Embarkation - Vancouver

We embarked in Vancouver. Overall, it was a snap. The customs line at the airport took about 30 minutes but otherwise there was very little waiting. Took a taxi to Canada Pier, about $40 with tip, and walked on at around 1:30 with almost no lines whatsoever.

My suggestion for avoiding crowds: if you arrive before noon, don't go to the pier yet. Do yourself a favor and have a nice, relaxing lunch in town before boarding. Canada Pier is in downtown Vancouver, so there are lots options. Take a taxi or shuttle to the pier, drop off your luggage, and go explore.

This works beautifully in Vancouver, but I'd even recommend this for Miami/Ft. Lauderdale cruises where the town is not easily accessible to the pier. It's still better to spend your time at the airport than in line at the pier. As much as I detest the Miami airport (crowded, noisy, no bookstores, mediocre food) I'd rather sit for an hour with a latte or a Cuban sandwich than stand in line with hundreds of other people hoping to get on the ship just a little sooner.