Tuesday, April 9, 2024
The commencement of the 2024 Destination Saint Lawrence international cruise season will be marked by the arrival of MSC Poesia, operated by MSC Cruises, at the Port of Québec on April 10th. This signals the beginning of an exciting period for the region around the Québec capital.
The cruise industry is set to experience favorable winds, with forecasts indicating over 400 planned operations across the nine member ports of Cruise the Saint Lawrence (CSL) for the 2024 season. Officials are eagerly preparing to welcome 46 different ships from 29 cruise lines, offering travelers a rich blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. Current bookings suggest over 400,000 passenger-days and around 500 days in port, with nearly 70 embarkation and disembarkation operations scheduled. This influx of maritime traffic is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to the communities visited, building upon the industry’s significant contribution of over $700 million annually to the Québec economy, as demonstrated by a 2019 study.
From early April to late October, the nine ports of call along the Saint Lawrence—Montréal, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Saguenay, Baie–Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspé, and Îles-de-la-Madeleine—will host a total of 10 inaugural voyages to the region. Projections for 2024 anticipate a slight increase in traffic compared to 2023, maintaining a robust level of activity.
A key focus of our strategy is the promotion of sustainable development and environmental stewardship throughout Destination Saint Lawrence. To ensure alignment among member ports, each will receive tailored sustainable development coaching this spring. This initiative, led by CSL’s sustainable development advisor and Ellio, a consultancy specializing in sustainable practices, will provide guidance for implementing environmentally responsible measures. By fostering sustainable tourism practices and aligning strategies with association-level policies, we aim to steer the Saint Lawrence region towards a more sustainable future.
“Once again this season, the nine member ports of call of Cruise the Saint Lawrence will welcome many thousands of visitors eager to discover the wonders of the Saint Lawrence, to immerse themselves in our culture and to partake of the myriad attractions on offer in our communities. It is our intention to render these experiences as memorable as they are sustainable,” underscored Yves Gilson, president of Cruise the Saint Lawrence.
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
