Nova Scotia cruise ports are expecting over 300 expected cruise ship calls across the province in 2023, according to a press release.

The 2023 cruise season in Nova Scotia will start on April 22 in Halifax with the arrival of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Dawn.

The cruise season will run through November 9, 2023, when the Silversea’sSilver Shadow leaves Halifax.

The first ship to arrive in Sydney first will be Holland America Line’s Zaandam on April 25 while d the last ship to visit will be Oceania’s Insignia on November 5.

“The return of the cruise industry in 2022 contributed to a very strong recovery for tourism across the region,” said Captain Allan Gray, president and CEO, Halifax Port Authority.

“With our partners, we are looking forward to growth in 2023, and finding new and exciting ways of further developing this industry for our province and extending the economic benefits that come with cruise.”

The Port of Halifax is expecting 191 cruise calls carrying approximately 325,000 cruise guests while Sydney is expecting 112 ships and over 200,000 guests.

“This year will be a record-breaking year for Sydney,” said Marlene Usher, CEO of Port of Sydney.

“We have surpassed our pre-COVID numbers and are positioned well for the future. Our success is due in large part to our industry partners and our winning reputation as an Island destination. The economic benefits to our region are significant and the future looks bright.”

“After a solid recovery in 2022, we are so excited to be preparing for a year of growth in the cruise sector,” said Dennis Campbell, president and CEO, Ambassatours Gray Line.

“Sharing our Maritime heritage and culture is what drives us. We look forward to welcoming our returning guests and meeting new ones.”