Victoria welcomes Canada's first cruise ship in 2 years to B.C.

For the first time in more than two years, a large cruise ship has docked in Canadian waters.

Locals in Victoria gathered to welcome Holland America's Koningsdam and its more than 1,200 passengers to the city's cruise ship dock at Ogden Point Saturday morning.

Visitors and residents alike told CTV News the kickoff of cruise ship season is welcome after two years of COVID-19-related restrictions.

"For me it just represents a real return to something normal and positive," said Nancy Schrader, a resident of Victoria's James Bay neighbourhood who celebrated her 20-year wedding anniversary aboard the Koningsdam three years ago.

"It is absolute proof of renewal to see this here," added her husband James Gannon.

Businesses in Victoria's hard-hit tourism and hospitality industries have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the first of more than 350 cruise ships scheduled to visit the city between now and November.

"I actually choked up a little bit seeing the ship coming in," said Alan Thilmot, manager of Victoria Pedicab Company.

Over the last two years, because of a lack of tourists caused by the pandemic, Thilmot's business has gone from 28 bicycle-based cabs on the road down to just three.

Now, he's in the process of rehiring staff.