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PRINCE RUPERT – Cruise tourism has firmly regained its footing at the Port of Prince Rupert. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Port saw a 230 per cent increase in cruise passenger volumes versus 2019 – the last time cruise ships were operating in Canada. Between May 17th and October 3rd, 2022, 40,998 cruise passengers transited through the Port, making it the busiest cruise season in Prince Rupert in over a decade.
The return of cruise tourism has significantly boosted the local economy, with approximately $3.5 million in direct consumer spending in the community, including more than $650,000 spent with local shore excursion providers. This season’s totals were also bolstered by visits from Ruby Princess. The cruise vessel, which has a capacity for more than 3,000 passengers, called on Prince Rupert 13 times. Ruby Princess is the first in the Princess Cruises fleet to include the Port on its regular Alaska cruise itinerary.
“The 2022 cruise season was the ninth largest in Prince Rupert’s history and we are greatly encouraged by the strong return of the cruise tourism sector. The season’s success is a reflection of our valuable partnerships with local businesses and organizations, especially the shore excursion operators, Tourism Prince Rupert and the volunteer Cruise Ambassadors, who work together with us to enrich the visitor experience,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority. “Going forward, Prince Rupert is uniquely positioned within the Alaska cruise theatre with immense potential for growth, particularly in regard to developing new opportunities for Indigenous-led tourism and eco-tourism in our region.”
“Tourism Prince Rupert was thrilled to see the return of cruise ships to Prince Rupert as it signified a strong rebound in the tourism sector after two very challenging seasons. Cruise provides a significant opportunity to our local tourism operators to access a unique pool of international clients, and for our local businesses to benefit from an economic influx into our community,” said Ceilidh Marlow, Executive Director, Tourism Prince Rupert. “We are thankful to our partners at the Prince Rupert Port Authority and to our volunteer Cruise Ambassadors who spent many hours this season helping cruise ship passengers orient themselves in Prince Rupert. We are encouraged by the success of this season and look forward to continuing to build the sector in the years to come.”
“The rising tide lifts all boats. Overcoming all the challenges the pandemic presented and still having an abundantly successful season is testimony that the Prince Rupert Business community is on the uptrend. It takes hard work winning business, thanks to the PRPA’s team and Tourism PR for supporting the growth of economic development and continuing to secure a prosperous future for our local business community,” said Daphne Thomson, President of the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce.
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