Cruise & Ferry Review - Spring/Summer 2021

1 6 6 The Port of Vancouver is working to ensure the safety of its passengers, while using innovative technologies to plan for its long-term future growth NORTH AMERICA: REPORT Prioritising passenger safety D uring what continues to be an unprecedented time for the cruise industry around the globe, passenger safety and future growth remain the focus at the Port of Vancouver, which is managed by Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. Situated on the Pacific Northwest coast of North America, Vancouver is home to Canada’s largest port. For more than 35 years, Vancouver has been a leading homeport for Alaskan cruises and is the only homeport to offer both one-way and roundtrip itineraries through Canada’s Inside Passage to Alaska. Canada Place, located in downtown Vancouver, is an internationally recognised landmark and multi-purpose venue for world-class events. The port authority owns and operates Canada Place, which houses a convention centre, hotel, theatre, a multi-level car park and an office tower. It is also home to the largest cruise terminal in Canada. The safety of passengers and guests who visit Canada Place remains the port authority’s top priority. It continues to follow the direction of the Canadian government regarding travel and cruise-related restrictions as a result of Covid-19. The port authority is also working with the cruise industry, cruise lines, the cruise terminal operator, other ports and the government to ensure strict safety protocols are in place to be ready for the safe restart of cruise operations. The recently created Association of Canadian Port Authorities Cruise Committee – comprised of cruise ports across Canada – is currently developing consistent safety protocols for the resumption of cruising across Canada. Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is co-chairing with the Future Borders Coalition Maritime Task Force, which includes industry stakeholders, government and health agencies, working together to develop programmes to reduce health risks on cruise lines and airlines, and to meet the Photo: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority