Your Complete Guide to Round-Trip Cruises from Vancouver

Setting sail from Vancouver offers a unique blend of urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty, making it one of the world’s premier cruise ports. If you are looking for the perfect hassle-free vacation, a round-trip cruise from this stunning city means you can park your car, unpack once, and let the adventure begin right from your doorstep.

Why Choose a Round-Trip Cruise from Vancouver?

The convenience of starting and ending your journey in the same port is a major advantage. There is no need to arrange complicated one-way flights or ground transportation at the end of your trip. You simply disembark where you began, with memories of an incredible voyage.

Vancouver’s port, Canada Place, is located right in the heart of downtown, easily accessible and offering spectacular views of the city and mountains as you depart. The sail-away experience alone, passing under the Lions Gate Bridge and by Stanley Park, is an unforgettable start to any Pacific adventure.

Top Destinations for Round-Trip Cruises

From the icy wonders of the north to the sun-drenched islands of the south, Vancouver is the gateway to some of the most spectacular destinations on the planet. Here are the most popular round-trip itineraries.

The Alaskan Adventure

By far the most popular choice, an Alaskan cruise is a journey into a world of towering glaciers, dense forests, and abundant wildlife. The voyage itself, through the calm and scenic Inside Passage, is a destination in its own right.

  • Majestic Beauty: Prepare to be awestruck by glaciers that creak and calve into the sea, sending icebergs floating by your ship. You will sail through deep, dramatic fjords carved by ancient ice flows and see landscapes that have remained untouched for millennia. Keep your eyes peeled for humpback whales breaching, orcas swimming in pods, bald eagles soaring overhead, and bears foraging along the shoreline.
  • Delighting the Senses: An Alaskan cruise is a true sensory feast. You will see the brilliant blue of glacial ice and the vibrant green of the Tongass National Forest. You will hear the thunderous crack of a calving glacier and the peaceful call of a loon across the water. You will smell the crisp, clean air mixed with the scent of pine and saltwater. You will feel the cool mist coming off a waterfall and taste incredibly fresh salmon caught just hours before.
  • Popular Ports of Call:
    • Juneau: Alaska’s capital is famous for the Mendenhall Glacier. Popular excursions include whale watching tours, helicopter trips to land on a glacier, and salmon bakes.
    • Skagway: Step back in time to the Klondike Gold Rush. You can ride the historic White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, a vintage train that climbs nearly 3,000 feet through breathtaking mountain passes.
    • Ketchikan: Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” this charming town is famous for its colorful totem poles and the bustling Creek Street, a historic boardwalk built on stilts over the water.
  • Cruise Lines: Many major cruise lines offer 7-day round-trip Alaskan itineraries from Vancouver, typically from May through September. Popular choices include Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Celebrity Cruises.

The Hawaiian Escape

For those seeking a tropical paradise, longer round-trip cruises to Hawaii offer the ultimate relaxing getaway. These voyages typically last around 15 days, with several peaceful days at sea to enjoy the ship’s amenities before and after your time in the islands.

  • Majestic Beauty: Swap glaciers for volcanoes and pine trees for palm trees. Hawaii’s beauty is legendary, from the dramatic cliffs of the Na Pali Coast on Kauai to the active Kilauea volcano on the Big Island. You will discover lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and some of the world’s most famous beaches, like Waikiki on Oahu.
  • Delighting the Senses: The Hawaiian experience is vibrant. You will see rainbows arching over green valleys and sunsets that paint the sky in fiery colors. You will hear the gentle rhythm of ukuleles and the powerful crash of waves on the North Shore. You will smell the sweet fragrance of plumeria and gardenia flowers. You will feel the warm sun on your skin and the soft sand between your toes, and taste fresh pineapple, poi, and kalua pig at a traditional luau.
  • Popular Ports of Call: Itineraries often include stops at four main islands: Oahu (Honolulu), Maui (Lahaina or Kahului), the Big Island (Hilo or Kona), and Kauai (Nawiliwili).
  • Cruise Lines: Due to the length of the journey, fewer lines offer this route. Look for sailings primarily from Princess Cruises and Holland America Line, usually offered in the spring and fall shoulder seasons.

California & Pacific Coastal Cruises

If you have less time, a shorter Pacific Coastal cruise is a fantastic option. These trips, often lasting 4 to 7 days, explore the beautiful coastline between British Columbia and California.

  • Majestic Beauty: This route showcases a different kind of splendor. Highlights include sailing under the iconic Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, witnessing the rugged and windswept beauty of the Oregon coast, and exploring the charming seaside cities of California.
  • Ports of Call: Common stops include San Francisco, Santa Barbara, San Diego, and sometimes Astoria, Oregon. These cruises are often themed around the region’s excellent food and wine.
  • Cruise Lines: Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Celebrity Cruises frequently offer these itineraries, especially during the repositioning season in the spring and fall when ships are moving to or from Alaska.

Planning Your Perfect Vancouver Cruise

Choosing the right cruise line is key to your enjoyment. For a family vacation with lots of high-energy activities like rock climbing walls and water slides, consider Royal Caribbean or Norwegian Cruise Line. For a more traditional and refined experience focused on scenery and fine dining, Holland America Line and Princess Cruises are excellent choices. For an elevated, more luxurious experience, look at lines like Celebrity Cruises.

The best time to travel depends on your destination. The Alaska season is short, running from May to September. May and June offer fewer crowds and more daylight, while July and August are the warmest. September brings beautiful autumn colors and better chances to see the Northern Lights. For Hawaii and the California Coast, spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What travel documents do I need for a round-trip Alaska cruise from Vancouver? Even though you are starting and ending in Canada, these cruises visit U.S. ports. Therefore, all passengers, including Canadian and U.S. citizens, are required to have a valid passport.

How long are these round-trip cruises? Alaskan cruises are typically 7 nights. Pacific Coastal cruises can range from 4 to 7 nights. Hawaiian cruises are much longer, usually lasting around 15 nights due to the distance.

Is a balcony cabin worth the extra cost on an Alaskan cruise? Absolutely. So much of the Alaskan cruise experience is about the scenery of the Inside Passage and glacier bays. Having a private balcony allows you to enjoy these incredible views from the comfort of your own room, any time of day or night. It is an investment you are unlikely to regret.