The Port of Montreal is expecting a banner year of tourism. The emergence of spring marks the beginning of a brand new cruise season, says Tourisme Montréal.
With no fewer than 19 ships expected, including 5 new ones (the Oceania Marina, Oceania Insignia, AIDA Diva, Saga Sapphire, and M/V Saint-Laurent Prestige), it’s going to be a great cruise season at the Port of Montréal.
The M/V Saint-Laurent Prestige, which chose Montréal as its home port for the 2015 season, will be the first vessel of the year to take on passengers and set sail from Montréal on May 12.
The first call, on May 12, the Port of Montréal will salute the first ship of 2015, as it sets sail with some 200 cruise passengers aboard. With just over 71,000 domestic and international passengers expected this year—plus 19,000 crew members, more than 90,000 cruise visitors will descend on Montréal this season.
These outstanding figures represent an increase of more than 27% over last season, when Quebec’s biggest city welcomed 56,466 passengers and 14,578 crew members.
In total, 19 cruise ships are expected.
“Cruises are central to our strategic planning. We’ve set some ambitious goals once again this year. Based on our current figures, it looks like all our efforts—and those of our partners—are going to pay off with a record number of visitors. Now more than ever, Montréal is a top destination for cruise passengers from around the world,” noted Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
He adds: “Tourisme Montréal would also like to call attention to the investments announced by the Québec government as part of Québec’s Maritime Strategy. The construction of a new maritime terminal will have a big impact on tourism and generate economic spinoffs for Montréal. We see a bright future ahead.”
“This season marks another big step for the Montréal cruise sector. We are particularly pleased to see international cruise companies consolidating their operations in Montréal by bringing us new ships, and to see river cruises becoming increasingly popular. It goes to show that Montréal is a premier destination and that the cruise industry really values our top quality services,” added Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.