The Port of Montreal Authority has launched the 2024 cruise season

The Port of Montreal The 2024 cruise season has officially begun, marked by the arrival of Holland America. Volendam On May 4, 2024. The season, which runs until October 28, is expected to bring in around 50,000 passengers with 41 scheduled operations, including nine calls and 32 boardings and disembarkations.

Nine cruise ships will make their first visit to Montreal this year VolendamThe largest ship of the season, capable of accommodating 1,440 passengers and calling at the city nine times.

In addition, Regent Seven Seas 750 passengers GreatnessBritish cruise line Fred Olsen Cruise Lines' 1,320 passengers Borealisand Oceania Cruises 750 passengers Nautica also contributes greatly to the number of passengers of the port.

Julie Gascon, President and CEO of the Port of Montrealexpressing enthusiasm for the new season, “This new cruise season highlights Montreal's appeal as a world-class tourist destination. We are proud to present a wonderful reception area with the Grand Quay and the Port of Montreal Tower, symbols of our city's tourism.”

Montreal welcomes visitors for the first time and celebrates milestones during the 2024 cruise season

Other notables include first-time visitors to Montreal this season Villa Vi Odysseusthe world's first “eternal” cruise ship; World Explorer, which focuses on adventure; Two Ponant ships belonging to France, Champlain and Lyrical; and Azamara Cruises' Voyage of the Azamarahe returns to Montreal after an eight-year hiatus.

The port offers plaques to every ship making its first port of call. The plaques were created by Manon Siui, a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, who won a competition to recreate a traditional plaque earlier this year.

All Aboard is designed to resemble a sea turtle representing the Port of Montreal, the maritime history of the region, and the Sioux Tribe of America, with symbols representing Canada and its indigenous people.

Also read: Quebec's cruise season has begun, with 46 ships scheduled to arrive

The season also marks milestones that mark a cruise line's core commitment to the Port of Montreal. For example, Regent Seven Seas is carrying its 25,000th passenger Greatness On arrival on September 19th.

Meanwhile, Viking Cruises celebrates its 30,000th passenger aboard Montreal. Viking Neptune On September 27, Oceania will carry its 40,000th passenger Nautica On October 6.

“Every spring we can't wait for the first cruise ship of the season to come here. This marks the beginning of an exciting time for tourism in Montreal.” added Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montreal. “As the gateway to America, Montreal is a must-see along the St. Lawrence River. Tourism Montreal is proud to collaborate with this sector, generating significant economic benefits for Old Montreal restaurant owners and merchants.

Volendam after visiting the charming French-speaking town in the province of Quebec this month Ocean navigator and Europe 2. The season remains slow until September, when the fall foliage tours begin in Canada. This month Viking Cruises' Mars and NeptuneSeabourn's QuestConti Group's Hamburg, Windstar Cruises' Star prideRegent Seven Seas' Greatnessand Oceania Cruises Signs goes to visit.

Fred Olsen and Azamara join Oceania in October Nautica. Montreal's season ends with Oceania Signs and Nautica both will leave on October 28.

Despite the Port of Montreal's strong 2024 season, this year's numbers show the port will not break last year's record season. In 2023, the port welcomed 50 ships and 51,000 passengers, representing a 33% increase in cruise activity.