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Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä
Category: Ports & Destinations Ports & Destinations
Published: 11 May 2018 11 May 2018

This year, 27 ships and 19 cruise lines will make a total of 90 stops in the Port of Montréal. More than 130,000 passengers and crew members are expected to visit the city, representing a 12% increase over the last season.

Montréal is increasingly standing out as a starting or ending point for cruises. In fact, four different companies are offering Montréal-to-Montréal itineraries via Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon or the Great Lakes. The city will also be the departure port for 20 cruises headed to Boston, 16 cruises to New York, 16 cruises to the Magdalen Islands and 6 cruises to Florida, as well as cruises to the Great Lakes, Europe (United Kingdom and Germany) and Cuba.

“For several years, we have been actively working to develop the cruise sector, which is growing dramatically around the world. Quebeckers will increasingly find it easier to book cruises leaving from Montréal and enjoy the city’s various attractions, including its fine food establishments and hotels for every taste,” said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.

The season will continue right through to November 2, when Oceania Cruises’ Insignia departs. Between now and then, Montréal will welcome six new ships, including the Jacques Cartier (Croisières Jacques-Cartier, a Québec firm), the Victory II (Victory Cruise Lines), the AIDAvita (AIDA Cruises), the Star Pride (Windstar Cruises), the Silver Spirit and the Silver Wind (Silversea Cruises).

The Port of Montréal is bolstering the city’s strategic initiatives to promote the cruise sector by unveiling new facilities to welcome visitors. “Last year, we inaugurated a new cruise terminal, demonstrating the Port of Montréal’s desire to offer passengers and cruise operators an exceptional experience that’s in line with Montréal’s reputation. This year, we’re enhancing the experience by opening three public areas on the port’s Grand Quai, which will shape the new identity for the Alexandra Pier. The projections for this year confirm Montréal’s draw as a destination for international and domestic cruises, including those on the Great Lakes,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.