The Nanaimo Port Authority will welcome four vessels in 2025, double the number of visits from 2024. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Alex Rawnsley

all aboard

Cruise traffic in Nanaimo scheduled to double in 2025

Feb 11, 2025 | 6:50 AM

NANAIMO — Following two successful arrivals as the industry emerged post-pandemic in 2024, four ships are scheduled to stop in the Harbour City this year.

The Europa 2 will kick off the season with an April 21 arrival, followed by the Seabourn Quest on May 15, the Roald Amundsen on June 22, and the Noordam wrapping up the season on Oct. 10.

Nanaimo Port Authority’s Kimberly Kelly told NanaimoNewsNOW the arrivals represent a lot of hard work behind the scenes and are a reflection of last year’s success.

“We had really positive feedback in 2024 from the two vessels that visited. Passengers loved Nanaimo and the hospitality, our operations went as planned and we saw several passengers embark on multiple excursions where people enjoyed all of the things that the central Island has to offer.”

The MV Europa 2 has a capacity of just under 900 passengers and crew and is presently sailing in waters around Hong Kong, China and Vietnam.

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A sister ship of one of the arrivals from 2024, the Seabourn Quest can accommodate upwards of 540 passengers and 330 crew, and is currently sailing around southern Australia.

Operated by a Norwegian company, the MS Roald Amundsen has spent February sailing between Argentina and Antarctica with upwards of 600 passengers and 150 crew on board.

The year’s final arrival, the MS Noordam is the largest of the four and has a capacity of around 2,000 passengers and 820 crew. It is currently sailing off the coast of Vietnam.

Vessels tie up in Nanaimo for the day before departing in the evening. The time allows passengers to disembark and tour central Vancouver Island. (File Photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

Kelly said the focus for the Nanaimo Port Authority continues to be on smaller vessels and cruise lines, with the region’s ability to offer carefully curated tours and programs.

“The Port continues to see interest from niche cruise ship lines that are seeking unique opportunities. These cruise companies align with the Port’s vision to connect the Island to the world while delivering economic growth that benefits British Columbia and the Island.”

Partnerships with Tourism Nanaimo, Snuneymuxw First Nation and regional business operators help create a complete experience for visitors, according to Kelly.

The arrivals in 2024 were the first since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Three ships were due to visit a total of six times in 2020, however, travel restrictions cancelled the arrivals which were to start in May.

When the Port Authority dock opened in 2011, a goal was made of having 25-30 ships tie up annually in Nanaimo.

Hullo Ferries, which operates out of the Port Authority building and the cruise ship dock, took different approaches during last year’s arrivals.

For the first ship, the company suspended service while the vessel was in dock, but when the second cruise ship arrived, Hullo moved to the nearby Cameron Island dock in the Nanaimo Harbour.

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