In addition, the region received a funding boost to help cruise marketing and recovery.
Charlottetown call
Viking's new expedition vessel will dock at Prince Edward Island's Port Charlottetown.
The call planned for Louisbourg, Nova Scotia, today was canceled due to inclement weather.
Key pillar in tourism sector
'Atlantic Canada’s port communities are thrilled to safely welcome back cruise ships. These ships bring thousands of visitors to our region each year and represent a key pillar in our tourism sector,' said Mike Cochrane, chair of the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association and CEO, Port Charlottetown. 'Cruise lines have been at the forefront of travel safety measures related to protecting passengers and the public from COVID-19, and our ports will be following all provincial, Public Health Agency of Canada and Transport Canada safety guidelines.'
Pre-pandemic cruising contributed $347m to Atlantic Canada’s economy and were responsible for more than 2,000 jobs.
'It’s an exciting time for Prince Edward Island, and all of Atlantic Canada as we safely welcome back cruise ships after two long years,' said Matthew MacKay, minister of economic growth, tourism and culture. 'The energy cruise ships bring to our province is always electrifying. Passengers fill our streets ... ready to shop, dine, sightsee and enjoy all the entertainment and hospitality we have to offer. The cruise ship sector plays an important role in recovering our tourism industry and provincial economy, and we are delighted for the return.'
Funding to help rebuild Atlantic Canada cruise brand
Canada is providing a non-repayable contribution of $660,400 through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). This investment will help the Atlantic Canada Cruise Association implement a three-year marketing and recovery plan. The project will help to rebuild Atlantic Canada’s cruise brand, promoting it internationally while restoring relationships and cruise capacity within the industry.
'We have long viewed tourism as a key economic driver,' said Ginette Petitpas Taylor, minister of official languages and minister responsible for ACOA. 'We continue to ensure tourism businesses and organizations are resourced and ready to start back up as the economy reopens. I’m excited for people from around the world to come back and discover anew the special attractions Atlantic Canada has to offer.'
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