Ahoy there, Patrick,
Welcome aboard planDisney! How exciting that you have a
Disney Cruise Line vacation on the horizon! You are going to be mesmerized by the
grand beauty of Alaska. It is truly breathtaking, and you won’t want to leave, but alas, at some point you will have to debark the ship. Though I can imagine all the magical memories you will have to smile about on your flight home!
There are several factors to consider when timing your flight home, so let’s think through a few:
First, and most importantly, Disney Cruise Line recommends that the earliest departure time from Vancouver International Airport on debarkation day is 12:00 p.m. The ship debarks at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal. Travel time to the Vancouver International Airport from the terminal is 45 minutes, depending on traffic. You will also need to consider your
ground transfers between the port and Vancouver International Airport. If you choose
Disney Cruise Line’s airport transfers, I recommend booking in advance by calling (800) 951-3532. Please be prepared to provide your inbound and outbound flight details. Private transportation options are also available.
Now, consider your luggage. You may opt to place your luggage outside your stateroom on the last night of the cruise, usually between 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., for delivery to the ship's terminal the following morning. If you select this option, allow time to locate your luggage in the Luggage Hall as you debark. If you would rather get on your way, opt for Express Walk-Off, which allows you to take your luggage and debark as soon as the ship is cleared by port authorities. If you choose this option, you can debark the ship as early as 8:00 a.m., but this is subject to change.
No matter which luggage option you choose, after you debark the ship, you must clear through Canadian Immigration Inspection and Canadian Customs before exiting the cruise terminal. Also, keep in mind that you will need to pass through U.S. Customs and Border Protection at the Vancouver Airport.
Finally, and one of my best tips, is to consider how you want to spend your last moments aboard the ship. Personally, I prefer one last magical meal by eating a sit-down breakfast on the ship. The time and place of your final day breakfast will depend on your
rotational dining schedule, so check your
Disney Cruise Line Navigator App once onboard for the schedule. Or you may choose a quick continental breakfast instead, if available. Again, check the Navigator App for times and locations. Either way, you can still carry your luggage with you to make the exit process a bit quicker.
Patrick, I know this is a lot of information, but I hope this overview has been helpful as you plan your airline reservations. Once you get that squared away, I hope you will sail back by planDisney and allow our cruise specialists,
Tracie and
Adrianna, to assist you with any other questions you might have!
Wishing you many magical memories,
Shannon