Between August 31 and October 22 this year, Montréal, Canada is expecting over 46,000 cruise ship passengers and 10,000 crew members. A total of 29 ships are expected to dock there, and the busiest day will be October 1. Three ships will simultaneously be in port for embarkation and debarkation, for a total of 7,000 guests and crew that day.
Included in that 29 count are four luxury ships – Azamara Quest which will be in port on September 23, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ SS Marina on October 1 and 21, Viking Star on October 2 and 3, and Hapag Lloyd’s Europa 2 on September 17. The latter is currently ranked the best in the world by Berlitz, and is a six-star cruise ship.
The cruise industry as a whole has proved extremely beneficial for Montréal’s economy; passengers who began or ended a cruise in Montréal or Québec City last year spent $23 million during their visit. “Cruises account for a major economic sector in the tourism industry. That’s why we have developed promotional campaigns to position Montréal as an essential stop for cruise lines.” said President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal Yves Lalumière.
Cruise season officially began on May 7. Due to restoration work taking place on the Alexandra pier and Iberville maritime terminal, most stops, embarkations, and debarkations will take place on piers 34 to 37, about 7 km east of Old Montréal.
To see all scheduled arrivals and departures for this year’s season, visit cruises.alamontreal.com.
