An outstanding cruise season ahead: More than 90,000 passengers and crew members expected in Montréal in 2015

MONTRÉAL, May 7, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - The emergence of spring marks the beginning of a brand new cruise season! On May 12, the Port of Montréal will salute the first ship of 2015, as it sets sail with some 200 cruise passengers aboard. With just over 71,000 domestic and international passengers expected this year—plus 19,000 crew members, more than 90,000 cruise visitors will descend on Montréal this season. These outstanding figures represent an increase of more than 27% over last season, when Quebec's biggest city welcomed 56,466 passengers and 14,578 crew members. 

The Old Port Promenade, the perfect spot to see the ships
The Montréal Cruise Committee invites Montrealers and visitors to the city to head to the magnificent Old Port Promenade for an impressive view of the ships that will be tying up in Montréal over the course of the season. With no fewer than 19 ships expected, including 5 new ones (the Oceania Marina, Oceania Insignia, AIDA Diva, Saga Sapphire, and M/V Saint-Laurent Prestige), it's going to be a great cruise season at the Port of Montréal. The M/V Saint-Laurent Prestige, which chose Montréal as its home port for the 2015 season, will be the first vessel of the year to take on passengers and set sail from Montréal on May 12.
For the schedule of cruise ship arrivals and departures in 2015, consult the schedule here: Cruise Schedule.

 "Cruises are central to our strategic planning. We've set some ambitious goals once again this year. Based on our current figures, it looks like all our efforts—and those of our partners—are going to pay off with a record number of visitors. Now more than ever, Montréal is a top destination for cruise passengers from around the world," noted Yves Lalumière, president and CEO of Tourisme Montréal. "Tourisme Montréal would also like to call attention to the investments announced by the Québec government as part of Québec's Maritime Strategy. The construction of a new maritime terminal will have a big impact on tourism and generate economic spinoffs for Montréal. We see a bright future ahead."

"This season marks another big step for the Montréal cruise sector. We are particularly pleased to see international cruise companies consolidating their operations in Montréal by bringing us new ships, and to see river cruises becoming increasingly popular. It goes to show that Montréal is a premier destination and that the cruise industry really values our top quality services," added Sylvie Vachon, president and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.

"Welcome Cruise Passengers!" contest
The Welcome Cruise Passengers! Contest invites residents of each port of call to share their vision of a perfect day ashore by taking pictures of the fun and breathtaking experiences cruise passengers can enjoy while exploring their city. The nine (9) points of call are Montréal, Trois-Rivières, Québec City, Baie-Comeau, Sept-Îles, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Gaspésie, and Îles de la Madeleine.

For details on the contest and how to enter, visit the Contest section at www.cruisesaintlawrence.com.

Supported by Tourisme Québec, the Montréal Cruise Committee comprises the Montréal Port Authority and Tourisme Montréal, as well as five other associations and local organizations: Aéroports de Montréal, the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, Société de développement commercial du Vieux-Montréal, the Hotel Association of Greater Montréal, and Ville de Montréal.

For more information about cruises in Montréal, go to Montréal Cruises.

Changes in International Cruise Traffic in Montréal
From 2009 to 2014 and Forecasts for 2015
Year	Number of Passengers (international, domestic)	Total (passengers and crew members)	Number of Cruises
2009	38,770	47,534	43
2010	40,142	48,459	46
2011	38,031	47,514	40
2012	54,652	69,992	51
2013	55,611	69,966	47
2014	56,466	71,044	52
2015 forecasts	71,000	92,000	77

About the Port of Montréal
Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods – containerized and non-containerized cargo, liquid bulk and dry bulk. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world. The Port of Montreal has its own railway network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The Port operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 56,466 passengers and 14,578 crew members in 2014. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms. For more information, visit www.port-montreal.com.

About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal's mission is to assume leadership of the collective effort to promote and position Montréal as a premier destination for business and leisure travel as well as to influence the development of Montréal as a tourism product, to reflect the industry's constantly evolving markets. For more information go to www.tourisme-montreal.org.

SOURCE Tourisme Montréal

Media Contacts: Pascale Gagnon, Tourisme Montréal, 514-346-3376, [email protected] ; Sophie Roux , Vice President, Public Affairs, Montréal Port Authority, 514-283-7050, [email protected]