Vancouver cruise prep

THE Port of Vancouver (pictured) is planning a simulation to prepare for the return of cruising.

The program enables it to see how different variables may affect the flow of passengers and luggage throughout Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal.

Infrastructure improvements at the facility have been ongoing for a number of years, with several projects coming to fruition last year in anticipation of a record 2020 season, following an outstanding 2019.

Over the last year, Vancouver has installed additional passport kiosks retrofitted for fingerprinting to process passengers faster.

The Port has also added wayfinding signage with dynamic messaging, extra wi-fi access points, and more than 40 checkin counters.

“Planning for the return to cruising, we are able to look at simulations of how such considerations as social distancing will be affecting us, getting a better sense of how best to move people from one point to the other at Canada Place,” noted Manager of Cruise Services Mandy Chan.

“We have also taken over a 5,000 square foot space in the center of the building that was used by our Canada Border Services Agency.

“The space has been reconfigured to allow more space for passengers waiting and baggage laydown.”

In the future, there are plans for a new terminal outside Lions Gate Bridge to accommodate larger ships.

“One of the greatest things

I have learned through this adversity is the loyalty to the cruise market,” Chan added.

“I think cruise will come back strong...the efforts by the industry associations, the work that the cruise lines are doing, the methodical and measured approaches everybody is taking right now, to build that confidence back up, will result in a healthy return of cruising.”