Canadian Immigration Process Change for the 2014 Alaskan Cruise Season

Disney Cruise Line began notifying residents of the United States booked on the upcoming 2014 Alaskan cruises with DCL ground transfers of a process change to the Canadian Immigration process. According to the email, the US Direct Immigration program for the 2014 Alaskan cruise season was canceled. This will require all passengers entering Canada from the United States to clear Canadian Customs & Immigrations  upon arrival to Vancouver International Airport.  According to an email I received from a reader the usual wait time for customs is around 20- 25 minutes, but can take as long as an hour and a half on a bad day.

Previously, the US DIRECT Immigration program allowed eligible guests arriving directly from the US on the day of their sailing to utilize an expedited and secure in-transit transfer between Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and Ballantyne and Canada Place Pier.

For more information on what to expect this summer when traveling Vancouver International Airport for your Disney Cruise to Alaska check out the airport’s dedicated pages for cruise passenger arrivals and departures.

Below is a copy of the email sent to guests affected by the Canadian immigration process change for the 2014 Alaskan cruise season:

April 25, 2014
Reservation #:
Dear     ,

All of us at Disney Cruise Line look forward to welcoming you aboard the Disney Wonder 9-Night Alaska sailing! We want to take a moment to provide you with an update on a recent change to information you received previously.

We have recently learned of the cancellation of the US DIRECT Immigration program for the 2014 Alaska cruise season. All Guests entering Canada from the United States will be required to clear Canadian Customs and Immigration formalities upon arrival at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR).

Those Guests with pre-arranged Disney Cruise Line ground transportation should meet a Disney Cruise Line representative upon exiting the customs hall.

We apologize for this change in Canadian Immigration and appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,
The Cast and Crew
Disney Cruise Line
Ship’s Registry: The Bahamas

2 Replies to “Canadian Immigration Process Change for the 2014 Alaskan Cruise Season”

  1. Bill B.

    Should have signed on to the Keystone pipeline deal…Sorry couldn’t help myself.

    We plan on flying in the day before when we go next year. I don’t trust the airlines enough to try and fly there the day we’re leaving.

    Reply
  2. Tenkawa

    Should be noted that this does not affect the following:

    Driving
    Train
    Flying in prior to the day of the cruise
    Using a non-DCL provided transfer service (eg: Cab, limo, transit)

    Reply

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