Alaska Cruise From Vancouver: The Benefits And Itinerary Choices

Embarking on an Alaska cruise from Vancouver offers a picturesque sail away under the Lionsgate Bridge. It’s a departure that compares with San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and Sydney’s Opera House.

But embarking in Vancouver, British Columbia isn’t about the sail away. Let’s not forget its world-class city, brimming with culture, ethnic foods, and first-class attractions.

Beyond the Lionsgate Bridge, cruise guests can look forward to an unforgettable adventure filled with breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife experiences. This journey not only showcases the beauty of Canada but also introduces us to the majestic landscapes of Alaska.

Don’t book on price alone when planning the perfect Last Frontier trip. While a flight to Vancouver might cost more than one to Seattle, Americans will benefit on the dollar exchange for their pre-cruise stay.

Let’s explore the benefits of a Vancouver departure and the extended choices of cruises from this Canadian port.

Choosing Your Alaska Cruise

Alaska itineraries from Seattle, Washington, or San Francisco, California are roundtrip. However, setting sail from Canada Place offers roundtrip cruises, one-way itineraries, or a combination of cruise and land tours.

Each option offers unique experiences and itineraries, catering to various interests. We have done them all, including back-to-back cruises, and share our thoughts on each one.

Roundtrip Cruises From Vancouver

Roundtrip cruises from Vancouver provide an excellent way to explore Alaska while returning to our starting point. These cruises typically last seven days and visit several key ports, including Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway.

However, at the begining of the season, you may find the odd Alaska cruise of 4-days, which offer a taste teaser of the Last Frontier.

Of the three embarkation ports south of Alaska, Vancouver is the closest. As a result, ships spend less time traveling to and from the 49th state.

Cruise guests who live close to the city won’t have the added cost of airfare or hotel stays, making this option more affordable. Since we live in Vancouver, we tend to sail out of our home city for practical reasons.

One Way Itineraries

Opting for a one-way itinerary can be a great choice. Cruising to or from Seward or Whittier cruise port offers a journey further north, and no part of the cruise is repeated.

By cruising further north, many ships include College Fjord on the itinerary, which isn’t possible on a roundtrip choice. Some include a day at Glacier Bay National Park.

Princess Cruises and Holland America Line complete their journey in Whittier. All other lines dock in Seward, further west. It’s an opportunity to transition into land adventures, visiting Denali National Park or other Alaskan landmarks.

This option allows us greater flexibility and the chance to experience more of Alaska’s unique landscapes. Further north, there are more chances to see the Big Five.

One-way cruises are generally cheaper than roundtrip itineraries due to the added cost of airfare, hotel, and transfers. If the additional expenses are pricey, consider sailing back-to-back.

Once, I found the additional 7-day return cruise less expensive than the airfare. However, this back-to-back option only works if you have the extra vacation time.

Cruise And Land Tours

Combining a cruise with a land tour provides the most comprehensive Alaskan experience. Many cruise lines offer packages that include land excursions before or after the cruise. Since hotel stays and transportation are included, cruise tours are the most expensive.

Cruise and land tours start at 9 days, with some packages lasting more than 18 days. The shorter nine-day packages usually reach Denali by bus since traveling by road is faster than a train.

Riding the train was on my bucket list, and the McKinley Explorer didn’t disappoint. So, if you want to travel by rail, choose a longer itinerary or make sure the shorter one includes a rail journey.

Cruise tours from Vancouver end in either Anchorage or Fairbanks. Around the summer solstice, we enjoyed 24 hours of daylight in Fairbanks, allowing us to adventure into the wee hours.

The Benefits Of A Vancouver Embarkation

Embarking on an Alaska itinerary from Vancouver offers various advantages. From smoother sailing conditions to financial benefits for U.S. citizens, the embarkation port provides distinct reasons for choosing this iconic port.

Calmer Seas

Since vessels cruising from Canada sail the inside passage and east side of Vancouver Island, they experience calmer seas. The protected waters offer a more comfortable experience, especially for those prone to motion sickness.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, book a mid-ship cabin close to the water and avoid late-season cruises. Cruising in September and October may experience stormy weather.

Cruising The Inside Passage

cruise guests gain immediate access to the stunning inside passage by choosing Vancouver as their embarkation port. This route is renowned for its spectacular scenery, including towering mountains, lush forests, and vibrant marine life.

Cruising between Vancouver Island and the mainland is very scenic. There are areas where land is visible on both sides. It’s a great place to spot humpback whales and other marine life.

When ships cruise close to land as they do on the first and last day of a Vancouver roundtrip cruise, guests may be able to connect to cellphone towers. We always have cell coverage for almost a day to and from Vancouver.

Shorter Distance To Alaska

Vancouver offers a shorter distance to key 49th state cities than other Alaska cruise embarkation ports like Seattle. This proximity means that ships arrive earlier, and the adventure of exploring Alaska’s natural wonders start sooner.

While the cruise offers a relaxing experience, the stops on the land contribute to a richer experience.

More Ship Choices

Vancouver boasts a variety of cruise lines and itineraries, providing guests with more options. Travelers who want to cruise with Disney Cruise Line can only do so from Vancouver, on the Disney Wonder.

