This spring, after two seasons cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, cruises are set to make a great comeback at the Port of Montreal.
A total of 46 port visits are scheduled for 2022 between May and September. Depending on each ship’s occupancy rate, this will bring between 40,000 and 50,000 passengers. Good news for the city and tourism stakeholders given the sizeable economic benefits of this sector of activity. In 2019, the cruise industry generated close to $30 million in economic benefits for the City of Montreal.
What will this post-pandemic season look like? We’re seeing a general trend toward smaller ships that offer more luxury and local excursion experiences. Great Lakes itineraries are especially popular, including Montreal because of its strategic location on the St. Lawrence leading into the Great Lakes.
There are also six new ships calling Montreal for the first time: Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience (2000 passengers); Peace Boat’s The Zenith (1800 passengers); Phoenix Reisen’s Amera (900 passengers); Ponant’s Le Bellot and Le Dumont d’Urville (180 passengers) and Vantage Cruises’ Ocean Explorer (160 passengers).
(Port of Montreal photo)
