With 32 operations scheduled over the next two months, the peak cruise season promises to be particularly intense and beneficial for Montreal.. A total of nearly 70 000 passengers and crew members are expected in Montréal by the end of October, an increase of more than 40% compared to 2022, which testifies to the strength of the industry and the constant interest of cruise lines tourists for Montréal.
Some 29,000 passengers and crew members arrived by boat between April 29 and August 31. At 92% full on average, the ten ships carried out a total of 17 operations in the Port of Montréal. The start of the season was marked by the arrival of the Zaandam, from Holland-America Line. It has been the most important cruise line visiting Montréal since 2010. The first part of the season was also an opportunity for newcomers to reach Montréal. This was the case of the Viking Neptune, from Viking Ocean Cruises, which made its very first visit to the city on July 1.
More than 40,000 cruise passengers expected this fall
From September 1 to 30, 17 operations are planned at the Port, for a total of more than 25,000 visitors and crew members. Two ships will be visiting Montréal for the first time during this period. The Viking Mars, from Viking Cruises, will be in Terminal 1 on September 26 and 27, while the Vista, from Oceania Cruises, will be there from September 28 to 30.
From October 1 to 31, 15 operations will take place at the Port, for a total of 16,500 passengers and crew members expected. Among the ships that will visit the city for the first time, there is the Pacific World, from Peace Boat, which transports its visitors on a journey around the world.
“Montreal is looking forward to its peak cruise season. It’s in this spirit that our teams and facilities at the Port of Montreal’s Grand Quay are ready to welcome tourists to our beautiful metropolis. They have come to enjoy its festive atmosphere, varied activities and many attractions,” says Geneviève Deschamps, Acting President and CEO of the Port of Montreal.
“The marked growth in the number of visitors compared to 2022 shows that the pandemic is truly behind us and confirms the continued enthusiasm of cruise passengers from around the world about our city,” says Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. The luxury clientele arriving via the St. Lawrence generates a very significant economic impact for Montréal, so we are extremely happy to welcome them in even greater numbers this year. »
(Photo from Port of Montreal)
