National

2023 cruise ship season begins in B.C.

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 11 Apr, 2023 09:38 AM

VANCOUVER - Cruise ship season officially launches in British Columbia as the Sapphire Princess berths in Victoria for a one-day visit.

The vessel then travels to Vancouver to begin that city's season.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority expects 330 ships between April and October, bringing at least 850,000 passengers to the capital.

The Port of Vancouver says 331 cruise ships are scheduled over the same period, potentially delivering more than one million visitors into the downtown core, with almost daily arrivals and departures at the height of the season between May and September.

Prince Rupert's cruise ship season doesn't start until May 3 with the arrival of the Carnival Miracle, but 43 more ships and nearly 80,000 passengers are scheduled to visit before the season ends at that north coast port in early October.

Cruise ships returned to British Columbia last year following a two-year, COVID-19 related break, with the Port of Vancouver saying it welcomed a record 307 ships, a seven per cent increase over visits in 2019.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Another $1.2 billion for ocean protection: feds

The funding is part of an extra $2 billion allocated in this year’s federal budget to renew and expand the Oceans Protection Plan over nine years. Among the projects are plans to set up a national system for all marine pollution incidents, which includes preparing for releases of hazardous or noxious substances from ships.

Another $1.2 billion for ocean protection: feds

Evacuation alert due to wildfire by Agassiz, B.C.

The BC Wildfire Service says the fire discovered Thursday is believed to be human-caused and is just over one hectare in size. Many parts of British Columbia have experienced drought conditions this fall, in stark contrast to the torrential rains that wreaked havoc on the province one year ago.

Evacuation alert due to wildfire by Agassiz, B.C.

New B.C. Premier David Eby hands out $100 credit

Eby says people and small businesses in the province are feeling the squeeze of global inflation and his government is focused on helping residents most impacted by the rising costs. The one-time cost-of-living credit will be applied automatically to residents' BC Hydro bills this fall.

New B.C. Premier David Eby hands out $100 credit

Anand says military can work in Asia, Europe

While the prime minister did not offer further details, the statement followed the government’s decision in the summer to send two Royal Canadian Navy frigates to the Asia-Pacific region at the same time, as a sign of Canada’s increased engagement.

Anand says military can work in Asia, Europe

Children's pain meds expected on shelves next week

One million bottles of children's medication will have been distributed to hospitals, pharmacies and retailers after next week, health officials said during a media briefing. Health Canada said production of children's acetaminophen and ibuprofen is double what it was last year, but demand is still outstripping supply.

Children's pain meds expected on shelves next week

David Eby to take oath to become B.C.'s premier

Eby replaces New Democrat Premier John Horgan, who announced last June he was leaving office due to health concerns. The swearing-in ceremony will be conducted by Lt.-Gov. Janet Austin, but not in the usual location of Government House in Victoria, and instead will be held at the Musqueam Community Centre.