Cruise season isn't underway in Vancouver just yet but ultra-low-cost deals on short sailings are available for thrifty travellers who don't want to skip out on luxury.
While Alaskan cruises typically cost several thousand dollars per passenger, travellers from the Lower Mainland can dip their toes into the sea of cruising without committing to a big-budget holiday.
A five-day sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver on one of Princess Cruises' newer ships, the Discovery Princess, costs a fraction of the price of an Alaskan cruise without sacrificing onboard amenities or entertainment. Of course, if Alaska is high on your bucket list, you may want to spend the extra money. However, if you've never cruised, or simply want to sail up the breathtaking California coast en route to B.C., this itinerary is an ideal choice.
The sailing does not include any stops but has numerous places for passengers to explore on board the five-star vessel, including 11 bars and lounges, 10 hot tubs, movies under the stars, a video arcade, a disco, a basketball court, a mini-golf course, four swimming pools, pickleball, a theatre, a casino, and a couple of pools.
The Discovery Princess is only a few years old and offers indulgent offerings afforded other Royal-class ships, such as luxurious spa services, access to ultimate comfort in The Sanctuary, and high-end dining options at several specialty restaurants.
The sailing departs on Saturday, April 26 from Los Angeles and sails into Canada Place in Vancouver on Wednesday, April 30.
| Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Sat., April 26 | Los Angeles | 3 p.m. | |
| Sun., April 27 | At Sea | ||
| Mon., April 28 | At Sea | ||
| Tues., April 29 | At Sea | ||
| Wed., April 30 | Vancouver | 4:30 a.m. |
Sail from Los Angeles to Vancouver with Princess Cruises
Travellers can choose between several stateroom categories, including interior, ocean view, balcony, mini-suite, suite, vista suite, and penthouse suite. The owner's suite, sky suite, and window suite are already sold out. Fewer cabins are available for the top suites and they may sell out quicker and offer intriguing perks (the Sky Suites offers sweeping 270-degree views). Also, on lower-priced sailings, people who may not be able to afford the top-category suites take the opportunity to indulge.
Interior staterooms are the most modest accommodations on the vessel but are ideal for budget-conscious travellers who simply want a place to lie their heads down. The room is approximately 166 to 249 square feet and sleeps up to four people, although this may feel somewhat tight. You can inquire with guest services about how beds will be configured when making a booking.
If you aren't picky about where you are located on the ship, you can save $13 per person by allowing Princess to select your room. However, if you suffer from sea sickness, the front and back of the vessel tend to experience the most rockiness, while the centre will provide the most stability.
Princess also offers a couple of packages, the Princess Premier and Princess Plus, that include beverages, WiFi, and dining at specialty restaurants. You may wish to purchase these in advance to reduce the cost of spending (see slide two).
The price for two people for an interior stateroom is US$736 or C$1,063.20, which breaks down to a per-person C$531.60 cruise fare. This price works out to C$106.32 per diem divided by the five days (see slide three).
Not only does that cost include your transportation on a beautiful five-star vessel, but it also includes meals, entertainment, snacks, and lodging. The only thing it doesn’t factor in is alcohol, but you may opt to purchase a drink package.
Since the sailing is a few months off, Princess is including an instant savings offer of up to $50 per person for up to four guests for sailings four to six days long.
Flight to Los Angeles from Vancouver
Direct flights from Vancouver International Airport (YVR) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) start for just over $100 when booked in advance. However, travellers should consider booking their flight the day before the cruise and staying in a hotel in L.A. to avoid missing the departure.
Cruise lines typically require guests to arrive four hours before sailing time to board and get settled in.
A Flair Airlines flight departing on Friday, April 25 at 7:45 a.m. from YVR costs $114 (see slide four).
Book your sailing online with Princess Cruises.
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