Spring/summer calls climb for Québec's Gaspésie

Director Stéphane Sainte-Croix said Escale Gaspésie has achieved the goals that were set when the organization was launched in 2009.

Foremost among them was to have Gaspé on the majority of cruise itineraries on the St. Lawrence.

Cruise lines are gradually adding itineraries in the spring and summer on the St. Lawrence. This season the region has calls from May to October.

Gaspé has five two-ship days and a visit by Caribbean Princess, the largest ship on the St. Lawrence this year.

Eight new ships will call. In addition to Caribbean Princess, they include Saint-Laurent, Black Watch, Ocean Endeavour, Akademik Loffe, Marco Polo, Albatros and Sapphire.

Four new cruise lines visiting are Haimark, Adventure Canada, OneOceanExpeditions and Cruise & Maritime Voyages.

Escale Gaspésie is a non-profit organization that groups the towns of Gaspé, Percé and Chandler.