Complete Guide to Alaska Cruises from Vancouver (2025): Best Ships, Itineraries & Tips

An Alaska cruise is a dream of many who wish to enjoy the wonders of Alaska. Everything in Alaska seems bigger than in real life. Scenery, wildlife, culture, history, and adventure beckon nature lovers to the Last Frontier. If you are considering a trip to this 49th state, we have our complete guide to Alaska cruises from Vancouver to help with your cruise planning.

Cruising from Vancouver offers many advantages for sailing to Alaska. Ships take the Inside Passage as they cruise to the ports of southeast Alaska and beyond. The waters are usually calm as they are protected from the open sea. Passengers may catch a glimpse of dolphins swimming along the ship, with a background of majestic mountains or lush rainforest. Additionally, calving glaciers are a highlight of any cruise to Alaska. Nearly all cruise itineraries of at least one week in duration include a visit to a glacier.

Quick Guide: Alaska Cruises from Vancouver (2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Perfect For: Pacific Northwest residents, travelers seeking Inside Passage cruising, and those wanting to explore Vancouver before or after their cruise
• Duration: 7-14 days (7-day round-trips most common, with one-way options available)
• Season: April through October (peak months: June, July, August)
• Cruise Lines: Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Regent Seven Seas (most sailings); also Disney, Seabourn, Oceania, Celebrity, Norwegian, Ritz-Carlton, and Windstar
• Cost Range: $2,000-$5,000+ per person, comparable to Seattle departures
• Popular Ports: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point, with glacier viewing in Glacier Bay, Dawes, or Hubbard
• Balcony Recommendation: Highly recommended for scenic Inside Passage viewing
• Passport Required: Yes, for all passengers regardless of citizenship
• Terminal: Canada Place cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver

Who Should Take an Alaska Cruise from Vancouver?

Sailing from Vancouver is, of course, most convenient for those who live in southern British Columbia and Washington state. It’s also fairly easy to reach for those from northern Idaho and Oregon. Taking a cruise from Vancouver is also a great option for those who may live far away but have a desire to explore the city and surrounding area more prior to or following their cruise.

Travelers looking for Alaska cruise packages from Vancouver, like post-cruise land tours or independent explorations in Alaska, may also benefit from this departure port. Plus, there are lots of one-way voyages from Vancouver that end in Seward or Whittier (both near Anchorage).

However, it’s important to keep in mind that whether you’re Canadian or American, you’ll need a passport to take Alaska cruises from Vancouver.

Also, before you even consider cruising from Vancouver — or any other Canadian port for that matter, please review entry requirements if you are not a Canadian citizen. Almost any conviction makes one ineligible for entry into Canada. For example, a DUI is considered a felony in Canada. Do your research in advance.

Which cruise lines sail from Vancouver to Alaska?

The Port of Vancouver welcomes upwards of one million cruise passengers each year as the homeport for many Alaska cruises. Thus, you will find cruise ships from most major cruise lines sailing to the region from this major Canadian city. From larger family-friendly ships to smaller luxury cruise lines, and even adventure travel and expedition ships, the options are vast. The choice of best Alaska cruise lines from Vancouver all depends on your preferences.

Cruise lines with the most sailings to Alaska from Vancouver include Princess, Holland America, Royal Caribbean, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Other lines that offer sailings from Vancouver include Disney, Seabourn, Oceania, Celebrity, Norwegian, Silversea, and Viking, among others.

Cruise Line	Ship	Best For	Cruise Type
Holland America	Koningsdam	Culinary enthusiasts looking for a relaxing experience	Roundtrip
Disney Cruise Line	Disney Wonder	Families, Disney fans	Roundtrip
Celebrity Cruises	Celebrity Solstice	Adults looking for a refined experience	Roundtrip
Royal Caribbean	Serenade of the Seas	Multi-generational families	Roundtrip
Princess Cruises	Grand Princess	Traditional cruise lovers, those interested in enrichment	Roundtrip
NCL	Norwegian Jade	Freestyle cruisers	One-way
Viking	Viking Venus/Orion	Sophisticated travelers who prefer small ships	One-way
Oceania Cruises	Oceania Riviera	Culinary adventurers	One-way
Silversea	Silver Nova	Luxury seekers	One-way
Seabourn	Seabourn Quest	Adventure enthusiasts	One-way
Regent Seven Seas	Seven Seas Explorer	All-inclusive luxury travelers	One-way

Alaska Cruise Itineraries from Vancouver: One-Way vs. Round-Trip Options

From Vancouver, there are options to sail both a round-trip cruise and also one-way to Alaska. Doing a one-way trip on a cruise to Alaska allows the opportunity to explore areas of Alaska inaccessible by ship via a land tour add-on.

