The Port of Nanaimo has announced the first cruise ship disembarkation on British Columbia’s coast outside of Vancouver, with the successful passenger disembarkation and provisioning on June 23 of the MS Roald Amundsen, an HX Expedition cruise vessel. This milestone marks a significant evolution in BC’s cruise tourism sector that benefits Canada and the region.
Strategically located in central Vancouver Island, just 33 nautical miles from Vancouver, the Port of Nanaimo is uniquely positioned to support efficient passenger transfer to both downtown Vancouver and Vancouver International Airport (YVR) through a range of transportation options including two BC Ferries routes, Hullo fast ferry, Nanaimo Airport (YCD), Harbour Air, Seair, and Helijet. These year-round services ensure seamless connectivity for visitors traveling, transferring or exploring the region further.
“The Port of Nanaimo cruise terminal is supported by a robust transportation and upland service network that makes passenger movement smooth and efficient,” said Ian Marr, CEO, Port of Nanaimo. “This successful disembarkation highlights our potential as a Turn Call operation, creating opportunities for tourism and economic growth in the region.”
Local businesses—hotels, taxis, tour operators, restaurants, and more—stand to benefit significantly from the expansion of Turn Call operations in Nanaimo, where passengers begin or end their cruise journey, rather than just visit for the day. While the Port of Nanaimo has traditionally operated as a Port of Call, the successful disembarkation demonstrates the potential for more complex operations with longer visitor engagement.
Currently, cruise operations at the Port of Nanaimo focus on Port of Call visits, where passengers disembark to explore Vancouver Island before returning to the ship the same day. However, with appropriate regulatory approvals and infrastructure development, Turn Calls could become a transformative addition, stimulating regional tourism, employment, and investment opportunities.
“HX prioritises sustainability, community benefit, and low-impact tourism, which aligns perfectly with the values of the Port of Nanaimo,” said Gebhard Rainer, CEO, HX Expeditions. “We offer a unique blend of community empowerment models and sustainably led itineraries, which reinforces our focus on responsible tourism. We look forward to future opportunities to work with Nanaimo and the Central Island region to deliver immersive guest experiences with minimal environmental impact.”
(Photo of cruise ship by Verra Creative)