British Columbia’s Cruise Industry Expands with Major Growth and Sustainability Initiatives

British Columbia’s cruise industry is making waves with multiple recent developments, building on an increasingly strong and sustainable future for the province’s visitor economy.

Disney Cruise Line Doubles Down on Vancouver

Disney Cruise Line has announced a significant expansion of its presence in Vancouver, doubling the number of ships homeporting at Canada Place starting in 2026.

For the first time, both the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic will operate from Vancouver, increasing the number of sailings and drawing an estimated 75,000 additional visitors to the city annually. Between May and September 2026, Disney Magic will embark on 18 roundtrip voyages to Alaska, while Disney Wonder will offer 21 departures, including a new four-day Pacific Coast cruise in February—setting the stage for the earliest cruise season start in Vancouver’s history.

This move not only strengthens Vancouver’s position as a premier gateway to Alaska but also signals increased opportunities for the province’s tourism industry.

Nanaimo’s Cruise Comeback

Nanaimo is also seeing significant growth, with four cruise ships scheduled to arrive in 2025—doubling the two visits in 2024. These vessels are expected to bring a combined total of over 4,000 passengers and crew to the central Vancouver Island region to explore local attractions, cultural sites, and outdoor experiences. The Nanaimo Port Authority continues to see interest from niche cruise ship lines that are seeking unique opportunities and curated excursions, such as Indigenous cultural experiences offered in collaboration with the Snuneymuxw First Nation. These cruise companies align with the Port’s vision to connect the Island to the world while delivering economic growth that benefits British Columbia and the Island.

This increase in arrivals indicates positive growth following the pandemic and a step towards the Port’s goal of seeing 25 to 30 ships dock annually.

Victoria to Become a Green Cruise Corridor

Victoria’s Ogden Point cruise terminal will soon be a leader in sustainable cruising with the implementation of shore power, funded by a $22.5 million federal grant. This investment, part of Canada’s Green Shipping Corridor Program, allows docked cruise ships to plug into the electrical grid, reducing carbon emissions and noise pollution. Additional funding will also enhance shore power infrastructure at Canada Place in Vancouver. These advancements position BC as a leader in sustainable tourism and improve the experience for both visitors and residents.

A Rising Tide for BC’s Economy

Tourism is a cornerstone of British Columbia’s economy, generating over $18.5 billion in annual revenue and supporting communities across the province. The cruise industry is a major economic driver for British Columbia, with each ship visit generating millions in economic activity. Vancouver saw a record 1.32 million cruise passengers in 2024, and this number is expected to grow with Disney’s expanded presence.

Beyond Vancouver, the positive impact of increased cruise traffic extends to other BC destinations. Many passengers opt for pre- or post-cruise stays, exploring regions such as Whistler, Victoria, and the Okanagan, contributing to local economies and supporting jobs in the tourism sector.

These advancements signal new opportunities for tourism businesses to welcome more guests and reinforce BC’s position as a world-class travel destination, contributing to the continued success of our thriving tourism economy.