One of the highlights of many post-cruise land tours is Denali National Park. This may also be done in the reverse direction by flying into Alaska first and returning by cruise ship from Alaska back to Vancouver. With a round-trip cruise, there is no possibility to extend your stay in Alaska.

A post-cruise tour can be arranged independently or through the ship. Several of the cruise lines have their own lodges, making planning a simple task. Whether you plan to add a land tour or will simply tour by cruise ship, there is no better time to visit Alaska.

Where do Alaska cruises from Vancouver go?

Alaska cruises from Vancouver typically sail the Inside Passage, calling at some popular ports in southeast Alaska. Many itineraries include ports like Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and Icy Strait Point. A few cruise lines call at lesser-visited, but equally interesting ports, like Haines, Sitka, or Valdez.

Cruising to see the glaciers is a highlight of any cruise to Alaska. Some ships cruise into Glacier Bay National Park. Only a few permits are offered on a daily basis to limit the number of large ships in the park. Cruise lines like Holland America and Princess, which have been cruising Alaska for decades, get more permits than other cruise lines.

The excursion into Glacier Bay is usually a full-day affair. Park rangers board the ships with displays, books and souvenirs of the experience. They are available to answer questions and also provide commentary.

Outside of Glacier Bay, cruise ships do sail to other areas where passengers are able to see glaciers. For example, Dawes and Hubbard Glaciers are popular attractions on Alaska itineraries. Most sailings to Alaska include at least one viewing of a glacier. Once in viewing range, the captain often will slowly rotate the ship so that everybody gets a chance to view the glacier.

Should conditions not permit glacier viewing, don’t forget that there are shore excursions that include glacier viewings or even glacier landings. Mendenhall, outside of Juneau, and Exit Glacier, just outside of Seward, are easy to visit.

How long are Alaska cruises from Vancouver?

Cruises from Vancouver range from four-night sampler cruises with just one port of call in Alaska to extended 20+ day cruises. Most sailings you’ll find range from seven to 10 nights, with a good variety of 14-night voyages also available.

However, the most common by far is a seven-day roundtrip cruise. It’s also possible to lengthen the time and experience in Alaska by adding a land tour to the cruise portion.

Typically, a one-way cruise takes a week from Vancouver to the Anchorage area, where the two nearest ports are Whittier or Seward. Then, three to seven nights is the average length of land tours. If heading to Denali, the land tour will often end in Fairbanks. There are other options for a land tour as well, such as one to the Kenai Peninsula, which would end in Anchorage. Of course, if you book your land tour independently, you can spend as much time as you like exploring the interior of Alaska.

How much do Alaska cruises from Vancouver cost?

There are so many variables to consider when trying to determine the cost of an Alaska cruise. The cabin type, cruise line, and time of year factor into the cost. Additionally, Alaska does tend to have higher taxes and fees than other destinations. Good values are often found during the shoulder seasons.

In our analysis, Alaska cruises from Vancouver, British Columbia do not differ meaningfully in price from those departing from Seattle, Washington.

Typically, we recommend cruisers budget around $2,000 to $5,000+ per person for total Alaska cruise costs. Keep in mind, some ships might be more desirable than others, and cruises leaving at peak times of the year are more money regardless of the departure point.

Best Cruise Ships Offering Alaska Cruises From Vancouver

As you can see, there are a variety of cruise lines sailing from Vancouver. So, depending on your preferences, there is bound to be a perfect Alaska cruise ship for you and your family. Here are some of our top picks for Vancouver to Alaska cruises in 2025.

Best for kids: Disney Wonder

When Disney is an option, it’s hard to argue that there could be any better ship for kids. Disney Wonder is one of the line’s two original ships, and seamlessly blends an old ocean liner feel with all of the fun and magic that families expect on a Disney vacation. Swing to the rhythm of live jazz music while enjoying dinner at Tiana’s Place; watch in awe as the story of Frozen unfolds in front of you during a production of Frozen, A Musical Spectacular; and meet your favorite Disney friends dressed in their finest Alaskan attire.

