Metro Vancouverites looking for a low-cost cruise that doesn't skimp out on destinations can score a sailing that departs this weekend.
The last-minute deal offers the chance to experience Royal Caribbean International's (RCI) award-winning, friendly entertainment for just over $160 daily.
The six-day Pacific Coastal cruise departs from Canada Place this Sunday, Sept. 22 and visits Victoria the next day before spending a day at sea en route to San Francisco.
After spending the night in San Francisco, guests visit Catalina Island before disembarking the ship in Los Angeles on Sept. 28.
RCI also wows guests with high-end spa treatments, attentive service, and specialty restaurants.
The cruise ship is the Brilliance of the Seas, part of RCI's Radiance class of vessels that feature everything from a rotating bar with panoramic views to a rock climbing wall soaring 40 feet above the cruise ship deck.
| Date | Port | Arrive | Depart |
| Sun., Sept. 22 | Vancouver | 5 p.m. | |
| Mon., Sept. 23 | Victoria | 7 a.m. | 4 p.m. |
| Tues., Sept. 24 | At Sea | ||
| Wed., Sept. 25 | San Francisco | 9:30 a.m. | |
| Thur., Sept. 26 | San Francisco | 3 p.m. | |
| Fri., Sept. 27 | Catalina Island | 11 a.m. | 5 p.m. |
| Sat., Sept. 28 | Los Angeles | 7 a.m. |
Royal Caribbean International drops price on Vancouver cruise to Los Angeles, California
RCL is offering 60 per cent off the second person in a stateroom on this sailing as part of its current promotion. For an interior stateroom, this works out to $398 in savings (see slides two and three). Note: The interior stateroom sleeps up to four but does not have a window. All of the other room categories are sold out.
An inside option for two people costs US$1,487.56 or US$743.78 per person, which converts to approximately C$2,017.19 or C$1,008.60 (see slide four).
The total per-diem, per-person amount is roughly C$168 for the six-day cruise.
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 that can reduce the cost of your spending.
A flight back from L.A. to Vancouver is extremely affordable, with ultra-low-cost-carrier Flair Airlines offering direct, one-way tickets starting at C$47. However, these flights tend to depart before 11 a.m., which doesn't allow much time to get off the ship and go through airport security. It is recommended to stay at least one night or book a flight later at night.
There is a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Vancouver International Airport (YVR) departing at 10:45 the day of the cruise for $65 with Flair Airlines. Since this time is tight, the next best option for an early departure is the following day, Sept. 29. However, the cheapest flight involves a stop and costs just over $100.
Folks planning to enjoy time in L.A. post-cruise can score dramatically cheaper flight options. For example, a direct flight departing on Oct. 5 costs $36 with Flair (see slide five), though accommodations in and around L.A. can be costly.
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