Category: News

*June 1, 2020*

We respect the difficult decision made by the Federal Government, the health and safety of Canadians comes first, but this decision means a loss a loss of income, a loss of jobs, and a feeling of helplessness and fear for so many in this industry. We will be here working on the best ways to welcome cruise back, and in the meantime we hope our government really does understand the gravity of the financial hardship thrust upon this industry.

Link to article below.

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/minister-garneau-announces-updated-measures-for-cruise-ships-and-passenger-vessels-in-canadian-waters-up-to-october-31-2020-828222862.html

*May 19^th, 2020 Update *

Prior to the start of the 2020 season, the cruise industry was preparing for a record-breaking year, predicting 30 million guests would board their ships for the trip of a lifetime.  Here in Victoria, those in the cruise industry were doing the same; preparing for the busiest season yet.  They were investing in their businesses, hiring more staff than ever before, and strategizing their operational plans. Our season was set to begin early in the morning on April 3^rd with the arrival of the Grand Princess. On March 18^th, in response to the global COVID-19 crisis, Transport Canada announced cruise ships would not be permitted entry into Canadian ports until July 1^st.   It is now six weeks from what would have been the start of our season and we have watched it slip away one ship at a time as cruise lines continue to cancel sailings well past that July 1^st deadline.  While our members would love nothing more than to be down on at the Victoria Cruise Terminal watching a cruise ship arrive, we know that now is not the time.  Our communities need time to recover, our societies need time to prepare for a different normal, and we will wait until the time is right.

 

While we support the decisions of government and the continued voluntary cancellation of cruises at this time, the economic impact on our industry here in Victoria has been, and will continue to be significant. Some companies have had to lay off employees, freeze hiring and look at ways to change their current business models, while others struggle every day to keep the lights on.

 

Over the past decade, our members and partners have committed to improving the cruise industry for Victoria and for the guests that arrive here.  This commitment to the advancement of the cruise industry has occurred simultaneously with its exponential growth. We are in danger of losing the businesses and the people who lend so much heart and so much knowledge to this industry.  We want guests to return to the same experiences that awaited them previously, albeit with a few changes.

 

We are using this time as an opportunity to step up and adjust our practices.  We commit to our community, to the cruise lines and to future guests that we will do exactly that.  We are creating stronger partnerships; reaching out to the respective government and health agencies to create comprehensive plans to keep people safe, and looking at different ways we can support the community we live in during this time. Sam Gregg, Terminal Manager at the Victoria Cruise Terminal spoke to the necessary changes. “Terminal operations are going to change, that’s the one certain thing. But safety has always been paramount for us, and while keeping people safe looks a little different now than ever before I have full confidence that the team here in Victoria is coming together to implement the best solutions.”

Our members have stepped up time after time and will once again rise to the challenge, and we will emerge better and stronger for it. When they are ready to set sail again, we will be here.

 

Anna Pircher

Chair, Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance

anna@pnwts.com

In light of the continued concern regarding COVID-19, the VCIA has made the difficult decision to postpone the Job Fair. One of our main responsibilities as the VICA, is to take in the concerns of the community we operate in, and at this we do not feel encouraging a large gathering is necessary. We will be announcing a new date when it is possible to do so, and until then please reach out via our email as many of our members are still hiring and would love to hear from people seeking employment in our industry.

Please send an email to info@vcia.com and we will link you up with companies hiring.

Thank you for your understanding.

LOCAL EMPLOYERS OFFERING A VARIETY OF POSITIONS FOR THE UPCOMING CRUISE SEASON

March ^3rd, 2020, Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is calling on job seekers, entry-level to experienced, to attend the fourth annual VCIA Job Fair Saturday, March 14^th from 10am – 2pm at Pier B, Ogden Point, The Breakwater District.

In 2020 upwards of 290 ships and over 750,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive in Victoria through Ogden Point. “The cruise industry generates over 800 jobs both seasonal and year round, and offers opportunities to employees seeking experience in wide variety of roles.  VCIA members are proud to offer good jobs to people who live within our community.” Anna Pircher, Operations Manager of Pacific Northwest Transportation Services

Businesses such as The Butchart Gardens, Wilson’s Transportation, Seaspan, .Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, and Victoria Pedicab Company will be recruiting. Employers are hiring for a variety of positions, ranging from front-line to skilled trade and administrative-related roles; everyone from youth and post-secondary grads transitioning into careers to those who are looking to stay active in their retired years.

