MONTRÉAL, May 5, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - The 2017 cruise season will open on Saturday with the arrival of the MS Veendam, a Holland America ship with a capacity of 1,266 passengers.
Over the course of the season, which will close on October 27 with the departure of the MS Seven Seas Mariner from Regent Seven Seas Cruises, the Port of Montreal will welcome 52 international cruise ships and 16 domestic ones, for a total of more than 110,000 passengers and crew members. This represents an increase of more than 25% over the last season.
Three luxury ships will make their first-ever stop in Montréal, including the MS Silver Muse, a 596-passenger vessel from Silversea Cruises, the MS Viking Sea and the MS Viking Sky, both 930-passenger ships from Viking Ocean Cruises.
"Montréal will shine as a major international tourist destination in 2017. For several years, we have been actively working on the development of the cruise sector, which is growing dramatically around the world, in the hopes of increasing economic spinoffs for the city's attractions and restaurants," said Yves Lalumière, President and CEO of Tourisme Montréal.
"There is no end in sight to Montréal's steady growth in cruise activities, as we prepare for another record year. This is a sign that the destination is increasingly attracting the attention of cruiselines. We are confident that, with our new world-class facilities, we can expect a bright future in this sector," said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.
To see all scheduled arrivals and departures for the 2017 season, go to: croisières/ schedule.
About the Montréal Cruise Committee
Supported by Tourisme Québec, the Montréal Cruise Committee works closely with the Montréal Port Authority and Tourisme Montréal, as well as five other local organizations: Aéroports de Montréal, the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, the Old Montréal Business Development Corporation, and the Hotel Association of Greater Montréal. For more information about cruises in Montréal, go to: croisieresmontreal.com.
About the Port of Montreal
Operated by the Montreal Port Authority (MPA), the Port of Montreal is the second largest port in Canada and a 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 rail network directly dockside. It is connected to the two national rail networks and a highway system. The Port operates a passenger terminal. All other terminals are run by private stevedoring firms. Port activity supports 16,000 jobs and generates $2.1 billion in economic benefits annually.
About Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal is responsible for providing leadership in the concerted efforts of hospitality and promotion in order to position Montréal as a 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.mtl.org.
SOURCE Tourisme Montréal
Tourisme Montréal: Andrée-Anne Pelletier, Manager - Corporate Public Relations, 514-844-3344, 514-248-7844, [email protected]; Montréal Port Authority: Mélanie Nadeau, Director of Communications, 514-283-1385, [email protected]
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