The Port of Vancouver is on its way to another record-breaking cruise season. The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority reports that the Canada Place cruise terminal welcomed over 550,000 passengers between March and June 30, 2024—a 13% increase from the same period in 2023.
The Port Authority says the numbers not only signal the recovery of the global cruise industry but also highlight Vancouver’s importance as a homeport destination for the Alaska cruise season.
“Cruise continues to thrive in Vancouver -- and this is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the local industry as much as it is to the region’s natural beauty,” said Peter Xotta, CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority
Koningsdam passes under the Lion's Gate Bridge as it enters Vancouver. (Photo Credit: Holland America Line)
The Canada Place cruise terminal saw its second busiest day on April 29, 2024, with nearly 20,000 passengers passing through the terminal on that day alone. Moreover, five of the terminal’s top 10 busiest days occurred in April, May, and June, signaling that the 2024 cruise season could be one of the most successful on record for the Port of Vancouver.
In response to the increasing number of passengers and the need to maintain efficient operations, the Port of Vancouver has implemented several key innovations. In June 2024, the port partnered with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) to introduce facial biometrics for cruise passengers, streamlining the process of handling large volumes of travellers.
With the port already on track to surpass last year’s passenger numbers, Xotta and the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority remain optimistic about the future of cruise tourism in the city. Xotta commented
“Being a homeport destination where cruise lines base their ships for the Alaska season means benefits are spread throughout the region, from local food and beverage suppliers to ship fuel and repair providers to downtown restaurants and hotels.”
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