Cruise ship season is returning to Victoria in 2022, and it’s going to be a record year according to a recent draft plan released by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA).
The GVHA released the draft schedule for the 2022 cruise ship season in Victoria with the first ship in a Canadian port in two years arriving on April 6th, bringing with it, hundreds of thousands of tourists.
As of now, 350 cruise ships are scheduled to port in Victoria between April and October 2022 and will bring an estimated 759,000 passengers.
While the draft schedule could change, the upcoming season is expected record-breaking season.
“We’ve worked hard and collaborated with government and industry to ensure that when ships return to Canada, and to Victoria, we will be ready to safely welcome passengers and crew,” said Ian Robertson, CEO, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.
Health regulations for cruise ships are set by the federal government and will be in place for next season.
Currently, Canada requires cruise ship passengers and crew members to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and operators must have COVID-19 management plans and reporting protocols in place.
“Our government is excited to welcome the first cruise ship back in Canadian waters in two years to the Victoria Cruise Terminal, Canada’s busiest port of call and a strategic stop on the popular Alaskan cruise itinerary,” said Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The industry is worth an estimated $2.7 billion annually to the province; about $143 million of that supports Victoria’s economy.
In 2022, Norwegian Encore, Majestic Princess, and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas will make their inaugural calls to Victoria.
The first ship arriving at Ogden Point will be Caribbean Princess, at 9 a.m. on April 6th.
Majestic Princess will be the first vessel to utilize the Pier B mooring dolphin extension that was completed in early 2020.
