Montréal to handle record cruise calls and passengers in 2015

The Port of Montréal is to welcome its first 2015 cruise call when Rivages du Monde’s Saint-Laurent Prestige makes her maiden call in the Canadian city on 12 May.

Saint-Laurent Prestige, which will homeport in Montréal throughout 2015, is just one of five cruise ships that will be making inaugural visits to the city this year. Other newcomers include Oceania Cruises’ Marina and Insignia; AIDA Cruises’ AIDAdiva; and Saga Holiday’s Saga Sapphire.

In 2015, the Canadian port expects to welcome a total of 19 ships, more than 71,000 domestic and international passengers, 19,000 crew members and more than 90,000 cruise visitors. This marks a 27% rise from 2014, when the port welcomed 56,466 passengers and 14,578 crew members.

“This season marks another big step for the Montréal cruise sector,” said Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority. “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.”

Earlier this year, the Québec government pledged to invest CAD20 million to restore both Alexandra Pier and the marine passenger terminal at Montréal’s cruise port.

“Now more than ever, Montréal is a top destination for cruise passengers from around the world,” said Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. “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.”