Maasdam is scheduled for a dozen calls in the city this year.
For Saturday's 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 embark. They received 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 Corp.
Special activities to mark this 10th anniversary took place all day 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,' said Sylvie Vachon, president and ceo of the Montréal Port Authority. She thanked HAL management, employees, captains and crews 'for their trust in us.'
From May to October, 55 cruise calls are expected, carrying a total of 56,606 passengers.
Supported by Tourisme Québec, the Montréal Cruise Committee includes the Montréal Port Authority, Tourisme Montréal, Aéroports de Montréal, the Old Port of Montréal Corp., the Montréal Casino, the Old Montréal Business Development Corp., the Hotel Association of Greater Montréal and the city of Montréal.