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Vancouver is one of the top cruise ports in Canada. Nestled between the Coast Mountains and the Pacific Ocean, the city offers easy access to Alaska, the Pacific Northwest, and other exciting cruise destinations. If you’re looking to embark on a cruise from Vancouver, this guide will provide everything you need to know to plan the perfect vacation.

Why Choose a Cruise from Vancouver?

There are several advantages to choosing Vancouver as your departure port for a cruise:

Convenience: Vancouver’s location makes it easy to get to by plane, train or car. The cruise terminals are located downtown, close to hotels, restaurants and attractions.
Scenic beauty: Vancouver is surrounded by beautiful mountain and ocean scenery. Sailing out of the harbor, you’ll be treated to stunning views.
Variety of cruise lines: Major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Holland America offer a range of cruise ship sizes and classes departing from Vancouver.
Alaska access: Vancouver serves as the gateway to Alaska cruises. It’s the closest major port to Alaska, allowing you to maximize your time exploring the Last Frontier.
Pacific Northwest access: In addition to Alaska sailings, ships departing from Vancouver visit destinations like Seattle, Portland and San Francisco.

Best Times to Cruise from Vancouver

The cruise season from Vancouver runs primarily from April through October. These are the best times to cruise:

May and September: The shoulder seasons offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. You’ll find better deals on cruise fares too.
June to August: Summertime brings warm weather and long days ideal for Alaska cruising to take advantage of extended daylight.
October: Fall foliage and whale watching make October a delightful time for a Pacific Northwest cruise.

Popular Cruise Destinations from Vancouver

From Vancouver, you can reach some of the most spectacular cruise destinations in the world:

Alaska

Alaska cruise sailings range from 7-14 nights. Ports of call may include:

Juneau – Alaska’s capital, surrounded by icefields and greenery.
Skagway – Gateway to the Klondike Gold Rush national park.
Ketchikan – Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World.”
Glacier Bay – A national park with tidewater glaciers and epic scenery.

Pacific Northwest

Cruises through the Pacific Northwest often visit:

Seattle – The Emerald City offers urban attractions like the Space Needle.
Portland – Known for its parks, bridges and hipster vibe.
San Francisco – Cruise under the Golden Gate Bridge to explore this hilly city.
Victoria – British Columbia’s capital, which retains old-world charm.

California Coast

West coast itineraries may include popular spots like:

San Diego – Famously sunny, with beaches, zoos and theme parks.
Santa Barbara – Sometimes called the “American Riviera” for its idyllic setting.
Catalina Island – Offering clear waters and Mediterranean charm off the coast.

Hawaii

Longer sailings can take you all the way to the Hawaiian Islands:

Honolulu – Wander Waikiki Beach then pay respects at Pearl Harbor.
Maui – Known for its beaches, surf breaks and the Haleakala volcano.
Kauai – The “Garden Isle” boasts tropical rainforests, canyons and waterfalls.

Choosing the Right Cruise Ship from Vancouver

With cruises ranging from 3-28 nights, you’ll have your pick of cruise ships in Vancouver. Consider these factors when choosing your vessel:

Size: Ships range from under 1,000 passengers on small luxury vessels to over 4,000 passengers on today’s mega cruise ships.
Amenities: Massive modern ships offer endless amenities like surf simulators, zip lines and robot bartenders. Smaller, classic vessels provide an intimate, elegant atmosphere.
Price: Big ships offer great bang-for-your-buck. Luxury cruises are pricey but include VIP service and fine dining.
Destinations: If you want to visit smaller ports in Alaska, smaller ships are best suited. For islands like Hawaii, large ships provide more onboard activities.

No matter which cruise ship you select, you’ll enjoy top-notch service and facilities. Focus on the destinations and style of cruise you prefer to choose the ideal vessel for you.

Booking Your Vancouver Cruise

Ready to book your dream cruise from Vancouver? Follow these tips for getting the best deal:

Book early for the lowest rates: Prices are lowest when cruises first go on sale, around 18 months in advance. Last-minute deals can also be found but bookings fill up fast.
Be flexible with dates: Avoid summer and school holidays for lower fares. Shoulder seasons offer savings.
Check for deals and discounts: Ask about special promotions, reduced fares for seniors or past guests.
Include flights: Booking airfare through the cruise line often gives package discounts.
Upgrade wisely: Upgrades should provide value based on your preferences like a balcony cabin or dining package.
Purchase travel insurance: Protect your investment against unexpected issues before final payment.

Vancouver Cruise Terminals

Vancouver has three main cruise ship terminals providing easy embarkation:

Canada Place Terminal: This is the main terminal hosting ships like Royal Caribbean and Princess. It’s centrally located downtown.
Ballantyne Cruise Terminal: Located on the south shore, a 15-minute drive from downtown. It serves luxury lines like Holland America.
Cruise Ship Terminal on the North Shore: A smaller terminal across the harbor from downtown hosting ships like Disney, Norwegian and Carnival.

All terminals offer smooth check-in, waiting areas, and baggage handling. Arrive at least 2 hours before departure to check-in.

Vancouver Hotels for Cruises

If you need a hotel stay before or after your cruise, downtown Vancouver has plenty of convenient options including:

Pan Pacific Vancouver – Steps from Canada Place terminal
Fairmont Waterfront – Also connected to Canada Place
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver – Historic property close to Canada Place
Four Seasons Hotel – Luxury hotel near Robson Street
Hyatt Regency – Modern high-rise with harbor views
Wedgewood Hotel & Spa – Boutique hotel in West End

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Make sure rooms have either city or harbor views for great scenery. Staying downtown allows you to easily explore Vancouver's top sites like Stanley Park before or after a cruise.

The Perfect Cruise from Vancouver

A cruise from Vancouver offers the chance to discover the beautiful Pacific Northwest, Alaska’s immense wilderness, or even the tropical paradise of Hawaii. With a stunning embarkation port, convenient departure point, and world-class cruise lines and ships to choose from, Vancouver is one of the premier cruise destinations in the world.

By planning the perfect itinerary with help from this guide, you’re sure to have an unforgettable cruise from Vancouver. Bon voyage!Copy

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Cruises from Vancouver – The Ultimate Guide for 2024

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.