The Port of Vancouver has released a 2026 cruise update newsletter, highlighting its participation in the FIFA World Cup, its 40th anniversary and whale protection initiatives, as well as key updates from its partners in cruise and tourism.
Port Updates
The port said that from June 11 to July 19, Vancouver will transform into a soccer and tourism epicenter during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Approximately 60,000 cruise passengers are expected at Canada Place, and the port’s priority is to ensure efficient ship calls and smooth passenger boarding and disembarkation at the cruise terminal during this period.
Resources for cruise passengers traveling to Vancouver during the tournament are available for viewing here.
The port has also highlighted the return of voluntary ship slowdowns to help reduce the impacts of commercial vessels on at-risk whales in the Salish Sea and has invited cruise ships in Vancouver to participate.
In addition, Canada Place, Vancouver’s five-sail landmark, and its cruise terminal are celebrating 40 years of operations this year.
Holland America Line’s Noordam was the first cruise ship to call at Canada Place cruise terminal in April 1986, and the Eurodam docked at Canada Place on April 24, opening Holland America’s 40th season calling Vancouver.
The port’s newsletter also indicated that its cruise terminal has been revamped and now offers 10 additional data connection points, increasing the number of passenger check-in locations beyond Hall C.
As a result, the port authority is providing each cruise company with an updated data connection document, shared with visiting ships’ IT teams and port agents.
Two new elevators to streamline passenger movement between the passenger luggage drop-off on parking level 2 and the ground level are also being installed.
Cruise and Tourism Partner Updates
The newsletter also highlighted that, to facilitate access to and user experience with vessel call data, SSA Marine has developed a reporting interface in collaboration with Power BI.
This report provides a snapshot of cruise vessel call performance. Originally developed for reporting to the port authority, the report can now be accessed and used on demand by cruise lines.
Another highlight is that more than 200 Destination Vancouver volunteers are supporting visitors across key locations this season, including information kiosks on the Stanley Park Seawall, at Junction Market, and at a new location steps from the Canada Place cruise terminal.
In addition to the kiosks, volunteers are supporting visitors at the Information Desk at the entrance of Canada Place and through roaming City Host teams in other busy areas across Vancouver.
