Port Metro Vancouver Sees Modest Growth for 2012 Cruise Season

METRO VANCOUVER, April 16, 2012 /PRNewswire/ - Port Metro Vancouver's 2012 cruise season begins today and marks a continuing upward trend with modest growth anticipated. Port Metro Vancouver estimates approximately 670,000 passengers, up from 663,000 in 2011, on 191 vessel calls at the Port's two cruise terminals, Canada Place and Ballantyne.

The 2012 cruise season also marks the beginning of the third full year of the award-winning shore power installation at Canada Place, the first of its kind in Canada. Shore power-equipped cruise ships can plug in and shut off their engines while docked to reduce air emissions. In 2012, nearly 40 per cent of all cruise calls will be shore power enabled.

"Port Metro Vancouver continues to grow sustainably and win customer service awards for our outstanding cruise terminal operations team," said Robin Silvester, President and Chief Executive Officer, Port Metro Vancouver. "The 2012 cruise season builds on a very successful 2011 and we are looking forward to welcoming the more than 670,000 guests who have chosen Vancouver for their cruise this year."

Vancouver's cruise industry is an important contributor to the region's economy, stimulating more than $2 million in economic activity for every cruise ship call in Vancouver.

"Cruise ships are a vital aspect of tourism in British Columbia. In 2011, the cruise industry contributed $1.3 billion to our economy, $50 million in provincial taxes and provided over 7,000 jobs," said the Hon. Pat Bell, B.C. Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation. "Our government has invested in cruise ship infrastructure, and we continue to work with B.C. ports and communities to increase awareness of our province as a destination for cruise lines."

During the 2012 Vancouver-Alaska cruise season, Port Metro Vancouver is pleased to welcome back the Princess Cruise Line's Sapphire Princess, which will return to homeport.

"We're delighted to make our summer return to Vancouver, and look forward to a successful season with 47 turnarounds in this world class port," said Jan Swartz, executive vice president of Princess Cruises.

Port Metro Vancouver is Canada's largest and North America's most diversified port, trading $75 billion in goods with more than 160 trading economies.

SOURCE Port Metro Vancouver