Nanaimo, B.C., anticipates tourism boost as cruise ships return

It's all hands on deck in Nanaimo, B.C., with cruise ships set to return tothe Vancouver Island cityfor the first time since 2019.

The Port of Nanaimo announced last week that the first cruise ship of the year, the Seabourn Odyssey, will be docking in Nanaimo on May 9. A second ship,the MS Regatta, is scheduled to arrive atthe docks on Aug. 26.

The Seabourn Odyssey will bring up to 450 passengers to Nanaimo, while the MS Regatta carries approximately 830.

"We've got the space. We've got the availability. Our residents are keen to see the ships here and welcome the tourists," said Andrea Thomas, manager of engagement, content and cruise development with the Port of Nanaimo.

Thomas says the current focus is on bringing smaller ships to Nanaimo. She says the port is working with a tour operatorto puttogether day excursionsso guests can explore the central island and visit areas like Cathedral Grove and local wineries.

WATCH | Nanaimo readies itself for the return of cruise ships:

Nanaimo, B.C., hopes for tourism boost as cruise ships return after years away

6 months ago

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The Vancouver Island city is hoping for a monetary boost this summer after going four years without any cruise ships docking in the community.

Mayor Leonard Krog says bringing ships back to Nanaimo is a positive economic development.

"Two cruise ships in a year is very good. But much like Oliver Twist, I think it's fair to say we want some more," said Krog.

Tourism and local business impacts

The cruise dock and terminal were built in 2011, with the goal of welcoming 25 to 30 ships each year.

But in the years leading up to 2019, only a handful of ships stopped each year as the port worked to establish Nanaimo as an option for cruise lines.

Before the pandemic forced the cruise industry to grind to a halt, 2020 was set to be one of Nanaimo's busiest years, with seven cruise ship stops booked.

Ships were not allowed to return to Canada until 2022.

Thomas saysit's estimatedthat each passenger spends approximately $84 once off the boat meaning that the two cruise ships combined could bring in just over $107,500 to the central island.

"It's a huge impact for the local economy from a tourism perspective," said Thomas.

"Passengers get off cruise ships, and they've got money burning a hole in their pocket, and they want to spend it at our local businesses."

Kierra Maher, owner of Newfoundland to Nanaimo, a souvenir boutique located on Nanaimo's harbour walk, said the ships have a big economic impact, particularly for waterfront businesses.

"The tourists really enjoy our waterfront so having the cruise ships be a part of that makes it that much richer for all of us," she said.

Maher added that it would be good to see more investment in the area, such asbuses that connect todowntown and the waterfront, more eateries and more places tosit and relax.

Shared dock with Hullo Ferries

Despite the lack of cruise ships in recent years, the dock hasn't been standing empty.

Hullo Ferries, which has been offering foot passenger service between Nanaimo and Vancouver since the summer of 2023, has a lease agreement with the port and has been using the dock and the welcome terminal.

With cruise ships set to return, Hullo Ferries and the port are working outwhat operations will look like when there are docking conflicts.

On May 9, Hullo will be cancelling sailings. Vancouver Island Ferry Company (VIFC), the company behind Hullo, says they are working with the port for long-term solutions and ways to maintain services during futuredockings, including the Aug. 26 docking later this summer.

"We're delighted to welcome the return of cruise ships to Nanaimo, anticipating the significant boost it will bring tourism in our community," read the statement from VIFC.