Navigating Canada Place at Vancouver Port for boarding Royal Caribbean for the first time can be equal parts thrilling and overwhelming.
In 2023, I embarked on an exciting Alaskan cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas. With three ships departing the same day, I wish I’d known what to expect.
A smooth boarding experience can set the tone for the whole trip! I’ll cover all the bases with my Top Ten Tips to help get you off to a great Royal Caribbean cruise start!
We receive a commission for any products you purchase using our links, at no extra cost to you. More info…
1. Download the Royal Caribbean App
To streamline your boarding process, download the Royal Caribbean app and fill out all the required guest information, including your health status.
Completing this in advance simplifies the check-in and security process and ensures you have all necessary documentation already uploaded.
The app also provides helpful updates and notifications about your cruise, making it an essential tool for a smooth experience.
My Video Tips for Boarding at Vancouver Port
My Top 10 Essential Tips!
2. Choose Your Arrival Time Wisely
Select your preferred time of arrival during the online check-in process and stick to it to avoid peak crowds.
I chose a 12:00 to 12:30 window, because it aligned perfectly with my hotel checkout time at 11:00 AM. This timing allowed me to head straight to the port and board without unnecessary waiting.
The other reason I wanted to board early is that it gave me the advantage of having lunch on board right after boarding!
3. Navigating the Cruise Port
On arrival at Canada Place, be prepared for some confusion due to limited signage. With multiple cruises departing simultaneously, the port can be hectic.
Look for Royal Caribbean staff members who can help you shortcut the busy areas where passenger families were waving goodbye and towards the check-in zone.
4. Check-In and Security Process
When you complete your online check-in in advance, you’ll receive a barcode. During check-in at the port, this barcode, along with your ID, will be scanned.
This efficient process allows you to join the line for security and US border control.
Expect a shared line with other cruise lines like Princess and Holland America, which can be long, but having your documents ready will help you move through quickly.
5. Utilize Global Entry
If you are part of the Global Entry program, use it to bypass long lines at the US border checkpoint when boarding Royal Caribbean.
Be vocal and ask where the Global Entry line is, as it may not be well-marked and not all staff are aware of it.
This can save you a significant amount of time and reduce the hassle during the boarding process. I reckon I saved 30-40 minutes at the border.
6. Priority Boarding
If you don’t want to handle the long lines, Royal Caribbean has an option for you with Priority Boarding!
Cruisers can pay to upgrade to Priority Boarding in advance (check with your travel agent or on the app), or get this bonus as an inclusion when they book a more expensive room.
If you don’t have priority status, be prepared for longer wait times, but when you get started, the overall process is well-organized. I had booked an Ocean View stateroom, so no priority for me!
7. Boarding the Ship
After completing security and immigration, you will proceed to the ship. The walk to the boarding ramp can be long, but there are seats available if you need them.
A security guard will check your barcode and direct you to the ship’s entrance.
The entire boarding process, from arriving at the port to stepping on the ship, took about an hour for me.
8. Accessing Your Stateroom
Be aware that your stateroom might not be available immediately upon boarding due to the quick turnaround time from the previous cruise.
Instead of waiting, head to the ship’s buffet restaurant, the Windjammer Cafe, which opens early and serves a variety of lunch options.
See any delays as a great opportunity to explore the ship and familiarize yourself with the layout while you wait for your room to be ready.
9. Complete the Safety Briefing
Use the Royal Caribbean app to complete the mandatory safety briefing before arriving at the port.
This briefing includes watching a video on how to put on a life jacket and listening to the ship’s emergency horn.
Once on board, visit your assigned muster station to finalize the safety process. A staff member will scan your boarding pass to confirm completion.
Note: For those without smartphones, in-person safety briefings are available at the muster stations.
10. Pre-Cruise Preparations
Here’s some final quick tips to help you prepare to make this the easiest embarkation at Vancouver Port!
To save on costs, book your hotel in Vancouver early if you plan to stay pre- or post-cruise. I found Vancouver accommodation quite expensive, especially when booked last minute. Eventually, I found a last minute deal with Expedia.
Familiarize yourself with Royal Caribbean’s updated rules on bringing alcohol and beverages on board. Currently, guests can bring one 750ml bottle of wine per person and up to 12 500ml bottles of water or soda.
Use your phone’s internet connection to download any final podcasts before departure, as onboard internet can be slow and expensive. Download shows, games, and apps you love to watch offline and use any available connection for emails and social media.
Final Thoughts
These are my top ten tips for a smooth boarding experience with Royal Caribbean at Vancouver Port. Have your own tips or questions? Let me know via my social media (links at the very top of the page). Bon Voyage!