Vancouver Cruise Terminal Sets New Mid-Year Passenger Record!

The Port of Vancouver (BC Canada) is poised for a record-setting cruise season, according to mid-year statistics released by the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

From March 30th to June 30th, 2024, the Canada Place cruise terminal welcomed 554,546 passengers, achieving the highest mid-year performance in the port’s history. This figure represents a 13% increase over the prior mid-year record of 490,119 passengers, established in 2023.

On April 29th, the port experienced its second busiest day ever, with approximately 20,000 passengers passing through Canada Place. Remarkably, five of the terminal’s ten busiest days recorded took place within April, May, and June of this year.

To enhance operational efficiency, the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, implemented facial biometrics technology in June 2024. This innovative system is anticipated to streamline the processing of large volumes of cruise passengers as it fully launches in early 2024.

Peter Xotta, president and CEO of the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, commented:

“Cruise continues to thrive in Vancouver – and this reflects the hard work and commitment of everyone involved in the local industry, as well as the region’s natural beauty.

“Being a homeport destination where cruise lines operate their ships for the Alaska season brings benefits across the region, from local food and beverage suppliers to ship fuel and repair services, not to mention downtown restaurants and hotels.”