Port of Vancouver celebrates its role in the Alaskan cruise market as it marks 30th anniversary
By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Autumn/Winter 2016 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
When the Port of Vancouver kicked off its 2016 cruise season on 4 April, there was plenty of reason for excitement.
“2016 marks the 30th anniversary of Canada Place at the Port of Vancouver,” says Robin Silvester, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, which manages the port.
This year, Vancouver expects to welcome around 830,000 passengers on 228 cruise calls, reflecting a forecasted 3% increase in passenger volume from 2015.
“Our award-winning cruise facilities at Canada Place welcome thousands of visitors to beautiful Vancouver every year,” remarks Silvester.
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver, Canada Place cruise terminal is close to the city’s major attractions and 30 minutes from the Vancouver International Airport. Passengers can easily access public transport, taxi services, shuttles and limousines. Long- and short-term parking is also available.
Recent terminal enhancements to improve efficiency and flow help the port to consistently achieve high passenger satisfaction scores. The port authority also prioritises environmental protection and the quality of life of its neighbours. In 2009, the Canada Place cruise ship terminal became the first in Canada, and the third in the world, to offer shorepower for cruise ships. Shorepower allows cruise ships to plug into a land-based electrical power grid and shut off their diesel generators, thereby reducing noise and emissions.
For more than 30 years, the Port of Vancouver has been a major homeport for Alaska cruises. In fact, it is the only homeport to offer both one-way and roundtrip itineraries through the scenic Inside Passage – a route that runs along thousands of island archipelagos on British Columbia’s west coast. Itineraries to and from Vancouver offer guests front-row views of the coastline, glaciers, mountains, wildlife and rugged beauty that makes up one of America’s last frontiers while the route’s shorter distance allows them to spend more time exploring Alaskan ports.
However, the adventure begins the moment passengers arrive in Vancouver. Consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver is a vibrant pre-cruise and post-cruise destination in the Pacific Northwest. Boasting a backdrop of mountains and jaw-dropping vistas, the city offers famous attractions like Capilano Suspension Bridge, Stanley Park and Grouse Mountain. Visitors can explore public markets, enjoy international cuisine, great shopping and hospitality. Vancouver also offers easy access to cities and regions in British Columbia, including Whistler, the Okanagan and the Canadian Rockies.
Vancouver is one of North America’s most exciting cities and with various shore excursions and pre- or post-cruise options, it can offer an unforgettable experience to any type of cruise guest.