Boarding DCL at Vancouver vs. Port Canaveral

[LAX]

I apologize if this has been mentioned before, but 10 pages into search for "Vancouver" and didn't see anything related. Can anyone point out the big differences between boarding at these two terminals? Any pointers/tips would be much appreciated. I plan to park at the cruise terminal. TIA.

LAX

 

[Marc D]

The main differences are that the terminal is in the middle of the city and that it’s not a dedicated DCL terminal. For the rest, the boarding process used to be the same as anywhere else. No cruises have left from Vancouver since the pandemic. The indications when arriving at the terminal are clear and you just need to follow them.

Since the terminal is easily walkable from most downtown hotels, we like to go take pictures of the ship early in the morning, just after it arrives. Canada place provides great picture opportunities and it gets us excited for the cruise to see the ship from so close.

 

[happycamper47]

You also have to go through US Customs and Border Protection in the terminal since you are leaving Canada and going to the US before you check in and board for the cruise.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

Also if you choose to carry on alcohol you may have to remind them you are allowed alcohol on Disney as most other lines do not allow it.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Also if you choose to carry on alcohol you may have to remind them you are allowed alcohol on Disney as most other lines do not allow it.

"Alcohol" as in - you may bring wine/champagne or beer onboard DCL. No hard alcohol.

I'll admit my experience with "most" other cruise lines is limited, but all the ones we've been on do allow wine/beer.

 

[TinkLoverSam]

"Alcohol" as in - you may bring wine/champagne or beer onboard DCL. No hard alcohol.

I'll admit my experience with "most" other cruise lines is limited, but all the ones we've been on do allow wine/beer.

That’s true, I have never cruised other lines but did have to remind them we were cruising Disney and could have the wine we brought

 

[LAX]

Thanks to all.

LAX

 

[Colo17]

Since Canada Place is the only terminal in Vancouver any more your experience should be identical regardless of cruise line. Check port board on Cruise Critic. If you stay at either the Pan American hotel (in the port building) or across the street at the Fairmont Waterfront the hotel staff will walk your luggage to the port. There are a ton of hotels within walking distance of the port. Typically at this port you check in below street level (where buses and cabs are in a line for your ship, then go to a conference room to wait for CBP folks. Lots of up and down escalators.

Lots of folks take metro to airport. We prefer to fly into Seattle and drive up to Vancouver. Avis outlet is 6 blocks from pier in 7th basement of another Fairmont. Really depends on balancing higher flight costs to Vancouver and car dropoff charges (zero for us going North, but too high to rent going South).

 

[mousefan73]

The main differences are that the terminal is in the middle of the city and that it’s not a dedicated DCL terminal. For the rest, the boarding process used to be the same as anywhere else. No cruises have left from Vancouver since the pandemic. The indications when arriving at the terminal are clear and you just need to follow them.

Since the terminal is easily walkable from most downtown hotels, we like to go take pictures of the ship early in the morning, just after it arrives. Canada place provides great picture opportunities and it gets us excited for the cruise to see the ship from so close.

That’s actually a great tip to take pictures early that morning before embarking!!!! If staying downtown. I’m hoping and praying every day that our Vancouver cruise happens next year. We are downtown so I’ll simply head over with just my camera and phone and snap a bunch of pictures and then head back to the hotel to get luggage and the others. Sounds a lot less stressful.