Victoria reaches cruise milestone of 1 million passengers in a single season
GVHA also sets new record for cruise calls in 2026
lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory/Victoria, BC, October 13, 2026 — The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has exceeded one million cruise passengers in a single season for the first time, marking a significant milestone for the city’s visitor economy. The season has also set a new record for cruise ship calls, surpassing the previous high of 329 in 2022.
GVHA celebrated with an event at the cruise terminal with Norwegian Encore.
Mayor Marianne Alto, CEO Paul Nursey of Destination Greater Victoria, and Melissa Barnhard from Songhees Nation joined the celebration. Norwegian Cruise Line passengers Geri and Gary Skardina took part in the celebration, receiving a gift basket filled with local products and a private VIP tour for their party.
“This is a significant moment for Victoria and for the many people who support each cruise call,” said Jeremy Dunn, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “Our destination partners, excursion operators, terminal teams and local businesses all contribute to the passenger experience. For many, a cruise call is their first introduction to Victoria. Many return to explore more of our city and region, extending the value of that first visit well beyond the day their ship is in port.”
Victoria welcomed 989,950 cruise passengers in 2025.
“Victoria’s one-million-passenger milestone is a powerful reflection of the destination’s exceptional appeal and the unforgettable experiences it offers travelers from around the world,” said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. “For many of our guests, Victoria is their first introduction to Canada’s West Coast, captivating them with its natural beauty, vibrant culture and warm hospitality. We congratulate the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority on this remarkable achievement and are proud to showcase this extraordinary destination. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership in 2027, when three NCL ships – Norwegian Bliss, Encore and Joy – will bring guests to Victoria to discover all that makes it so special.”
Victoria’s record-breaking 2026 cruise season began on April 10 with the arrival of the Nieuw Amsterdam. The National Geographic Venture will make the final call on Sunday, October 18.
GVHA welcomed two new cruise lines this season, Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises, and celebrated six inaugural calls in May.