2024 International Cruise Season: the Port of Québec’s Longest Ever
Québec, April 10, 2024 — Today marks the beginning of the Port of Québec’s international cruise season, heralded by the arrival of the MSC Poesia, a ship owned by the prestigious Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC). Port President and CEO Mario Girard underlined the inaugural event by awarding Captain Robert Leotta the medal traditionally offered to the first cruise ship of the year to dock at the Port. The MSC Poesia’s visit kicks off a promising season that will stretch over a historically long period, from April 10 to October 29. Though the autumn months see the most visitors, the relatively early launch of the 2024 season, in tandem with the looming winter cruises, attest to our determination to develop the cruise season beyond the peak fall months.
Expecting approximately 145,000 passengers on 118 ships, the Port of Québec is getting ready to open an exceptional cruise season. Embarkation/disembarkation operations will be dedicated to 28 ships representing most of the world’s top cruise lines. The tourism industry is excited by the news of nine new ships coming to the Port this cruise season. These nine include Ponant’s Lyrial, Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse, Holland America Line’s Volendam, Quark Expeditions’ World Explorer, Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Grandeur, Exploris’ eponymous Exploris 1, Villa Vie Residence’s Villa Vie Odyssey, Oceana Cruises’ Nautica, and Azamara Cruises’ Azamara Journey. To support Québec City’s handling capacity, three expedition-type ships will dock at the Paquet Dock in Lévis.
“We are pleased to start this promising 2024 cruise season by once again welcoming thousands of visitors from around the world to the Port of Québec. Again this year, we are determined to offer an unforgettable experience, by combining operational excellence with our devotion to sustainability. We look forward to seeing our docks pulse with cruise passengers and contribute to the prosperity of all regions of the Saint Lawrence, including our own.”
– Mario Girard, President-and CEO, Port de Québec
“International cruises are an important promotional tool for our region. It acquaints visitors with one of our most precious jewels: the Saint Lawrence River. An active season means exceptional economic benefits for Québec City’s overall tourist industry, and it also provides the opportunity to continue efforts to develop the cruise industry responsibly.”
– Robert Mercure, General Director, Destination Québec cité
Season 2023 Recap
The Port of Québec’s 2023 cruise season saw a series of achievements. The Port announced the first winter cruises with the Commandant Charcot slated to arrive in February 2025, opening up a new dimension in international cruises. In addition, Québec City had the honour of hosting the Cruise Canada New England symposium, during which the city won the Porthole Cruise and Travel 2023 Choice Award as best cruise destination in Canada and New England. Last season also marked a cruise history milestone, the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Holland America Line. The arrival of the MSC Explora 1 added an innovative touch to the season, and the signing of the partnership with MT Lab opened up new prospect for sustainable development in the industry.
That season was also the longest in the Port’s history, giving passengers a longer timeframe for exploring the magnificent City of Québec and its surroundings. With an impressive record of 154,288 cruise passengers embarking and disembarking, the 2023 season will remain etched in our memory as a successful period for the Port of Québec and its tourist industry partners.
Dockside Electrification for Cruise Ships
Dockside electrification for docked cruise and cargo ships to connect for their operations is an absolute priority for the Port of Québec. To handle cruise ships, the Port submitted requests for financing from federal and provincial programs to support the requisite investments in equipment and infrastructure. In addition to helping reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through high impact economic activities, dockside electrification would also play a tangible role in the Cruise the Saint Lawrence Association’s sustainable development plan.
Ships’ Schedule
The presence of international cruise ships at the Port of Québec continues to thrill citizens who come in droves to marvel at these sea giants, docked at Pointe-à-Carcy. To keep abreast of ship arrivals and departures and details on each ship, visit the Port of Québec website.
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About Port of Québec
The Québec Port Authority, a non-profit organization, manages the Port of Québec which is strategically located to serve North America’s industrial and agricultural heartland. This Canadian hub for international trade for both the import and export of goods is the only port in the province of Québec with a fifteen-meter depth of water at low tide and a comprehensive intermodal infrastructure. The Port facilities generate 10,000 jobs and about two billion dollars in economic activity.
About Destination Québec cité
Destination Québec cité counts more than 825 members in Québec City, L’Ancienne-Lorette, Saint-Augustin-de-Desmaures, Wendake and the surrounding areas of Portneuf, Jacques-Cartier, Ile d’Orléans, and Côte-de-Beaupré. It guides and leads tourism industry growth and contributes to industry prosperity through its marketing and development efforts, hospitality services for tourists, and information to the industry.
Sources and Information
Frédéric Lagacé
Communications Director
Port of Québec
[email protected]
418 929-5031
Jessie Deschamps
Communications Advisor
Destination Québec cité
[email protected]
418 641-6654, ext. 8102