Trifter

If you ever dreamed of cruising Alaska’s scenic Inside Passage, which runs from Vancouver British Columbia north to Skagway, Alaska, this is the year to do it.  

Alaska is celebrating its 50th year of statehood, and at the same time, the economy has the cruise lines scampering for business – there are deals everywhere. 

When to take a cruise to Alaska

Most of the major cruise lines have Alaskan excursions that sail between the months of May and October. 

We recommend cruising the Inside Passage in May or June for two reasons.  During these months, the majestic mountains are still laden with a brilliant white blanket of winter snow.  The second reason is that it rains or snows somewhere in Alaska for more than 200 days per year – the best chance of finding some sunny days are in the months of May and June.

Who to contact  

Carnival, Princess, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Celebrity cruise lines all offer Inside Passage cruises. 

Carnival Corporation is the largest cruise line in the world, and they are currently promoting Alaskan sailings on several of their famous brands.  Not all travelers are aware of it, but Carnival now owns Holland America, Windstar, Seabourn, Costa, and the legendary Cunard Line. 

Where to board

Popular departure ports for 7-day Alaska cruises include Seward, Whittier, Seattle, and our personal favorite Vancouver, British Columbia. 

Cruise ships depart Vancouver from The Canada Place cruise dock, which is a relatively short bus or taxi ride from Vancouver International Airport. 

If you are not traveling alone, we suggest you hire a cab for the journey from the airport to the docks.  The cost is about $12 more for a taxi than for two shuttle bus tickets, but the dock hotels are at the end of the hotel shuttle route, so a taxi is much quicker. 

No need to convert dollars  

There is no reason for a money exchange for transportation to your hotel because the cabs take credit cards, as do all the restaurants and shops near Canada Place. 

Fly early and enjoy Vancouver  

We recommend flying into Vancouver at least one day before your cruise departure date in order to relax and take in the local attractions that are within walking distance of the cruise dock.

Where to stay in Vancouver

There are two first-rate hotels on site at Canada Place and both offer a baggage transfer service to your ship.  The Pan Pacific Hotel is right in the cruise terminal building, and our favorite, the Waterfront Fairmont is directly across the street. 

We especially like the warm greeting every guest receives from Holly the Fairmont Ambassador Pup.  She is very proud – perhaps because she once received a royal pat from visiting Queen Elizabeth.

Take a walk along the water  

After you check into either of these fine hotels, ask the concierge how to get to the walkway to Stanley Park.  It’s a great leg-stretching stroll with fantastic views of the mountains and harbor.  

You will meander past the Convention Center, IMAX theatre, and enjoy the tremendous roar of the floatplanes as they depart from the adjacent dock.  

There are paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and skating enthusiasts – the pedestrian walkway is closest to the water.  

Just after you pass the yacht harbor, you will see the Lost Lagoon on your left and the Vancouver Rowing Club across a small pond area on your right.  This is a good place to turn around and return to your hotel.  By the end of your stroll, you will have walked 3.3 very pleasant and level miles. 

If you prefer more exercise, continue on past Lost Lagoon and make a right into Stanley Park.  Circle the park along the water – it’s a scenic walk that overlooks the bay and distant mountains.  The full round trip from the hotel is 7 miles. 

Where to eat  

Both the Waterfront Fairmont and Pan Pacific offer excellent dining, but if your feet aren’t too distressed from your walk along the bay, you can stroll over and sample the restaurants in old Gastown, which is less than a mile from the dock.

For those interested in much less formal (and cheaper) dining, there is an international food court almost directly beneath the Waterfront Fairmont where you will find a friendly McDonald’s and Tim Hortons, Starbucks, Subway, and sundry other fast food eateries.

 Happy travels 

Photos © Wayne and Judy Bayliff