Departing from Vancouver for Your Disney Alaska Cruise

By Jennifer Staurt

Most articles that explain embarkation day on a Disney Cruise will tell you all about leaving from the Disney Cruise Terminal in Port Canaveral Florida.  If you are sailing to Alsaka on A Disney Cruise you will be sailing from Vancouver, B.C. and it is different in many ways.  Read on to find out what you need to know about sailing from Vancouver, Canada  on your Disney Cruise.

Getting to the Terminal

We recommend arriving in Vancouver at least the day before your cruise.  We think you should plan more time than that as Vancouver is one of our favourite cities. The cruise ship terminal is located  

Taxi

If you are arriving at the terminal from your hotel you will most like likely be arriving by taxi.  The taxis know how to navigate the area around the terminal and will drive down into the parking area which also has the cruise drop off area.

Driving

If you are driving there is ample parking underneath the terminal at Canada  Place.  If you are leaving your car choose the long term parking option.
Long-term parking:
Long-term parking is available at Canada Place for regular height vehicles only. (Maximum height is 6’9″)
Contact WestPark guest services directly for more information, 604.669.7275 or toll-free l phone 1.800.469.4169
Instructions for dropping off passengers

• Enter Canada Place cruise terminal vehicle ramp, accessed from the foot of Howe Street, and proceed to a Port of Vancouver traffic attendant.
• The traffic attendant will give you drop off directions
• go to the designated drop-off location exit the vehicle ad proceed to drop off your checked baggage at the designated location.  Make sure the signs match your ship.  There can be more than one ship boarding at the same time and you don't want your luggage to end up on the wrong ship.

Skytrain (public transport)

Take the Skytrain  Canada Line to Waterfront Station.  

• Exit station and walk westbound on Cordova Street
• Turn right at Howe Street
• Follow sidewalk to the Canada Place cruise terminal

Click here for the Translink website for fare, route and scheduling information.

Walking

Canada Place is within walking distance (read less than a block) of several downtown hotels. If you are travelling light and staying close by it would be very possible for most people to walk with a suitcase or two. 

At the Terminal -- Canada Place

Once you are at the terminal you will  drop off your checked luggage and clear an airport style security  before checking in with Disney Cruise representatives.  When you check in you will receive your Key to the World Cards and getting Oceaneer Club Bands for your kids if necessary. You will then clear US Customs before being allowed to board the ship.  Clearing customs here means that you will not have to do this at any other stops in Alaska.  For more information about entering the US click here of rate US Customs and Border Services.

Boarding the Ship

After you have all your cruise documents and are fully checked in you will start walking towards the ship.  There are several photo oportuntites here where you can choose to have a picture taken by the Disney photographers. If you are not interested in a photo it is always possibly to skip this part of the lines and keep moving.

Once across the gangway you will meet a crew member who will ask you what your family name is and then announces you and welcomes you onboard.  

On Board

You will enter the ship into the main atrium. As your room won't be ready yet take some time to enjoy lunch.  (rooms are generally available approximately 1:30-2:00pm.  The embarkation buffet is at Cabannas buffet on Deck 9.  You can also ask crew members if a sit down lunch option is available. (this is usually not advertised but available at Tritons)  This is also a good time to explore the ship and get familiar with the layout of the ship but be prepared to have your carry on luggage with you. Check your personal navigator or the Disney Cruise Line app for information on what is open and available for you.

Muster Drill

Before leaving port all passengers must participate in a mandatory muster drill. (think lifeboat drill)  You will hear an announcement to meet at your muster point (the large letter on your Key to the World Card).  You will not need to bring your life jackets for the drill but you will need everyones Key to the World Card, including children.
Read our post on How to Read  your Key to the World Card to find out what other information you can find on your card.

Sailing Away

After the muster drill, you are ready to set sail. Join the sailing away party on Deck 9 or move up to deck 10 for a less crowed view of the action.  As you sail out of the harbour and past Stanley Park you will sail under the Lions' Gate Bridge.  Look for people waving to you from the bridge.  This is a great time to be on deck and you will get get views of the city and the coast as you move up towards the inside passage,  

You may also be interested in some of our other post about Disney Cruising.

All photos by  Jennifer Stuart

Comments? Questions?  We would love to hear from you.