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Port of Québec wraps a season of record 122 cruise calls

Port of Québec wraps a season of record 122 cruise calls
The Port of Québec handled a record 122 cruise calls from 29 ships this year. Some 122,000 passengers visited during the season, which started in May.

Seven ships made maiden calls: St. Laurent, AIDAdiva, Insignia, Marco Polo, Saga Sapphire, Caribbean Princess and Serenade of the Seas.

'The Port of Québec is a must-visit destination in the Canada/New England market and is continuing to prosper in the face of increasing competition from Asia,' said Mario Girard, president and ceo, Québec Port Authority.

He added that the business generates economic benefits for Québec and the region, and expressed appreciation to the port's stakeholders for their key role in the season's operational success.

Seventeen ships turned around in Québec, embarking and disembarking more than 46,636 passengers.

For the Capitale-Nationale region, passengers on homeporting ships spent an average $329 during their visit, while transit passengers spent an average of $111.

Québec City Tourism is proud to partner with the port to welcome international cruise ships, according to director André Roy.

'Whether it is product development, marketing, welcoming passengers, mobilization or regional cooperation, the QCT is actively involved in this industry that benefits the region,' he said. Roy also noted cruise visitors help extend the tourism season.

Again this year, the port and its tourism partners pulled off a logistical feat as nine cruise ships docked over the weekend of Oct. 2-4, bringing more than 35,000 passengers and crew members. On days like these, some 400 skilled workers are required.

Among the parties who facilitated this busy cruise weekend was the city of Québec, whose Centre de coordination d’événements spéciaux (special events coordination centre) helped ensure a fluid traffic flow.