Ahoy, Denise!
Welcome back to planDisney! I’m thrilled you’re charting a course toward the Last Frontier. Alaska has a way of making you feel like you’ve stepped straight into a Disney epic—towering peaks worthy of Frozen, wildlife encounters that would make even Pocahontas pause in admiration, and sunrises so stunning they’d give Rapunzel’s lanterns a run for their money.
My pal Adrianna already gave you some
stellar insider info, so I’ll add a bit more without repeating her magic. When it comes to the ports, you have complete freedom to choose your own adventure—whether you want to join one of Disney’s Port Adventures, explore on your own, or stay aboard the ship and soak in the quiet charm of a nearly empty vessel. If you do head out on your own, just make sure you keep an eye on the all-aboard time listed in your Disney Cruise Line Navigator app. And if you choose a Port Adventure through Disney, your guide (an independent contractor) will ensure you return in plenty of time. That’s one perk that always gives me a Hercules-level feeling of strength and confidence—no need to worry about making it back before the ship sets sail.
Now, let’s talk about getting to and from hotels in Vancouver, since that’s home base for your
Alaskan sailing. Depending on your hotel choice, you’ll have several options: taxi, rideshare, the Canada Line SkyTrain, or in some cases, a hotel shuttle. Vancouver is incredibly easy to navigate, and you won’t feel like you need Scuttle to interpret the human world’s transit systems.
Disney currently partners with
three Vancouver hotels, each with its own charm:
• Fairmont Vancouver Airport Hotel: This is the simplest option if you love a smooth, no-stress arrival. It’s right at the airport, and using Disney’s round-trip ground transfers (currently $56 per person), you can skip arranging your own transportation altogether.
• Fairmont Waterfront Hotel: Just across the street from the cruise terminal and perfect for guests who like being steps from the action. Getting to the hotel requires a taxi, rideshare, or SkyTrain, but if you book with Disney, they'll take care of your luggage transfer to the terminal on embarkation morning as you walk across the street and provide a transfer to the airport after your cruise (currently $43 per person). Be sure to book directly with Disney.
• Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel: My personal favorite for the “wow” factor. Since it’s connected to the terminal, you can practically tumble out of bed and into check-in. From the airport, the SkyTrain is the easiest way to reach it, though taxi or rideshare is always an option.
Once you’ve locked in the Alaska itinerary that calls to you—whether you're dreaming of glaciers, gold rush towns, or spotting whales like Moana spots wayfinders—I recommend
calling Disney Cruise Line. A Cast Member can walk through availability, transfer options, and pricing for your specific dates so you can piece together the perfect pre-cruise plan.
I hope this helps guide your planning and gives you a clearer picture of what to expect as your Alaskan adventure takes shape. Here's wishing your journey is filled with moments spectacular enough to make even Grandmother Willow whisper, “Listen to your heart—it knows the way.”
Sea ya real soon as the tides turn toward thankful hearts and joyful journeys,
Dustin