Victoria has crossed one million cruise passengers in a single season for the first time, the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority announced October 13, 2026. The milestone puts 2026 ahead of last year’s 989,950 passengers, with the season still approaching its final scheduled visit.
The harbour authority expects 332 cruise calls this year, exceeding the previous record of 329 set in 2022. Officials celebrated the passenger milestone at the terminal with Norwegian Encore, recognizing the businesses, excursion operators and waterfront teams that support visiting ships.
This year’s season opened April 10 with Nieuw Amsterdam and is scheduled to finish October 18 with National Geographic Venture. Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises joined Victoria’s visiting cruise lines in 2026, and the port recorded six inaugural calls in May.
Looking ahead, Norwegian Cruise Line says Norwegian Bliss, Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Joy will visit Victoria in 2027. The 332-call figure remains the harbour authority’s expected season total, rather than a final tally.
Source: Original reporting.
Image: Norwegian Encore departing Victoria, British Columbia, on May 2, 2026. File photograph, not the October milestone ceremony. May be resized or cropped for display. Credit: Gordon Leggett / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0. Image source · License.