“Our family owned business has been operating down at Ogden Point for the past 35 years.  We have seen the tremendous growth in the cruise industry, and every year we look to add people of all ages and skill sets to our growing team.  We love being a part of the community down here.” says Simone Kearney, Manager of Beaver Gift Shop

Job seekers are encouraged to bring a resume to Pier B, Ogden Point, The Breakwater District. 185 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 1A1 on March 14^th from 10am – 2pm. Free parking is available on site.

For more information on cruise ships in Victoria, visit the VCIA website: www.viccruise.com

The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is a grassroots group of like-minded Greater Victoria region retail businesses and industry service providers. Alliance members are enthusiastic supporters of Victoria’s annual cruise ship season for the range of benefits that it delivers to the community. In addition to showcasing the beautiful city of Victoria to the world, the jobs that come with the annual cruise ship visits support families, pay tuitions, pay mortgages and so much more. The cruise ships also provide meaningful employment to a highly skilled and well-educated labour force in Victoria.

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Media Contact
Anna Pircher
Operations Manager, Pacific Northwest Transportation Services
250-940-4441
anna@pnwts.com

 

Victoria, Canada: 2020 cruise season to see an increase in mid-week calls

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority set to welcome visitors from April to October 2020 at the Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal at Ogden Point

Aug. 8, 2019, Victoria, BC, Canada – Following the announcement that Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will begin round-trip cruises from Victoria to Alaska in 2020, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) has confirmed its draft schedule for next year.

The 2020 cruise season in Victoria is currently scheduled to begin on Friday, April 3, 2020 with the arrival of the Grand Princess and conclude on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020 with the arrival of the Ruby Princess. It is expected that 283 ship calls will bring 770,000 passengers to the Greater Victoria region throughout the seven-month season. In total, 12 cruise lines choose Victoria as a port of call.

The increase in ship calls and passengers is a result of new mid-week visits on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. New regular callers to Victoria for 2020 are the Carnival Miracle, Golden Princess, and Norwegian Sun.

The Carnival Miracle will see 10 ship calls on alternating Tuesdays between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m. throughout the season.

The Golden Princess will call on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every two weeks for a total of seven calls.

The Norwegian Sun will call 14 times in 2020, arriving on various days and times as it completes its variable itinerary between Seattle and Alaska.

“Next year is shaping up to be significant for our organization with the beginning of round-trip calls from Victoria, new ships visiting, and a pattern of sustainable growth for the region,” says Lindsay Gaunt, director, cruise development for the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority. “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.”

The Cunard Queen Elizabeth returns for its second season on the West Coast, calling to Victoria nine times throughout 2020. Up to 100 guests will have the opportunity to choose Victoria as their port of departure on select cruises: July 30, Aug. 10, Aug. 19 and Aug. 28, 2020.

In addition, new ships calling to the region include the Holland America Line’s Koningsdam, Oceania Insignia, and Silversea’s Silver Cloud. Three of the region’s principal ships, the Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Joy, and Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas will return to the Victoria Cruise Ship Terminal in 2020.

With the increase in both ship calls and visitors, terminal operations are already preparing for next season. The increase in passengers during off-peak times will allow for greater business stability and sustainable growth in operations for all partners in the cruise industry.

About the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority

Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not-for-profit organization that is committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s dynamic working harbour. GVHA owns and operates several high-profile community amenities including The Breakwater, Inner Harbour lower causeway, and customs dock at Raymur Point. Within GVHA’s commercial and marine industrial holdings are the deep-water terminal at Ogden Point, Fisherman’s Wharf, Ship Point, four Inner Harbour marinas, and the historic Steamship Terminal. GVHA’s management of the Victoria Cruise Terminal contributes more than $130 million annually to the regional economy and is responsible for 800 direct and indirect jobs in Greater Victoria. For more information, visit www.gvha.ca.

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Note to editors: The draft 2020 schedule, subject to change, is available for download here: https://gvha.ca/cruise/cruise-schedule/.

Media contact: Brian Cant, 250-383-8300 ext. 251 or 250-888-8729 (mobile) or bcant@gvha.ca

The First Cruise Ships Arrive in April – Employers are Hiring Now

February 6th, 2019, Victoria, B.C. – The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is calling on job seekers, entry-level to experienced, to attend the third annual VCIA job fair.

Over 800 jobs were created in Victoria as a direct result of cruise ships in 2018 and this number is anticipated to grow in 2019 with the increased number of passengers visiting our port. On average, passengers spend $83 in Victoria, while ship crew spend approximately $113.

