The first cruise ship of the season -- the Sapphire Princess -- arrives in Vancouver today, officially starting what could be a record season for the popular port. A total of 331 cruise ships visits are scheduled for the Canada Place cruise terminal between now and October 24, an increase of approximately 8% compared to 2022.
"Vancouver continues to be one of the world's top cruise destinations and an award-winning homeport," said Mandy Chan, manager of cruise services at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
"After a two-year pause and an incredible restart in 2022, we are now gearing up for another big season for the Vancouver cruise sector as well as the local hospitality and tourism industries it supports."
A record 1.2 to 1.3 million passengers could travel through the Canada Place cruise terminal this year -- an increase of about 10% over the 2019 record of 1.1 million. There were 307 cruise ship visits and 810,090 passengers last year.
The Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver was recognized as North America's best homeport in Cruise Critic's 2022 awards, earning praise for its scenic location, proximity to the Inside Passage and central location in the heart of downtown Vancouver.
"As we prepare for another big season, I want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone who made Vancouver's return to cruise such a success last year as well as recognize the planning and preparation that has gone into this year," said Chan.
"The Port of Vancouver's cruise comeback story is a testament to the exceptional work and dedication that industry has led to adapt and renew the sector."
The Sapphire Princess will kick off what could be a record season at the Port of Vancouver. (Princess Cruises)Highlights for the Port of Vancouver's 2023 cruise season include:
-- The first ship of the season, the Sapphire Princess, will arrive at the Canada Place cruise terminal on April 12. The last cruise ship of the season, the Koningsdam, will depart Canada Place on Tuesday, October 24.
-- Six ships will visit Canada Place for the first time in 2023: Brilliance of the Seas, Silver Whisper, Hanseatic Nature, Fridtjof Nansen, Seabourn Venture and Scenic Eclipse II.
-- Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver welcomes the return of Holland America, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Cunard Line, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Windstar, Viking Cruises, Victory Cruise Lines, Hurtigruten, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Oceania Cruises.
-- In 2022, nearly 70% of cruise calls were shore power enabled, compared to 50% in 2019.
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