Cunard Celebrates Cruise Milestone with The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority in Victoria, BC
Ten Millionth Passenger Cruises into Ogden Point
(L to R): Lindsay Guant (Director of Cruise Development, GVHA); Robert Lewis-Manning (CEO, GVHA); passengers Ryan and Rebecca Fairchild; Darlene Hollstein (GM, Bay Centre & Destination Greater Victoria Board Chair); passengers Emma, Liam and Ava Lonergan; Marianne Alto (Victoria Mayor); Kevin Boag (Hotel General Manager, Queen Elizabeth, Cunard).
VALENCIA, Calif., August 16, 2023 – Cunard is proud to bring the ten millionth cruise passenger to Victoria, BC, where The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) welcomed them to The Breakwater District at Ogden Point on Wednesday, August 16, 2023. The passengers arrived on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth, marking 54 years of cruise ships visiting Victoria.
The cruise industry has grown since the first cruise ship arrived in 1969. “Ten million cruise visitors to Victoria is an incredible milestone. Cruise supports the region's visitor economy and creates jobs that support Victoria's economic recovery. Engineers, entrepreneurs, accountants, mechanics and others are employed due to cruise tourism in Victoria, with salaries totalling over $40 million annually,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of GVHA.
Each year, cruise visitors and crew contribute $56 million to the local economy, purchasing tours and local transportation, retail goods and food and beverages. Cruise lines spend $84 million on warehousing, ship agents, repairs and maintenance, port fees and docking services.
"Victoria welcomes and celebrates its ten millionth cruise ship passenger,” said Mayor Marianne Alto. “The cruise industry is a valued and vital part of a regional visitor industry that continues to create countless career opportunities and support the livelihood of Victorians,” Alto added.
Two couples stepped off Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth this morning and were presented with a gift courtesy of the Bay Centre. Industry partners and stakeholders gathered at the port of Victoria to welcome these guests. “We’ve been married for 14 years, and we came on this trip to renew our vows,” said Emma Lonergan, a passenger from the UK.
“Victoria is a world-class city because it has something for everyone, from natural beauty, heritage and architecture to fabulous dining options and a warm community,” said Matt Gleaves, VP, Commercial, Cunard North America. "It is a much-loved highlight of Cunard’s voyages in this part of the world and holds great appeal for Cunard’s guests as well as from our sister brands across our corporation.”
For more information about Cunard, or to book a voyage, contact your Travel Advisor, call Cunard at 1-800-728-6273 or visit www.cunard.com.
For Travel Advisors interested in further information, please contact your Business Development Manager, visit OneSourceCruises.com or call Cunard at 1-800-528-6273.
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About Cunard
Cunard is a luxury British cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world. Cunard has been a leading operator of passenger ships on the North Atlantic, since 1840, celebrating an incredible 183 years of operation. A pioneer in transatlantic journeys for generations, Cunard is world class. The Cunard experience is built on fine dining, hand-selected entertainment and outstanding service. From five-star restaurants and in-suite dining to inspiring guest speakers, the library and film screenings, every detail has been meticulously crafted to make the experience unforgettable. Destinations include Europe, the Caribbean, the Far East and Australia.
There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will enter service in 2024. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service. Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc. www.cunard.com (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).
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For additional information about Cunard, contact:
Jackie Chase, Cunard, jchase@cunard.com
Cindy Adams, cindy@mgamediagroup.com
About the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority is a community-based, not-for-profit organization that is committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s dynamic working harbour. GVHA owns and operates several high-profile community amenities, including the Ogden Point Breakwater, Inner Harbour lower causeway, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ship Point Pier. GVHA is certified as a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Silver Member. Silver members recognize the value of working with Indigenous communities and showing outcomes that have made a difference, including investment in communities, people, employment programs and business partnerships.
Media Contact
Stella F. Garcia | Greater Victoria Harbour Authority
Manager, Communications
sgarcia@gvha.ca | 250.920.9057
