By
Alex Smith |
Cruise Atlantic Canada is marking 30 years of regional cruise collaboration as it looks ahead to the 2026 season, with activity planned across more than 20 ports.
Established in 1996 as the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association, the organisation represents ports and stakeholders across the region and promotes Atlantic Canada as a core component of Canada New England itineraries. The association said preliminary forecasts indicate that 2026 will be broadly comparable to 2025 in terms of ship calls and passenger volumes, signalling overall stability for the region.
The 2026 season is expected to feature a mix of large, premium, luxury and expedition brands, including several first-time calls. Vessels scheduled to make their Atlantic Canada debut include Explora Journeys’ Explora III, Oceania Cruises’ Vista, Ponant’s L’Austral, Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas, Seabourn Cruise Line’s Seabourn Ovation, Viking Cruises’ Viking Vela and Virgin Voyages’ Valiant Lady.
Sailings will continue from established Canada New England homeports such as Boston, New York, Montréal and Québec City, with additional itineraries from Philadelphia and Norfolk expanding access to the region. New spring and summer deployments calling at Halifax and Bermuda are also scheduled.
Halifax will launch its 2026 cruise season on 7 April with Viking Polaris and is scheduled to wrap up on 5 November with Seabourn Ovation. Eight overnight calls are currently on the calendar, including Queen Mary 2 in early July. The port is also continuing upgrades within the Halifax Seaport precinct aimed at supporting cruise operations and enhancing the visitor experience.
In Sydney, the first call of the season is expected on 9 April, when Viking Polaris arrives, with Seven Seas Splendor closing the schedule on 3 November. The port is preparing for five inaugural visits and several days featuring two or three ships alongside.
Charlottetown is projecting six inaugural calls and three overnight stays in 2026. Among them is a September overnight visit by Sapphire Princess, which is expected to bring more than 2,500 guests. The port has also indicated continued growth in luxury cruise calls.
St. John’s is set to receive a record 13 expedition and luxury turnarounds – the highest figure recorded by the port (Photo: Cruise Atlantic Canada)
St. John’s will commence its season on 21 May with Swan Hellenic Vega and conclude on 11 October with Ocean Victory. Plans for 2026 include six overnight calls and eight inaugural visits, as well as a record 13 expedition and luxury turnarounds - the highest figure recorded by the port.
Corner Brook’s first scheduled call is Holland America Line’s Volendam on 14 June, with Oceania Cruises’ Vista set to close the season on 23 October. Four inaugural visits are included in the programme. The port has refreshed its branding and expanded shore excursion offerings ahead of the season.
Saint John will open its cruise season on 20 June with the arrival of Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Venezia, carrying more than 4,000 passengers. The 2026 schedule features five inaugural calls and 10 overnight stays, most of them from Royal Caribbean International.
“For 30 years, the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association has helped guide the region’s cruise industry by working together with member ports in a shared commitment to present the region as a welcoming, world-class destination,” said Sarah Rumley, executive director of Cruise Atlantic Canada. “Our collective approach continues to position Atlantic Canada at the heart of Canada New England itineraries, as we welcome visitors from around the world.”