Montreal’s cruise season is in full swing! For the Scenic Eclipse’s first stopover in the city, the Port of Montreal and Tourisme Montréal present a bright outlook for the rest of the 2026 season and the destination’s growth prospects.
Docked at the Grand Quay on September 23 and 24, the Scenic Eclipse completed its inaugural visit to Montreal. This luxury ship’s arrival marked the start of a particularly busy period: between now and October 31, 26 call operations are scheduled at the Port of Montreal, representing about 27,900 passenger-days. These visitors will explore the city and the St. Lawrence River at the height of fall foliage season, one of the most popular times of year on the St. Lawrence—Great Lakes cruise route.
“Peak season highlights the tremendous appeal of Montreal and the St. Lawrence River as a cruise destination. The arrival of prestigious new ships, the return of longtime partners, and the upcoming launch of winter cruises all show the industry’s confidence in Montreal and the St. Lawrence,” said Paul Bird, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.
Two inaugural visits and a welcome return
After the Scenic Eclipse, Montreal will welcome the Seabourn Ovation for the first time, set for three more port calls during the season. Also, the Crystal Symphony will be back in October, marking Crystal Cruises’ return to Montreal after a seven-year absence.
These arrivals further confirm Montreal’s growth in the luxury cruise segment. In 2019, luxury ships made up about one in five port calls; since 2024, they have amounted to two out of every three.
“The fact that luxury ships now account for nearly two-thirds of port calls attests to how far our destination has evolved and reflects the industry’s confidence in Montreal. Our role now is to continue this work with our partners so that these visitors don’t simply pass through our destination, but take the time to experience the city, its culture, its cuisine, its quality of urban life, and fully contribute to its tourism economy,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
Real economic benefits for Montreal
The cruise industry is a major economic driver for the city, with impacts that notably benefit the accommodation, food service, transportation, and retail sectors, as well as travel and booking services. According to a 2025 study by Aviseo Conseil, commissioned by Cruise the Saint Lawrence on the economic impact of international cruises on the St. Lawrence River, tourists spent $38.3 million in Montreal, while cruise lines spent $14 million on refuelling, food, and other goods and services.
Montreal benefits particularly from its status as a home port and port of call, where most cruise passengers begin or end their trips. This in turn boosts hotel stays and spending before and after the cruise.
A recognized destination
Montreal’s growing prominence in the international cruise industry was also reflected this year in three nominations for the 2026 World Cruise Awards. These nominations specifically recognize the quality of the Grand Quay’s facilities, the passenger experience, and the initiatives implemented to promote more sustainable cruising, including shore power connectivity for vessels.
A milestone will be reached in February 2027 with the arrival of the first winter cruises in Montreal. PONANT EXPLORATIONS has added the city to its winter itinerary on the St. Lawrence River. Passengers will embark and disembark aboard Le Commandant Charcot. The addition of Montreal to winter itineraries opens a new chapter for the city’s tourism industry and consolidates its position as a year-round home port on the St. Lawrence.
(Photo from MPA)