Cruise ship season now scheduled to start Saturday

The cruise ship season is expected to begin Saturday with the arrival of Holland America's Koningsdam.

The season was initially set to kick off today, but, as we've come to expect over the last two years, the arrival of the Caribbean Princess has been delayed out of an abundance of precaution.

"We're learning to live with COVID-19, and that means we can expect occasional hiccups," Chamber CEO Bruce Williams said. "We are in good place, with the vast majority of people protected through immunization against serious illness. However, The Chamber supports the work of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to put safety first as it welcomes a new cruise ship season."

Last fall, The Chamber was part of a multi-organization effort to work with government to ensure cruise ships would be back in 2022. At the time, the GVHA estimated 759,000 passengers will visit our region aboard 350 ships from now until November.

For an up-to-date schedule of cruise ship arrivals at Ogden Point, go to gvha.ca.

“The start of cruise ship season is another sign that Greater Victoria is reconnecting with the world,” Williams said. “International visitors provide a significant boost to our region’s economic ecosystem, which truly flourishes when all sectors are able to achieve their potential. It’s exhilarating to once again show off our spectacular corner of the world to travellers. On behalf of all Chamber members, I’m thrilled to welcome the first passengers back to Greater Victoria.”