The Port of Québec’s international cruising season officially began today with the arrival of Holland America’s ms Veendam at the Ross Gaudreault Cruise Terminal.

This marks the ship’s 66th call to the port since its first visit in 1996.  For the 2017 season, the 1,627-guest ship will make 18 calls.  Holland America is still the most active cruise line in Québec, and will send four of its vessels to the city this year: Zuiderdam, Veendam, Rotterdam, and Maasdam.  

This year looks to be the best in the Port of Québec’s history, with a record 131 calls by 34 cruise ships from 25 different lines – five more than in 2015, which was the city’s best year on record.  Five of those ships will be visiting for the first time: Le Soléal by Ponant, Viking Sky and Sea by Viking Cruises, Silver Muse by Silversea Cruises, and Norwegian Jade by Norwegian Cruise Line.

The port is expecting a 30 percent increase in cruise passengers over last year’s season, an upsurge that could bring the port to a record-breaking 200,000 visitors.  Business development efforts and the festivities planned for Canada’s 150th anniversary have proven to be appealing to cruise lines.

To see the cruise ship schedules for the Port of Québec and information on each vessel, visit the Port of Québec’s website.