Preparing for Your Alaska Cruise: Canada Place Embarkation Tips

Embarkation day process

Arriving at Canada Place

There are several options for arriving at Canada Place:

• From Vancouver International Airport (YVR): The Canada Line SkyTrain runs directly to Waterfront Station, which is a short walk from the terminal.

• By car: Long-term parking is available at Canada Place for those driving into the city.

• Taxi or private transfer: Vehicles can pull up to Canada Place’s entrance for quick drop-off.

• From Squamish: The Squamish Connector bus provides convenient service that drops you directly at Waterfront Station.

Pro tip: If you arrive before 11 am, you can drop your luggage off at the P2 level and then explore the area until it is your turn to complete the arrival process.

While Canada Place is not as large or solely cruise-focused as ports in Florida are, there is clear signage and many port staff wearing “i” badges to guide you to check-in. If you follow instructions from the cruise line email and keep an eye on signs, you’ll have no trouble navigating.

Luggage

Because we traveled on Royal Caribbean, we were able to print our luggage tags in advance, which significantly sped up the process once we arrived at the terminal. If the cruise line that you are sailing on allows you to print luggage tags in advance, do it! Once you arrive at Canada Place, porters will collect your checked bags, and you can continue to check-in without delays.

A special convenience for those staying at the Fairmont Waterfront is that the hotel can arrange luggage transfer directly to the ship. This is a perk I help clients set up when booking through me, ensuring a seamless start to their trip.

One of the blue tickets we received after sucessfully checking in

Check-in

Online check-in may be completed in advance through the cruise line’s app. For our sailing on Royal Caribbean, we were able to complete online check-in and receive our SetSail Pass 45 days before embarkation day. Having a SetSail Pass, or your cruise line’s equivalent, will significantly shortens your wait time at Canada Place.

On our sailing, guests who pre-checked in received blue tickets, which were used multiple times throughout the embarkation process. This may differ on other sailings, so don’t be surprised if your ticket color is different, even if sailing with Royal Caribbean!

Baggage drop-off line

Security

The security queue looked long but moved steadily. I entered the line at 12:29 pm and was through by 1:02 pm, making it about a 33-minute process. The line was always moving, which made the wait manageable.

The process is similar to airport security but slightly less strict: shoes stay on, and liquids are not heavily scrutinized. Screening involves metal detectors and x-ray machines, but not body scanners. Security at Canada Place operates under MARSEC Level 1, the baseline standard for cruise port operations.

US Customs and Border Protection

Because Alaska sailings travel from Canada into the United States, passengers must clear US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) inspection prior to boarding the cruise ship. There are two different lines: one for U.S. and Canadian citizens, and one for international travelers.

• US and Canadian passengers use kiosks to verify travel details. However, we saw some proceed directly to boarding, while others were referred to officers for additional checks.

• All international passports require processing by an officer.

Unlike cruise ports in Florida or Puerto Rico—or even CBP Preclearance at Vancouver International Airport—there are no Mobile Passport Control (MPC) lanes at Canada Place. Similarly, NEXUS and Global Entry lanes are not available here for Trusted Travelers.

On my sailing, the process was efficient, and we cleared CBP by 1:22 pm* while using the international visitors passport control queue.

Photography is not permitted in this area, as it is a secure zone.

Boarding the ship

Once through CBP inspection, you are just steps away from boarding. Restrooms are available before proceeding to the gangway area, and boarding itself is quick. By 1:30 pm, we were in our stateroom and then headed up to lunch at the Windjammer Café.

If you choose to dine outside, be aware that seagulls in Vancouver are bold and opportunistic. Guard your food carefully! After lunch, it’s a good idea to open the cruise line’s app, check the daily schedule, and start enjoying your vacation.

Opportunistic seagull on a table waiting to snatch food at the Windjammer

Conclusion

Embarkation at Canada Place is a breeze if you pay attention to the signage and arrive in your designated check-in window. With proper preparation like printed luggage tags, online or app check-in completed, and an awareness of timing, boarding your Alaska bound cruise is stress-free.

Cruising has become of my favorite ways to see the world, and this level of detail is what I provide to clients who book with me. Whether you’re traveling as a family or as a couple, my role is to anticipate the logistics and confidently prepare for them so you can focus on the experience with your loved ones

If you’re ready to plan your Alaska cruise, or another voyage, I’d love to help you prepare for the journey! Submit an inquiry below to get started.

Key takeaways:

• Arrive early, but explore first if needed: Drop luggage on P2 if arriving before 11 am, then enjoy coffee or the waterfront while waiting for your boarding window.

• Hotel choice matters beyond location: Fairmont Waterfront and Fairmont Pacific Rim are convenient, but the experience—dining, views, and local amenities—sets the tone for your vacation.

• Check-in in advance: Complete online check-in through the cruise line’s app if available to shorten lines. Bring passports and confirm any required visas or eTA/ESTA authorizations.

• Luggage prep speeds everything up: Print tags and attach before arrival; porters can handle the rest. Guests staying at the Fairmont Waterfront guests can also have luggage transferred directly to the ship.

• Security moves steadily: Expect about 30–35 minutes from entering the queue to completing screening when multiple ships are in port. MARSEC Level 1 procedures, shoes stay on and no 100 ml liquids rule.

• CBP Preclearance is straightforward but limited: No MPC, NEXUS, or Global Entry lanes for Trusted Travelers, but kiosks and officers handle processing efficiently.

• Boarding is seamless: Staterooms may be ready by early afternoon; watch out for seagulls if dining outside before departure.

Where to stay:

One of the best ways to simplify embarkation day is to stay close to the port. The Fairmont Waterfront sits directly across from Canada Place, and one of its convenient features is the ability to have your luggage transferred directly to your ship. Another advantage of the property is its ARC Restaurant. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during Alaska cruise season, even for those not staying overnight at the hotel.

Another nearby choice is the Fairmont Pacific Rim, which offers a luxury experience and easy access to the terminal.

While location is important, it isn’t everything. In my view, your vacation begins well before you board the ship—the hotel, dining experience, and ability to explore the waterfront all set the tone for the days ahead. Choosing your pre-cruise accommodations in Vancouver that provide comfort, convenience, and a touch of local character ensures that the first hours of your trip are enjoyable, relaxed, and stress-free.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our cruises page.