Setting Sail for Success: Cruise Tourism Flourishes in Newfoundland and Labrador
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2023 was a record-breaking year for the cruise industry for Newfoundland and Labrador, as well as our French neighbours in Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. From May 11th to November 3rd, 17 unique ports across the province welcomed 116 cruise ship arrivals, a remarkable 32% increase from the previous year.
With a desire to experience the beauty of Canada’s eastern edge, 88,584 passengers and 52,614 crew members set sail for Newfoundland and Labrador in 2023, many experiencing it for the first time. “Cruising Newfoundland and Labrador is a once-in-a-lifetime journey,” says Jennifer Crane, Chair of Cruise NL. “Here in our province, you’ll discover coastal charm, breathtaking scenery, captivating history, and the genuine hospitality of our locals. Truly, Newfoundland and Labrador is a hidden gem nestled in the Atlantic!”
The Port of Corner Brook also set a provincial record for the highest number of cruise passengers (40,948) in a single season among all ports in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The 2024 season begins with the Amera docking in St. John’s on May 4th and will wrap up with the Insignia departing from Corner Brook on November 1st. Cruise NL is forecasting 124,000 passengers and 53,000 crew members to disembark in our province this year, while Saint Pierre et Miquelon is expecting 14,000 passengers and 6,800 crew members. It is projected that provincially we will receive 144 ship calls across 13 ports in the province and 23 ship calls for Saint Pierre et Miquelon. “We are encouraged by the steady year-over-year growth of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. Our team is eager to build upon the successes of the 2023 season and propel forward with renewed energy in 2024 and beyond.” Erin Brennan, Managing Director.
In August, the Port of St. John’s will welcome the arrival of Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas during its ultimate nine-month world cruise visiting 150+ destinations and 8 World Wonders, across 7 continents and 60+ countries with St. John’s being the only planned Canadian stop in their itinerary.
A glimpse into the upcoming season:
- The cruise line Ponant will make its inaugural entry into our region on August 16th in L’ Anse aux Meadows.
- The Sky Princess, boasting the largest passenger capacity of the season at 3,660, is scheduled to dock in Corner Brook in September 21st and in St. John’s on October 10th.
- Bonavista will welcome its first cruise ship in more than 10 years on September 6th, with the arrival of Le Lyrial.
- On August 24th, the Town of St. Anthony will be bustling with tourists as they welcome the Emerald Princess in port, marking their largest ship to date.
The success of the cruise industry in Newfoundland and Labrador hinges greatly on the collective efforts of our many stakeholders within and beyond port boundaries. “On behalf of Cruise NL, I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our local communities for their unwavering support and continued dedication to fostering a vibrant cruise sector in Newfoundland and Labrador,” says Jennifer Crane. In 2023, the cruise industry made a direct contribution of 14 million dollars to our provincial economy, positively impacting many local businesses and organizations.
If you or your organization are interested in learning about cruise tourism in our province or want to become involved, contact us today!
View our full 2024 cruise schedule here
Cruise NL is your definitive source for cruising Canada’s easternmost province – from planning to logistics and everything in between. It’s our mission to bring the global cruise industry to Newfoundland & Labrador by showcasing the variety of unique offerings at our ports and the rugged beauty that our province is known for – in the coves, around the bends, and across the world.