Atlantic Canada’s cruise industry shattered records in 2024, exceeding even the most optimistic projections. The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association (ACCA) reported an extraordinary season, welcoming over 675 ship visits and a million cruise passengers between April and November. This represents a remarkable near 30% growth in cruise tourism compared to the previous year. The surge in popularity is attributed to a combination of factors, including the region’s stunning natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture, all of which are showcased in engaging shore excursions. The success of the 2024 season builds upon the already impressive results of 2023, which saw a 23% increase in cruise ship visits compared to 2022, a testament to the industry’s recovery from the pandemic. Several key ports, including Halifax, Sydney, Charlottetown, Saint John, and Corner Brook, experienced unprecedented growth in both ship arrivals and passenger numbers, setting new records across the board. The ACCA’s spring 2024 forecast, predicting over 600 ship visits and a 10% rise in passenger numbers, was significantly surpassed. The season kicked off on April 6th with the arrival of MSC Cruises’ MSC Poesia, setting the stage for a year of remarkable success. More than 25 cruise lines contributed to this phenomenal growth, sending a variety of vessels to Atlantic Canadian ports. Luxury liners like Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Shadow, Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur graced the waters, alongside numerous vessels from Holland America Line (Volendam and Zuiderdam), Viking Ocean Cruises (Viking Mars, Viking Star, and Viking Polaris), and Norwegian Cruise Line (Norwegian Star, Prima, Getaway, Pearl, Jade, and Gem). The itineraries typically combine Canadian destinations with New England ports such as Portland, Bar Harbor, and Boston, with either Montreal or Quebec City serving as Canadian turnaround points. The success of Sydney, with its two piers capable of accommodating large vessels, is particularly noteworthy. In 2023, Sydney saw a remarkable 74% surge in cruise passenger arrivals, highlighting its growing appeal as a gateway to Cape Breton Island. Corner Brook also witnessed impressive growth (58% increase in 2023) thanks to its stunning natural beauty and Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This upward trend shows no signs of slowing down. At least one cruise line, Holland America Line, has already announced plans to expand its presence in Atlantic Canada in 2026, introducing 18 new itineraries aboard the Volendam and Zuiderdam, including a special 28-day Canada/New England/Iceland voyage. The continued investment and expansion by cruise lines signify the region’s growing importance as a premier cruise destination. The future of cruise tourism in Atlantic Canada looks exceptionally bright, promising further economic growth and job creation in the years to come. This positive outlook is further reinforced by the ongoing efforts of the ACCA to promote and enhance the cruise experience for both visitors and the local communities.
Atlantic Canada Cruise Industry Sets Record in 2024: Over 1 Million Passengers and 30% Growth
