The Port of Saint John will experience another strong cruise season in 2009 stretching from June 9th to November 2nd with a total of 69 calls and passenger totals in excess of 170,000.
The highlights of the 2009 season include calls from some of the grandest new ships which have just joined the fleets of the largest cruise operators in the world. Over the next year, many of them will have made Saint John a port-of-call for thousands of passengers who will come to enjoy the historic attractions and unique shopping experiences of our City.
Returning will be the Cunard liner, Queen Mary 2, followed by an October 1st arrival of the newest vessel to join the legendary Cunard Line, Queen Victoria.
Our most frequent visitor for the 2009 season will once again be Carnival Cruise Line with the 3200 passenger vessel, Carnival Triumph making twenty visits between early June and mid October. Another frequent caller will be Princess Cruise Line’s Caribbean Princess, which will tie up on the Saint John waterfront eight times.
“Return visits by some of the most impressive and luxurious ships afloat give us reason to continue to be optimistic about Saint John’s future as an Atlantic Canadian marquee port of call for the cruise ship industry,” said Captain Al Soppitt, President and CEO of the Saint John Port Authority. Captain Soppitt added, “While other parts of the Tourism industry have been experiencing decline due to the economic downturn, it is reassuring to note that the cruise ship business is less affected by that trend.”
Aside from a continued strong commitment by the cruise industry to this port of call, there is another reason to celebrate cruise in 2009. Betty MacMillan, Manager of Business Development for the Port Authority notes that “The June 9th cruise season kick-off will be an historic occasion because with Carnival Triumph’s arrival we will be christening our new cruise terminal. This will be the second biggest cruise season in our history and all trends are pointing to continued growth.”
The season will conclude with a call from the majestic Queen Mary 2, On November 2nd.
