The arrival of Holland America's Koningsdam on Friday, April 4, marked the official start of Victoria's cruise season and the first of 12 cruise ships arriving at Ogden Point this month, said the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA).
“We are thrilled to welcome the Koningsdam to Victoria,” said Robert Lewis-Manning, CEO of the GVHA, in a news release. “This city has a long history of welcoming travellers from around the world and, with the opening of our cruise season, we continue this rich tradition—celebrating both our local heritage and our global connections.”
The Koningsdam is a mid-size cruise ship that carries about 2,650 passengers. It is travelling from Astoria, Oregon, to Vancouver.
The Koningsdam arrival marks the full launch of the cruise season after the early arrival of the Disney Wonder in March. Three hundred and twenty cruise ship calls are scheduled for Victoria in 2025, including five inaugural calls. More than one million passengers and crew will pass through the terminal.
Last year, Victoria saw 316 ships and about 970,000 passengers between April and October.
“For many years, this port has been a destination on our Alaska itineraries, introducing our guests to the charm of British Columbia and its capital city—and we know that each of our guests and crew calling the port on our ships will receive a very warm welcome," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line, in the release.
Among the highlights of the 2025 cruise season: the Royal Caribbean Anthem of the Seas, which holds 4,900 passengers, will see 21 calls throughout the season, and the MS Riviera, which holds 1,200 passengers, will see nine calls.
