Atlantic Canada Sets A New Cruise Benchmark With Over 1 Million Passengers In 2024

Written By: Sanjana Dubey

Sanjana Dubey

A passionate storyteller and emerging journalist, I am currently doing job while diving deep into the world of journalism. With two years of practical experience, I have cultivated a knack for transforming ideas into engaging narratives that captivate readers. My journey blends academic insight with real-world reporting, allowing me to explore culture, travel, and lifestyle through a creative and informed lens. Committed to delivering fresh, authentic, and impactful content, I strive to make every story not just read, but truly experienced.

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December 14, 2024 5:50 PM

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In 2024, cruise ports throughout Atlantic Canada experienced a remarkable year, exceeding expectations and achieving record-breaking numbers for both ship arrivals and passenger counts.

The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) hailed the season as extraordinary, highlighting over 675 ship visits and more than 1 million cruise passengers between April and November.

The region saw an impressive nearly 30% growth in cruise tourism, with over 25 cruise lines sending ships to Atlantic Canada.

In the spring of 2024, the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) forecasted a record-breaking season, expecting more than 600 ship visits. The association projected a 10% rise in passenger numbers, which began on April 6, 2024, with the arrival of MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia.

Cruise itineraries in Atlantic Canada typically combine Canadian destinations with New England ports, such as Portland, Bar Harbor, and Boston, with either Montreal or Quebec City serving as the turnaround points in Canada.

The ACCA serves as the representative body for several key ports across Atlantic Canada, including Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia; Sydney, situated on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia; Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island; Saint John, located in New Brunswick; and Corner Brook, on the western coast of Newfoundland.

During the 2024 cruise season, several luxury liners visited one or more ports in Atlantic Canada, including Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow, Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur.

Other prominent cruise lines made frequent stops with multiple vessels, such as Holland America Line’s Volendam and Zuiderdam, and Viking Ocean Cruises’ Viking Mars, Viking Star, and Viking Polaris.

Norwegian Cruise Line also made a strong impact in the region, with ships like the Norwegian Star, Prima, Getaway, Pearl, Jade, and Gem regularly visiting Atlantic Canada ports.

The region’s ports provide a variety of unique experiences for cruise travelers, offering shore excursions that showcase its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant local culture and cuisine.

The 2024 season built upon the success of a record-breaking 2023

The impressive 2024 results come on the heels of an outstanding 2023 season, which saw a 23% increase in cruise ship visits compared to 2022, when the industry was still recovering from pandemic-related disruptions.

In 2023, several ports set new records, including Sydney, which experienced a remarkable 74% surge in cruise passenger arrivals. As the gateway to Cape Breton Island, Sydney boasts two piers capable of handling large vessels up to 1,184 feet in length.

Corner Brook also saw impressive growth in 2023, with a 58% increase in cruise arrivals. Known for being home to Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Corner Brook continues to attract visitors with its natural beauty.

Looking to the future, at least one cruise line plans to expand its presence in Atlantic Canada. Holland America Line will introduce 18 new itineraries in 2026 aboard the Volendam and Zuiderdam, including a special 28-day Canada/New England/Iceland voyage. This sailing, departing June 20, 2026, will visit seven ports in Iceland. Both ships will also return to the region for the 2025 season.