Cruise Milestone: Nine millionth passenger cruises into Ogden Point
July 22, 2022, Victoria, Canada – The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) welcomed its nine millionth passenger to the Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal at Ogden Point today, a significant goalpost for the organization as it looks towards the future.
“We started welcoming cruise passengers back to Victoria in April, and with this milestone comes the GVHA’s continued commitment to ensure that Victoria is a sustainable cruise destination,” GVHA CEO Ian Robertson said. “We feel hopeful about further funding from the provincial and federal governments, but in the meantime shore power continues to be a top priority as is completing design work.”
This year, Jesus and Rosa More are sharing the title of nine millionth passenger.
Both Jesus and Rosa More stepped off royal Princess this afternoon and were presented with a gift card courtesy of the Bay Centre. Industry partners and stakeholders gathered at the port of Victoria to selcome these guests who have sailed more than 200 cruises with Princess.
“Many businesses in Greater Victoria provide services for cruise ships and their passengers, and welcoming the ninth million unique visitor shows how our business leaders has made our region appealing to travellers,” Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce CEO Bruce Williams said. “As travel opens up around the world, we are proud to see Greater Victoria has earned its place as a preferred destination for cruise ships.”
The return of cruise will see 331 ship calls bringing in an estimated 790,000 passengers in 2022.
“Nine million passengers is a milestone achievement for the GVHA and the Cruise industry,” said Jeff Bray, CEO of the Downtown Victoria Business Association. “Cruise supports our local economy and helps fund the maintenance of our wonderful public amenities on the waterfront, which is critical to the overall look and feel of downtown.”
“The nine millionth cruise passenger is significant development news for Greater Victoria’s economic recovery,” said Paul Nursey, CEO – Destination Greater Victoria. “Cruise often plays a role as an introduction to a destination. A positive first impression through cruise can create future visits to our beautiful city and region and inspire repeat land-based visitation to our hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Congratulations to the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority on their success in 2022.”
About the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Celebrating 20 years in 2022, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that is committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s dynamic working harbour. The organization is governed by a 13-member Board of Directors, represented by four independent community members and eight Member Agencies: Esquimalt Nation, Songhees Nation, Capital Regional District, City of Victoria, Township of Esquimalt, The Chamber, Victoria Esquimalt Harbour Society, and Destination Greater Victoria.
The organization owns and operates several high-profile community amenities including the Ogden Point Breakwater, Inner Harbour lower causeway, Ship Point, and customs dock at Raymur Point. Within its commercial and marine industrial holdings are the deep-water port at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, and four Inner Harbour marinas. The organization manages the Victoria Cruise Terminal at The Breakwater District, which contributes more than $143 million annually to the Greater Victoria economy and is responsible for 800 jobs.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is certified as a Canadian Council of Aboriginal Business’ Progressive Aboriginal Relations Silver Member, a reflection of its ongoing commitment to a guiding principle of First Nations Relationships.
About Princess Cruises
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the world’s leading international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.” In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the Medallion device, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to an effortless personalized vacation, giving guests more time to do the things they love most. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).