The cruise is booked with the Princess EZ Air package; it was less expensive than booking direct with Air Canada (for the way to) and Alaska (for the return home) if you can believe it.
Princess guarantees that they will hold the ship for as long as possible or fly us to Ketchikan along with lodging and food comps if boarding is missed due to a covered event. They will handle the PVSA documentation with USCIS as well, as it is their responsibility. This is possible because as passengers we are on the manifest for the Canadian departure, it is not a case of joining a foreign-flagged vessel at a US port to then travel to another US port. The intent was to board at a Canadian port to then go to the United States, is documented as such, and there is a valid reason for having to join the ship in Ketchikan (or what ever the first port of call is for your particular voyage.)
Yes, you'll probably have to stand your ground a little bit with a low-wage agent in the Phillippines and do the run-around. It will be really frustrating and stressful too. Yes, the best option is to always make the ship in time and enjoy the sail-away party! But if the airplane breaks and you don't get to the dock on time, its not the end of the vacation.