Disney Cruise Lines is pulling out of Vancouver in 2012 and moving its departures on its Alaska trips to Seattle, CBC News has learned.
The news comes just as the cruise line is about to begin its first season operating out of Vancouver in May. In 2011 Disney will bring 90,000 passengers into Vancouver for its 20 trips to Alaska.
The Port of Vancouver estimates each sailing starting from Vancouver generates an estimated $2 million in business for the local tourism industry, meaning the city will lose about $40 million in potential business.
But B.C. won’t lose out entirely in the move though. The cruise line will include stops in Victoria on most of its Alaska cruises, and stops in Vancouver on two other sailings in 2012.
Disney is expected to officially announce the move when they release their 2012 schedule on Wednesday .
It’s a competitive world! Vancouver’s cruise ship business declined about 30% in 2010 from 2009. BC’s cruise ship business contributes about $1.2B pr year to the provincial economy. Disney will be stopping at Seattle instead.
However, Princess cruises say they’ll be adding more ships to the Vancouver port of call, along with another, yet unamed, cruise line.
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