Documentation
EFFECTIVE JANUARY 31, 2008 and applies to ALL PASSENGERS:
US Customs and Border Protection (USCBP) officers no longer accept oral declarations of US or Canadian citizenship from those traveling by land or sea.
These travelers will be required to present:
- Passport, or
- Government-issued photo ID and original copy of birth certificate or other proof of citizenship, or
- Birth certificate alone (for youth 18 and under).
All other passengers must show passport and, if required, other documents (example, Visa). Please visit the USCBP website for up-to-date information.
Boarding & Disembarkation
Strict security measures are in place to ensure a smooth boarding and disembarking process.
Boarding
Passengers embarking in Vancouver should allow approximately one hour for examination of travel documents and luggage screening. Most ship embarkations begin at approximately 1 pm. Passengers are also encouraged to check travel documents before arriving at the terminal to avoid unnecessary waiting.
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Passenger Screening
Once passengers arrive at the cruise terminal, Canada Place or Ballantyne, and are ready to board, they must go through passenger screening. At this point, passengers are required to provide attendants their cruise ticket and identification. If they leave the secure area after check-in, they must pass through passenger-screening again. -
Check-in
Identification and boarding information is verified and entered into the computer systems by cruise line staff in exchange for a boarding card. Prior to boarding, all passengers are required to complete a declaration card and clear US customs operated by US Customs and Border Protection.
Disembarking
Passengers who are disembarking in Vancouver are required to complete a declaration card and clear Canadian customs operated by the Canada Border Services Agency. Baggage can be claimed in the customs area in the terminal. Complimentary, individual baggage carts are readily available.
Other Services
The facilities and services at the Port Metro Vancouver’s cruise ship terminals, Canada Place and Ballantyne, are designed to enhance your travel experience.
Ground Transfers
At both terminals you will find connections to your post-cruise destinations via pre-arranged bus transfers and shore tours, taxi, limousine, airport and hotel shuttles with or without sightseeing, and bus service to Victoria. Nearby connections include public transit and floatplane and helicopter service to Vancouver Island destinations and Seattle. Advanced transportation reservations are recommended. See Transportation & Parking to learn more.
Car Rentals
A selection of car rental agencies offer rentals with shuttle service to nearby pick-up locations. See Transportation & Parking to learn more.
Baggage Storage
Baggage handling is worry-free. Baggage can be checked upon arrival with the longshore staff at the cruise terminal for direct delivery to the passenger's cabin. Longshore staff begin receiving baggage at 10:30am. Passengers disembarking in Vancouver are able to claim their baggage in the Customs area in the terminal. Complimentary, individual baggage carts are readily available. CDS Baggage provides storage services at Canada Place only and can be reached at 604-303-4500. See CDS Baggage to learn more. For security reasons, short-term baggage storage is available to cruise passengers only. Storage services are not available at Ballantyne terminal.
Convenience Shopping
Habano Cigar at Canada Place and Streamers at Ballantyne, offering snacks, refreshments, personal items and souvenirs. Binoculars are also for sale at both terminals to help you better enjoy the spectacular West Coast scenery.
Wheelchair/Scooter Rentals
Last minute Scooter/Wheelchair rental is available from Care Vacations in the main lobby of Canada Place. Prior arrangements for either terminal may also be made by calling 1-877-478-7827.