Successful 2023 Canadian Cruise Season Sails into the Sunset

VANCOUVER, CANADA – With strong customer demand and support from community partners, the cruise industry is wrapping up a record year in Canada.

“As we bid farewell to this extraordinary summer cruise season, we extend our appreciation to the passengers, suppliers, community partners and government agencies that made it possible,” said Kelly Craighead, President and CEO of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). “With consumer intent to cruise now at an all-time high, we anticipate an equally robust 2024, bringing significant economic benefit to the Canadian economy.”

The number of cruise ship calls and passengers visiting Canadian ports in 2023 surpassed pre-pandemic levels, providing a solid boost to jobs and economic impact across the country. According to the most recently available study from 2019, the cruise industry supported 30,000 jobs in Canada and $4.3 billion in GDP. With record-setting passenger levels, 2023 results could be even greater. This local return is enhanced with new measures to help further protect the environment.

“Since the return of cruise in Canada, the industry has implemented additional environmental measures developed in collaboration with Transport Canada and has been actively participating in planning for new shore power facilities. In fact, between now and 2028, virtually all new cruise ships will be equipped to plug in to shore-side electricity where available, reducing emissions in port by up to 98%,” noted Ms. Craighead.

The cruise industry is committed to pursuing net zero carbon cruising by 2050. To demonstrate progress towards realizing our vision, CLIA tracks the uptake of sustainable renewable fuels and energy sources by member cruise lines and publishes the data showing the deployment of environmental technologies and practices on board cruise ships. The latest information on Charting the Future of Sustainable Cruise Travel can be viewed here.