By
Elizabeth Robinson |
Port of Sept-Îles in Quebec, Canada, has reflected on a successful 2017 cruise season, which culminated with an impromptu visit from Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2.
The season began with the arrival of Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator and Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.
In July, the port hosted the Rendez-Vous 2017 tall ships race, attended by over 15,000 people.
In total, five separate cruise ships and seven tall ships, carrying 8,000 passengers and crew members, arrived at Sept-Îles. The visitors arrived mostly from the UK, the US, Australia, and Asia.
In September, Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Marco Polo and Saga Cruises' Saga Sapphire returned to Sept-Îles.
The season closed with the visit from Queen Mary 2, which arrived with only two weeks’ notice.
“Everyone sprang into action for Queen Mary 2’s unexpected visit,” said Pierre Gagnon, president and CEO of Port of Sept-Îles. “It’s the kind of community where people roll up their sleeves and get right to work. We rose to the challenge and created some truly memorable moments. The people of Sept Îles are famous for their hospitality and this was no exception.”
“We’d like to thank everyone, near and far, who contributed their time, their services, their equipment. Everyone really went above and beyond and made the day a huge success. The cruise industry provides an incredible opportunity for the community to come together and promote this beautiful region and the warmth and spirit of the people who live here.”
Sept-Îles is planning for the 2018 season. Building on the growth plan adopted at the beginning of 2017, the city expects to welcome double the number of passengers and crew members in a single season next year.