Cruise and Ferry Review - Summer/Spring 2020

2 5 5 Gaunt and her team expect the installation of the mooring dolphin extension to help the port better serve the increasingly large, newer cruise ships deployed into the Pacific Northwest and Alaskan market. “Larger cruise vessels mean more passengers per arrival, which in turns generates greater economic return for the Greater Victoria region,” she says. The mooring dolphin extension was planned for the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas. While the ship was able to berth at the adjacent pier for the 2019 season, it will move to the newly extended pier. In addition, Princess Cruises’ Royal Princess will be able to use the new mooring dolphin extension for the 2020 season. GVHA will also host several additional new cruise ships and an increased number of mid-week calls during its 2020 season, which will begin with a visit from Princess Cruises’ Grand Princess. Ships will stop on Tuesdays and Wednesdays as part of a set schedule. Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Miracle will make 10 calls on alternating Tuesdays throughout the season, while Princess Cruises’ Golden Princess will visit every two weeks on Wednesdays for a total of seven calls. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun will visit 14 times, arriving on various days as part of her variable itinerary between Seattle and Alaska. In addition, GVHA will also welcome 10 calls from Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 10 as a new addition to her second season of roundtrips to Alaska. Up to 200 guests will have the opportunity to choose Victoria as their port of departure on several of these cruises. New visitors for 2020 will include Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, Oceania Cruises’ Insignia and Silversea Cruises’ Silver Cloud. Meanwhile, returning vessels will include Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Joy. “It is shaping up to be a significant year for our organisation with the beginning of roundtrip calls from Victoria, new ships visiting and a pattern of sustainable growth for the region,” says Gaunt. “One of our objectives is to increase the number of daytime and mid- week calls, helping to balance the needs of the community with the visitor. A ship that calls for a full day has a stronger economic impact for the destination and provides a better experience for visitors as well as residents.” CFR