Carrying about 1,200 passengers — less than half its capacity — Holland America’s Koningsdam arrived in the provincial capital, marking the return of one of British Columbia’s major tourism drivers.
Gundersen and Dale Short, both of Edmonton, said they’d booked the trip last fall and had wondered at points if the voyage would even go ahead. “Some of the insurance things that they offered, refunds and so on, gave you a bit of comfort that should something happen, you’re not necessarily left high and dry.”Environmental group sparks debate over B.C. cruise industry’s economic impact in VictoriaStory continues below advertisement“I have children that disagree with me and they think I’m crazy for doing this, but I do. I don’t know if I would feel the same if they were full.
“It’s not zero risk, but nothing in life is right now. But we’ve taken all the precautions, working together with local officials and federal officials to make sure we’re confident.”First cruise ship of the year abruptly cancels Victoria and Vancouver stops