Northland Cruise Terminal in Prince Rupert is now under new management following a recent Prince Rupert Port Authority's (PRPA) agreement with Global Ports Holding Plc (GPH). 

Announced on Nov. 14, the Terminal Operating Agreement marks the first time in its history that the terminal will not be run by the PRPA, according to the Manager of Trade Development for the authority Jeff Stromdahl.   

Opened in 2004, the terminal has been a popular dock for cruise ships making their way to Alaska. Even with a two year hiatus, the terminal has seen nearly 700,000 passengers in its 18 years.

When COVID-19 restrictions started to ease up, the terminal re-opened in time for the 2022 cruise season, resulting in an estimated 40,000 cruise passengers docking in Prince Rupert, with an estimated $3.5 million economic impact, according to the PRPA. 

Stromdahl says that the decision to enter into the agreement was made in response to the growing Alaskan cruise market. 

GPH will be handling terminal business as well as the currently available shore excursion programming for passengers to explore the community with hiking or whale watching. The authority is also looking to expand the programming by working with local First Nations to develop cultural tours. 

Alaskan Cruise season officially starts around May in Prince Rupert, according to Stromdahl, and will mark the start of the 10 year agreement. 

Listen to the CFNR story with Jeff Stromdahl below: