Katelyn Budgell – Managing Director, Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador
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Growing up in a small town on the west coast of Newfoundland, Katelyn Budgell was immersed in the authentic Newfoundland experience—one that so many visitors come to discover firsthand. From skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling, jigs’ dinner boil-ups in the woods, ATV rides, berry picking, and even mummering over Christmas, she lived the traditions that define the province’s culture and adventure.
With a deep passion for tourism, marketing, and destination development, Katelyn brings a wealth of experience and innovation to her role as Managing Director of Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador. Having worked across nearly every sector of the tourism industry—including adventure tourism, culinary experiences, accommodations, transportation, attractions, retail, and event management—she possesses a well-rounded perspective on what makes Newfoundland and Labrador an unforgettable destination.
A graduate of the Tourism & Hospitality Management program at College of the North Atlantic, Katelyn gained early experience in the Department of Tourism’s marketing division, where she saw firsthand how to promote the province as a world-class travel destination. Most recently, she played a key role in transforming one of Newfoundland’s most exciting adventure tourism hubs into a four-season destination, strengthening industry partnerships, and enhancing the guest experience.
Now leading Cruise Newfoundland and Labrador, Katelyn is dedicated to showcasing the province as a must-visit cruise destination. She is committed to enhancing port experiences, forging strategic collaborations, and ensuring that cruise passengers enjoy the breathtaking coastal scenery, rich cultural heritage, and warm hospitality that define Newfoundland and Labrador. With her visionary leadership and deep-rooted industry expertise, she is excited to drive growth and elevate the province’s position on the global cruise map.
I am a cruiser. Love them, been on 13, but my husband and I are tired of the road blocks getting off the island in the very long off season for airlines.
(To give you reference, we live on the Baie Verte Penninsula).
In addition it’s sometimes costly and difficult to coordinate a flight and cruise without the extra expenses of a hotels when lining up our flights and port departures.
My solution…cruise out of Newfoundland!
A few years ago I contacted my usual cruise line wondering if I could join a cruise on the way south stopping in our ports of NL.
No one could help me, as a matter of fact I don’t think that the agent ever understood exactly where Newfoundland is.
I would love the option of cruising out of NL towards Boston or the other direction like Quebec and perhaps continue on down south or west.
I have several friends who cruise and think it’s a great idea. I have seen people join cruises in EU
Also I can’t understand why Cruiselines agents can’t fly us out of one of our airports to Port of embarking.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to cruise from St. John’s to the English Channel. Last year we cruised from Florida via Bermuda through the English Channel to Holland. Passed right by Newfoundland.
Also, I am wondering if it’s announced anywhere when a ship is coming in? I would like, whenever possible to be down in CornerBrook when a cruise arrives.
Saw you on NTV today.
Thinking it wouldn’t hurt to ask. We’re looking forward to our next 2 cruises in 2026.