By
Rebecca Gibson |
The Québec Port Authority (QPA) handled a record 15,000 passengers and 5,000 crew onboard six cruise ships on 3 October.
Royal Caribbean International’s Legend of the Seas and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn both made embarkation/disembarkation calls, while Princess Cruises’ Ruby Princess, Holland America Line’s Maasdam, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Navigator and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa made stopovers.
Around 90 security guards, 60 dock labourers, 20 lines men, 25 customer service agents, 18 tourist information agents, 28 parking attendants and 100 tour guides were on duty to ensure all embarkation and disembarkation operations ran smoothly.
“Receiving six cruise ships at once with 20,000 passengers and crew means that we are fully booked for the first time in our history,” said Mario Girard, president and CEO of the QPA. “This very busy day will require the involvement of several hundred workers pulling together to bring visitors a uniquely positive experience in our magnificent city. We want to thank all those involved in meeting the challenge: the City of Québec, tour operators, taxis, public transportation and emergency services.”
Over the past decade, the number of cruise passengers visiting Québec has grown steadily, increasing from 35,000 to 164,000 over the past decade. In 2013, the port handled a record 103 cruise ships, while embarkation and disembarkation operations have increased by an average of about 20% per year. Direct and indirect contributions from Québec’s cruise industry generate around CAD$23 million in economic impact per year.
Last year, the QPA has established several committees that focus on industry issues and help to ensure that the cruise season is planned in advance and that the port can easily cater to cruise guests and ships on high-traffic days. In addition, the port set up a Special Events Coordination Centre in collaboration with representatives from the city’s transportation department to ensure the port and the city work together on high-traffic days.