The 100,000th Maasdam passenger to disembark in Montréal was. Marianne Visser from California, who arrived with her family in port this morning (photo attached), followed in the afternoon by the 100,000th passenger to board the ship to take a cruise to Boston. This special day also marks the 10th consecutive season of this Holland America ship in Montréal.

The Maasdam, which has faithfully sailed to the city for over a decade, will make twelve stopovers in the city this year.

To celebrate this special occasion, the Montréal Cruise Committee presented a commemorative plaque to the ship’s captain, and gift baskets to the 100,000th passenger to disembark and the 100,000th passenger to board the ship. These two lucky passengers received complimentary Montréal souvenirs from the Port of Montréal and Tourisme Montréal, as well as a $300 gift certificate for a meal for two in an Old Montréal restaurant, courtesy of the Old Montréal Business Development Corporation. Special activities to mark this anniversary took place all day long at the Cruise Terminal.

“The Maasdam has been an asset to the Port of Montréal’s cruise season for 10 years. However, ships from the parent company, Holland America, have been helping their passengers discover the majesty of our river and the beauty of our city for 18 years! I would like to thank the management and all the employees, captains and crew members of Holland America for their trust in us,” said Sylvie Vachon, President and CEO of the Montréal Port Authority.

From May to October 2014, 55 international and domestic cruise ships are due to arrive in Montréal, for a total of 56,606 passengers.

“Aéroports de Montréal is proud to be part of the development of this expanding Quebec industry. We are confident that Montréal can become a bigger player in the international cruise market, particularly the European sector, through such factors as Trudeau airport’s extensive airline network,” said James Cherry, President and CEO of Aéroports de Montréal.

Supported by Tourisme Québec, the Montréal Cruise Committee comprises the Montréal Port Authority and Tourisme Montréal, as well as six other local associations and organisations: Aéroports de Montréal (Montréal airports), the Old Port of Montréal Corporation, the Montréal Casino, the Old Montréal Business Development Corporation, the Hotel Association of Greater Montréal and the City of Montréal.