Vancouver Fraser Port Authority welcomed the cruise line Virgin Voyages to the Port of Vancouver for the first time. The Brilliant Lady arrived as part of its new annual Alaska itinerary, marking the first call for the company and the ship itself at the Canada Place terminal.
The vessel, with capacity for 2,700 passengers, disembarked and embarked passengers, and restocked its provisions at Canada Place, before heading north through Canada’s scenic Inside Passage, en route to Alaska.
“We are delighted to welcome Virgin Voyages to the Port of Vancouver as the newest member of our thriving cruise sector,” said Jane Banham, Director of Business Development at Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.
“Virgin’s innovative cruise experience and its strong commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable tourism are a perfect fit with our vision for a dynamic and sustainable cruise sector in Vancouver. We look forward to working closely with Virgin Voyages to showcase our unique destination, support the local business community, and create memorable experiences for their passengers,” added Banham.
With itineraries departing from Vancouver, the journey begins surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, setting the perfect scene for a scenic voyage through the Inside Passage and beyond.
“Vancouver is one of those exceptional places where city and nature come together, but what truly makes it stand out is the energy of the city itself and the people who shape it,” expressed Natasha Salzedo, Senior Director of Itineraries and Destinations at Virgin Voyages.
“There’s an incredible food scene, a deep-rooted culture, and neighborhoods with their own personality that are worth exploring. For our ‘sailors,’ this means the experience begins even before boarding. It’s an immersive, vibrant experience with the unmistakable style of the Pacific Northwest, making it a truly special gateway to Alaska,” added Salzedo.
The Port of Vancouver’s Canada Place cruise terminal has been a homeport for these Alaska ships for 40 years, serving as a starting point for countless round-trip voyages through the Inside Passage. It is where passengers embark and disembark, and where ships carry out their port call operations, such as restocking food and beverages, maintenance and repairs, and refueling.
Brilliant Lady is one of nearly 360 cruise ships that will call at the Canada Place terminal this year; each will inject approximately USD 2.2 million into the local economy and support jobs throughout the region.
