Global Ports Holding Plc ("GPH"), the world's largest independent cruise port operator, is pleased to announce that it has signed a 10-year concession, with a 10-year extension option, with Prince Rupert Port Authority to manage cruise services at Prince Rupert Cruise Port in British Columbia, Canada. Prince Rupert Cruise Port is GPH's first cruise port in North America, marking an important milestone in the continued development and growth of the Group and extends our global reach. Prince Rupert Cruise Port is located at the heart of the British Columbian cruise port market, just 40 miles from Alaska, one of the largest cruise markets in the world and ideally placed for cruise itineraries to and from the key homeports in the region, including Seattle and Vancouver.
Prince Rupert Cruise Port welcomed c41,000 cruise passengers in 2022. Current expectations are that for the 2023 cruise season passenger volumes will rise to close to 80,000 and continue growing.
“We’re bullish on the future of Prince Rupert’s position in the expanding Alaskan cruise market and this strategic partnership with GPH represents a significant step toward the growth of Prince Rupert as a cruise destination.” said Shaun Stevenson, President, and CEO of the Prince Rupert Port Authority.
“Prince Rupert’s value proposition to cruise visitors is strong – its strategic location positions Prince Rupert to be an efficient and attractive port of call on Alaskan itineraries with a rich and diverse cultural history, and spectacular north coast scenery as a backdrop, setting the stage for diverse passenger experiences. GPH has the proven expertise to elevate cruise tourism in northern British Columbia to meet Prince Rupert’s vision of growing a thriving cruise sector into a world-class destination, with significant economic benefits for the local community and surrounding region. We are thrilled to be working in partnership with GPH to bring these ambitions to reality.”
Mike Maura Jr., Regional Director - Americas of Global Ports Holding commented “Prince Rupert Cruise Port (PRCP) marks another first for us, as GPH enters a new region of Alaska in North America. As Global Ports Holding, in partnership with the Prince Rupert community, our focus will be to strengthen and expand the shore excursion capabilities of the beautiful destination of Prince Rupert, as well as bring the global expertise and GPH operating model to the port. Our approach to this partnership recognizes that we are invited guests committed to both the environment and good people of Prince Rupert.”
Prince Rupert Cruise Port has the infrastructure and capability to handle larger ships and welcome a significant increase in passenger volumes. As part of the agreement and using its global expertise and know-how, GPH will work closely with local stakeholders to develop & mindfully curate immersive programs spotlighting local heritage, culture, gastronomy & the highly diverse plant, animal, and marine life of the Great Bear Rainforest, making Prince Rupert a must-visit cruise destination.
Colin Murphy, Head of Business Development - Americas of Global Ports Holding said “Prince Rupert is a beautiful unspoilt destination and has tremendous potential as a key player in the Alaska market. We are looking forward to working with our cruise partners to improve the guest experience, working with the local community to add more exciting shore excursion opportunities, and driving more traffic.”
An important part of the effort to provide more excursion alternatives, GPH has added industry veteran, Kevin D’Costa to the team. Kevin’s focus will be to assist local operators in developing an array of exciting new alternatives for cruise guests while maintaining the high level of service provided to the cruise lines themselves.
The untouched and pristine destination of Prince Rupert is home to unique and rich Indigenous culture & traditions, a vibrant art scene, as well as abundant wildlife. From its parks & trails, its remote grizzly bear sanctuary and scenic community views, Prince Rupert is a unique destination on the North Coast of Canada & often referred to as the “City of Rainbows.” A culturally rich and diverse community with a long history of Coast Ts’msyen habitation, Prince Rupert is the only municipality situated in the Great Bear Rainforest, the largest coastal temperate rainforest in the world.
