The Port of Québec has announced a successful post-pandemic return to service. It has welcomed over 92,000 cruise passengers during the 2022 season.
During the April to November season the port received 96 calls by 28 ships from 23 cruise lines. The 2022 season included maiden calls from eight ships: Viking Octantis (Viking Cruises), Norwegian Pearl (Norwegian Cruise Line), Ocean Explorer (Vantage Cruise Line), Le Bellot and Le Dumont-d’Urville (Ponant), Nieuw Statendam (Holland America Line), Ambience (Ambassador Cruise Line) and Zenith (Peace Boat). Of the 133,000 passengers stepping onto Québec City’s docks, 41,000 were crew members and 92,000 were tourists.
“We are very pleased with the positive outcome for this international cruise season—the first in two years,” said Mario Girard, CEO, Port of Québec, in a press statement. "The successful resumption is largely attributable to the exceptional efforts of all stakeholders involved, whose commitment and collaboration have helped offer visitors a memorable experience. The Port of Québec continues to stand out as a choice destination for major international cruise lines, generating a significant impact to the tourist industry."
The Port of Québec expanded its cruise offerings this year with the completion of Wharf 93, the Coast Guard wharf, which has been under renovation for 10 years. Its location at the foot of the Petit-Champlain quarter makes it an ideal location to dock, with three ships calling there this season. Additionally, the Port of Québec utilized its new Terminal 30, providing a spacious, modern facility to passengers. With the ability to accommodate large ships and receive over 2,500 passengers at a time, Terminal 30 not only enhanced the cruise passengers’ experience, it elevated the Port of Québec to a world-renowned port of embarkation and disembarkation.
Québec City tourism has shown a strong rebound with strong visitor numbers. The recovery has equally galvanized international cruise lines and eight ships visited Québec City on their maiden voyages. The 2022 season also reflects the efforts that the Port of Québec and Destination Québec cité have taken to ensure the renewal of tourism while respecting the community and, in so doing, proactively ensuring passenger management when multiple ships are docked.
Québec City says it has established itself as a model of how an UNESCO World Heritage site can maintain its status while growing sustainably, ensuring that social, human, economic and environmental considerations are at the forefront of development. Innovative measures such as the annual “Québec Cruise Forum” ensure a sustainable future for the destination through public participation and stakeholder engagement.
For more information, visit www.quebec-cite.com.
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