For a fifth year in a row, cruise season of Baie-Comeau will begin with the arrival of the Pearl Mist on May 27. "Our team is preparing for a record year with the arrival of 11 giants of the seas, including the prestigious Disney Magic, for a total of 21 calls representing 18,875 passengers and crew," Baie-Comeau Cruises said in a statement.

“The small Baie-Comeau Cruises team, led by executive director Renée Dumas, has chalked up an incredible achievement with the upcoming visit of the Disney Magic, which will be like a childhood dream come true for many. The team continues to grow as it works tirelessly to overcome the obstacles in its path. Team members spread their passion and promote their vision through our community, taking the time to work closely with our local merchants and partners while spreading their “joie de vivre” around the world. Baie-Comeau is clearly benefiting from the arrival of international cruises and we will continue to grow,” said Baie-Comeau mayor Yves Montigny.

For the first time, Baie-Comeau will welcome the CTMA Vacancier from CTMA Cruises on September 19, Cruise and Maritime Voyages' Marco Polo on September 23, Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic on September 25 and 30, Silversea’s Silver Wind on October 7,12 and November 2 and Silver Spirit on October 9 and 29.

Cruise investments have a positive impact for all residents

Starting in June, a new bicycle rental service will be available directly at the cruise terminal. The new service, financed in part by the regional tourism association, will offer hybrid, electric and tandem bicycles, as well as children’s bicycles and scooters to tourists and cruise passengers as well as to local residents. Significant investments will also be made in the coming months to enhance the rest areas along the Pioneer Promenade, from the cruise terminal to Pioneer Park.

Partners engaged in the cruise economy

In order to meet cruise line requirements for hospitality, Baie-Comeau Cruises mobilized its financial partners to make additional destination improvements and better position Baie-Comeau as a port of call in order to capitalize on the growth of international cruises on the St. Lawrence. "The involvement and financial support of our partners and their enthusiasm for our projects and development strategies are a clear signal of our shared commitment to developing Baie-Comeau as a cruise destination," said Baie-Comeau Cruises president Viviane Richard. Among other things, thanks to the Plan Nord Initiatives Fund, Baie-Comeau is acquiring a new gangway system custom made for large ships like the Disney Magic. The new system will be ready for the maiden call of the Disney Cruise Line’s vessel. It will allow our destination to offer a more efficient system for disembarkation/embarkation operations for large ships and the possibility of offering two gangways for ship operations.

Long-term outlook

The cruise industry is on a roll and Baie-Comeau Cruises has recognized the importance of a long-term vision. Shipyard order books have never been so full and ships are getting bigger. It is essential for Baie-Comeau to offer safe harbor facilities that meet the requirements of large vessels and that can accommodate several vessels at a time.

Baie-Comeau Cruises will proceed with a feasibility study on the construction of a new pier for tourists and residents. The impetus for the project is a desire to meet the needs of local residents, who would like to be able to bring their kids to the pier, as in bygone days. In the long term, Baie-Comeau Cruises also has plans to develop nautical tourism, diversify its service offerings, and create new events such as the one we had last summer with the Tall Ships Races. “Our organizing committee was overwhelmed by the success of the Tall Ships Races weekend and the enthusiastic response from local residents. It’s simple really—events like this put people back in touch with a lifestyle that they had back in the days. Being close to the St. Lawrence, enjoying the view and the fresh air—this is what defines us. That’s why I will continue to do everything I can to give the community a pier they can enjoy first-hand with their families.” said Renée Dumas, executive director of Baie-Comeau Cruises.