This year, 264 ship arrivals and over 700,000 cruise passengers are expected to arrive in Victoria through Ogden Point. An increase in passengers means more jobs and more pressure on businesses to continue to reduce the carbon footprint per passenger.

“Victoria prides itself on locally owned and operated businesses. The cruise industry provides ongoing opportunity for these businesses to be part of the positive economic impact that [cruise] passengers bring to Greater Victoria”, says Andrew Capeau, President of Victoria Pedicab Company. His pedal-powered transportation fleet employs approximately 40 Victoria residents and picks up thousands of passengers from the pier each season.

Businesses such as The Butchart Gardens, Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, Coast Guard and Orca Spirit, and many more will be recruiting at the job fair. Employers are hiring for a variety of positions, ranging from front-line to skilled trade and administrative-related roles. Everyone from first-time job seekers and post-secondary to those who are looking to stay involved in their retired years.

Job seekers are encouraged to bring a resume to Ogden Point at the Western Stevedoring building. 185 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 1A1 on February 23rd from 10am – 2pm. Free parking is available on site.

For more information on the job fair and cruise ships in Victoria, visit the VCIA website: www.viccruise.com

The Victoria Cruise Industry Alliance (VCIA) is a grassroots group of like-minded Greater Victoria region retail businesses and industry service providers. Alliance members are enthusiastic supporters of Victoria’s annual cruise ship season for the range of benefits that it delivers to the community. In addition to showcasing the beautiful city of Victoria to the world, the jobs that come with the annual cruise ship visits support families, pay tuitions, pay mortgages and so much more. The cruise ships also provide meaningful employment to a highly skilled and well-educated labour force in Victoria.

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Media Contact
Andrew Capeau
President, Victoria Pedicab Company
250-884-0121 ext 100
acapeau@yahoo.com

Princess Cruises’ Star Princess docked at Canada Place this morning, marking the start of what is expected to be one of the biggest cruise ship seasons for Vancouver in years.

The 950-foot-long (290-metre-long) vessel carries 3,100 passengers and 1,205 crew and is one of the largest vessels to serve Vancouver’s cruise ship port. It will be making two 15-day roundtrip journeys to the Hawaiian Islands today and again on April 29, with a sailing to Los Angeles in between on April 19, before commencing its schedule of regular sailings to Alaska.

But the cruise ship season in Vancouver, which mainly goes to Alaska, will not pick up until the last week of April. Overall, from now until mid-October, 830,000 passengers on 288 calls, on more than two dozen ships, are expected to pass through the gates at Canada Place, marking a 3% increase in passenger volume over the previous year.

However, this falls short of the one million annual passenger figures recorded up until approximately a decade ago, before Seattle constructed its own cruise ship facilities to compete with a market that Vancouver has dominated for decades.

Each vessel that makes a call at Canada Place creates more than $2 million in local economic activity through tourist spending and the cruise line’s expenditures on supplies.

New to Vancouver this year is Holland America Line’s recently built MS Nieuw Amsterdam, the cruise ship line’s second largest vessel. The vessel will make its inaugural call to Vancouver, the new homeport, on April 30 and serve 100,000 passengers over 24 roundtrip sailings this season.

“Holland America was the first cruise line to call the new Canada Place cruise terminal on April 28, 1986,” said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer of Port Metro Vancouver, in a statement. “We value our partnership with Holland America Line very highly, and look forward to continuing to build on this great relationship for many years to come.”

As well, the Le Soleal, the sister ship of Compagnie Du Ponant’s Le Boreal and L’Austral vessels, will be making its inaugural call on June 18. And after an 11-year hiatus, Crystal Cruises is returning to Vancouver this year with Serenity making eight sailings from Vancouver, bringing 13,000 passengers to the city.

The Disney Wonder, one of the four vessels on Disney Cruise Line, is also making a return to Vancouver this season with 14 sailings beginning on May 23. Other cruise lines that will call Vancouver its homeport this season include Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, and Silversea Cruises.

This year, Canada Place will be celebrating its 30th anniversary. The pier was built in time for Expo ’86 and used as the World’s Fair’s Canada Pavilion, with passengers shuttled from False Creek to Canada Place directly by a special SkyTrain shuttle.

Back for a second year of hiring! Who: we invite students from secondary and post-secondary schools, as well as those seeking jobs in hospitality roles throughout Greater Victoria What: Job fair hosted by VCIA and partner businesses to promote and encourage employment within the hospitality industry Where: Pier B Building, Ogden Point at the Western