Victoria welcomes its first cruise ship of the season today at Ogden Point.
The Star Princess will dock with over 2500 visitors, sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
According to Greater Victoria Harbour Authority CEO, Ian Robertson, it's going to be another record year with about 242 ship calls between now and the beginning of October:
"It's an important part of the overall economy. Cruise ship season has estimated to bring over $100-million in economic revenue to the region. Over 710 direct and indirect jobs are supported."
Robertson says Victoria is Canada's busiest cruise ship port of call.
With that, he says the Harbour Authority remains mindful of concerns from area residents regarding emissions from ship traffic. All environmental agencies says emissions have been under the allowable limit since 2015. Plus:
"We are introducing this year Canada's first fully purpose-built double decker electric bus, and that will be in operation today and working as a pilot project throughout the season."
Five more ships will be docking in Victoria between April 25th and 29th -- all of those are from the Holland America Line, sailing from San Diego and Honolulu to Vancouver.