For the first time in more than two years, a large cruise ship passed under Vancouver's Lions Gate Bridge and into the local harbour over the weekend.
Thousands of guests boarded a Holland America ship bound for Hawaii out of Vancouver Sunday on the first cruise to dock since the industry shut down because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I know it's been a long time coming and I know it's been a very frustrating, full of anxiety couple of years," said Omar Alghabra, Canada's minister of transport, on Sunday. Even though the industry's official return comes with the promise of a busy season ahead, it won't be business as usual. Cruises won't be at full capacity and guests will see constant reminders the pandemic isn't over. As well, vaccines are required and so is a pre-boarding test.
More than 300 ships are expected in Vancouver this season alone, which is an eight per cent jump from pre-COVID travel.