Disney Wonder also features extensive kids’ and teens’ facilities with the Oceaneer Club and Vibe, and there are plenty of stateroom options — including Disney’s signature split-bathroom concept — which makes getting ready in the morning a breeze for the whole family.

Best for couples: Koningsdam

At just nine years old, Holland America’s Koningsdam is not only one of the newer ships in Holland America’s fleet, but it’s also one of the youngest ships sailing from Vancouver to Alaska this year. The 2,650-guest ship offers a great way for couples to relax and enjoy watching the scenery of Alaska roll by.

Holland America is known for its destination-focused enrichment, and there may be no place where that’s more evident than in Alaska. In addition to onboard expert talks on everything from the local culture, ecology, and wildlife, couples can unwind at the Greenhouse Spa, enjoy music at the Rolling Stone Rock Room or Billboard Onboard venue, and take a dip in the covered lido pool.

Best for multi-gen families: Serenade of the Seas

Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas has a bit of something for everyone, which makes it a great option for extended families looking to take an Alaska cruise from Vancouver. Kids love playing games and meeting new friends at the Adventure Ocean children’s club, while both kids and kids-at-heart enjoy the ship’s rock climbing wall, mini golf course, and covered swimming pool.

When it comes to dining, adults will enjoy specialty options like Izumi sushi or Chops Grille steakhouse, and the whole family can get together for some family-style Italian comfort food at Giovanni’s Italian. Unwind on an afternoon sea day or in the evening at the Viking Crown Lounge with the best views on the ship or at the lively Schooner Bar.

Best on a budget: Grand Princess

Princess Cruises is one of the best lines for sailing in Alaska, and Grand Princess also happens to be one of this year’s best options for budget-conscious cruisers. The 2,610-guest ship features multiple swimming pools, including a covered pool to enjoy no matter the weather. Families can enjoy a game of mini golf together, or bundle up for an outdoor screening during Movies Under the Stars.

There’s a great variety of included dining on Grand Princess such as Slice Pizzeria, burgers and hot dogs at Salty Dog Grill, and — of course — the main dining room and buffet. For a more upscale experience, enjoy an evening of specialty dining at Crown Grill or Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria.

Best luxury: Seven Seas Explorer

Spend your vacation in Alaska sailing in luxury aboard Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Explorer. The cruise ship boasts a Culinary Arts Kitchen where guests can take hands-on cooking classes. Travelers can also attend expert talks about a myriad of topics, including lectures on Alaska’s culture, geography, and history.

Passengers looking for the ultimate afternoon of relaxation can enjoy a massage or the thermal suite at the Serene Spa. To be in a hub of activity — and for the best views on board — guests can head up to the Observation Lounge and enjoy afternoon tea, trivia, and lectures.

For additional luxury options, guests may want to consider Silversea, Seabourn, or Viking as well.

Taking an Alaska Cruise From Vancouver: FAQs

When should I cruise to Alaska from Vancouver?

Alaska is worth cruising anytime during the cruising season. Early in the season, there may be more snow in the mountains giving a totally different experience. Temperatures may be cooler as could be the case in the fall. The weather may also be clearer.

Cruising in the early or late season offers different opportunities too: fares may be lower, whales may be migrating, and the Northern Lights may be visible. So, if you’re looking for Vancouver to Alaska cruise deals, then you’ll want to visit during these shoulder seasons.

But for the warmest weather and best opportunity for viewing most wildlife, sailing during peak season in June, July, and August is the best option.

As you can see, the best time to cruise to Alaska is truly an individual decision based on what you want out of the trip.

What should I pack for an Alaska cruise from Vancouver?

Remember the adage that there is no bad weather, just poor clothing. Pack in layers. Be ready to adjust to stay comfortable. Waterproof and breathable materials are recommended. Don’t forget hats and gloves. But, don’t forget clothes for warm weather. Alaska can get hot!

Don’t worry, we have you covered with our complete Alaska cruise packing list.

Is a balcony worth it on an Alaska cruise?

Even if you’re typically an inside or oceanview cabin person, we highly recommend splurging on a balcony for a voyage in Alaska. Your ship will spend a lot of the cruise sailing near the coast, making for lots of opportunities to watch the scenery go by and even catch glimpses of breaching whales or bears ambling along the shore.

