MEDIA

08 May 2025

Prince Rupert Cruise Port Blasts Past the 150,000 Passenger Mark in 2026 Forecast

Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking 2026 cruise season forecast, projecting remarkable numbers and welcoming exciting new partnerships that will further elevate its status as a premier cruise destination.

PRCP recently surpassed projection expectations with an astonishing 154,846 cruise guests anticipated in 2026 based on current cruise call bookings - a sharp increase from the 65,846 passengers projected to visit the port during the 2025 season. This figure represents staggering year-over-year growth of 135% compared to 2025 and an exceptional leap from the 59,404 passengers welcomed in 2024.

The 2026 cruise season will include the addition of two new lines to the port’s shores: Virgin Voyages and Royal Caribbean Yacht Club (RCYC), along with additional calls from Ruby Princess, delighting passengers with unique and tailored experiences.

Kevin D’Costa, General Manager of Prince Rupert Cruise Port, shared his insights and appreciation for the port’s forthcoming success: “PRCP extends heartfelt gratitude to the Carnival Corporation for leading the charge to Prince Rupert with 44 scheduled calls this season, contributing significantly to our thriving operations. Carnival Cruise Line (CCL), Holland America Line (HAL), Seabourn (SBN), and Princess Cruises continue to be key partners in our success, reinforcing Prince Rupert’s reputation as a top-notch destination.”

He added, "Great destinations aren't just visited, they are experienced! By enhancing shore excursions and delivering seamless service, we create lasting impressions that drive cruise business growth.”

Brian Friesen, Board Member at Prince Rupert Cruise Port and Special Advisor, Global Ports Holding, noted that “Prince Rupert is rapidly emerging as a key player in the growing Alaska cruise theater, and the remarkable growth projected for 2026 is a clear signal that we are reaching a new level of critical mass that will set the stage for continued investment in cruise infrastructure, shore excursion development and destination enhancements. I am thrilled to see the momentum building so strongly, and confident Prince Rupert will play an even larger role in the future of Alaska itineraries."

In an effort to boost community alignment with increasing passenger numbers and evolving customer demands, D’Costa and his team recently hosted a special Guest Engagement Workshop for the local cruise stakeholders. The highly anticipated event, which was held on April 15th, featured a dynamic seminar conducted by Claudine Pohl, CEO & Founder of Lemoneight. The seminar gave cruise tourism and community partners a prime opportunity to connect, share insights, and explore the latest industry trends to support the growing demand for the destination. “Workshops like these are vital for fostering collaboration and innovation in the cruise industry,” said Pohl, an accredited corporate trainer. “Together, we can create experiences that resonate deeply with our guests and keep them coming back for more of wild Prince Rupert.”