Vancouver stands tall as one of the most breathtaking cruise departure ports in the world. Surrounded by mountains, ocean, and lush greenery, this Canadian city is the gateway to some of the most iconic Royal Caribbean itineraries—especially those bound for Alaska. If you're searching for which Royal Caribbean ships sail from Vancouver, what destinations they visit, or what itineraries you can expect, this long-form expert guide covers every detail you need.
From seasonal ship deployments to the most popular voyage options, port details, and insider travel tips, you’ll find everything right here. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or an experienced traveler preparing for your next big adventure, this guide helps you compare, choose, and plan your perfect Royal Caribbean vacation departing from Vancouver.
Vancouver’s cruise port, located at the iconic Canada Place, is among the busiest in North America during the Alaska cruise season. As a major gateway to the Pacific Northwest and the Arctic, the port attracts millions of passengers every year.
Royal Caribbean typically sails out of Vancouver from May through September, when Alaska cruising is at its peak. Because of the city’s proximity to the Inside Passage, it’s an ideal departure point for scenic itineraries filled with fjords, wildlife, glaciers, and pristine wilderness.
Seamless access to Alaska’s Inside Passage
Stunning sail-away views of Stanley Park, Lions Gate Bridge, and North Shore Mountains
Convenient international airport and public transit
A vibrant waterfront with attractions, restaurants, and hotels
Smooth embarkation experience at Canada Place Terminal
If your bucket list includes massive glaciers, charming Alaskan towns, or adventure-packed landscapes, this is the port you’ll want to begin from.
Royal Caribbean assigns only a small number of ships to Vancouver each season. These vessels are typically part of the Radiance Class or Quantum Class, which are designed for scenic cruising and colder climates. Occasionally, the fleet rotates year-to-year, but the most consistent vessels include Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas.
Below are the primary ships Royal Caribbean sends to Vancouver.
Radiance of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean’s most beloved ships for Alaska itineraries. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, this vessel is perfect for viewing mountains, whales, and glaciers from just about anywhere onboard.
Glass-centric design ideal for scenic cruising
Solarium pool for all-weather relaxation
Adults and family activities
Adventure Ocean kids’ program
Varied dining options including Chops Grille, Izumi, and more
Radiance of the Seas often sails:
One-way Alaska voyages between Vancouver and Seward
Inside Passage Alaska cruises
Special repositioning itineraries
Brilliance of the Seas is another frequent Royal Caribbean ship sailing from Vancouver. Also part of the Radiance Class, it offers similar viewing opportunities, elegant interiors, and plenty of onboard entertainment.
Panoramic elevator banks with ocean views
Open-air deck spaces
Quality specialty dining
Music, entertainment, trivia, and shows
Relaxed atmosphere ideal for nature-focused travel
Brilliance of the Seas typically operates:
Round-trip Vancouver Alaska cruises
Glacier-viewing itineraries
One-way routes to Alaska’s interior ports
In certain seasons, Royal Caribbean repositions Quantum Class ships—such as Quantum of the Seas or Ovations of the Seas—for transpacific sailings with brief departures to or from Vancouver.
North Star capsule offering 360° views
Two70 entertainment venue
RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator
Bumper cars and SeaPlex activities
These are not guaranteed every year, but when they appear, they’re a top choice for cruisers wanting large-ship amenities.
The Inside Passage is one of the most iconic cruise routes in the world, featuring narrow channels, towering cliffs, and abundant wildlife. Vancouver is the best port for accessing this route, and Royal Caribbean ships leverage this advantage.
Crystal-clear waters
Humpback whales, orcas, seals, and eagles
Glacier-viewing from ship decks
Coastal rainforest scenery
Typical ports include:
Juneau
Skagway
Icy Strait Point
Sitka
Hubbard Glacier is one of the largest and most active tidewater glaciers in the world, known for calving massive ice chunks into the ocean. Royal Caribbean schedules multiple itineraries from Vancouver aimed at giving passengers front-row glacier views.
Thunderous calving events
Blue ice formations
Close-to-ship viewing
Majestic photography landscapes
These one-way itineraries offer the perfect combination of cruise and land exploration, enabling travelers to continue their journey into inland Alaska. Many guests combine these voyages with Royal Caribbean’s Cruisetours.
Visit Denali National Park
Ride the Alaska Railroad
Tour Anchorage, Fairbanks, Talkeetna, or Kenai
Explore deeper wilderness areas
One-way voyages usually include Hubbard Glacier or Tracy Arm Fjord.
If you want a simpler plan, no flights to Alaska, and an easy return to Vancouver, round-trip itineraries are an excellent choice.
Multiple Alaska port stops
Scenic viewpoints
Flexible cruise lengths (typically 7 nights)
Family-friendly schedules
Between seasons, Royal Caribbean ships moving between Asia, Hawaii, Mexico, or the U.S. West Coast may include embarkation or debarkation in Vancouver.
Honolulu
Tokyo or other Asian ports
Los Angeles
Seattle
These are longer, unique, one-time itineraries perfect for seasoned cruisers.
Departing Vancouver offers one of the most breathtaking cruise beginnings anywhere in the world. Ships glide past Stanley Park before heading beneath the Lions Gate Bridge, offering spectacular scenery only minutes after departure.
Ship’s bow on Deck 5 or 6
Pool deck for bridge-view shots
Viking Crown Lounge on Radiance Class ships
Royal Caribbean’s Vancouver itineraries allow travelers to learn deeply about Alaska’s history, wildlife, and Indigenous culture.
Gold-rush history tours
Totem pole villages
Wilderness hiking trails
Whale-watching and wildlife expeditions
Whether you're planning a family vacation, romantic getaway, solo adventure, or group trip, Vancouver-based Royal Caribbean cruises fit a wide range of interests.
Adventure lovers
Nature photographers
Wildlife watchers
Couples seeking quiet, scenic itineraries
Families who want both adventure and comfort
Radiance Class ships offer intimate, nature-focused experiences, while the occasional Quantum Class deployment caters to large-ship enthusiasts.
Alaska is best viewed from your own private outdoor space. Balcony cabins are often considered the best value for scenic routes.
May and September offer:
Lower fares
Fewer crowds
Slightly cooler but beautiful weather
The city is worth exploring before embarkation. Must-see attractions include:
Granville Island
Stanley Park
Capilano Suspension Bridge
Gastown and its steam clock
Even though Vancouver is in Canada, the cruises often visit U.S. ports, so ensure your passport is valid and updated.
If your dream vacation includes glaciers, wildlife, wilderness, and world-class cruising, then Vancouver is one of the best places you can begin your journey. With spectacular scenery, convenient port access, and top Royal Caribbean ships like Radiance of the Seas and Brilliance of the Seas, the experience delivers everything from adventure to relaxation.
Whether you're embarking on a classic Inside Passage voyage, exploring Hubbard Glacier, or taking a one-of-a-kind repositioning cruise, Vancouver stands as an exceptional starting point. With the right planning and the insights from this guide, you’re ready to choose the perfect itinerary and enjoy an unforgettable Royal Caribbean cruise.
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