Cruise the Saint Lawrence has announced that 2012 is shaping up to be a record year with some 245,000 passengers and 117,000 crew members expected to visit the region. In addition, the association has embarked on a number of service and marketing initiatives, including hosting the Cruise Canada New England Symposium in Quebec City from June 12 to 14, 2012.

Other efforts include revamping the Cruise the Saint Lawrence website; producing and distributing a new interactive map, making it possible to calculate distances in nautical miles; preparing photos and videos showcasing destinations based on different themes (summer, family, autumn); coordinating marketing and advertising campaigns; and ensuring the servicing of its member ports.

Member services range from implementing a common greeting policy for all the ports; coordinating a port audio guide; setting up training activities; creating a procedures manual; and working on ground transportation solutions meeting the needs of the ships.

Reaching out to the industry and media, the association will also organize trade missions and host familiarization and media tours.

Rene Trepanier is the general manager, going into his seventh year as head of the association. Lisanne Ross is the communications coordinator, also going into her seventh year. Helene Theberge is development coordinator, and Anne-Marie Nadeau has recently joined as commercial delegate. She was previously with the Port of Quebec.

Port and destination members include Baie-Comeau, Gaspesie, Havre-Saint-Pierre, Iles de la Madeleine, Montreal, Quebec, Saguenay, Sept-Iles and Trois-Rivieres.