If you’re taking a roundtrip cruise, your balcony cabin should face the shore for at least half of the sailing. If you’re taking a one-way voyage, try to get a cabin on the side of the ship that will be facing the shore for the most interesting views.

Where do ships dock in Vancouver for Alaska cruises?

Canada Place is the pleasant cruise port for ships in Vancouver. This three-berth terminal can service up to four cruise ships at one time. Further, it is conveniently located in the heart of Vancouver’s waterfront with nearby hotels, restaurants, and attractions.

How do I get to Vancouver for a cruise?

There are lots of options for getting to Vancouver to start your cruise to Alaska. The most popular option for those who don’t live nearby is, obviously, flying into Vancouver International Airport. Major U.S. airlines including Delta, United, American, and JetBlue fly into Vancouver, as well as Air Canada, WestJet, and Alaska Airlines, among others.

You may also consider flying into Seattle and then taking a bus, train, or ferry up to Vancouver, but this will likely cost the same amount of money or more and be more complicated than flying directly into Vancouver.

If you live close to Vancouver, you can always utilize public transportation such as a train or bus system to get to the cruise port, or utilize a rideshare like Uber or Lyft if you live in Canada (rideshares typically can’t cross country borders, so you can’t use them to get from Washington State to Vancouver). You may also drive your own car and park at the cruise port or use a long-term third-party lot.

How far is Vancouver airport to the cruise port?

Vancouver’s airport is located in Richmond, approximately 15 miles from Canada Place. It takes about about 35 minutes by car to reach the port depending on traffic. The transportation options from the airport include shared rides, taxis, bus, and the popular SkyTrain.

For any of your transportation options, look for the directional signs in the airport. If you need assistance finding your way to your preferred method of transportation, look for the customer care volunteer ambassadors. They are the ones wearing the green vests or jackets.

How do you get to the Canada Place cruise port from the Vancouver airport?

One of the most popular options for getting to the cruise port from the Vancouver airport is the SkyTrain. The SkyTrain goes to the Waterfront Station near Canada Place and takes about 25 minutes from station to station. There are signs in the airport directing you to the SkyTrain station, which is on top of a parking garage. Trains run about every 7 minutes from the airport. Once you reach Waterfront Station, it should take you less than 10 minutes to walk to the cruise terminal.

Another common option for getting to Canada Place from the airport is a rideshare, such as Uber or Lyft. Taxis are also available, as are cruise line transfers that you can book through your cruise line prior to your arrival.

How do you get to the Vancouver Cruise Port from Seattle?

If you live in Seattle or are spending time in Seattle prior to your cruise from Vancouver, you may be looking for options for getting from Seattle to the Vancouver cruise port. You can book a bus ticket through companies including Amtrak, FlixBus, Quick Shuttle, or Greyhound. The Amtrak Cascades or Coast Starlight trains are a better and faster option. Make sure you have your passport handy for the border crossing!

You may also wish to rent a car and drive across the border to Canada Place yourself. A ferry is also an option, though it takes longer and requires several transfers.

No matter how you arrive in Vancouver, it’s always a good idea to arrive at least a day prior to your cruise departure.

What Documents Do I Need for an Alaska Cruise from Vancouver?

For an Alaska cruise from Vancouver, you need:

• Valid passport (mandatory for all passengers regardless of citizenship)
• Cruise line boarding documents (issued after online check-in)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Travel insurance documentation (recommended)

Important note: Non-Canadian citizens should review Canada’s entry requirements before booking. Criminal convictions, including DUIs, may make you ineligible to enter Canada.

Exploring Vancouver Before or After a Cruise

Vancouver is a popular destination with many attractions. For nature lovers, there are outdoor areas like Stanley Park with its totem poles. Granville Island has a public market. Richmond Night Market is popular, and neighborhoods like Gastown are worth visiting. Those interested in indigenous culture should visit the UBC (University of British Columbia) Museum of Anthropology.

When sailing away from Vancouver, get on a deck to take in the scenery along the way. The ship will pass by Stanley Park, a lighthouse, and sail under Lions Gate Bridge. From there, you will be on your way to even more scenic views and the great state of Alaska.

Comments

Do you have any other helpful tips to add to this guide on Alaska cruises from Vancouver? Have you sailed to the Last Frontier from this Canadian homeport? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences cruising to Alaska.