2025 Cruise Season Boosts Vancouver Economy by $1 Billion
Vancouver Wraps Up Record-Breaking 2025 Cruise Season
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Vancouver just closed the books on an amazing cruise season. The popular Canadian port welcomed over 1 million cruise passengers in 2025. That’s a huge win for both travelers and the local economy.
The Canada Place cruise terminal saw 301 ship visits between March and October. The season officially ended when Princess Cruises’ Coral Princess sailed away on October 21st.
Why Vancouver Matters for US Cruise Travelers
Most American cruise fans know Vancouver as the gateway to Alaska. The city offers something special that other ports can’t match. You get stunning mountain views, a vibrant downtown, and easy access to amazing Alaskan adventures.
“We deeply value our long-standing partnership with the Port of Vancouver,” said Jim Berra, Princess Cruises’ chief commercial officer. “As a gateway to Alaska, Vancouver offers our guests not only seamless embarkation but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and national beauty of this remarkable city.”
Big Numbers Tell the Story
The cruise industry pumps serious money into Vancouver’s economy. Ships and passengers spend over $1 billion each year in the area. That’s not pocket change.
Cruise lines alone spend up to $660 million annually on local goods and services. Meanwhile, passengers drop an average of $450 each on hotels, restaurants, shopping, and tours. Those numbers add up fast when you’re talking about 1.2 million visitors.
“This year’s success underscores the cruise sector’s power as an economic engine,” said Shri Madiwal from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority. “I want to thank all our partners for their hard work and collaboration supporting this year’s cruise season.”
What This Means for Future Cruises
Early bookings for 2026 look really promising. The port expects even more ship visits and passengers next year. That’s great news if you’re planning an Alaska cruise from Vancouver.
The city has worked hard to become a top cruise destination. Local officials understand how important the cruise business is for their economy.
“This year’s cruise season again delivered strong results, highlighting the sector’s importance to our regional economy,” said Royce Chwin, president and CEO of Destination Vancouver. “Each sailing delivers measurable benefits supporting local jobs and visitor spending across restaurants, attractions, transportation and retail.”
Environmental Efforts Making a Difference
Vancouver is also focusing on being more eco-friendly. Over 80 percent of cruise ships that visited in 2025 used shore power. This means ships plug into the local power grid instead of running their engines while docked.
The cruise lines also participated in whale protection programs. They achieved an 85 percent participation rate in voluntary slowdowns to protect whales in the Salish Sea. These efforts show the industry is taking environmental concerns seriously.
Planning Your Vancouver Cruise
If you’re thinking about a Vancouver cruise, these numbers should give you confidence. The port handles over a million passengers smoothly each season. The city has the infrastructure and experience to make your trip enjoyable.
Vancouver offers pre- and post-cruise opportunities that many other ports can’t match. You can explore the city’s food scene, visit nearby mountains, or just enjoy the waterfront before your Alaska adventure begins.
The strong booking numbers for 2026 suggest Vancouver will remain a top choice for Alaska cruises. With continued investment in facilities and environmental programs, the port is positioning itself well for the future.
