In a time when the news is riddled with reports of lower sales, job cuts and worse, it's good to hear good news indicating things more positive for the cruise industry. Like the fact that Québec City’s 2009 international cruise season saw the arrival of six new ships and double the number of destination passengers compared to last year.
The Port of Québec welcomed nearly 87,000 passengers and 30,000 crew members, a 6% rise compared to 2008. The increase is largely due to the number of turnaround cruises, making Québec City a destination rather than simply a port of call. A total of 33,329 passengers chose Québec City as their arrival or departure point, an 88% increase over 2008.
Six new ships docked at the port for the first time this season: the Crown Princess (3,782 passengers), the Costa Atlantica (2,680 passengers), the Norwegian Spirit (2,475 passengers), the Queen Victoria (2,172 passengers), the Princess Danae (690 passengers), and the Clelia II (100 passengers).
“Even though cruise ship lines have always enjoyed an excellent occupancy rate on their ships sailing the St. Lawrence, we are delighted with this extremely positive result given the current global economic situation,” said Québec Port Authority CEO Ross Gaudreault.
The 2010 season is shaping up to be just as good, with the arrival of the Italian cruise line MSC Cruises.
Quebec is the largest cruise ship port on the St. Lawrence and a hugely popular destination for cruise passengers visiting the St. Lawrence River. Visit the Prow's Edge profile of the Port of Quebec at http://www.prowsedge.com/ports-quebec-city.html
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