April 09, 2018 - 12:15 PM
VANCOUVER - The Port of Vancouver says nearly one million passengers are expected to visit during its 2018 cruise ship season, starting Tuesday with the arrival of the Star Princess.
A news release from the port says approximately 895,000 passengers aboard 241 vessels will arrive between April and October, an increase of seven per cent over 2017.
The port will reach a milestone of 25 million cruise passengers in May when a Holland America vessel arrives and a celebration is planned, the release says.
It also says passenger volumes through the port have been strong over the last five years.
The passenger count will go up when the Norwegian Bliss, the largest cruise ship to visit Vancouver, ties up on Sept. 30 carrying approximately 4,000 people.
In all, the port says 14 cruise lines will make a stop in the city this season and the cruise industry estimates each arrival brings about $3 million in direct economic activity for the area.
"We always look forward to the start of the cruise season and are thrilled this year to welcome even more visitors to our cruise terminal at Canada Place," says Robin Silvester, president and chief executive officer of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
Along with the Norwegian Bliss, the port says ships making their first visit to Vancouver include Windstar Cruises' Star Legend and the Norwegian Jewel.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2018