By
Rebecca Gibson |
This article was first published in the Spring/Summer 2017 issue of International Cruise & Ferry Review. All information was correct at the time of printing, but may since have changed.
Located just above the 50th parallel and on the shores of a 10km wide natural bay protected by an archipelago of seven islands, Sept-Îles in Québec, Canada has something beautiful for cruise guests to discover at every turn. Home to the Innu Native People community, the city boasts a diverse mix of cultures, represented by countless cultural sights and activities. The warmth of the city’s inhabitants, its vast boreal forest, sandy beaches and sunsets captivate, while its natural resources, strategic position and deep-sea port help it to attract and handle the biggest ships.
Part of the Canada New England group, ground operator Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu (literally ‘The place where one stops’) handles cruise calls in the city.
2016 proved to be another successful cruise season for Sept-Îles and was highlighted by its first double-ship day. The synergy and flexibility shown by the port authority and other partners involved in handling the two ships ensured that the calls went smoothly, which drew positive feedback from both tour operators and cruise industry members. Not only did the day mark a historic turning point for the destination, but it also sent a strong message to the industry about the port’s capacity, paving the way for new business opportunities.
In 2017, Sept-Îles will continue its steady course towards becoming a stop for all cruise ships on the St. Lawrence. Oceania Cruises’ Insignia will open the season, making her maiden call as part of her world tour. Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator will also make her inaugural visit, while Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Marco Polo will return for a third consecutive year.
This year also marks Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu’s 10th anniversary. Plans are already well under way to celebrate the organisation’s partners and local residents who have helped the organisation to successfully grow the city’s cruise industry. Passengers will be able to join festivities throughout the year. The port will also host Rendez-Vous 2017’s Tall Ships Regatta, a pan-continental sailing race as part of Canada’s 150th commemoration celebrations.
Sept-Îles already has 13 confirmed calls for 2018 – including a call from Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 and five maiden visits – which will bring a record number of passengers and crew members. This will make 2018 the port’s busiest and most significant season to date.
Destination Sept-Îles Nakauinanu also aims to enrich the overall cruise experience in 2018 by rebranding the port’s image, refining the guest experience and developing a new tour portfolio. It will also expand its range of activities and services for crew.
2018 represents a pivotal year for ground operators in Sept-Îles. Local businesses are already enthusiastic about the future cruise season and plans to make investments that will make Sept-Îles an even more attractive destination for the international cruise sector are already underway.