The Port of Vancouver in British Columbia, one of the main embarkation ports for Alaska cruises, capped another record year for cruise arrivals, welcoming 1.32 million passengers, an increase of 7%. compared to 2023.

At the start of the 2024 season, port authorities predicted cruise arrivals would reach 1.27 million, so the final figure reflects a good increase on that figure. projection.

In an end-of-season release released on October 28, 2024, the Canada Place terminal at the Port of Vancouver revealed that the number of cruise arrivals had jumped by approximately 80,000, although the number of ship visits was slightly lower to that of 2023. the ship number was 332 while in 2024, it was 327.

The higher total number of passengers on five fewer ships is likely attributed to the record occupancy rates – many of which exceed 100% – that most major cruise lines have reported in 2024.

In 2023, the port experienced a record 1.25 million cruise passengers visit the destination, which represents a whopping 54% increase compared to 2022.

The last ship to leave port when the season officially closed on October 29, 2024 was Norwegian Cruise Line. Norwegian gem. The 2,370-guest ship was homeported in Vancouver for the entire 2024 season.

The dynamic and robust cruise tourism industry represents a major economic boon for the Vancouver region. A recently released economic impact study by the Vancouver-Fraser Port Authority, which oversees the facility, found that cruise lines, guests and crew members together account for $1.1 billion in local spending every year.

On average, each cruise line spends $450 on hotel rooms, restaurants, shopping, tours and other activities, while cruise lines inject some $660 million into the economy by purchasing regional goods and services while restocking and by refueling their ships.

“Norwegian Jewel’s Alaska voyages to and from Vancouver have provided our guests with a wonderful opportunity to plan pre- and post-cruise stays in this beautiful city, allowing them to truly immerse themselves in the destination and plan extended vacation,» said David J. Herrera, President of Norwegian Cruise Line.

“We look forward to our future sailings to and from Vancouver in 2025 and 2026, helping to support local businesses while providing our guests with an unforgettable Alaska vacation experience.”» added Herrera.

The 2,700 guests of Disney Cruise Line Disney Wonder opened the cruise season in Vancouver on March 11, 2024. Five cruise ships made their inaugural calls to the Port of Vancouver in 2024 — 922 Explora Journeys guests Explore I; The 728 guests of Silversea Cruises Silver Nova; The 2,900 guests of Celebrity Cruises Edge of Fame; The 2,400 guests of the Peace Boat Pacific World; and the 230 guests of Hapag Lloyd Hanseatic spirit.

Local officials have attributed the port’s success not only to the cruise lines, but also to the team of volunteers who greet and interact with cruise passengers.

“As another record-breaking cruise season comes to a close for the year, the contributions of our nearly 200 Destination Vancouver volunteers stand out as an example of how the city is coming together to support the cruise industry,» said Royce Chwin, President and CEO of Destination Vancouver.

New technologies are gaining momentum in Vancouver

A new partnership between the Port of Vancouver and U.S. Customs and Border Protection has launched Canada’s first project to implement biometric facial scanning for cruise passengers. Technology has reduced the time typically taken to pass through U.S. border screening by up to 94%.

Read also: Vancouver Cruise Port Guide – Terminal, Facilities, Nearby

Biometric technology replaces passport kiosks previously used to confirm identity and reduces interaction to approximately 10 seconds.

The Port of Vancouver has also progressed in 2024 with the use of shore power connections. More than 80% of cruise ships visiting the port were shore powered and connected to the port’s power grid infrastructure. Shore power in Vancouver has reduced port-related emissions by more than 45,000 tonnes over the past 15 years.

The Port of Vancouver in 2009 became the first port in Canada, and the third port in the world, to provide shore power technology for cruise ships.