Kicking Off the 2025 Cruise Season: Welcoming the World to Canada’s Eastern Edge
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APRIL 18, 2025
The 2025 cruise season is officially underway — and it’s shaping up to be our boldest year yet.
Newfoundland & Labrador is ready to welcome the world once again, with over 104,000 passengers and more than 50,000 crew members expected to visit our shores between March and October. In total, over 140 port calls will be made across 25 vibrant ports in our province, each offering a warm welcome and unforgettable adventure.
Just across the water, 31 additional calls are scheduled to dock in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon — our French neighbours to the south — bringing another 5,000+ passengers and 8,000+ crew members to the region. That brings us to over 160 port calls across our shared corner of the North Atlantic this year.
From coast to coast, every port feels like home — a place where travellers are met with open arms, genuine smiles, and stories they’ll carry for a lifetime.
Newfoundland Cruise Port Highlights
West Coast Wonders: Corner Brook Gears Up for Another Record-Breaking Season
Corner Brook continues to shine as a cruise hub on Newfoundland’s west coast, with a bustling 2025 season already underway. The year kicked off with a historic winter arrival — the first of its kind in the province — and the momentum hasn’t slowed since. With a growing number of inaugural visits and back-to-back ship days on the horizon, cruise lines are clearly taking notice of the west coast’s charm, dramatic landscapes, and warm hospitality.
East Coast Icon: St. John’s Set for a Landmark Cruise Season
As the capital and cultural heart of the province, St. John’s is once again a must-visit port for cruise lines. The season begins in May and features a strong lineup of returning favorites and new vessels alike. From the colourful streets of Jellybean Row to sweeping views atop Signal Hill, this east coast gem continues to captivate visitors from around the world.
Northern Wonders: St. Anthony and Southern Labrador Shine
Further north, cruise ships are charting bold new courses to discover the magic of St. Anthony and the southern coast of Labrador. These ports are quickly gaining prominence for their rich history, rugged coastlines, and immersive cultural experiences. Whether exploring UNESCO World Heritage Sites or engaging with welcoming communities, cruise passengers are finding unforgettable moments in the province’s northernmost regions.
European Flair: Saint-Pierre et Miquelon Adds a Unique Stop to Cruise Itineraries
Just off the coast of Newfoundland, the French archipelago of Saint-Pierre et Miquelon offers cruise guests a rare blend of European charm and North Atlantic beauty. From cobblestone streets to fresh-baked croissants, this overseas territory delivers an authentic taste of France — without ever leaving North America. As more itineraries include this picturesque stop, passengers are discovering its vibrant culture, rich maritime history, and one-of-a-kind appeal.
Hidden Gems: Newfoundland & Labrador’s Niche Ports Steal the Spotlight
Outside the major ports, a growing number of smaller coastal communities are welcoming cruise guests to experience the province’s quieter side. From the scenic beauty of Woody Point in Gros Morne National Park to the historic charm of Battle Harbour and Bonne Bay, these niche ports offer intimate, off-the-beaten-path experiences. With rich storytelling, natural wonders, and warm local welcomes, these hidden gems are making a big impression — and quickly becoming highlights on new itineraries.
A Growing Industry
More ships. More ports. More stories to share.
Cruise tourism in Newfoundland & Labrador is experiencing exciting, sustainable growth.
Cruise isn’t just about adventure — it’s about impact. The cruise sector plays a powerful role in supporting our provincial economy, fuelling local businesses, creating jobs, and building lasting connections between our communities and the global travel network. In 2024, cruise tourism generated a significant economic boost for Newfoundland and Labrador — with millions spent by passengers, crew, and cruise lines across the province. With even more scheduled visits, more ports activated in 2025, that momentum is set to continue in a big way.
Some of this season’s standout visits include:
- Le Commandant Charcot, which made its historic arrival in Corner Brook on March 10, carrying upwards to 245 passengers and 235 crew members. This marked the first winter cruise to Newfoundland and Labrador, offering guests a unique and unforgettable winter expedition experience.
- The Volendam is set to make several stops across the province this summer, including St. John’s, Saint-Pierre and Miquelon, Red Bay, and a selection of niche ports. The ship will bring more than 5,000 passengers, all eager to immerse themselves in the region’s rich history and vibrant culture.
- St. Anthony will warmly welcome Carnival Pride, twice this season with passenger numbers surpassing the town’s population, showcasing the remarkable draw of the region for cruise guests.
The 2025 season is off to a strong start with Le Commandant Charcot having already arrived in Corner Brook earlier this winter. Following that, Silver Dawn will dock in St. John’s on May 21, kicking off the busy summer schedule.
A Fresh Look, A New Chapter
Building on the momentum of the 2023 brand refresh, Cruise NL is continuing to evolve its digital presence, showcasing the bold colours, deep-rooted heritage, and unforgettable experiences that define cruising in Newfoundland & Labrador.
Our refreshed website and platform are designed to not only support global cruise partners but also to connect with travelers worldwide. It highlights the exceptional charm of our ports, the warmth of our people, and the genuine, authentic shore experiences. This is more than just a website update — it’s a renewed commitment to presenting Newfoundland & Labrador as a must-visit destination on the global stage.
As we focus on expanding our digital presence, we are making it easier than ever for travellers to discover the unmatched beauty and culture of our province. This is a call to action for cruisers everywhere: explore our diverse ports, experience the warmth of our communities, and embrace the authentic experiences that are uniquely Newfoundland & Labrador.
This is our opportunity to put Newfoundland & Labrador at the center of the global cruising conversation, and to show the world why every eastward journey should include a stop at Canada’s easternmost province.
Explore the full 2025 schedule and discover where every port feels like home:
👉 Provincial Cruise Schedule
Media Contact:
Katelyn Budgell Managing Director
Cruise Newfoundland & Labrador
📞 (709) 693 4450
✉️ director@cruisenl.ca
🌐 www.cruisenl.com | @cruisenl
Cruise NL is your definitive source cruising in Newfoundland & Labrador — from planning and promotion to logistics and local insight. 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.
I still prefer the printable copy of the schedule, when I try to print the schedule from my iPhone it doubles the words