Montreal first post-pandemic cruise season welcomed more than 50,000 passengers and crew, exceeding Montreal Tourism agency earlier forecasts. The season began on May 7, 2022 with the arrival of American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator. 2022 summer season ended on 31 October with the departure of Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.
In total, 16 ships from 13 different companies made 45 visits to Montreal during the 2022 season. These figures include nine port calls and 36 embarkation and disembarkation operations. Despite the health restrictions at the start of the season, the terminals welcomed 38,000 passengers and 13,000 crew members.
A total of four ships visited Montreal for the first time: Le Bellot and Le Dumont d’Urville, Vantage Cruise Line’s Ocean Explorer and Ambassador Cruise Line’s Ambience. These last two cruise lines have already announced their return next year.
Montreal, a responsible cruise destination
Since 2017, the Port of Montreal has offered cruise ships the possibility of being powered by electricity in its terminals located at the Grand Quai (Main Jetty). With a growing demand from cruise operators, no less than 14 ships could potentially be powered by electricity next season.
Another special feature of the terminals is to have a direct connection to the quayside for waste water treatment. 26 ships have taken advantage of it last season.
Thanks to the programme ” Destination Harmonieuse” set up by Tourisme Montréal, which aims to offer passengers an eco-responsible tourism experience, Montreal was awarded first place in North America in the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2022, a world reference in sustainable tourism.
“After an absence of two years, the cruise industry has made an encouraging return to Montreal. I would like to thank the cruise lines for their loyalty to the Port and to Montreal as a destination. Our teams worked hard to provide passengers and crew with a quality experience in a recovery environment. With facilities that offer responsible solutions to the cruise industry, the Port of Montreal is well positioned for the years to come,” said
Martin Imbeau, President and CEO of the Montreal Port Authority.
“It is with great satisfaction that we welcome the results of this first post-pandemic cruise season. Montreal is a must-see destination and Tourisme Montreal is pleased to be a partner in this sector, which generates significant economic benefits for the city. Our partnership with the Port is one more way to achieve the status of responsible and sustainable destination. We hope that in 2023, even more tourists will have the chance to visit our wonderful city,” told Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
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