A major cruise line is continuing its ultra-low-cost program for flexible Metro Vancouverites looking for low-cost sailings.
Holland America Line (HAL) introduced its standby program in August 2023, providing jaw-dropping fares for travellers capable of taking a last-minute cruise.
In 2024, customers could enjoy rates for as low as US$49 per person, per day or US$98 per stateroom, per day before port taxes and fees, regardless of the itinerary.
The price has increased this year, although the program provides trips for hundreds of dollars, if not thousands, less than travellers would typically pay.
HAL spokesperson Adrienne Carter told V.I.A. that this year's standby pricing includes taxes and fees, while the former one did not. Additionally, travellers may select their cabin before the sailing. Previously, they were assigned any stateroom category up to a veranda stateroom, based on availability.
Carter said the program is ideal for people who live in Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and can take a last-minute cruise from the Canada Place terminal.
HAL 2025 stand-by program for cruises from Vancouver
For the 2025 season, rates start at US$99 or roughly C$136.89 daily, with dozens of return trips available from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»to Alaska. Additionally, the cruise line offers one-way options between Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»and Whittier, Alaska (this option requires a flight back home).
Hundreds of cruises visit the downtown terminal annually, offering dozens of opportunities for possible standby options through HAL's program. While most of these options visit Alaska, a few others journey down the Pacific coast to California.
New on this year's standby list, HAL is offering locals a "once in a lifetime" departing on Aug. 31 on the Westerdam.
Guests can also enjoy a from Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»to San Diego on the Zaandam, departing on Sept. 24.
Locals looking to dip their toes into the ocean of cruising can also sign up for a couple of one-night voyages between Seattle and Vancouver.
The cruise line has a list of cruises that are eligible for the .
When will I be notified if space becomes available on a sailing?
Prospective passengers will be notified two to seven days before embarkation if they have been accepted for the cruise.
HAL will notify people who have added their name to the program no less than two days before departure.
For the lead-in, standby price (C$136.86 daily), guests may select an interior or oceanview stateroom. For US$129 or C$178.37 daily, guests can select a veranda stateroom.
Guests are charged when they sign up for the program and are refunded within four to six weeks if they aren't selected. People who choose not to sail won't receive a refund.
HAL adds that travellers sailing on the standby program may still add popular packages, including the "Have It All" package with Wi-Fi, a beverage package, and shore excursion and dining credits.
To join the standby list for your preferred cruise, contact a travel agent or call 877-724-5425.
Find more information about exciting destinations in B.C. and across the globe, as well as travel deals and tips, by signing up for V.I.A.'s weekly travel newsletter The Wanderer. Since travel deals can sell out, find out the day they are posted by signing up for our daily Travel Deals newsletter.
Want to learn more about a specific destination or have a travel concern or idea you would like V.I.A. to write about? Email us at [email protected]. Send us stories about recent holidays that you've been on, or if you have any tips you think our readers should know about.
