Prince Rupert Cruise Port: Record Figures for 2025 and Massive Growth in Sight for 2026

By Miguel Borges from Prince Rupert, BC, Canada - Prince Rupert Harbour, CC BY 2.0, Link
If we take a look across the pond to Canada, specifically to the north coast of British Columbia, we see exciting developments at the Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP). Current figures released around November 19, 2025, clearly show that the port has set a firm course for growth. After a strong 2025 season, forecasts for 2026 point to a veritable explosion in passenger numbers.

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Let’s first look at what lies just behind us. The 2025 season concluded with a total of 68,433 guests. This represents a solid increase of roughly 15% compared to the previous year. Particularly pleasing was the inaugural call of Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas. The fact that a ship of this class, with its many glass surfaces perfectly suited for viewing the fjords from both starboard and port side, calls at Prince Rupert is a true mark of quality for the port.

Old acquaintances also made an appearance in the premium segment: Holland America Line’s Noordam and the Ruby Princess ensured steady streams of visitors. This was complemented by luxury and expedition providers such as Seabourn and Hurtigruten, whose guests are particularly interested in the authentic nature experiences of the region.

As pleasing as 2025 was, the outlook for the coming year makes one sit up and take notice. Growth of around 135% is forecast for 2026. In absolute numbers, this means Prince Rupert expects over 154,000 passengers. That is more than double within just twelve months.

Responsible for this leap are primarily exciting new players in the market:

  • Virgin Voyages: The trendy "Adults Only" cruise line plans 11 calls. This brings a younger, affluent target group to the city who are looking for action and adventure.
  • The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: With the arrival of ultra-luxury yachts, the port is also positioning itself in the absolute high-end segment.

This development transforms Prince Rupert from a secondary alternative port into a genuine highlight on cruise line itineraries.

Behind these successes lies the strategic work of Global Ports Holding (GPH), which has managed the port since 2022. At a time when traditional freight traffic and the container business in the region are struggling, cruise tourism is becoming an indispensable economic pillar for the local community. Steve Finnigan, the General Manager, repeatedly emphasizes close cooperation with the local community to ensure guests don’t just arrive, but truly experience the destination.

Sustainability remains a key topic. Through the "Green Wave" program, the port rewards ships that operate in an environmentally friendly manner—for example, by reducing underwater noise to protect orcas or by lowering emissions. A prominent example here is Hurtigruten's hybrid ship, the Roald Amundsen.

However, a small risk remains: US legislation (PVSA), which forces foreign ships to call at a foreign port (such as Prince Rupert in Canada) when traveling between US ports. Political changes in the USA could jeopardize this status, although the port can now confidently woo guests based on its own attractiveness, even without this compulsion.

Conclusion

Prince Rupert has set its sails correctly. While the freight sector battles rough seas, the cruise industry provides a steady tailwind. For cruise fans, this means: starting in 2026, there will be even more reasons and even more ships to discover this fascinating corner of Canada.