MONTRÉAL, May 31, 2014 /CNW Telbec/ - The 100,000th Maasdam passenger to disembark in Montréal, Ms. Marianne Visser from California, arrived with her family in port this morning (photo attached), followed in the afternoon by the 100,000th passenger to board the ship to take a cruise to Boston. This special day also marks the 10th consecutive season of this Holland America ship in Montréal. The Maasdam, which has faithfully sailed to the city for over a decade, will make twelve stopovers in the city this year.
To celebrate this special occasion, the Montréal Cruise Committee presented a commemorative plaque to the ship's captain, and gift baskets to the 100,000th passenger to disembark and the 100,000th passenger to board the ship. These two lucky passengers received complimentary Montréal souvenirs from the Port of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal, as well as a $300 gift certificate for a meal for two in an Old Montréal restaurant, courtesy of the Old Montréal Business Development Corporation. Special activities to mark this anniversary took place all day long at the Cruise Terminal.
"The Maasdam has been an asset to the Port of Montréal's cruise season for 10 years. However, ships from the parent company, Holland America, have been helping their passengers discover the majesty of our river and the beauty of our city for 18 years! I would like to thank the management and all the employees, captains and crew members of Holland America for their trust in us," said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.
From May to October 2014, 55 international and domestic cruise ships are due to arrive in Montréal, for a total of 56,606 passengers.
"Aéroports de Montréal is proud to be part of the development of this expanding Quebec industry. We are confident that Montréal can become a bigger player in the international cruise market, particularly the European sector, through such factors as Trudeau airport's extensive airline network," said James Cherry, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.
Supported by Tourisme Québec, the Montréal Cruise Committee comprises the Montréal Port Authority and Tourisme Montréal, as well as six other local associations and organisations: Aéroports de Montréal (Montréal airports), the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, the Montréal Casino, the Old Montréal Business Development Corporation, the Hotel Association of Greater Montréal and the City of Montréal.
For more information on Montréal cruises, go to cruises.alamontreal.com/.
About the Port of Montréal
Operated by the Montréal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montréal is a major diversified transshipment centre that handles all types of goods: containerized and non-containerized cargo as well as liquid bulk and dry bulk goods. It is a leading container port served by the largest container shipping lines in the world. The Port of Montréal has its own rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The Port operates a passenger terminal that welcomed 69,966 passengers and crew members in 2013. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms. For more information, go to www.port-Montréal.com.
About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position the "Montréal" destination on leisure and business travel markets. It is also responsible for developing Montréal's tourism product in accordance with the ever-changing conditions of the market. For more information, visit www.tourisme-montreal.org.
Image with caption: "The 100,000th Maasdam passenger to disembark in Montréal, Ms. Marianne Visser from California, surrounded by her family, the ship’s captain, Mr. Ane Jan Smit and Port of Montréal representatives. (CNW Group/Tourisme Montréal)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140531_C2786_PHOTO_EN_2426.jpg
SOURCE: Tourisme Montréal
Alexandra Graveline, Manager - Corporate Public Relations, Tourisme Montréal, 514 844-3558, Cell: 514-994-5639, [email protected]; Sophie Roux, Director - Communications, Montréal Port Authority, 514 283-7050, [email protected]
Share this article