Québec City, November 24, 2023 – The Port of Québec is proud to report that the 2023 cruise season was more than successful, welcoming just over 154,000 cruise passengers. A total of 28 cruise lines and 41 separate ships generated 131 calls during the season, which was also the longest the Port has ever seen, running from April 25 to November 5, 2023. These figures, up on last year, confirm the growing attraction of Quebec City as a destination, as the Port of Quebec welcomed 11 ships on their maiden voyage.
“We are more than pleased with this 2023 international cruise season. Since the resumption of cruises following the pandemic, it has to be said that demand has been beyond our expectations. This latest season’s rising figures and the popularity of the destination confirm that our efforts to develop the cruise industry in a responsible and sustainable manner are paying off. I would like to thank all those involved in the tourism industry, who rallied together to offer an unforgettable experience to the cruise passengers who came to discover our beautiful city,” said Mario Girard, CEO of the Port of Québec.
A record number of embarkations and disembarkations
The 2023 season also saw a record 32 embarkation and disembarkation operations, requiring considerable logistical expertise. Unlike a ship stopover, during which cruise passengers leave the ship for a few hours, leaving their luggage on board, an embarkation and disembarkation operation represents the end of one journey, and the beginning of the next. In other words, this operation mobilizes double the number of cruise passengers and their luggage. Thanks to its new Cruise Terminal 30, inaugurated last summer, and the expertise of its teams, the Port of Québec continues to stand out as a port of embarkation/disembarkation.
Remember that since 2014, the Port of Quebec has been limiting the number of passengers and cruise ships visiting Quebec City. Each day, a maximum of 15,000 passengers can make a stop at the port, while embarkation and disembarkation operations are limited to two to ensure the best possible experience for both cruise passengers and citizens.
Québec named best cruise destination 2023
The success of this season was recently underscored when Porthole Cruise and Travel Magazine named Quebec City the best cruise destination in Canada/New England for 2023. Québec is the only Canadian destination to win this award for the year 2023, proof that the destination continues to distinguish itself with cruise passengers and tourists alike.
“International cruises play an important role in promoting Québec City, turning every visitor into an ambassador for the magic and richness of our destination. They also enable us to extend our tourist clientele into the fall, generating additional overnight stays and spin-offs for the industry. We are proud of this season’s results, which reflect our ongoing commitment to offering our visitors exceptional experiences and positioning ourselves as a destination of choice on the world stage. It’s further motivation to pursue our efforts to develop the cruise industry responsibly, for a tourism that looks to the future,” said Robert Mercure, General Manager of Destination Québec cité.
Winter cruises from 2025
As announced last June, winter cruises will be a reality from January 2025, with PONANT’s Le Commandant Charcot sailing the St. Lawrence for the first time in the winter season. In addition to the Port of Québec, several ports belonging to the St. Lawrence Cruise Association will be ready to welcome her, including those of Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Gaspé, Sept-Îles and Saguenay. Sailing this cruise ship through the ice of the St. Lawrence in the middle of winter will be a world first.
Season 2023 in figures :
- 131 ship calls
- 41 different ships from 28 different cruise lines
- 154,000 cruise passengers
- 11 new ships visiting Quebec City for the first time
- 32 loading and unloading operations
About cruises
Québec City is a popular destination for visitors, and has become one of the world’s top destinations for many cruise lines and tourism media. This popularity within the cruise industry helps generate significant economic and tourism spin-offs for the region. By the end of the 2019 season, the St. Lawrence Cruise Association was estimating a total of over $700 million for the province.
About the Port of Québec
Managed by the Québec Port Authority, a non-profit organization, the Port of Québec is strategically located to serve the industrial and agricultural heartland of North America. A Canadian hub for international trade in both imported and exported goods, it is the only port in Quebec with a water depth of fifteen meters at low tide and a complete intermodal infrastructure. Port facilities generate 12,000 jobs and economic spin-offs of around $2 billion a year.
In its Vision 2035, the Port of Québec aims to be recognized by citizens for its responsible management of the territory, respect for the environment and protection of biodiversity, while positioning itself as a world leader in the realization of sustainable supply chains at the service of a more resilient economy.
About Destination Québec cité
Destination Québec cité has more than 825 members spread over a territory that includes Quebec City, L’Ancienne-Lorette, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Wendake and the MRCs of Portneuf, La Jacques-Cartier,Île d’Orléans and Côte-de-Beaupré.
For more information: www.quebec-cite.com
The Queen Mary 2 as it passes through the port of Québec in October 2023
Photo : DFMotion
Source and information :
Frédéric Lagacé
Communications Director – Port of Québec
frederic.lagace@portquebec.ca
418 929 5031
Jessie Deschamps
Communications Advisor – Destination Québec cité
Jessie.deschamps@quebec-cite.com
581 995-0972
