the cost of cruises from the U.S. Lower prices coupled with the favorable exchange rate for U.S. travelers make Vancouver very budget-friendly.
Top Cruise Lines from Vancouver
The major cruise lines offering a wide variety of itineraries from Vancouver are:
- Princess Cruises – As the market leader for Alaska cruises, Princess offers multiple ships and sailings to destinations like Ketchikan, Juneau, and Glacier Bay. Their Alaska cruises range from 7-14 nights.
- Holland America Line – A premium cruise line with mid-sized ships specialized for exploration of Alaska and the Pacific coast. Offers cruises to Hawaii and the Mexican Riviera.
- Royal Caribbean – This cruise giant deploys larger ships with activities like rock climbing and surfing simulators on board. Great for families and active travelers.
- Norwegian Cruise Line – Contemporary cruising with freestyle dining and entertainment options. Norwegian cruise from Vancouver to Alaska, Hawaii and along the Pacific coast.
- Celebrity Cruises – A step above mainstream, providing modern luxury and fine cuisine. Offering 7-night Alaska sailings.
- Carnival Cruise Line – Fun ships oriented to families, couples and groups. Provides itineraries along the Pacific coastline.
- Disney Cruise Line – Magical voyages from Vancouver to Alaska during summer months, perfect for families.
No matter your cruise style, you’ll find the right ship and itinerary leaving from Vancouver.
Best Time for a Vancouver Cruise
The cruise season from Vancouver generally runs from April through September, with peak months in the summer. Here are the best times to cruise:
- May-June – Moderate temperatures and longer daylight hours in Alaska. Whale watching opportunities. Avoid school vacation crowds.
- July-August – The most popular months for Alaska cruises to see glaciers and enjoy great weather. Higher prices and demand.
- September – Smaller crowds, lower rates. Hope for continued sunny days and fall foliage in Alaska. Greater chance of rain and storms.
- October – End of Alaska cruise season. Low rates but cold weather and shorter days. Prime time for Hawaii cruises.
For the winter months, repositioning cruises offer the only options sailing from Vancouver. The best values on cruises are typically in the shoulder seasons of May and September.
Popular Cruise Itineraries from Vancouver
Some of the most popular cruise destinations and routes from Vancouver include:
Alaska Cruises
- 7-night Inside Passage – Tracy Arm Fjord, Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. Holland America and Princess ships.
- 10-14 night Alaskan Explorer – Extended time to see Hubbard Glacier, Homer, Icy Strait Point, Glacier Bay. On Celebrity and Royal Caribbean.
- 7-night northbound or southbound Alaska – Between Vancouver and Anchorage or Seward. One-way repositioning cruises.
West Coast Cruises
- 7-night Pacific Coastal – California coastline and ports. Calls on San Francisco, San Diego, Ensenada, Mexico. Norwegian Cruise Line offers this itinerary.
- 10-12 night Hawaii cruises – Sailings between Vancouver and Honolulu with stops in Maui, Kauai. Route options on Princess and Holland America.
- 7-night Oregon & Washington – Scenic sailing along the Pacific coast. Visits to Astoria, Oregon and Seattle. Provided by Princess.
Panama Canal Cruises
- 15-19 nights between Vancouver and Fort Lauderdale or Miami. Holland America transits the Panama Canal on these exotic repositioning cruises.
Other Regions
- 10-14 nights to Mexico – Ports along the Mexican Riviera like Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan, and Cabo San Lucas. Royal Caribbean offers these party-style cruises.
- South Pacific Tahiti cruises – 14-16 night exotic sailings to the South Pacific islands. Occasionally offered by Princess and Holland America.
Vancouver Cruise Terminals
Vancouver has two main cruise ship terminals providing easy embarkation and proximity to Vancouver attractions:
Canada Place Cruise Terminal
- Located downtown in downtown Vancouver at the Convention Center
- Serves luxury cruise lines like Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas
- Closest terminal to downtown hotels, restaurants, and shopping
- Panoramic views of Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park, and North Shore mountains
Ballantyne Cruise Terminal
- In east Vancouver next to Centennial Park
- Utilized by lines like Norwegian, Disney, and Carnival
- Adjacent to Vancouver Airport via convenient shuttle bus
- Close to central metro stations for access to downtown Vancouver
Smaller secondary terminals located farther from downtown Vancouver include CPI and CLI. Most cruise travelers will embark and disembark through the efficient facilities at Canada Place and Ballantyne terminals.
Vancouver Shore Excursions
With so much to see and do in Vancouver, cruise travelers will want to make the most of their time visiting this world-class city. Top shore excursions include:
- Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour – The best overview of Vancouver’s top sites like Gastown, Granville Island, Stanley Park, and more. With live commentary.
- Capilano Suspension Bridge – Visit this renowned suspension bridge offering vistas of a rainforest canyon.
- Stanley Park Tour – Explore Vancouver’s iconic urban park featuring coastal forests, beaches, and scenic seawall.
- Grouse Mountain and Capilano Canyon – Ride the aerial tram up Grouse Mountain and walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
- Vancouver Highlights – See top attractions like Stanley Park, Granville Island Public Market, Chinatown, and Robson Street.
- Foodie Tour of Granville Island – Taste your way through public markets and boutique food shops.
- Vancouver Seaplane Tour – Soar over the city and surrounding landscapes on an exhilarating seaplane flight.
With its natural beauty and vibrant culture, Vancouver offers cruise visitors endless possibilities for great shore excursions.
FAQs About Vancouver Cruises
Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about cruising from Vancouver:
Do you need a passport for Alaska cruises from Vancouver?
Yes, you need a valid passport for all closed-loop Alaska cruises from Vancouver. Even though you do not visit a foreign port, you will travel through Canadian waters so a passport is required.
How far is the Vancouver cruise port from the airport?
Vancouver International Airport is approximately 45 minutes from the cruise port by taxi, shuttle or public transit. Some cruise lines even offer luggage transfers from the airport on sailing day.
Can you cruise to Alaska one-way between Vancouver and Seattle?
Yes, many Alaska cruises offer one-way northbound or southbound itineraries between Vancouver and Seattle or other U.S. ports like Anchorage and Seward. It provides a great cruise tour option.
What is the best month for discounted cruise deals from Vancouver?
May, September, and October usually offer the most discounted rates on Vancouver cruises before or after the peak summer months. Holiday weeks like Spring Break and Christmas/New Years also see cruise deals.
