US Direct Program for Alaska Cruise Ship Passengers

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority (VFPA), cruise lines and the Vancouver International Airport Authority (YVR) have launched a successful "Onboard Check-in” and “U.S Direct" strategic initiative that streamlines Alaska cruise ship passenger processing and improves transit times between the Port and Airport.

The US Direct initiative allows passengers arriving at YVR to transfer directly to a same-day-departing cruise ship by participating in expedited immigration and customs clearance process.

The Onboard Check-in initiative allows passengers arriving on a cruise ship and flying out of YVR on the same day to transfer directly to YVR by participating in an expedited immigration and customs clearance process.

The Onboard Check-in and US Direct initiatives do not apply to passengers who are planning a pre or post stay in Vancouver.

Features and Benefits

• Sterile and secure passenger and baggage transfer between the Port and Airport.
• Embarking passengers - baggage transferred direct from the plane to your ship.
• Disembarking passengers – baggage transferred to ‘final’ airport destination.
• Significantly reduced wait times and congestion for departing and arriving passengers.
• Expedited U.S / Canadian immigration and customs process.
• Works in conjunction with a cruise line pre-purchased bus transfer to airport / ship.
• 100% security screening for all passengers and baggage in a designated area for participants only.

Program participants

From the airport to the port (embarking passengers), in addition to the above airlines, Continental, Delta, Frontier and SkyWest also participate in the program.

Eligibility

Passengers are eligible to participate in the Onboard Check-in program if they meet the following criteria:

Port to Airport - disembarking in Vacouver

1. Travelling with a valid U.S. Passport and/or valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card.
2. Arriving on a cruise ship direct from a U.S. port.
3. Have a flight direct to the U.S.A, same day as disembarking the ship.
4. Have purchased onboard the ship or with cruise booking the Onboard Check-in program.
5. In possession of cruise line bus transfer to Vancouver International Airport.

Airport to Port - embarking in Vancouver

1. Travelling with a valid U.S Passport, and/or valid US Permanent Resident Card.
2. Arriving into YVR on the same day as sailing with flight arrival no later than 2:00 p.m.
3. Flight arriving directly from the U.S.
4. In possession of a cruise line bus transfer direct to the ship.
5. Airline checked luggage has been securely tagged with ship tags.

For more information

Travel agents or passengers who want to take advantage of the Onboard Check-in/US Direct program should contact participating cruise lines directly.