Vancouver sees big boost in Cruisers this year

Port Metro Vancouver’s 2013 Alaska cruise season begins today and continues an upward trend with very strong growth of 23 per cent over 2012. Port Metro Vancouver estimates more than 820,000 passengers will travel through the Port’s two cruise terminals, Canada Place and Ballantyne this year.

Port Metro Vancouver’s cruise terminals offer a superior experience. In 2012, Port Metro Vancouver’s cruise terminal at Canada Place won and Cruise Insight’s “Best Turnaround Port Operations” (home port) and “Most Efficient Terminal Operation” award.

“Port Metro Vancouver provides cruise passengers with a unique offering, combining award-winning customer service, specialized cruise itineraries and a journey to Alaska through Canada’s stunning inside passage,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. “The growth we are seeing for 2013 translates into a real economic boost for the region, bringing $80 million more in economic activity to local businesses restaurants, hotels, shopping and tours than in 2012.”

New for 2013:

820,000 passengers on more than 235 cruise calls for the 2013 season, up from 667,000 passengers on 191 calls in 2012.
The Disney Wonder returns to home port in Vancouver with 16 round-trip sailings, bringing more than 75,000 passengers.
The Norwegian Sun home ports in Vancouver with nine open-jaw sailings between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska, bringing more than 45,000 passengers.
Holland America Line’s Amsterdam returns to Vancouver, bringing approximately 50,000 more passengers than in 2012, with 269,000 passengers.
Vancouver’s cruise industry is an important contributor to the region’s economy, stimulating more than $2 million in economic activity for every cruise ship call in Vancouver.