2 0 9 In addition to a range of shore excursions, visitors can explore Charlottetown’s historic district, which is also known as the ‘Birthplace of Confederation’ The appeal of PEI is no secret to the cruise industry – the island saw a 92 per cent increase in the number of visiting cruise passengers between 2016 and 2019. To accommodate the growing demand, Port Charlottetown added a second cruise berth in 2021. “Our popularity clearly shows the value of PEI to cruise lines and we expect the trend to continue,” says Cochrane. “We are also seeing growth in the luxury expedition market, so have created a tailored programme of shore excursions for those guests.” Despite this success, the island was not immune to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, Port Charlottetown – along with other Canadian cruise ports – formed the Association of Canadian Port Authorities Cruise Committee to ensure the safe resumption of the country’s cruise industry. “Working alongside our colleagues at Cruise Lines International Association, Transport Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, we held a series of stakeholder sessions and public presentations to discuss port protocols and procedures in a post-Covid-19 world,” says Cochrane. “These information sessions provided confidence to all involved that we could safely welcome cruise ships back to Charlottetown.” As cruising resumed in 2022, the port doubled its berthing capacity so that it can now accommodate two vessels that are 300 metres or longer. The port also added two 45foot gangways to improve passenger movement and ensure social distancing. “We have acquired a 16,000 squarefoot building near the port and transformed it into the new Founders Food Hall and Market, which features 17 different food and retail vendors, a culinary demonstration kitchen and a craft beer bar,” says Cochrane. “There’s also a high-end wine and liquor store outfitted with a wine-tasting room where cruise passengers can connect with local tour companies for an authentic PEI food experience.” As PEI expands its offerings for visitors, it is setting itself – and Canada’s cruise industry – up for a bright future. CFR
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