The first post-pandemic cruise season welcomed more than 50,000 passengers and crew, surpassing our spring forecast. This summer of recovery began on May 7 with the arrival of American Queen Voyages’ Ocean Navigator and ended on October 31 with the departure of Oceania Cruises’ Insignia.
In total, 16 ships from 13 different companies made 45 visits during the 2022 season. These figures include 9 port calls and 36 embarkation and disembarkation operations. Despite the pandemic-related health restrictions that marked the beginning of the season, the terminals welcomed 38,000 passengers and 13,000 crew members. Four ships visited Montréal for the first time: Ponant’s 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.
A responsible destination
Since 2017, the Port of Montréal has offered electrical shore power to cruise ships docked in its Grand Quay terminals. In response to increasing industry demand, no less than 14 ships could be connected next season.
Furthermore, Grand Quay terminals offer ships a direct connection to the quay to treat wastewater, a feature that 26 ships took advantage of this season.
Thanks to the Sustainable Destination program implemented by Tourisme Montréal, which aims, among other things, to offer passengers an eco-responsible tourism experience, Montréal was awarded first place in North America in the Global Destination Sustainability Index 2022, a world reference in sustainable tourism.
“After two years of absence, the cruise industry has made an encouraging return to Montréal. I would like to thank the cruise lines for their loyalty to the Port and to Montréal as a destination. Our teams have worked tirelessly to provide passengers and crew with a quality experience in this challenging time of recovery. With facilities offering responsible cruise industry solutions, the Port of Montréal is well positioned for the future,” said Martin Imbeau, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.
“It is with great satisfaction that we look back on this first post-pandemic cruise season. Montréal is a key destination on the St. Lawrence River; Tourisme Montréal is pleased to be a partner in this important sector which contributes significantly to our city’s economy. We want to continue to position Montréal as a choice destination and hope that next year, even more tourists will have the chance to visit our wonderful city,” highlights Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
