Passenger information and FAQs

Boarding and disembarkation

Pre-boarding  

To reduce wait times, passengers are encouraged to check their travel documents before arriving.  

Please see the U.S. Customs and Border Protection section below for information on customs at the Canada Place cruise terminal. 

Note: International visitors must have the appropriate Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before arriving at the cruise terminal. 

Baggage 

Baggage can be checked starting between 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Pacific time on the day of your sailing. When checking your baggage, please: 

  • clearly indicate your vessel name to cruise line staff 
  • keep your passports and medication with you 

Checked baggage will be delivered directly to your cabin. 

Check-in 

After checking your baggage, cruise line staff will direct you to the check-in counter to have your travel identification and boarding information verified and, if necessary, to receive your onboard identification. 

Passenger screening 

Passengers must go through screening before boarding. Please have your cruise booking confirmation ready.  

The screening area is located on the cruise ship terminal level (CS) at Canada Place. Cruise line staff will be on-hand to direct you to the screening area if needed.   

Note: Please consult with your cruise line for information about restricted items. 

U.S. Customs and Border Protection 

Because cruise ships are considered U.S. jurisdiction, passengers are required to go through U.S. Customs and Border Protection prior to boarding. This step follows the passenger screening process and is the final step before boarding your ship.  

Disembarking 

If you are disembarking in Vancouver, you are required to complete a declaration card (E311) and clear Canadian customs through Canada Border Services Agency after picking up your baggage. Passports are not required at disembarkation however you must present your declaration card. 

Baggage can be claimed in the baggage area in the cruise terminal. 


Services at Canada Place cruise terminal 

Accessibility 

The cruise terminal is subject to Part 1, paragraph 5(1)(a), and Part 4, Division 2 of the Accessible Transportation for Persons with Disabilities Regulations. We work hard to exceed these regulations to ensure all passengers have an enjoyable travel experience. Please see below for more information. 

Wheelchair and mobility scooter rentals 

Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are available to rent for use during your cruise. Please pre-book your rentals from one of the following: 

Scootaround and Special Needs at Sea will let you know where to pick up your rentals at the Canada Place cruise terminal prior boarding. 

Note: If you require a wheelchair for use within the Canada Place cruise terminal, please reach out to your cruise line prior to arrival. 

Service pet relief stations 

There are two relief stations at the Canada Place cruise terminal for documented service animals travelling with cruise passengers:  

  1. Pre-security: outdoors on the cruise ship level of Canada Place  
  1. Post-security: in the secured area of the terminal  

Please follow directional signage or ask cruise terminal staff for directions. 

Note: Service animals must be on leash at all times while in the cruise terminal. 

If you have questions about bringing a service animal on your cruise, please contact your cruise line. 

If you have questions about the relief stations, please contact us at [email protected]. 

Baggage storage 

Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing provides day storage services at Canada Place cruise terminal. No overnight storage is available. 

For security reasons, short-term baggage storage is available to cruise passengers only.  

For more information, contact Gray Line Westcoast Sightseeing; phone 1.877.451.1777. 


Frequently asked questions 

Visit Destination Vancouver for resources on what to see and do while visiting Vancouver. 

See the cruise schedule page for a full list of cruise lines that sail from Vancouver or contact a travel agency.

Please contact your local travel agent or your cruise line of choice directly to plan your cruise vacation. 

Please contact your cruise line directly. The Canada Place cruise terminal does not handle lost baggage.  

If you have lost an item in or around the cruise terminal, contact the Canada Place security office at 604.684.8525 during the cruise season. If you have lost an item on a ship, please contact your cruise line directly. 

Please contact the ship’s passenger agent to make those arrangements. Canada Place employees cannot make delivery arrangements. 

For employment or business opportunities with cruise lines, please contact the cruise line directly.