June 22, 2026 —
The Port Alberni Port Authority is celebrating the successful visit of The World, this past weekend, the first cruise ship to call on Port Alberni since 2019.
The luxury residential vessel arrived Saturday June 20th just before 9am, drawing residents to the waterfront and creating a wave of excitement throughout the community. Upon on the ships arrival, they were welcomed with song and dance from members of Hupacasath and Tseshaht First Nations.
The World is a unique residential vessel featuring 165 privately owned residences. Homeowners from around the world live and travel aboard the ship while collectively helping determine its annual itinerary. The ship’s residents and crew spent the Father’s Day weekend exploring local attractions like the Alberni Pacific Railway, visiting shops, dining in restaurants, attending the Harbour Quay Farmers Market, and experiencing the unique hospitality that Port Alberni is known for.
“It was incredible to see the community come together to welcome visitors back to our waterfront,” said Mike Carter, Co-CEO of the Port Alberni Port Authority. “Cruise visits are economic generators for communities, creating opportunities for local businesses, tourism operators, attractions, and community organizations.”
One of Port Alberni’s greatest attractions is the journey itself. Before reaching the harbour, vessels travel nearly 40 kilometres through the scenic Alberni Inlet, surrounded by towering mountains, coastal forests, and breathtaking West Coast scenery. For many passengers, Port Alberni’s authentic charm and warm welcome left a lasting impression.
“One of the things that makes Port Alberni special is the genuine hospitality people experience when they arrive here,” said Carter. “The feedback we’ve received from visitors has been overwhelmingly positive.”
The visit marks an important step in the Port Alberni Port Authority’s efforts to attract additional cruise business to the region. Following engagement with cruise lines and terminal operators at CLIA’s PNW Symposium and Seatrade Cruise Global earlier this year, discussions continue regarding future opportunities.
“As our community continues to diversify its economy, cruise tourism represents an exciting opportunity,” said Carter. “We are actively working with tourism partners, local businesses, First Nations, and cruise operators to explore how we can work together to create a regenerative, sustainable, and thriving tourism industry in Port Alberni.”
The Port Alberni Port Authority would like to thank community partners, volunteers, local businesses, tourism operators, First Nations, and residents who helped make the visit a memorable experience for guests aboard The World.
Now that the vessel has departed, it leaves behind renewed optimism for the future of cruise tourism in the Alberni Valley and a reminder of the important role the waterfront plays in supporting local economic development.
As the Port Alberni Port Authority continues to explore opportunities to attract additional cruise ship visits, community input will play an important role in shaping future plans. Residents and business owners are encouraged to complete the Cruise Tourism Community Survey. Feedback will help guide future planning and ensure that any growth aligns with community values, priorities, and the long-term vision for our waterfront and community.
