Port of Vancouver Welcomes Sapphire Princess, Kicking off 2023 Cruise Season with Record Anticipated Passenger Numbers

The Sapphire Princess’ landing on 12th April marked the start of the 2023 cruise season for the Port of Vancouver.

“Vancouver continues to be one of the world’s top cruise destinations and an award-winning homeport,” said Mandy Chan, manager of cruise services at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “After a two-year pause and an incredible restart in 2022, we are now gearing up for another big season for the Vancouver cruise sector as well as the local hospitality and tourism industries it supports.”

This season, the port anticipates 331 cruise ship visits in total, with arrivals between April 12 and October 24. This represents a rise of almost 8% from 2022. Additionally, the port anticipates a record 1.2 to 1.3 million passengers—an increase of almost 10%—to transit through the Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver in 2023.

“As we prepare for another big season, I want to acknowledge the hard work of everyone who made Vancouver’s return to cruise such a success last year as well as recognize the planning and preparation that has gone into this year,” added Chan.

“The Port of Vancouver’s cruise comeback story is a testament to the exceptional work and dedication that industry has led to adapt and renew the sector. I’d like to thank our cruise lines partners, the Canada Place cruise terminal services provider Ceres Terminals Canada, the Cruise Lines International Association, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union, and everyone working throughout the cruise and tourism industries for their part in the safe and successful return of a treasured industry.”

The Brilliance of the Seas, Silver Whisper, Hanseatic Nature, Fridtjof Nansen, Seabourn Venture, and Scenic Eclipse II will be the next six ships to make their initial port calls in 2023.