The Skardinas’ arrival marked the first time cruise ships at Ogden Point surpassed the one-million-passenger mark in a single season.
A California couple made history when they walked off the Norwegian Encore at Ogden Point on Tuesday morning.
Geri Skardina was passenger No. one million for the cruise ship season, and her husband, Gary Skardina, was No. one million and one, as they stepped onto a red carpet for a champagne toast and greetings from local dignitaries.
The Skardinas’ arrival marked the first time cruise ships at Ogden Point surpassed the one-million-passenger mark in a single season, in its 57-year history.
“I’m surprised. I’m excited,” said Geri. “We absolutely love this city. The people here have always been so friendly here.”
It isn’t the Hermosa Beach, California, couple’s first time in the Garden City. They’ve been here eight times before, twice driving and a half dozen visits while aboard the Norwegian Encore.
Geri, 74, spent her career with American Airlines as head of premium services, catering to VIP travellers, so she said it was nice to be on the receiving end for a change.
“Because I was always taking care of people,” she laughed.
Gary, 76, on the other hand, has spent time in the limelight before. He built and operated a recording studio in Hollywood and, over 28 years, recorded artists like Donna Summer, Phil Collins and the Pointer Sisters.
He is credited with writing and co-producing one of the sisters’ most popular hits, Jump (For My Love) in 1984.
“It helped pay for our cruises,” Gary said.
The couple were whisked away for a grand private tour of the city and will visit some of their favourite places, like Rogers’ Chocolates’ historic downtown store and Beacon Hill Park, and fill some shopping bags with merchandise along Government Street to bring home.
The couple said they were both honoured with the milestone award. “We’re just grateful there were 999,999 people here prior to us, so that we could enjoy this in such a beautiful place,” said Gary.
When asked if they had ever won anything before, Geri was quick: “Yes, he won me.”
Natives of the Chicago area and living in the Los Angeles area since 1979, the Skardinas — married for 44 years — said they both love visiting Canada no matter the political climate.
“It’s the people. Canadians are lovely,” said Geri.
Victoria has flirted with the one-million mark in recent years. Ogden Point welcomed 989,950 cruise passengers in 2025, 972,268 in 2024, 970,000 in 2023, and 715,829 in 2022.
This season also set a new record for cruise ship calls at 332, up from a previous high of 329 in 2022.
Jeremy Dunn, chief executive of the Greater Victoria Harbour Authority, said the one-million passenger milestone is significant for Victoria and the people who support each cruise call.
“Our destination partners, excursion operators, terminal teams and local businesses all contribute to the passenger experience,” said Dunn.
“For many, a cruise call is their first introduction to Victoria. Many return to explore more of our city and region, extending the value of that first visit well beyond the day their ship is in port.”
Victoria’s record-breaking 2026 cruise season began on April 10 with the arrival of the Nieuw Amsterdam. The National Geographic Venture will make the final call on Oct. 18.
Paul Nursey, chief executive of Destination Victoria, said cruise ships are an economic driver for Greater Victoria, and reaching the one-million passenger mark gives the city a strong case for attracting private tourism investment.
“We have a strong conference sector, strong airport and now strong cruise industry and that brings in investment to build on shore experiences for passengers,” said Nursey.
A 2023 economic impact study by Destination Greater Victoria said the industry contributed $214 million to the local economy, with an average spend of $381,600 per ship on expenses such as docking fees, transportation, machinery and goods by cruise lines. The study said onshore spending by passengers and crew members was $71 million and $19 million, respectively. The average passenger spends $100, and crew members $140, said Destination Victoria.
Cruise ships and their passengers also contribute to taxes, with the federal and provincial governments each taking in $11 million and municipal governments about $1 million from the visitors.
Nursey said that with thousands more visitors since the 2023 study, the economic impact is now even greater.
Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, called Tuesday’s milestone a reflection of the destination’s appeal and the experiences it offers travellers from around the world.
“For many of our guests, Victoria is their first introduction to Canada’s West Coast,” said Kazlauskas, adding that passengers marvel at its natural beauty, vibrant culture and warm hospitality.