Fairmont Waterfront says it has completed the first phase of a multi-year renovation project as Vancouver’s record-setting cruise season drives increased demand from travellers extending their stays in the city before and after their voyages.
The downtown Vancouver hotel said the initial phase of the project includes 96 redesigned guest rooms and comes as cruise passenger volumes continue to rise at the Port of Vancouver. The property, located across from Canada Place Cruise Terminal, is also expanding its focus on services for cruise passengers as more visitors spend additional time in the city.
According to the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority, the 2026 cruise season is expected to bring about 1.4 million passengers and nearly 360 ship calls, exceeding previous records. The season runs from Feb. 26 through Oct. 13.
The port authority also said 76 per cent of cruise passengers spent time in Vancouver as part of their trip in 2025. Among international visitors, that figure reached 88 per cent, reflecting a growing tendency for travellers to include additional time in the city before or after embarking on a cruise.
Fairmont Waterfront said the trend has contributed to increased demand for accommodation tied to cruise travel. The hotel said bookings for its Connect With Your Cruise Ship package have risen 150 per cent compared with a year earlier.
The hotel offers complimentary luggage transfer for cruise passengers, allowing guests to leave tagged luggage in their room before it is delivered directly to their cruise ship. Its location across from Canada Place Cruise Terminal also allows guests to walk to embarkation.
“Cruise travel continues to be one of the most important drivers of visitation to Vancouver, and we’re seeing growing demand from guests who want to spend additional time exploring the city before or after their voyage,” said Randall Williams, general manager of Fairmont Waterfront.
“Our role is to help improve that journey, whether that’s through our location just steps from Canada Place, our direct luggage transfer service, or by offering a newly renovated guest room designed for today’s traveler.”
The renovation marks the first completed phase of a broader property redevelopment plan.
Fairmont Waterfront said additional work is scheduled to resume in the fall of 2026 and will include more guest room renovations, upgrades to its Fairmont Gold accommodations, the pool area, hotel lobby and ARC Restaurant + Bar.
The hotel also said guests extending their stays can participate in programming that includes rooftop garden dinners, rooftop bee tours and seasonal wellness activities.
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