Demand for cruising is soaring to warm-weather destinations like the Caribbean—but there’s another underrated region that’s been on travelers’ radars for decades. It’s a destination cruisers can’t stop raving about, and Royal Caribbean’s newly announced 2027 summer routes prove just how far its appeal goes.

That destination is Alaska, and one of its key gateway ports, Vancouver, just finished a record-breaking season that pumped over a billion dollars into the local economy. Here’s a look at this milestone and what’s on the horizon for 2026.

Vancouver’s 2025 Cruise Season Injected Over $1 Billion Into The Local Economy

On October 21, the Coral Princess set sail from Canada Place, signaling the end of one of the strongest cruise seasons Vancouver has seen. Despite economic uncertainty stemming from the Trump administration’s trade war, which has affected tourism, the city’s cruise industry continues to play a major role in driving British Columbia’s economy.

During the 2025 season, 301 ships and more than 1.2 million passengers passed through the Canada Place cruise terminal at the Port of Vancouver.

The first cruise ship this season was the Disney Wonder on March 5.

Sixteen cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, and Disney Cruise Line, called the port home this year.

The Sun Princess cruise from Princess Cruises departs from Canada Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess departing Canada Place in Vancouver, British Columbia, CanadaCredit: SNEHIT PHOTO / Shutterstock.com

Eight vessels also sailed from the Port of Vancouver for the very first time, including:

Europa II

Norwegian Jade

Silver Moon

Ocean Riviera

Seabourn Quest

Viking Venus

Villa Vie Odyssey

Anthem of the Seas

According to a press release from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, each ship that docks in Vancouver brings roughly $3 million in spending to local hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour operators. In total, the cruise industry contributes more than $1 billion a year to Vancouver’s economy and supports thousands of local jobs.

“This year’s success underscores the cruise sector’s power as an economic engine. Each sailing brings millions of dollars in passenger spending that circulates through hotels, restaurants, attractions, and suppliers, helping to strengthen our regional economy,” said Shri Madiwal, Vice President of Operations and Supply Chain at the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority.

But Vancouver’s port brings more than just travel dollars. This year, it also proved it’s a leader in cleaner, more efficient cruising.

Vancouver’s Cruise Port Is A Leader In Sustainability And Innovation

Seven Seas Explorer moored at Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Seven Seas Explorer docked at Canada Place, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Credit: Nigel Jarvis / Shutterstock.com

Beyond its economic impact, the Port of Vancouver is a leader in sustainability and cleaner operations, with more than 80% of 2025 cruise calls plugging into shore power instead of running diesel engines while docked.

Cruise Lines Using Shore Power Technology

According to a news release from the Port of Vancouver, shore power technology allows ships to turn off their auxiliary engines and plug into B.C.’s low-emission, hydro-powered electrical grid while docked. This system has prevented over 50,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions (CO2).

Cruise lines frequenting the Port of Vancouver have also stepped up to protect the region’s fragile marine ecosystems. As part of the ECHO Program, 85% of ships this season voluntarily slowed their speeds through the Salish Sea to reduce underwater noise and protect at-risk whales.

Additionally, the introduction of facial biometric scanning technology at Vancouver’s Canada Place terminal in 2024 has also cut border control processing times by up to 94%, providing a more seamless check-in experience for passengers.

Early Bookings For 2026 Signal Another Record-Breaking Year On The Horizon

After more than 35 years as a homeport for Alaska sailings, Vancouver continues to hold the title of one of North America’s best cruise gateways—and this year was no exception.

With the 2025 season closing on a high note, cruise lines are already looking ahead. “We deeply value our long-standing partnership with the Port of Vancouver,” said Jim Berra, Chief Commercial Officer for Princess Cruises.

“As a gateway to Alaska, Vancouver offers our guests not only seamless embarkation but also the opportunity to immerse themselves in the vibrant culture and natural beauty of this remarkable city,” Berra continued.

With strong passenger demand and early bookings trending upward, 2026 is on track for success. And, according to CTV News, the first ship of the season is expected to arrive in late March.