Port of Vancouver prepares for record breaking 2024 cruise season

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is the federal agency mandated with enabling trade - including cruise - through the Port of Vancouver, with SSA Marine (previously known as CERES Terminals Canada) managing day-to-day cruise terminal operations on our behalf.

We expect Vancouver’s 2024 cruise season, which started on March 11 with the arrival of the Disney Wonder on a voyage to San Diego, to be another banner year - welcoming 329 cruise ship visits and an estimated record 1.27 million passenger visits. This would be 2% more than last year’s record 1.24 million passenger visits.

The Alaska market’s rebound from the pandemic is testament to both its enduring popularity and the dedication of those working to enable its success. We continue to work closely with cruise lines, destination partners, industry and government to ensure the 2024 season is a success, as we strengthen Vancouver as North America’s premier homeport servicing the Alaska market.

Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for more than 30 years, acting as the base for one-way and round-trip cruises through the Inside Passage. As a homeport destination, the Vancouver cruise industry injects an average of almost $3 million into the local economy for each ship visit, supports nearly 7,000 jobs across Canada and $300 million in wages, and contributes $840 million to Canada’s GDP.   

We know the allure of an Alaska cruise trip is the natural beauty of the journey, which is why we are working in partnership to enhance the sustainability of cruise, while enabling its growth and improving guest experience. Key environmental programs and initiatives underway in 2024 at the Port of Vancouver for cruise include: 

We want to thank our cruise line and industry partners for their enthusiasm participating in these programs - and acknowledge that cruise lines have long been at the forefront of sustainability at the Port of Vancouver.

Our joint efforts are making a measurable difference: For example, shore power has helped reduce port-related greenhouse gas emissions by more than 38,000 tonnes since being introduced at the Port of Vancouver in 2009, the equivalent of taking about 8,500 gasoline-powered cars off the road for one year.

The success of Vancouver’s cruise industry is a direct result of the dedication and collaboration of all those involved. We know that by working together we can ensure Vancouver remains a premier homeport destination for years to come - one that leads the world in both guest experience and sustainability, and has the capacity needed to support growth in the popular Alaska market.