Cruise ships will be returning to northern B.C. this summer, the Port of Prince Rupert announced on Monday.
A total of 26 cruise ships are expected to visit Prince Rupert between May and September this year, carrying roughly 14,000 passengers. After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the return of cruise ships is expected to have a positive impact on the region’s tourism sector, Prince Rupert Port Authority (PPRA) president and CEO Shaun Stevenson said in a statement issued Monday.
“PRPA and our partners are looking forward to safely welcoming back cruise passengers to Prince Rupert after a de-stabilizing couple of years in the tourism industry,” Stevenson said. “Cruise has historically played a pivotal role in the local economy and it is our hope that the 2022 summer season marks the return of a vibrant local tourism sector, with the opportunity to increase its strength in the future.”
Enhanced COVID-19 safety protocols will be in place when ships start to arrive later this year. Crews and passengers will be required to be vaccinated, and passenger screening and testing requirements will be in place, along with enhanced cleaning protocols onboard.
Between 2004 and 2019, Prince Rupert welcomed roughly 655,000 cruise passengers who contributed an estimated $50 million to the local economy.
"Tourism Prince Rupert is thrilled to welcome cruise passengers back to the Northland Terminal in Prince Rupert to experience all of the excitement and adventure our community has to offer. As the only port-of-call in Canada [for the ships on the 2022 itinerary], Prince Rupert offers passengers a unique glimpse into the wild Canadian landscape and our friendly small towns,” Tourism Prince Rupert executive director Ceilidh Marlow said in a statement issued Monday. “We are working closely with PRPA to prepare for the upcoming season and are actively searching for new tour operators or businesses interested in offering an experience for cruise passengers."
The Windstar Star Breeze is the first cruise ship expected to call at Prince Rupert, on May 29. Two ships are expected to arrive in Prince Rupert on Sept. 23, potentially setting a single-day record for cruise visitors.
