Canadian port expects rise in guests following a busy 2022 season and a cruise berth expansion project
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Port Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island in Canada expects to welcome a record-breaking number of cruise ships in 2023, following a busy season in 2022.
In 2022, the port welcomed just over 96,000 guests during 55 calls, with Oceania Cruises’ Insignia closing the season on 3 November. Originally, the port was expected to host 74 ship visits, but 19 were cancelled due to the “severe aftermath” of Hurricane Fiona at the end of September.
“Like many tourism destinations, 2022 was a bounce-back year for us following a couple of really tough years with the pandemic,” said Mike Cochrane, CEO of Port Charlottetown. “It was great to get back into the swing of things and those 96,000 guests generated a lot of business for island restaurateurs, artisans, retailers and tourism operators.”
In 2023, the port expects to welcome 100 cruise ships. The growth has been enabled by the recent expansion of the cruise berth.
“This $12 million expansion was started during the pandemic as a partnership between the federal and provincial governments and Port Charlottetown,” said Cochrane. “The new berth, which began operating this autumn, has doubled the port’s docking capacity and will really enhance passenger safety, convenience and comfort going forward.”
Read Cruise & Ferry Itinerary Planning’s interview with Craig Sulis, manager of sales, trade and media at Tourism Prince Edward Island, to learn why Prince Edward Island is an attractive destination for cruise guests.