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Montréal chalks up solid cruise season, expects record in 2017

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Europa 2 was among the maiden calls (Photo: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises)
Oceania Cruises' Regatta wrapped Montréal's cruise season on Saturday. An estimated 86,000 passengers, including 7,980 on domestic cruises, plus crew, accounted for about $23m in spending at local businesses, attractions and hotels.

Sixteen international vessels made a total of 38 calls during the season that began May 7. Visits were at the temporary cruise terminal in eastern Montréal and at McKay Pier in Old Montréal since new facilities are under construction at Alexandra Pier.

Maiden calls were by Azamara Club Cruises' Azamara Quest, Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Mariner, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises' Europa 2 and Viking Cruises' Viking Star.

According to data collected by the Montréal Cruise Committee, passengers are primarily Americans (72%), Australians (8.5%), Canadians (7.5%) and Britons (4.5%).

'Montréalers can be proud of catering to this high-end customer base, known for consuming luxury products. According to our surveys, tourists have an excellent appreciation for Montréal, with 95% saying they were satisfied with their stay in the city,' said Yves Lalumière, president and ceo, Tourisme Montréal.

The 2017 season looks promising, he added, with a 25% traffic increase projected, which would bring the passenger count to a record 100,000. 

Fifty calls are scheduled next year when cruise ships return to the new facilities at the Old Port.

'The 2016 season was a very positive one, and 2017 should be nothing short of spectacular,' added Sylvie Vachon, president and ceo, Montréal Port Authority. The work on the maritime terminal is going according to schedule, she said, and the facility will be ready to open its doors on May 6, in time for the first ship of the season.

In addition, to meet the increased number of cruise ships in the coming years, Vachon announced the port has decided to permanently add piers 34 and 35, as well as a tent, to the reception infrastructure.