Koningsdam’s April 4 Arrival Marks Official Start of Victoria Cruise Season
Songhees Nation and Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers to provide welcome.
Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Territory/Victoria, BC, April 3, 2025 — The arrival of Holland America’s Koningsdam on Friday April 4 at 10am marks the official start of Victoria’s cruise season.
As the ship docks, the Songhees Nation and Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will extend a warm welcome to both passengers and crew in a celebration of community, culture, and tradition.
There will be 11 more cruise ship calls at the Breakwater District at Ogden Point in April. To mark Friday’s arrival, Christine Sam from Songhees Nation and the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers will provide a territorial welcome to the ship’s captain and senior officers. Passengers will have an opportunity to view the dance performance as they disembark the ship.
The Koningsdam is a mid-size cruise ship that carries approximately 2,650 passengers. It is travelling from Astoria, Oregon, to Vancouver, and leaves Victoria at 10pm.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Koningsdam to Victoria,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA). “This city has a long history of welcoming travellers from around the world and, with the opening of our cruise season, we continue this rich tradition—celebrating both our local heritage and our global connections.”
The Koningsdam arrival marks the full launch of the cruise season after the early arrival of the Disney Wonder on March 6. A total of 320 cruise ship calls are scheduled for Victoria in 2025, including five inaugural calls. More than one million passengers and crew will pass through the terminal.
“We’re thrilled to be back in Victoria this week for our first of 44 calls for the 2025 season—including a call on our first ever Great Bear Rainforest cruise, with a deeper exploration of the region,” said Beth Bodensteiner, President, Holland America Line. “For many years, this port has been a destination on our Alaska itineraries, introducing our guests to the charm of British Columbia and its capital city—and we know that each of our guests and crew calling the port on our ships will receive a very warm welcome. We’re looking forward to another great season ahead with our partners at the port, in the city, and throughout the province.”
Passengers will also enjoy a vibrant cultural experience at the Market on the Pier, which operates alongside cruise vessels docked at both terminals. This bustling market features over 40 local vendors offering a variety of handmade goods, from jewelry and art to body care products, providing a perfect opportunity for passengers to take home a piece of Victoria’s unique charm.
Highlights of the 2025 Cruise Season include:
- Europa 2 (luxury vessel; 500 passengers; single call April 20)
- Caribbean Princess (3,100 passengers; two calls beginning/end of season)
- Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas (21 calls throughout the season; Quantum class; 4,900 passengers)
- MS Riviera (9 calls throughout the season; 1,200 passengers)
- Villa Vie Odyssey (luxury liveaboard vessel; 900 passengers; single call June 28)
Other notable vessels include:
- Norwegian Joy, Bliss, Encore (Breakaway Plus class; up to 4,000 passengers)
- Seven Seas Explorer (luxury all-suite ship; up to 750 passengers).
Photos, and video footage of the ship arrival, welcome ceremony, and vibrant performances by the Lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers are available upon request.