By
Laura Hyde |
The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) is expecting more than 600 cruise ship calls in the 2024 season.
The 2024 season begins on 6 April when MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia calls at the Port of Halifax, which is scheduled to receive 204 cruise ship visits this year. This will include 12 vessels making their inaugural visits, an uptick in overnight stays, and a 35.7 per cent increase in calls during June, July and August. The port’s season is expected to run close on 3 November with a call from Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.
“The 2024 season will run longer and see ship visits spread out across eight months,” said Captain Allan Gray, president and CEO of Halifax Port Authority. “This is good news for our port, local businesses, and our provincial tourism industry. We know Nova Scotia is a top-tier travel destination, and we look forward to sharing that with the visits to our shores this year.”
The Port of Sydney looks set to break records for the second consecutive year, with 119 calls anticipated for 2024. This includes seven ships making their inaugural visits and a 17 per cent increase in calls during the summer months. The season will open on 7 April with a call from MSC Poesia.
“We are very excited about the upcoming season and proud of the continued growth and economic investment the cruise industry brings to the region,” said Lorna Campbell, CEO of Port of Sydney. “Our reputation among cruise passengers is what continues to drive our success and ability to generate significant economic benefits for our communities.”
Port Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island is forecasting 96 cruise ship calls and over 166,000 passengers. Its season is expected to feature five inaugural calls, 18 double-ship days, three triple-ship days, and a four-ship day which is scheduled for 1 October.
“Cruise passengers consistently rate Port Charlottetown among the top ports of call in Canada, and this year’s extensive schedule offers an array of experiences for every traveller,” said Kelly Murphy, director of marketing and cruise development for the Charlottetown Harbour Authority. “Our waterfront and historic downtown, just steps away from disembarkation, provide an authentic taste of our vibrant city.”
Port Saint John in New Brunswick is anticipating 75 cruise ship calls bringing over 170,000 guests. This includes 10 vessels making their maiden visits and 11 vessels making overnight calls in the city.
The Port of Corner Brook is scheduled to welcome 37 cruise ships and 57,000 passengers in 2024, including 10 inaugural calls.
The Port of Corner Brook celebrated a record-breaking 2023
“We are thrilled to welcome over 600 cruise ship calls to Atlantic Canada this year,” said Sarah Rumley, ACCA executive director. “Visitors are drawn to our region for its unique culture, hospitable nature and breathtaking landscapes. It is through embracing these differences that ACCA has successfully positioned Atlantic Canada as a premier cruise destination. With a forecasted growth of 10 per cent in cruise passenger visits for the upcoming season, we are optimistic that the cruise industry will continue to flourish well into the future.”