Global Ports Holding Plc has signed a 10-year concession, with an option for a 10-year extension, with the Prince Rupert Port Authority to manage cruise services at the Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia, Canada.
The Port of Prince Rupert is GPH's first cruise port in North America, marking a significant milestone in the Group's continued development and growth and expanding our global reach. Located in the heart of the British Columbia cruise port market, just 40 miles from Alaska, one of the world's largest cruise markets, the Port of Prince Rupert is ideally situated for cruise itineraries to and from the region's major homeports, including Seattle and Vancouver.
The Prince Rupert cruise port welcomed approximately 41,000 cruise passengers in 2022. Current expectations are that for the 2023 cruise season, passenger volume will rise to around 80,000 and continue to grow.
“We are optimistic about the future of Prince Rupert’s position in the expanding Alaskan cruise market and this strategic partnership with GPH represents a significant step toward growing Prince Rupert as a cruise destination,” said Shaun Stevenson, President and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
“Prince Rupert’s value proposition for cruise visitors is strong – its strategic location positions Prince Rupert as an efficient and attractive port of call on Alaskan itineraries with a rich and diverse cultural history and a spectacular North Shore landscape as a backdrop, setting the stage for diverse passenger experiences. GPH has the proven expertise to elevate cruise tourism in Northern British Columbia to fulfill Prince Rupert’s vision of growing a thriving cruise industry in a world-class destination, with significant economic benefits for the local community and the surrounding region. We are delighted to work in partnership with GPH to realize these ambitions.”.
Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director for the Americas at Global Ports Holding, commented: “The Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP) represents another first for us, as GPH enters a new region of Alaska in North America.”
The Prince Rupert cruise port has the infrastructure and capacity to accommodate larger vessels and a significant increase in passenger volume. As part of the agreement, and leveraging its global expertise and experience, GPH will work closely with local stakeholders to develop and curate immersive programs that highlight the local heritage, culture, cuisine, and rich diversity of plants, animals, and marine life, making Prince Rupert a must-visit cruise destination.
Colin Murphy, Director of Business Development for the Americas at Global Ports Holding, stated, “Prince Rupert is a beautiful, unspoiled destination with enormous potential as a key player in the Alaskan market. We look forward to working with our cruise partners to enhance the guest experience, collaborating with the local community to add more shore excursion opportunities, and attracting more traffic.”.
Prince Rupert boasts a rich and unique Indigenous culture and traditions, a vibrant arts scene, and abundant wildlife. From its parks and trails to its remote grizzly bear sanctuary and panoramic community views, Prince Rupert is a one-of-a-kind destination on Canada's North Shore and is often referred to as the "City of Rainbows.".
