Victoria’s cruise season is off to a rough start due to cruise ship cancellations.
Many in Victoria (BC Canada) hoped for smooth cruising business this year, but in one of the latest cancellations, Princess Cruises' ship Ruby Princess canceled the port visit on Thursday due to mechanical issues, Ian Robertson, CEO of Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, revealed.
But after 2 years of inaction (due to the COVID crisis), it is rough seas for many of the ships.
Ruby Princess is currently undergoing repairs in Seattle (Washington USA), instead of sailing the route to Alaska and Victoria BC.
The missing liners are felt by the local tourism industry.
According to Robertson, the shore-based support industry also struggled.
Globally, the industry is now adjusting to surging demand while trying to maintain the liners, according to Barry Penner, legal adviser, CLIA-Cruise Lines International Association.
In 2022, a total of 334 ships carrying ~790,000 passengers are expected in Victoria BC, equaling the numbers in record-setting 2019.