Vancouver serves as a premier departure point for Princess Cruises, offering travelers a variety of itineraries that combine relaxation, exploration, and cultural enrichment. Before embarking on your voyage, the city itself provides numerous attractions to enhance your journey.

Exploring Vancouver Before Your Cruise

Begin your adventure by immersing yourself in the natural beauty of Stanley Park, a 1,000-acre urban oasis boasting scenic seawalls, beaches, and the renowned Vancouver Aquarium. Within the park, Prospect Point provides panoramic views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore Mountains, perfect for memorable photographs. A meal at the Stanley Park Pavilion, nestled in the park’s lush greenery, offers a peaceful spot to relax and savour local cuisine.

For a taste of Vancouver’s rich cultural tapestry, head to the historic neighbourhood of Gastown. Characterized by cobblestone streets and Victorian architecture, Gastown is packed with boutique shops, art galleries, and eateries. A visit to the iconic Steam Clock, which whistles and steams every quarter hour, is a highlight and adds to the area’s charming atmosphere.

If you’re interested in sampling Vancouver’s culinary delights, stop by the Granville Island Public Market. This bustling marketplace offers fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, baked goods, and food stalls featuring international cuisines. It’s an ideal spot to pick up some provisions or simply enjoy the variety of local delicacies.

Round off your pre-cruise experience with a visit to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This iconic attraction features a suspension bridge illuminated with a changing multi-colour display, spanning 70 metres above the Capilano River. Beyond the bridge, the park offers the Treetops Adventure—a network of seven suspension bridges connecting towering Douglas firs—and the thrilling Cliffwalk along the canyon’s cliffside. The park’s free shuttle from Canada Place and the Hyatt Regency Hotel ensures easy access for cruise passengers.

Once you’ve visited some of Vancouver’s top attractions, you’ll no doubt be ready to set sail. So without further ado, here are the top Princess Cruises departing from Vancouver, BC.

Top 5 Princess Cruises Departing from Vancouver

1. 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise

One of the season’s most anticipated itineraries, the 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers Cruise runs from May to September, departing from Vancouver and concluding in Anchorage (Whittier). This scenic route takes guests through Glacier Bay National Park, where they can marvel at towering glaciers and diverse wildlife, from sea otters to humpback whales. Along the way, travelers visit Ketchikan, known for its totem poles and vibrant Indigenous culture; Juneau, where adventurers can explore the Mendenhall Glacier; and Skagway, steeped in Gold Rush history. This cruise delivers an iconic Alaskan experience, blending majestic landscapes with cultural discovery.

2. 10-Day Inside Passage with Tracy Arm Fjord

This 10-day journey, a favourite among travelers, is available from May through September and loops from Vancouver, offering an immersive experience through Alaska’s Inside Passage. Passengers enjoy stops in Ketchikan, Juneau, and Skagway, with excursions ranging from salmon fishing to historic train rides. The highlight is a scenic cruise through Tracy Arm Fjord, renowned for its stunning glaciers, sheer granite cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The roundtrip itinerary provides both convenience and ample time for in-depth exploration, perfect for those looking to take in the full beauty of Alaska without the need for extra flights.

3. 15-Day Hawaiian Islands Cruise

This relaxing voyage to the Hawaiian Islands departs from Vancouver between September and April, giving travelers an extended getaway to tropical paradise. Over 15 days, guests visit Hilo, where the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park awaits; Honolulu, offering a blend of urban experiences and historic sites like Pearl Harbor; Kauai, famous for its lush landscapes and the striking Waimea Canyon; and Maui, a haven for pristine beaches and scenic drives along the Hana Highway. With leisurely sea days and vibrant island excursions, this cruise blends relaxation with the allure of Hawaii’s diverse natural beauty.

4. 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

For travelers seeking a shorter but equally enriching adventure, the 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage Cruise is a top choice. Running from May to September, this roundtrip journey departs from Vancouver and includes stops in Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, each offering unique excursions such as whale watching, Yukon Territory explorations, and Indigenous cultural sites. Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park allows guests to witness dramatic calving glaciers up close, making this itinerary a quintessential Alaskan experience condensed into a week of unforgettable highlights.

5. 12-Day Alaska Inside Passage with Glacier Bay

This 12-day extended cruise from Vancouver, offered between May and September, gives passengers the chance to dive deeper into Alaska’s wonders. With stops in Sitka, where Russian heritage and abundant wildlife converge, and Icy Strait Point, known for authentic Indigenous experiences and prime whale-watching opportunities, this itinerary goes beyond the usual highlights. Scenic cruising through Glacier Bay National Park provides ample time to appreciate the glacial landscapes, while additional port calls allow for a more immersive Alaskan experience. Ideal for travelers wanting a more comprehensive journey, this cruise brings together Alaska’s iconic natural beauty and cultural richness.

‍

Each of these cruises offers a unique opportunity to explore Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands, with experiences designed to provide relaxation, adventure, and cultural insights. Departing conveniently from Vancouver, they’re ideal options for travelers seeking a memorable journey with Princess Cruises.