The departure of the 264-passenger Le Boreal in the early morning hours of Sept. 23 marked the end of the 2015 cruise season in Prince Rupert, a season that included 10 vessels carrying more than 3,600 passengers to the North Coast.
Reflecting on the year in cruise, Prince Rupert Port Authority marketing manager Brian Friesen said it was a successful one on a number of fronts.
“It was positive for a few reasons, but primarily with the number of passengers participating in shore excursions offered in Prince Rupert. Just over 70 per cent of passengers participated in a tour and I think that tour offering is one benefit Prince Rupert has,” he said, noting feedback was also positive from those who didn’t join a tour.
“I think the passengers liked the character of the town and the friendliness of the people, and I know they liked walking around Prince Rupert and spending time in places like Cow Bay … people had nothing but positive things to say about the nature and some of the wildlife.”
However, Friesen noted that there is work to be done around providing information to independent visitors, those who did not take tours, regarding where to go and where they can find things in town. It is something that Friesen said will be worked on throughout the fall with an advisory group that includes the port authority, the City of Prince Rupert, Tourism Prince Rupert, the Chamber of Commerce and tour operators.
As for next year, Friesen said the focus will be on continuing to attract smaller, high-end cruise lines similar to those that called on Prince Rupert this year.
“A lot of passengers on those high-end lines are looking for unique experiences … we feel like we have a bit of a niche there and will continue to target those lines, as well as having discussions with other lines in the Alaska cruise sector,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to another successful year in 2016.”
