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Halifax scores a record cruise season

PHOTO: ALAN DEVEAU/EASTERN EYES Queen Mary in Halifax.jpg
Queen Mary 2 called several times during the record 2019 season. This file photo shows the liner on its maiden call to Halifax in 2011
The Port of Halifax handled 324,828 cruise passengers in 2019, a 2.2% increase over 2018 and a new high.

There were 179 ship calls, fewer than in 2018, which shows the vessels visiting are getting bigger.

Six-ship day

Among the season’s highlights was the first six-ship day, on Sept. 19.

‘It has been another great year for the cruise industry in the Port of Halifax, and that is thanks to the hard work and dedication of the many partners involved,’ said Cathy McGrail, associate vice president, strategy & innovation, Halifax Port Authority.

Community efforts

‘We are fortunate that we live in a beautiful part of the country that others want to visit and experience,’ she added, ‘but it’s through the ongoing efforts of the tour operators and providers, tourism agencies, restaurant staff and owners, shopkeepers and destination providers that people keep coming back based on positive experience and word of mouth.’

According to the port authority, the cruise business generates an annual $171.8m economic benefit to Halifax.