Just after 9 pm this Thursday, April 28, Port Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada is set to welcome its first cruise ship in more than two years: Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Navigator.
With all levels of government and regional partners involved, the port has been eagerly preparing to welcome cruise ships back after an extended period of time without them.
Seven Seas Navigator‘s visit will kick off a season that includes 70 scheduled cruise ship visits between now and early November. 13 cruise lines will call on Saint John in 2022, with 87 percent of visits scheduled for September and October — the busy cruise season for the region due to lots of “leaf peeping” Canada and New England sailings that many cruise brands operate.
Shortly after Regent’s ship arrives around 9:20 pm, a fireworks show will be launched from Long Wharf to welcome the port’s first cruise ship since the shutdown. On Friday, April 29, there will be a tugboat water show in the harbor as the vessel departs at 1:45 pm.
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“Though we haven’t seen any cruise ships in port since the pandemic began, our cruise and operations teams have worked tirelessly to ensure the safe and successful return of the cruise industry. We have had the chance to work with local stakeholders and businesses in a new way, and we can’t wait to watch as the cruise guests get to experience all the wonders of the Bay of Fundy region,” says Natalie Allaby, Cruise Development Manager at Port Saint John.
Andrew Dixon, Chief Operating Officer at Port Saint John, said “We are delighted to welcome our first cruise ship back to the Port of Saint John as we look forward to the safe resumption of cruise in our region… We are looking forward to celebrating the return of the cruise sector, along with all local businesses that rely upon a healthy tourism sector to provide important jobs and prosperity to our city and province.”
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