Victoria harbour authority preparing for potential cruise season in 2021

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WatchWith a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon, and rapid testing becoming more available, the critical cruise industry could soon return to Victoria. Julian Kolsut has more.

With a COVID-19 vaccine on the horizon and rapid testing becoming more available, the critical cruise industry could soon return to Victoria.

“We have been planning on the safe restart of cruise for some time now, we have a 2021 schedule that we have in place,” said Ian Roberton, chief executive officer with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.

According to a recent presentation to Victoria city council, there are 300 ship calls tentatively scheduled for 2021, potentially bringing in 800,000 passengers.

However, the GVHA says if cruise ships return, it will likely be with fewer people and far more precautions. The harbour authority also agrees with Transport Canada’s restrictions and said they will only proceed if given the go-ahead by officials.

“We are not going to see even close to the number of ship arrivals and their passengers,” said Robertson. “The cruise lines are planning to book only 40 to 50 per cent capacity, and we also know passengers may also not be able to get off the ship.”

The authority is also planning to spread out ships coming in, and give extra time to allow for proper social distancing and other measures.

Cruise lines are also still looking at how to best tackle many new issues, such as where to send someone if they get sick onboard with COVID-19.

It’s been 14 months since a cruise ship has docked at the Breakwater District and their return would throw a life ring for businesses.

“It’s a huge impact to our downtown economy,” said John Wilson, President & CEO Wilson’s Group of Companies, and board member for the Greater Victoria Chamber of Commerce.

“It’s a huge impact to our bus company with hop on and hop off tours, and tours out to Butchart Gardens. Not having it in 2020 was a devastation to tourism.”

The GVHA says cruise is valued at more than $130 million annually to the regional economy and provides more than 800 direct and indirect local jobs.

Studies of travelers in the United States, the city’s biggest customers, show there is pent-up demand to get back on the water.

“There are people calling here saying please I want something to look forward to, book me a cruise I want to get out of here,” said Rich Skinner, co-founder of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville in Kirkland, Wash.

The GVHA says they will wait until it’s deemed safe. But if it can, they hope to bring their docks and the local economy back to life.

 

Julian KolsutJulian Kolsut

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