The Azamara Pursuit made its inaugural visit to Nanaimo, British Columbia, marking the first time the port welcomes a peak-season Alaska cruise itinerary. This milestone demonstrates expanding cruise routes and port partnerships in the Pacific Northwest. The visit represents growing opportunities for both the cruise line and the destination.
📰 Reported — from industry news sources
Photo: Celebrity Cruises
How to Make the Most of Azamara's New Nanaimo Stop on Your Alaska Cruise
Azamara Pursuit just made its inaugural visit to Nanaimo, British Columbia—a significant shift in Pacific Northwest routing that opens new shore-excursion and itinerary options for Alaska cruisers. If you're booked on an upcoming Azamara sailing or considering one, understanding how this port addition affects your day and wallet will help you plan smarter.
Should You Get Off the Ship in Nanaimo, or Stay Loyal to Victoria?
The short answer: it depends on whether you've already done Victoria's main attractions. Nanaimo sits about 90 minutes south of Victoria on Vancouver Island and serves primarily as a gateway to Cathedral Grove rainforest and Coombs market—the exact locations that Victoria-based cruise excursions already push toward. If your sailing stops at both ports, skipping Nanaimo and maximizing Victoria's downtown heritage walk (free, walkable from Ogden Point) makes sense. If Nanaimo replaces Victoria entirely on your itinerary, you'll need to book or rent transportation to reach the inland rainforest that actually justifies a port day here.
Most cruisers don't reallocate itineraries based on a single port swap, but if cost or time is tight, recognize that Nanaimo alone offers limited in-port appeal. The town itself has shopping and waterfront cafes, but the real attraction—Cathedral Grove's old-growth forest and Coombs' farmer market—requires transport. Victoria's Inner Harbour location, by contrast, lets you walk directly off the ship to heritage neighborhoods and shops. Azamara's addition doesn't automatically mean Nanaimo is "better"; it just means more choice.
Photo: Celebrity Cruises
What Shore Excursions Should You Book Now?
Book any multi-port rainforest or Coombs-focused excursion as early as possible—at least 60 days before departure. Azamara's standard Alaska itineraries pair Nanaimo with Victoria or Southeast Alaska ports, so the excursion menu will likely mirror what Victoria cruisers already see: Cathedral Grove rainforest plus Coombs market trips (typically $806 for 9 hours with guide service included), and shorter Beacon Hill Park heritage walks ($118 for 2 hours). Azamara's gratuities are included in your fare, so you won't be hit with the 18-20% surcharge that mainstream lines like Carnival or Norwegian add to drink and dining purchases—a modest but real savings.
Your best move is to log into your Cruise Planner 90 days before departure and reserve any rainforest or guided-garden tour before inventory tightens. Azamara cruisers tend to be slightly older and more deliberate planners than, say, Carnival passengers, so spaces fill faster. If you prefer independent exploration, rent a car ($60-$90/day from the port area) and drive to Cathedral Grove yourself—you'll save the $500+ markup that comes with cruise-line bundling, but you'll need to be comfortable with Vancouver Island roads and willing to spend 90 minutes driving each way.
Photo: Celebrity Cruises
How Does This Change Your Budget?
Azamara's per-diem costs are lower than Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, primarily because gratuities are pre-paid and included in your cruise fare. That eliminates the surprise $16-$25/day automatic charges that blindside mainstream cruisers. However, Nanaimo port time doesn't cut your onboard spending; you'll still pay the same bar, specialty dining, and spa rates as any other Azamara sailing. Victoria-bound excursions ($118-$806) cost the same whether you book from Victoria or Nanaimo—the difference is geography and logistics, not price.
If you're planning a first visit to the Pacific Northwest, this port addition widens your options without inflating costs. If you're a repeat Victoria cruiser, Nanaimo may feel redundant unless you specifically want a second day in the rainforest.
Traveler Tip:
I always tell people that new port additions sound exciting on paper but rarely justify changing an existing booking. If Nanaimo's on your sailing, check whether Victoria is also listed. If both are, you're actually getting more value—use Nanaimo for independent exploration or a budget excursion, and save Butchart Gardens or a full rainforest tour for Victoria's superior transport infrastructure. That way, you're not paying two guide premiums for the same experience.
Sources:
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Last updated: June 2, 2026. This is a developing story — check back for updates.
Watch: Azamara Pursuit's Historic FIRST STOP in Nanaimo, BC!
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