The Atlantic Canada Cruise Association forecasts approximately 601,000 passengers will visit the region. This is up from 537,351 in 2014, when there were a number of weather-related cancellations.
'The cruise sector is strong in Atlantic Canada,' ACCA chair Nora Fever said. 'Our ports remain very attractive to passengers and cruise lines alike. The region is known for delivering world-class experiences and we’re thrilled to be able to introduce so many people to what Atlantic Canada has to offer.'
ACCA estimates direct spending by passengers and crew will be approximately $40m in 2015. When cruise line spending is included, total direct economic impact generated in the region will be $79.8m.
A number of niche ports in Atlantic Canada will have cruise ships this season. Pictou, Nova Scotia, will host Pearl Seas Cruises' Pearl Mist 10 times while New Brunswick's St. Andrews by-the-Sea will welcome Blount Small Ship Adventures four times.
'The success of our smaller ports is important both for these communities but also for the region as a whole as it allows us to attract lines looking for new destinations,' Fever said. She added that the partnership between ports small and large in Atlantic Canada makes this possible.
A full cruise schedule is at www.cruiseatlanticcanada.com.
