Prince Rupert Expecting Cruise Business to be Steady As She Goes

Saturday, April 10, 2010 05:57 AM

Prince Rupert, B.C. - The Prince Rupert Port Authority is projecting little change in the volume of cruise ships and passengers calling on Prince Rupert for the 2010 season compared to 2009.

Prince Rupert expects to host about 54,500 passengers from 25 large and pocket cruise ship calls in 2010. The season begins May 13 with the arrival of the 2,500-passenger Norwegian Star.

“While down from in excess of 100,000 passengers hosted in 2008, the cruise ship industry remains a strong development opportunity for the community, contributing significantly to the local and regional economy,” says PRPA Vice President Marketing & Business Development Shaun Stevenson.

Since Northland Terminal opened in 2004, it is estimated guests and crew have spent $38 million in the community including tours, restaurants, attractions, supplies and services.

Overall, the Alaska cruise market will shrink by about 140,000 passengers this year due to the loss of 4 cruise ships from the B.C. – Alaska cruise theatre. The decline in the Alaska market, despite growth in the cruise industry worldwide, has been attributed to regulatory and taxation regimes introduced by the State of Alaska over the past 3 years, which have dramatically increased the operating costs for cruise lines and negatively impacted the competitive position of Alaska as a global cruise destination.

“Considering the globally competitive nature of the cruise business and the issues cruise lines are grappling with in Alaska, we are pleased to be maintaining our current level of business,” says Mr.Stevenson. “We have a strong partnership with the cruise industry and have demonstrated the viability of Prince Rupert as an attractive and profitable cruise destination over the past five years. We should be well positioned to participate in the growth and expansion of the industry if the current barriers to growth in the Alaska market can be overcome. The key will be to continue to develop capacities and services to contribute to improving the guest experience in Prince Rupert.”

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Posted on Saturday, April 10, 2010 05:57 AM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 10 2010 7:00 AM

There is one key element missing in Prince Rupert when it comes to the cruise ship industry.
When they get there,assuming they come,there is nothing to do,not much to see,and nowhere really to go.
That has always been the stumbling block.

Posted by: Pojeb_sa on April 10 2010 9:23 AM

There's lots to see in Prince Rupert. There's the non stop rain and grey sky, the drunk bums stumbling in and around the mall, perhaps the only small town Zellers in BC there. If you ever drive to Prince Rupert, there's the world's 80kmh speed trap.

If you're fortunate enough to wander around Cow Bay, you can look at dollar store fare at boutique prices, buy the same candy you will find at a 7-11 from a candy store with a much higher markup, or eat at one of the two fish and chip restaurants which may or may not be open. If you're fortunate, you can watch one of the eagles sit miserably in the rain flying close to the windows of the restaurant you're sitting trying to keep warm.

Why not stay at the Crest in Prince Rupert? It's all new renovated with the finest fixtures from Home Hardware, and features dark dingy ambient lighting with spot and stain eating carpet.

The stores in Prince Rupert carry dusty and overpriced merchandise, just what every tourist wants.

One thing you notice about the NorthWest is even though it rains all the time, nobody uses umbrellas.

Posted by: MrPG on April 10 2010 9:39 AM

I nominate the above post for 'Post of the Day' honours. Great one!

Posted by: DPJ on April 10 2010 11:18 AM

I happen to see the iternery for the Prince Rupert stop and seems to be alot of options. Maby the negative outlook posters should investigate this.

Posted by: PrinceGeorge on April 10 2010 12:22 PM

“Many cruise passengers sailing the Inside Passage bound for the Last Frontier will discover Prince Rupert's charms when they call on the small town in British Columbia, just 40 miles south of the Alaska state line.”

“Getting around town is easy. In compact Prince Rupert there are no skyscrapers, no fast-moving traffic. Main businesses, many in buildings dating from the 1930's line 2nd and 3rd streets.”

“—you're sure to wear a smile wandering this area.”

Cruise Travel, May/June 2005

There is a casino, a museum, native arts and native history...if tourists didn't like it at all and had complained I am sure the cruise organizers wouldn't stop there anymore!

Why all the sarcastic negativity?

We went last in 1997, stayed at the Crest with a gorgeous ocean view, had a wonderful dinner time at a local Greek restaurant - the food and wine were very good!

The sun came out and it was warm and comfortable!

The locals are very friendly and easy going!

What more can one ask for?

Posted by: Andyfreeze on April 10 2010 5:52 PM

Sorry Prince Rupert,but Pojeb_sa hit it right on the nose!
Pretty good discription and funny!...but seriously,it is worth a trip to see it if you have never been there...(once).