By
Laura Hyde |
Port of Vancouver is expecting a record-breaking cruise season in 2024, according to early estimates from the port authority.
Before the end of October, the port authority is scheduled to handle calls from 329 cruise ships at the Canada Place cruise terminal. These ships are expected to bring 1.27 million passengers to the port, about two per cent more than in 2023.
“We expect 2024 to be another strong season for the award-winning Canada Place cruise terminal, as we solidify Vancouver as a premier homeport servicing the popular Alaska market,” said Mandy Chan, manager of cruise services at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the federal agency mandated to enable Canada’s trade through the Port of Vancouver. “We look forward to working alongside our cruise line and industry partners to ensure another successful season.”
Disney Wonder was the first cruise ship to visit Port of Vancouver in 2024
The arrival of Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wonder on 11 March kicked off the Canadian port’s 2024 cruise season. The ship set sail from Port of Vancouver and headed for San Diego in California, USA. It will return in May to start its weekly itinerary from Vancouver to Alaska.
The next ship to call at the port will be Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Bliss, which is scheduled to arrive overnight on 4 April. A number of cruise ships will visit Canada Place for the first time in 2024, including Explora Journeys’ Explora I, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Nova, and Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge. The 2024 cruise season is scheduled to end when Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Jewel departs from the port on 29 October.
Vancouver has been a homeport for cruises to Alaska for more than 30 years, with the industry generating an average of almost CAN$3 million (US$2.2 million) into the local economy for each ship visit. The port also supports nearly 7,000 jobs across Canada.
“Cruise is an important part of Vancouver’s vibrant tourism sector that supports countless local hospitality and tourism businesses and jobs,” said Chan. “A key focus right now is continuing to work in partnership on initiatives to protect our environment and it is great to see our cruise line partners eager to embrace programmes.”