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Granville Bridge and Downtown Vancouver at night-time

Alaska Cruises from Vancouver

Get closer to awe-inspiring wildlife, charming coastal towns and magnificent glaciers on Alaska cruises from Vancouver. Find one-way and roundtrip cruises to Alaska with convenient weekend departures from Vancouver’s dazzling waterfront.

Explore Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier on our Inside Passage cruises. Take a Glacier Discovery voyage to glide through several of Alaska’s most dramatic icescapes. Or go to the seldom-visited Kodiak Island, home of the famous Kodiak bears, on our Great Alaska Explorer.

Continue the exploration on ship with local insights and onboard programming. Read on to plan cruises from Vancouver to Alaska and beyond.

Embark on Your Alaska Adventure from Vancouver

Begin your Alaska cruise in a gorgeous city where mountains meet the sea, and setting sail is effortless. From skyline strolls to glacier‑bound horizons, Vancouver elevates your journey before you set sail.

Gateway to Glacier Bay and Beyond

Departing from Vancouver opens itineraries that include frozen wonders such as Glacier Bay National Park or Hubbard Glacier, along with lesser‑traveled coastal jewels. Scenic cruising is unhurried, allowing time to savor creaking ice, soaring peaks, and wildlife along the shoreline. Choose from roundtrip or cruisetours designed to go deeper into Alaska.

Explore Downtown Vancouver

Begin in the heart of the city at Canada Place, steps from the seawall, boutique hotels, and celebrated dining. Stroll the waterfront, visit galleries, or enjoy a final toast with skyline views before an effortless embarkation. It’s a seamless blend of cosmopolitan energy and waterside calm that makes your send‑off unforgettable.

Expansive Nature at Your Door

Within minutes of the pier, discover Stanley Park’s old‑growth trails, Capilano Suspension Bridge’s forest canopy, and the mountain vistas of Grouse. Pair urban sophistication with evergreen landscapes, ocean outlooks, and crisp coastal air — all without leaving the city. In Vancouver, the pre‑cruise hours feel like the journey has already begun.

Things To Do In Vancouver

Find the best things to do before or after your cruise from Vancouver.

Gastown

The Gastown neighborhood dates to the Victorian era when "Gassy Jack" Deighton opened a saloon in a burgeoning sawmilling settlement. Now its grand heritage buildings and brick-paved streets are home to art galleries, design shops and stylish eateries.

Stanley Park

Vancouver’s most famous urban space, the thousand-acre Stanley Park, epitomizes everything that locals here love about the outdoors. Hiking trails weave around totem poles and hemlock trees, while at the beaches, you can swim, people-watch and picnic.

Vancouver Aquarium

Stop into the aquarium on your cruise from Vancouver. See fascinating exhibits on the Canadian Arctic, and British Columbian coastal habitats, plus African penguins. Tanks teem with blacktip reef sharks, Pacific fish, sea otters and more that you’ll encounter up close.

More Details About Cruises From Vancouver

Vancouver at a Glance

When was Vancouver founded?
April 6, 1886

Where is Vancouver located?
Located in the southwest corner of British Columbia, Canada.

What is the population of Vancouver?
662,248 according to the 2021 Canadian census.

What language is primarily spoken?
English

What is the time zone of Vancouver, BC, Canada? Pacific Time

  • Vancouver, BC, Canada is GMT/UTC - 8h during Standard Time
  • Vancouver, BC, Canada is GMT/UTC - 7h during Daylight Saving Time

What currency is used in Vancouver, BC, Canada? CAD (Canadian Dollar)

Travel Tips for Vancouver

How do I book a flight to Vancouver?
At Holland America, we offer cruise travelers low prices on their flights. Please see more information on our Flight Ease program here.

Where should I stay when cruising from Vancouver?
We offer hotel packages to our already booked guests. For more information, visit our hotel packages and pre- or post-travel arrangements.

What are some of the top places to see in Vancouver?
Visit our Vancouver Port page for more information on our top travel recommendations.

Port Information

What should I expect boarding to be like for my cruise departing Vancouver, BC, Canada?
Please visit our cruise preparation FAQ for information on how to access or print boarding passes, how to check in online, and to see if you need a passport.

Can I book an airport shuttle to my cruise?
Book an airport transfer from the airport to your ship after you book a cruise with Holland America Line. We make getting to and from your cruise comfortable, convenient and hassle-free.

Are you an already booked guest with Holland America Line?
For booked guests, please see our travel planning details on how to book an airport transfer.

Curious about learning more about cruising or want more information?

Please visit our most frequently asked questions page on cruise preparation, transportation, safety and security, and more.

Set Sail for Alaska with Holland America

Vancouver is a perfect starting point for any Alaska cruise, and setting off on the right note can make all the difference. As you set sail, you’ll trade city vibes for Glacier Bay vistas and charming port towns. Holland America takes you to Alaska aboard mid-sized ships that are perfectly sized to reach more destinations, with an elevated atmosphere and award-winning service.

Ready to plan an Alaska cruise from Vancouver? Browse our wide range of Alaska cruise itineraries to find the perfect fit and start preparing for your voyage.

Large cruise ship sailing through calm glacial waters surrounded by rugged mountains and a distant glacier under a cloudy sky.

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Other Cruises Out Of Vancouver

Add To Your Cruise

Add flights, hotel packages and transportation to your cruise from Vancouver.
Book a Flight

The easiest way to book flights for your cruise.

Book a Hotel

Extend your trip with a pre- or post-cruise hotel stay.

Book Cruise Transportation

Travel to and from your cruise hassle-free.

FAQs

What is the best time of year to cruise from Vancouver to Alaska?

Alaska’s cruise season typically runs from spring through early fall, with peak months in summer for longer days and milder temperatures. In Vancouver, the driest, sunniest stretch is generally late spring through summer, making pre‑ and post‑cruise exploring especially pleasant. See our guide on best times to cruise to Alaska.

What other departure ports have cruises that go to Alaska?

In addition to Vancouver, Alaska cruises commonly sail from Seattle and select Alaska ports — like Anchorage — on certain itineraries. Some longer or specialty routes may also originate from other West Coast ports, depending on the season and ship.

What is the average price of a cruise from Vancouver to Alaska?

Fares vary based on sailing dates, itinerary length, stateroom category, and availability. Guests can choose from a range of options to match their preferences, from value‑minded selections to elevated accommodations. Browse itineraries here.

What can I expect on Alaska cruises from Vancouver?

Expect unhurried scenic cruising, glacier and fjord viewing, charming port towns, and abundant opportunities for wildlife sightings. With thoughtfully crafted itineraries and destination‑focused excursions, your journey blends comfort on board with meaningful exploration ashore.

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