Prince Rupert Port Authority hails strong return of Cruise Sector in 2022

The opportunity to showcase some of the region's attractions in 2022 has made for a strong return for the Cruise Tourism sector in Prince Rupert, that with the arrival of a busy schedule for the year following two years out of the cruise tourism spotlight that came from the years of COVID

A report issued today by the Prince Rupert Port Authority highlights just how successful the cruise season, which wrapped up in early October was.

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the Port saw a 230 per cent increase in cruise passenger volumes versus 2019 – the last time cruise ships were operating in Canada. 

Between May 17th and October 3rd, 2022, 40,998 cruise passengers transited through the Port, making it the busiest cruise season in Prince Rupert in over a decade.

As the Port relays the return of the cruise ships had an immediate impact on the local business and tourism sector.

The return of cruise tourism has significantly boosted the local economy, with approximately $3.5 million in direct consumer spending in the community, including more than $650,000 spent with local shore excursion providers. 

Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority, made note of the succcesful return for the cruise industry and how quickly the community joined in the efforts to regain its footing following the two year absence. 

 “The 2022 cruise season was the ninth largest in Prince Rupert’s history and we are greatly encouraged by the strong return of the cruise tourism sector. The season’s success is a reflection of our valuable partnerships with local businesses and organizations, especially the shore excursion operators, Tourism Prince Rupert and the volunteer Cruise Ambassadors, who work together with us to enrich the visitor experience. Going forward, Prince Rupert is uniquely positioned within the Alaska cruise theatre with immense potential for growth, particularly in regard to developing new opportunities for Indigenous-led tourism and eco-tourism in our region.”

Of note from 2022, was the arrival of the Princess Line vessel the Ruby Princess which made numerous port calls at the Northland Terminal this summer and fall.

Ceilidh Marlow, far right, was one of a number of officials on hand
to welcome the Captain and crew of the Ruby Princess to Prince Rupert
upon the vessels debut visit in May 
(photo from PRPA)

This season’s totals were also bolstered by visits from Ruby Princess. The cruise vessel, which has a capacity for more than 3,000 passengers, called on Prince Rupert 13 times. Ruby Princess is the first in the Princess Cruises fleet to include the Port on its regular Alaska cruise itinerary.

For Tourism Prince Rupert's Ceilidh Marlow the success for the season was assisted by the many partnerships that come together to put Prince Rupert and area  in the spotlight.

“Tourism Prince Rupert was thrilled to see the return of cruise ships to Prince Rupert as it signified a strong rebound in the tourism sector after two very challenging seasons. Cruise provides a significant opportunity to our local tourism operators to access a unique pool of international clients, and for our local businesses to benefit from an economic influx into our community. We are thankful to our partners at the Prince Rupert Port Authority and to our volunteer Cruise Ambassadors who spent many hours this season helping cruise ship passengers orient themselves in Prince Rupert. We are encouraged by the success of this season and look forward to continuing to build the sector in the years to come.”

Working together was also a key theme for the Prince Rupert and District Chamber of Commerce, where President Daphne Thomson noted how the community came together to overcome the challenges of the COVID period. 

 “The rising tide lifts all boats. Overcoming all the challenges the pandemic presented and still having an abundantly successful season is testimony that the Prince Rupert Business community is on the uptrend. It takes hard work winning business, thanks to the PRPA’s team and Tourism PR for supporting the growth of economic development and continuing to secure a prosperous future for our local business community,”

The PRPA overview of the 2022 season can be reviewed here.

A look back at the Cruise season can be explored through our archive page.