Robert Lewis-Manning
VICTORIA – The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) marked the end of Victoria’s cruise ship season on October 30 with the arrival of the Norwegian Jewel at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. It was the 316th ship call at the port in 2024.
By October 30, Victoria had welcomed 316 calls and approximately 970,000 passengers. Over 700,000 passengers disembarked the ships to explore the city’s attractions, landmarks and restaurants.
The 2024 cruise season remains on par with 2023, which saw 326 ship calls and 970,000 cruise passengers pass through Victoria.
Victoria’s cruise ship season started on April 3 with the arrival of the Norwegian Bliss and included two ships making their inaugural calls to the city – the Explora I and Celebrity Edge. Both ships arrived with a welcome from the Lək̓ʷəŋən People.
“We are thrilled with the cruise season in Victoria this year. The industry remains a strong economic driver for Victoria. The Alaska itinerary is an important growth market,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of GVHA. “The GVHA team is already looking towards the future, with a similar number of cruise ship calls anticipated for 2025. We will continue listening to our communities and improving the cruise experience for passengers, local businesses and residents to ensure everyone benefits from this growing sector.”
Victoria’s cruise ship industry contributes $130 million annually to the regional economy and is responsible for 800 direct and indirect jobs in Greater Victoria. The Breakwater District at Ogden Point is Canada’s busiest port for ship calls.
Source: gvha.ca
