Vancouver recorded its busiest cruise season ever in 2026, according to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

Approximately 1.4 million passengers visited the port between February and October, with 358 ships calling at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal.

The port authority said that the figures represent an increase of 17 percent in passenger traffic and 19 percent in vessel traffic at the terminal compared to 2025.

With more arrivals, Vancouver also saw the highest number of three- and five-ship days than any previous cruise season, as well as record-breaking months in terms of passengers. Close to 575,000 passengers moved through the terminal in July and August alone.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority added that efficient cruise operations were a highlight, with 87 percent of ships departing early or on time and passenger journeys from terminal arrival to ship embarkation averaging 30 minutes.

Cruise Industry News reported that the Norwegian Encore closed out the season at the port on October 12, 2026.

The season was also marked by the anniversary of the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, which celebrated 40 years of operations in 2026.

Other highlights of the year included nine ships completing maiden calls and the terminal processing its one millionth cruise passenger through U.S. Customs and Border Protection using facial biometrics technology.

The Vancouver Fraser Port Authority also thanked its partners, including cruise line customers, local authorities, tourism industry and destination management companies, the Canada Place cruise terminal operator team, SSA Marine, and more.

Planning for next season is now in full swing, with the preliminary cruise ship schedule for 2027 available, the port authority added.

While plans are still subject to change, Vancouver is expecting calls from 383 cruise ships between March and November.

The port authority added that the season is shaping up to be “another exciting and busy season for cruise in Vancouver.”