On May 16th, Caroline Proulx, Québec Minister of Tourism, unveiled cruise passenger numbers for Destination Saint Lawrence. The cumulative total of 488,797 passenger-days logged in 2018 represents a new record high for Québec’s ever burgeoning cruise industry. The 2019 season, which launched only recently, is set to become the longest since international cruise ships first began sailing the waters of the Saint Lawrence, extending from an early spring stopover on April 28th in the Magdalen Islands to a late fall call into port on November 2nd at Saguenay.

Passenger numbers in 2018 increased 26% over the corresponding figure for the year previous. The total of 488,797 passenger-days and 193 041 crew combined to propel destination traffic to new heights. The 41 ships which operated on the Saint Lawrence spent 541 days in port in the nine Saint Lawrence ports of call. These impressive achievements speak volumes about Québec’s capacity to carve a place for itself in international cruise circles and build global recognition.

Now under way, 2019 is shaping up to be as successful as 2018, with the early spring arrival of Hurtigruten’s Fram, followed closely by Holland America’s Zaandam. As the season progresses, Destination Saint Lawrence will welcome four new cruise lines, namely TUI Cruises of Germany, MSC Cruises of Italy, Scenic Cruises of Australia and Peace Boat of Japan. Scheduled to operate itineraries originating in the United States, these new companies will help diversify our customer base.

Over the years, Destination Canada New England, which includes the member ports of the Saint Lawrence, has secured a position of choice in the rapidly growing international cruise industry. Cruise ship construction continues unabated with a mix of larger liners and smaller expedition vessels due to enter into service in the years ahead. Given the breadth of destination offerings, Cruise the Saint Lawrence is well poised to cater to the needs of a diversity of traveller profiles. Going forward, our association will continue to provide for sustained, soundly managed growth, while devising and deploying a strategy intended to transform the Saint Lawrence into a year‑round cruise destination, winter included!

Cruise the Saint Lawrence is a sectoral organization which groups together the nine ports of call located along the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. The mission of the organization is to grow cruise market activities in Québec and across Destination Canada New England through the provision of marketing and development services to members. Cruise the Saint Lawrence enjoys the support of partners Tourism Québec, Québec Tourism Industry Alliance and Industry, Science and Economic Development Canada.