Cruise Community

Thank you to everyone who attended the online meeting on March 26. It was helpful to hear your feedback, questions and concerns about the current situation relating to the cruise industry in Victoria. We have summarized the meeting notes into this What We Heard PDF document.

In addition, Destination Greater Victoria has published its Welcoming toolkit, which was mentioned in the meeting. It is designed to provide businesses and front-line staff with messaging when handling potentially difficult conversations.

GVHA will provide further updates in the near future.

The Passenger Vessel Services Act is a piece of U.S. legislation designed to protect the American shipping and transport sector. Bill 7 is a new piece of legislation introduced to the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia, designed to protect the B.C. economy. Read our backgrounder to learn about both of them and how they impact, or could impact, Victoria’s cruise ship business.

GVHA and several partners have revisited the location of the cruise shuttle stop in downtown Victoria for the 2025 cruise season. The location will move to the 900 block of Government Street from the 700 block.

Feedback indicated that passengers were not dispersing into downtown and created congestion in front of The Fairmont Empress hotel. The 900 block is between Broughton and Courtney streets.

GVHA, City of Victoria, Destination Greater Victoria, the Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Victoria Business Association and Pacific Northwest Transportation Services worked together to develop and test several options.

An artisan market will return to the Breakwater District at Ogden Point for the 2025 cruise season. Starting on April 4, the Market on the Pier will feature 40 local vendors and will operate when cruise ships are at moored at the terminal.

The market’s location will alternate between the north (Helijet) side of Pier B (the red-roofed building) and in front of Pier A (the large blue warehouse) depending on the cruise ship arrivals. These locations are easily accessible to passengers while not blocking access to tour operators and transportation providers. Visit the cruise schedule for ship arrival times.

This market, a collaboration between SSA Marine (terminal operator) and Summer’s Sunday (market organizer), will enhance the passenger experience and create a vibrant welcome for visitors returning from Alaska. The market will offer local handmade goods from body care to jewelry to tasty treats and artistic wares of all kinds, including works from Indigenous artisans.

If you are a vendor and interested in selling at the Market on the Pier, please contact Katrina at Summer’s Sunday for more details.

On February 11, Transport Canada announced funding of $22.5 million to support the electrification of the Breakwater District at Ogden Point. Read the full announcement.

The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is inviting businesses to get involved in shaping the future of Victoria’s cruise sector.

Co-chaired by Kyara Kahakauwila (LA Limousines) and Jade Lake (Experience Victoria), VCIA is a collaborative network dedicated to promoting the economic and social benefits of the cruise industry, including jobs, business growth, and showcasing Victoria as a world-class destination. By sharing insights and best practices, VCIA members work together ensure the sustainable success of our region’s cruise industry.

If you’re interested in joining, email Kyara Kahakauwila (kyarak@lalimo.ca) or Jade Lake (jade@experiencevictoria.com).