The Disney Wonder is set to open the cruise season in Vancouver’s Canada Place cruise terminal on March 5, 2025.
According to a press release, the Canadian port is expecting a strong cruise season this year, with 301 calls scheduled between early May and late October.
Over 1.2 million passengers are projected to visit Vancouver, as the local cruise sector stabilizes following record seasons.
“We are thrilled to see Vancouver’s cruise sector continue to thrive—attracting visitors from across the globe for a once-in-a-lifetime Alaska experience while injecting more than $1 billion into our local economy,” said Captain Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
“I want to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in Vancouver cruise—to so successfully service upwards of 300 ship calls and 1 million passenger visits every year is a huge feat and one that supports jobs and businesses across the region.”
Cruise operations at the Port of Vancouver are said to play a vital role in supporting tourism and jobs in Vancouver and across Canada, with more than 17,000 jobs sustained nationally and an average of $3 million spent locally by cruise lines, passengers and crew every time a cruise ship calls at the Canada Place terminal.
According to the Port of Vancouver, calls and passenger visits are both expected to ease slightly in 2025 compared to last year, after pent-up demand following the COVID-19 pandemic led to record seasons in 2023 and 2024.
Demand for cruise services at the port is said to remain robust and is expected to grow, with 2025 numbers projected to be above historical averages.
Several new cruise lines are set to call at the Canada Place terminal in the coming years, including Villa Vie Residences in 2025.
“We want every passenger embarking or disembarking in Vancouver to have a memorable experience while they’re in our city,” said Royce Chwin, President and CEO at Destination Vancouver.
“It’s the incredible collaboration and partnerships that set Vancouver apart when it comes to creating special experiences for visitors that build on our outstanding reputation as a cruise homeport—from Canada Place’s exceptional service to the support provided by so many local businesses and tourism providers.”
Vancouver has been a homeport for Alaska cruises for more than 30 years, acting as the base for one-way and round-trip cruises through the Inside Passage.
Being a homeport means Canada Place is where cruise ships restock food and beverage, get repairs and refuel during the Alaska season, the Port of Vancouver said.
“As we embark on another exciting cruise season, SSA Marine remains committed to delivering a seamless and exceptional experience for all passengers traveling through the Canada Place cruise terminal,” said Elise Ferguson, Vice President of Canada Place Cruise for SSA Marine, which manages day-to-day operations at the Canada Place cruise terminal on the port authority’s behalf.
“Through enhanced passenger flow initiatives and continued collaboration with our industry partners, we are proud to continue supporting Vancouver’s position as a world-class cruise destination.”
