Arriving Cruise Ship Passengers

Arriving Cruise Ship Passengers

Canadian Arrivals:

Cruise ship passengers arriving from Canadian locations should refer to our Arrival Passengers Guide. If you are arriving on the day of your intended cruise, cruise ship representatives will be available in the Domestic Arrivals area (Level 2) to assist you in finding the appropriate transportation to the cruise ship piers.  Look for our Customer Care and volunteer ambassadors in their distinctive green jackets or vests for assistance.

USA/International Arrivals:

Cruise ship passengers arriving from the USA or other International locations can follow these steps upon arrival to Vancouver.  If you are arriving on the day of your intended cruise, cruise ship representatives will be available in the Canada Customs Hall (baggage claim area) and in the International Reception Lobby (your first stop when you exit Canada Customs) to assist you in finding the appropriate transportation to the cruise ship piers.

1. Follow the Canada Arrivals signs to the Canada Customs Hall. 
2. In the Canada Customs Hall (baggage claim area), as well as the International Reception Lobby, you will be met by a cruise line representative and escorted or directed to appropriate ground transportation services to the cruise ship piers.
   You can also access the following services in the International Reception Lobby:
   
   • Cruise ship information counters
   • Foreign exchange and banking services (also in the baggage claim area)
   • Cruise ship information counters
   • Tourism British Columbia Visitor Services & Customer Care Information (including translation phone services)
3. All other Ground transportation services are available just outside the International Reception Lobby. Learn more about transportation to and from YVR.

US Direct:

Vancouver International Airport is pleased to offer eligible cruise guests an expedited transfer service designed to get you to your ship as quickly as possible. The US Direct program allows eligible guests arriving directly from the U.S. on the day of their sailing to utilize an expedited and secure in-transit transfer between the airport and port. Spearheaded by the Vancouver Airport Authority, in coordination with Port Metro Vancouver, participating cruise lines*, as well as Canada and U.S. Customs, US Direct could save traveling guests up to 2 hours of customs and immigration wait times.

To participate in US Direct, you must meet the following requirements:

• US Citizen
• Arrive in Vancouver on a direct flight from the United States prior to 2:00pm on the day of sailing
• Possess an airport to pier bus transfer
• If you do not hold a bus transfer, please contact your cruise line or travel agent prior to departure
• Place ship baggage tags on your checked baggage prior to airline check-in; tagged luggage is transferred directly from the aircraft to the cruise ship
• If you do not pre-tag your baggage you will not be eligible to participate.
  *participating cruise lines for 2013 are Princess, Holland America, Disney, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

Upon arrival at Vancouver International Airport, follow the US Direct signage (as indicated below) and look out for YVR customer care staff. Passengers should have their proof of citizenship and bus transfer readily available.
US Direct runs from late-May until mid-September.

 

 

 

Our Customer Care team is always available to help.  Look for our Customer Care and volunteer ambassadors in their distinctive green jackets or vests.