It’s Cruise Time in Canada!

When cruise ships start sailing into Vancouver’s iconic Canada Place, you know the North American season is well and truly underway. On Monday April 4th, the Star Princess cruised under the Lion’s Gate Bridge, then continued on to dock at Canada Place. Her arrival symbolises the beginning of what’s shaping up to be one of the biggest cruise seasons that Vancouver has ever hosted.

Measuring in at 950 feet long and capable of hosting 3100 passengers, the Star Princess will be one of the largest ships to dock in Vancouver this year. Before starting her usual Alaska sailings, she’ll will make two round trips to the Hawaiian Islands, plus a short Los Angeles itinerary on April 19.

Vancouver gears up for biggest season in a decade

When cruise season really takes off towards the end of April, Canada Place expects to welcome 3% more passengers than last year. All up, it will play host to 288 ship calls, over 24 vessels and a huge 830,000 passengers. All soaking up the mountains, the shopping, the culture and of course, the maple syrup!

For every vessel that pulls into port, the city generates over US$2 million for the local economy. This includes tourists spending up big on activities, experiences and shopping, as well as the cruise line stocking up on supplies.

A North American favourite

So what other lines are set to grace Canada Place in 2016? Holland America’s brand new MS Nieuw Amsterdam will make a maiden call to the city, as will Crystal Cruises’ Serenity with a total of eight sailings. The Disney Wonder will commence the first of its 14 Vancouver trips on May 23, with other lines including Royal Caribbean, Regent Seven Seas, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and more.

Not only will Canada Place be welcoming an impressive number of passengers, but the dock will also be celebrating its 30th anniversary. Originally built in 1986 for the World’s Fair, it’s now the heart and soul of the city’s cruise industry.

Holland America Line President Orlando Ashford agrees. “Our guests rank Vancouver among their favourite cities,” he said, “and the ease and convenience of the port make it all the more popular. Congratulations to Canada Place on celebrating its 30th anniversary, and we look forward to an extremely robust and successful Alaska season sailing from Vancouver.”

Set sail to Vancouver

For cruises to Vancouver, Alaska and beyond, check out the huge range of Canada and US itineraries available from Cruise 1st. From the icy fjords of Skagway to the sunny shores of California, there’s something for every taste. Alternatively, call our friendly sales team on 0808 2746 777.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.