Cruise ships expecting to return to B.C. ports this spring after two-year ban

Excitement is building in the B.C. tourism industry as the cruise season nears and is ready to dock at local ports this spring.

It’s been a long two years for the cruise ship industry after the federal government banned the vessels in all Canadian waters as COVID-19 case numbers rose and many infections were reported on leisure vessels.

But the sector that contributed billions of dollars to B.C.’s economy before the pandemic is gearing up for a comeback.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the ships arrive in April and hopefully, we’ll have a full cruise season this year as opposed to no cruise the last two years,” Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of B.C., said.

A ship is set to dock in Vancouver on April 7 — a day after the first ship to dock in B.C. arrives in Victoria.

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Judas adds there are hundreds of sailings being planned now and marketed.

“From Vancouver or Victoria to Alaska. Some coming up from Seattle, with stops in places like Prince Rupert or Campbell River,” he lists.

Previous estimates from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority suggest the cruise ship sector is responsible for almost 14,000 jobs and more than $210-million in tax revenue.