Like Disney, premium lines like Viking, Seabourn, Hurtigruten, Ponant, and Crystal only offer cruises to Alaska from Vancouver, Canada.

Those who want to sail on the major lines, such as Princess, Holland America, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Royal Caribbean, can do so, too.

Since vessels must pass under the Lionsgate Bridge, there are no mega-ship options. The bridge has a 200-foot clearance, making a Vancouver departure unsuitable for large vessels.

These larger vessels can only fit under the bridge at low tide, so you’ll only find the odd cruise on them at the start or end of the Alaska cruise season. We have taken several of these cruises.

Stronger US Dollar For US Citizens

U.S. citizens can benefit financially from the stronger U.S. dollar when embarking on cruises from Vancouver. This financial aspect becomes useful when booking Vancouver accommodations, dining, and excursions.

Vancouver Cruise Port

The Port of Vancouver with its iconic white sails, serves as a pivotal departure port for Alaska cruise adventures. With its strategic location downtown, staying near the waterfront puts you closer to the port and popular tourist attractions.

Canada Place was constructed for the World’s Exposition in 1986. Its port can accommodate up to four ships simultaneously. The largest vessel usually docks at the east berth.

The number of vessels and passengers boarding will determine how quickly cruise guests embark. It can be slow when the port first opens in the season due to staff training.

However, out of more than dozen times I’ve embarked in Vancouver, I only had one very slow experience.

Getting To The Port

The Vancouver Cruise Terminal is at 999 Canada Place. The large building houses a convention center, FlyOver Canada (a projection ride), a luxury hotel, and cruise port facilities.

For those flying into Vancouver International Airport (YVR), downtown is a 30-minute drive north. Downtown is easily accessible by the following means of transportation.

• Taxis and Rideshares: These options are available outside the airport and provide convenient door-to-door service. Zone fares are set at CAD 41 to the waterfront by taxi. Ride share have fluctuating rates.

• Public Transit: The Canada Line SkyTrain connects Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to downtown, stopping at Waterfront Station near the port. This option is quick and inexpensive and avoids road congestion. The following map shows the wallking route between the station and the cruise port.

Canada Place offers secure parking options for those arriving by private vehicles. Daily rates apply, and booking in advance can save time. However, expect to pay CAD 400 for a one-week stay.

Pre-Cruise Accommodations

Staying downtown near Burrard Inlet is best for a pre-cruise stay. While hotels are pricey, you’ll be closer to attractions like Gastown, Stanley Park, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Cruise passengers arriving the night before can opt to stay in Richmond by the airport and travel downtown the following morning. The Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel is literally in the terminal. Its rooms are spacious, luxurious, and quiet.

However, the Pan Pacific Hotel’s location downtown is unbeatable. Inside Canada Place, guests benefit from having the hotel transport their luggage from their room to the porters in the cruise terminal.

Overlooking Burrard Inlet, you might even see your ship from your hotel room. If the Pan Pacific is fully booked, which is often the case in summer, try the Fairmont Waterfront Hotel across the street.

Unlike major metropolitan cities which offer shuttle buses to the port, Vancouver hotels do not.

So, when preferring a budget-friendly option, choose one of these and take a taxi to the port:

• Sutton Place Hotel
• Rosedale on Robson
• YWCA Hotel Vancouver

Exploring Vancouver

Vancouver offers a wealth of attractions to explore before or after an Alaska cruise. Key highlights include Stanley Park, the Gastown steam clock, Granville Island, the Olympic Cauldron, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Granville Island

Accessible by the Granville Island ferry of colorful Aquabus, Granville Island is a must-visit. The vibrant hub is known for its unique blend of arts, culture, and culinary delights.

Once an industrial area, the peninsula has transformed into a bustling destination attracting locals and tourists. As locals, we love to shop there.

Its picturesque waterfront, artisan shops, and lively markets offer an inviting atmosphere. Be sure to arrive hungry because its ready-to-eat foods are as amazing as they smell.

Olympic Cauldron

Located at 1055 Canada Place, the Vancouver Olympic Cauldron commemorates the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. While the cauldron at Jack Poole Plaza does burn a flame, it doesn’t detract from its symbolic meaning.

The structure is made of metal and glass and illuminated at night.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

For the adventurous, this iconic bridge on the north shore provides stunning views of the surrounding rainforest. To gain access, use the complimentary shuttle outside Canada Place.

The suspension bridge park is more than a bridge. The Treetops Adventure provides an immersive journey through the forest canopy. You can wander along a series of elevated walkways that connect towering Douglas firs, offering breathtaking views.

The Cliffwalk might not be for the faint of heart, but it’s my favorite part of the park. A cantilever-narrow platform hangs from cables off the side of the granite cliff. It’s thrilling and gut-wrenching at the same time.

Stanley Park

This expansive urban park features scenic trails, beaches, and the famous Vancouver Aquarium. There’s a lot to love about this urban oasis. The 400-hectare park features an 8.8 km seawall, ideal for walking or biking.

Gastown Steam Clock

The Gastown steam clock is located on Water Street, a seven-minute walk from Canada Place. Its unique design, built over a steam vent, draws visitors from around the world.

This iconic landmark, completed in 1977, is not only a functional timepiece but commemorates the city’s rich heritage. The clock whistles and steams every 15 minutes to the Westminster Chime.

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