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Cunard passenger is 10 millionth cruiser to Victoria, BC

Cunard's Queen Elizabeth carried the 10 millionth cruise passenger to Victoria, BC, where the ship was welcomed by the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) Wednesday.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

August 17, 2023

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

This marks 54 years of cruise ships visiting Victoria.

Economic impact

'Ten million cruise visitors to Victoria is an incredible milestone. Cruise supports the region's visitor economy and creates jobs that support Victoria's economic recovery. Engineers, entrepreneurs, accountants, mechanics and others are employed due to cruise tourism in Victoria, with salaries totalling over $40 million annually,' GVHA CEO Robert Lewis-Manning said.

Each year, cruise visitors and crew contribute $56m to the local economy, purchasing tours and local transportation, retail goods and food and beverages. Cruise lines spend $84m on warehousing, ship agents, repairs and maintenance, port fees and docking services.

'The cruise industry is a valued and vital part of a regional visitor industry that continues to create countless career opportunities and support the livelihood of Victorians,' Mayor Marianne Alto added.

Gift presentation

Two couples stepped off Queen Elizabeth at Ogden Point Wednesday and were presented with a gift courtesy of the Bay Centre. Industry partners and stakeholders gathered there to welcome them.

'We’ve been married for 14 years, and we came on this trip to renew our vows,' said Emma Lonergan, a passenger from the UK.

'Victoria is a world-class city because it has something for everyone, from natural beauty, heritage and architecture to fabulous dining options and a warm community,' said Matt Gleaves, VP commercial, Cunard North America. 'It is a much-loved highlight of Cunard’s voyages in this part of the world and holds great appeal for Cunard’s guests as well as from our sister brands across our corporation.'

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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