Goodbye to summer

By Josie Bannerman

We say goodbye to summer as the last cruise ship of the 2012 season pulled out of Ogden Point October 24, marking the end of Victoria's busiest cruise season ever, with 224 cruise ship visits bringing 503,675 passengers to our city.

The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) says planning has already begun for the 2013 season, when Ogden Point will host its first ever Solstice-class ship.

The mooring dolphin that extends Pier B by 70 meters, makes it possible for larger cruise ships to dock safely at Ogden Point. It represents an investment by federal and provincial governments, who partnered with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority to increase the capacity of our port.

The Celebrity Solstice is a 315-meter ship, which can carry up to 2,850 passengers. The largest ship to visit Victoria in 2012 was 296 meters with a 2,600-passenger capacity.

The mooring dolphin supports an increase in tourism and provides a significant boost to British Columbia's economy. It is an investment by federal and provincial governments, in partnership with the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority.