Victoria, British Columbia, has welcomed over one million cruise passengers in a single season for the first time.. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority celebrated the record-breaking volume at Ogden Point, citing strong demand for Alaska-based itineraries.
The climb from 715,829 passengers in 2022 to a million-plus milestone
The growth of Victoria's cruise sector has been a steady ascent over the last four years . According to the source, the city saw 715,829 passengers in 2022, followed by 970,000 in 2023, 972,268 in 2024, and 989,950 in 2025.. This trajectory culminated in the current season's breakthrough of the one-million mark.
This surge is part of a broader trend where Alaska remains a "demand product," as noted by Greater Victoria Harbour Authority CEO Jeremy Dunn.. The increase in volume suggests that Victoria is no longer just a convenient stopover but a primary draw for travelers who are increasingly requesting longer stays in the British Columbia capital.
Updating 1907 facilities to handle 332 projected ship calls by 2026
While the passenger numbers are cause for celebration, the physical infrastructure at Ogden Point is showing its age. jeremy Dunn pointed out that several key facilities were constructed in 1907, meaaning some components of the harbor are over a century old and require significant reinvestment to remain viable.
The urgency for modernization is underscored by future porjections. The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority expects 332 cruise ship calls in 2026, which would surpass the previous record of 329 calls set in 2022. As reported by the source, the pressure to update these facilities is essential to keep pace with the evolving demands of larger, more frequent vessel visits.
How Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises expanded Victoria's market reach
The current season's success was bolstered by the diversification of cruise operators. The season kicked off on April 10 with the arrival of the Nieuw Amsterdam and saw the introduction of two new players to the Victoria market: Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises. Additionally, six ships made inaugural calls in May, signaling a broadening of the city's appeal to different demographics of travelers.
The season is set to conclude on October 18 with the arrival of the National Geographic Venture. This variety of ships—from luxury and adventure to mass-market lines—demonstrates how Victoria is positioning itself as a versatile hub within the wider Alaska cruise circuit.
From Donna Summer's 'Bad Girls' to the millionth passenger celebration
The human element of this milestone was highlighted by the experience of Geri and Gary Skardina, a couple from Hermosa Beach, California, who were aboard the Norwegian Encore when the millionth passenger mark was hit. the Skardinas, who first visited Victoria in 1985, were awarded a VIP tour and local products to mark the occasion.
Gary Skardina brought a unique perspective to the celebration, having spent 29 years in the Hollywood recording industry. He co-produced and engineered hits such as the Pointer Sisters' "Jump (For My Love)" and worked on tracks for Phil Collins and Donna Summer. His anecdote about his music career helping to fund his cruising habits serves as a microcosm of the affluent, returning tourist base that Victoria relies upon.
The funding gap for Ogden Point's century-old infrastructure
Despite the optimistic tone of the celebration, a critical question remains: how will the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority fund the necessary upgrades to its 1907-era facilities? While CEO Jeremy Dunn has flagged the need for reinvestment, the source does not specify whether these funds will come from municipal taxes, provincial grants, or passenger levies.
Furthermore, the report focuses exclusively on the perspective of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority and the cruise lines. There is no mention of how the local Victoria community or environmental groups view the impact of surpassing one million passengers, particularly regarding the carbon footprint and congestion asssociated with 332 ship calls.
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