deraildave

I am a first time cruiser with a question I have had conflicting answers to. Booking an RC cruise from Vancouver to Alaska for my Dad, my wife and myself. 30 years ago I received a criminal record here in Canada which has not prevented me from traveling to a variety of Asian countries, or establishing a second home in Philippines. My intention is to stay on the ship for the duration of the back and forth cruise but after reading other posts in this thread, I do understand I have to pass through U.S. Customs at the Vancouver Cruise Ship terminal. I do not want to break the hearts of my family if I am refused entry but I am not sure where to get a qualified answer to this issue. Has anyone here been through this? Thanks in advance.