Vancouver cruise season set records in 2026
Canada Place was expected to close the season with approximately 1.4 million passengers and 358 ship visits.
Vancouver was preparing to conclude its busiest cruise season on record, with the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority estimating that cruise activity contributed more than $1 billion to the local economy in 2026.
Canada Place was projected to handle about 1.4 million passengers and 358 cruise ship visits by season’s end. According to the port authority, those figures were up 18% and 19%, respectively, from 2025, when the terminal recorded roughly 1.2 million passenger visits and 300 ship calls. The authority estimates that an average cruise call produces $3 million in economic activity.
A Pacific Rim Cruise Association passenger survey found that 76% of cruise travelers spent time in the area before or after sailing, compared with 70% in 2023. Average local spending reached $1,144 per passenger across lodging, restaurants, retail, tours, attractions and other purchases.
The season also included several notable arrivals. Princess Cruises’ 177,882-gross-ton Star Princess became the largest cruise ship by tonnage to visit Canada Place on Sept. 27. Inaugural calls by Brilliant Lady and Luminara marked the Vancouver debuts of Virgin Voyages and The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, respectively. Disney Magic made its first visit and was homeported in the city throughout the season. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Encore was scheduled to close the season, arriving at 2:30 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12, and leaving 24 hours later.